Willard

Evelyn Ruth Henry Willard, 98, of Butler, formerly of Greensburg, quietly passed away after a long, full life on Monday, June 23, 2025, at The Addison of Lowrie Place.

She was born Dec. 7, 1926, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Dervin Henry and Priscilla Shively Henry.

Evelyn grew up on her parents’ farm without running water, electricity, or a phone. She helped harvest and sell produce at a young age. She attended Hempfield and Greensburg Salem high schools, and she married Raymond Willard in July 1943.

She worked at the Greensburg Salem Junior High School cafeteria for 17 years, starting out as the head baker and ending her career as the manager.

The church community and faith in God were very important to Evelyn. She was active in the 4th Street Evangelical United Methodist Church in Greensburg, and directed the junior choir for many years.

Evelyn was fiercely independent, passionate and faithful to her family. She was famous both for her apple pies and the afghans she knitted for each family member. She enjoyed traveling, camping and boating.

In her life, she witnessed the advent of appliances, television and cellphones. When asked, she declared her most precious memory was of her 90th surprise birthday party with family.

Evelyn is survived by her two children, Catherine Ong and her husband, Ed, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Richard Willard and his wife, Barbara, of Butler; her grandchildren, Tammy Lechliter (Delbert), Terry Klink (Jonas), Tricia Bango (Tom), Christine Rockcastle (Nathan), Jennifer Cygan (Douglas) and Jeffrey Willard (Jennifer); 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Raymond Willard; her sister, Rosella; her brothers, Arthur, Howard and Robert; her great-granddaughter, Cayla Cygan; and her parents.

WILLARD — Funeral services for Evelyn Ruth Henry Willard, who died Monday, June 23, 2025, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 30, at Grace United Methodist Church, 320 Felgar Road, Somerset, PA 15501.

Burial will take place in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Greensburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, DOWNTOWN, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.