Obituary of Evelyn Marie Casella

Evelyn Marie Ehlbeck was born 10/31/1939 in Vancouver, WA. She grew up on a family farm in LaCenter WA. with parents Everett and Ellen and her two brothers Don and Jim. As a child, Evelyn enjoyed exploring the outdoors with her brothers, helping with the farm chores, cooking, and sewing. Evelyn played the violin, was in pep rally in High School, and graduated LaCenter High School in 1957 as valedictorian, attended Clark College and married. She sewed her own wedding and the bridesmaid dresses! In 1959 her daughter Susan was born. In 1961 the young family moved to Spokane WA, where they resided until 1972. Evelyn worked at the phone company in customer service and helped her husband Allen open a clothing store. Active and energetic, the family enjoyed snow and water skiing, and fishing. Evelyn enjoyed cooking, gardening, and entertaining friends. She always loved working outdoors! In 1976, Evelyn married Bob Davidson. Their weekends were spent camping, fishing and boating on the Oregon coast. In 1977, she bought a portion of the family farm in LaCenter, WA. and lived in a small house her father built, before completing their Highland Tree Farm home, up by a majestic old Maple tree. They raised raspberries and cattle in the first years and started planting Christmas tree seedlings on the property. While the Christmas tree seedlings grew to maturity, she started a premium quality Christmas wreath business in the garage. Her wreath business quickly grew attracting new customers and receiving numerous awards. By the 80's the Christmas tree farm was thriving, and semi-trucks loaded with premium quality trees and wreaths were headed for California, Texas and beyond. Evelyn always was a hard worker and a perfectionist. Christmas tree buyers knew where to look, if they wanted the best! Evelyn proudly served on the NW Christmas Tree board and became president of the association for a term. In 2006 Evelyn married Gary Casella. Together they traveled and cruised the world. They visited Hawaii, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Aruba.....and beyond. They enjoyed going to Daytona and Indy 500 with Gary's sons Kyle and AJ. They purchased 40 acres adjacent to the original farm, planted Christmas Tree seedlings, built a beautiful home and wreath making facility. In 2018, Evelyn retired and moved to Oregon City to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed dog walks, puzzles and games, trips to the beach and Shopping. She remained a serious croquet player and consistently beat friends and neighbors with her power hits. In 2023, Evelyn received the Lifetime Achievement Award from her beloved Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association. Regretfully, Evelyn passed peacefully early Sunday morning November 12". She was surrounded by loved ones and hospice care. She is survived by daughter Susan, son-in law Paul and youngest brother Jim. Evelyn was loved by family and many friends. She will be greatly missed. Donations may be made to The Michael Fox foundation for Parkinson's or the OHSu neurology department. Michaeljfoxfoundation.org OHSU foundation/neurosciences