Helen's Early Years
Helen Marie Evans Hitchman was the eighth of ten children born to Silas Monroe Evens and Emma Camille Payes Evens. Helen was born on Sunday, May 31, 1925 in Sunnyside, Washington. Helen attended schools in the Sunnyside and Ellensburg areas and graduated from high school in Ellensburg, Washington.
Employment and Meeting Robert Hitchman
After graduating from high school, she moved to the Seattle area. Her employment consisted of working for Boeing, in the shoe department at JC Penny, Fredrick & Nelson department store, and as a secretary. Helen also took some classes at the University of Washington. She went to work for Unigard Insurance for Robert Hitchman as his personal secretary. It wasn't long until they fell in love. "Hitchie" was Helen's special name for him. They were married on October 1, 1967 in Seattle, Washington, sharing 14 wonderful years together until his death on April 17, 1981.
Helen's Contributions
Helen was involved in the "Rafiki Foundation" sponsoring children to be able to attend Seattle Pacific University, First Free Methodist Foundation, again supporting children to attend Seattle Pacific University; Washington State Association of CASA/GAL, Helen was a Guardian Ad Litem for children for many years; MADD Mothers Against Drunk Drivers; Virginia Mason Foundation supporting prevention and treatment through cancer research; Cancer Lifeline assisting people and their families living with cancer; Operation Nightwatch providing food and shelter for the homeless, and she was involved in street ministry; Bible Study Fellowship International, Helen was a leader and heavily involved for many, many years! Helen mentioned "her girls" from this bible study group often and the wonderful friends that she made through this in-depth study of God's Word. The letters and cards we received over the past 9 years regarding the encouragement Helen was to "her girls", was amazing!
Helen passed away September 2, 2014 in Port Orchard Washington. Helen Marie Evens Hitchman is survived by an older sister Leona Jean Williams; younger twin brothers Lloyd Calvin Evens and Floyd Alvin Evens; and numerous nieces, nephews, and so many wonderful friends!