Evelyn (GG) Maris Witmer

Evelyn (GG) Maris Witmer

Evelyn entered into eternal rest in Fort Pierce, Florida at the age of 98.  She was the youngest of four children born to Charles and Carrie Maris in rural Nebraska.  Her mother died young, so Evelyn started school early with her brother Harold.  At 16, she graduated high school in Wauneta, Nebraska.  Growing up on a farm, Evelyn learned early to drive a tractor, combine harvester… cook, clean, and all the hard work that comes with farm life.

During the war she worked on B17 and B29 assembly lines as a “Rosie the Riveter”. After the war, Evelyn worked many jobs to include NORAD Chief Telephone Operator at Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  There she met and married George Witmer, who was in the Air Force, so the family then traveled and resided at many locations with Evelyn finding work at each.  Her last job was in Budget and Finance at Andrews Air Force Base where she retired from government civil service.

Evelyn led a full and active life. She especially loved spending time with family and friends. Hobbies in her younger years included golf, dancing, and playing slot machines in the casinos.  Crossword puzzles, knitting and TV game shows kept her attention in the later years.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Rita (Talarico) Smith, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a niece, nephews, and many friends.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband George, her son William (Billy) Kitt, brothers Harold and Clarence Maris, sister Dorothy Moss and many close relatives.  She will be laid to rest with George in Virginia.