Evelyn Fath

All who knew Evelyn Fath would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality, and with her Southern charm she had a zest for life that was contagious. Evelyn was blessed to share much of her journey with the love of her life, and there was nothing that made her more proud than witnessing her family tree blossom to include more little ones to love with all her heart. She was fastidious when it came to many things, and if there was something to plan, organize, or cook for, then Evelyn was in all her glory. Her Florida sweet tea, Southern fried chicken, and grits were among her many specialities, but the sprinkles for ice cream and her cookie drawer were also favorites among her great-grandchildren. A woman of true grace and humility, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, compassion, and unconditional love that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

The vibrant days of the Roaring Twenties were some of the most exciting days we have experienced as a nation as innovation was taking us places we had never been. Radios, washing machines, and refrigerators became part of our homes while cars were more affordable because of the universal implementation of the assembly line. Motion pictures in both color and sound and baseball legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb colored the cultural fabric of our nation during this time as well. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1928 that was met with great joy by a young couple from St. Petersburg, Florida, as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on July 13, 1928. Evelyn J. was one of two children born to her parents, Huron and Rosa Touchton, and she was raised in the family home in Florida alongside her brother, Fabian.

As a young woman Ev, as she was often known, moved to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where she raised her five children including Bob, Sherry, Dick, Tom, and John. A meticulous homemaker, she was completely devoted to caring for her family and home. Evelyn fiercely loved her family and would protect them whenever needed, and was forever watching over them, too. If one was lucky enough to marry into her family, she loved them as her own. Much of Gram’s life was spent with her true love, Robert “Bob” Fath, whom most just knew as Pap.

Although she lived most of her life in Pennsylvania, Evelyn was a true Southern girl at heart. She longed for the sun during the long winter months, but she brought the beauty of the South here through her cooking, entertaining, and overall love for life. Known to her family as Mom or usually Gram, she was famous for her Southern fried chicken, grits, sausage biscuits and gravy, and her Florida sweet tea that was brewed strong and was about one-third sugar. Evelyn always threw a good party and was an incredible host. Even if she was not the one hosting, she helped others plan their events, and the birthday parties and summer cookouts at the Chalet, Pap and Gram's home in Center Township, were always unforgettable. Likewise, if there was a wedding or special anniversary, Evelyn was there with the planning, decorations and food. When she wasn’t working in the house, she was working out in her yard as she both her flowers and her yard were pristine at all times. As her family and friends can attest, upon arrival at Evelyn’s the first thing she would ask was, "Wanna beer?" which was shortly followed up with “Hungry?" No matter the event, Gram was the one who orchestrating most of the gatherings for her bustling group.

The majority of Evelyn’s life was spent being a homemaker, but she did work as a dietician at the Geriatric Center, now Friendship Ridge, in Brighton Township. This really isn’t all that surprising as her work involved food and caring for people - two things she loved. Later in life she cared for a family friend for 17 years.

When grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, Gram couldn’t have been happier. She loved babysitting for them whenever she could, and she loved just having fun with them, too. Gram often bought goldfish to put in the creek that ran under the Chalet just to hear the squeals of delight from the young ones. She always made her great-grandchildren feel so special, too, and they always knew right where she kept the tea bags and begged her to make more. They also remembered where she kept the sprinkles for their ice cream as well as the cookie drawer.

Even though the majority of her time was spent with her family, Evelyn also focused some of her attention on other things. She and Robert were active and faithful members of VanKirk Lutheran Church in Center Township, which Bob also helped build. They loved and supported their church in numerous ways through the years. Gram loved the Steelers, and she was a huge fan of classic country music from legends like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

Of course life was not always easy for Evelyn. She faced whatever came her way with both poise and grace, and through the strength she gained in overcoming her trials she was able to lift others up during their struggles as well. When things were hard for her loved ones, Gram was always there to pick them up while giving them endless amounts of encouragement.

An amazing woman to know and love, Evelyn Fath was a blessing in the lives of all who were within her reach. She was never one to worry about building wealth, but through the life she lived she was a constant reminder that true happiness is found in the love we share with those around us. The matriarch of her family, Gram lived to selflessly nurture and care for others whether her family, a friend in need, or those in her work outside of the home. She will be remembered for her Southern charm, her tasty Florida sweet tea, and the way she called everyone “Hon,” but it will be the unconditional love she freely gave to everyone she met that will be her lasting legacy. Evelyn will never be forgotten.

Evelyn J. Fath, of Center Township, died on Monday, December 15, 2014. Evelyn’s family includes her children, Bob (Mary) Fath of Tidioute, PA, Sherry (Jim) Wilson of New Sewickley Township, Dick (Lori) Hays of New Sewickley Township, Tom (Debbie) Hays of Center Township, and John (Susan) Hays of Moon Township; 11 grandchildren, Jeanette (Kurt) Holko, Dan Gillin, Justin (Nicole) Hays, Nicole Hays, Brad Hays, Kelly (Wayne) Marcello, Kristin (Tim) Snyder, Bob Fath, David Hays, Brooke (Jack) Bergman and Breanna Wilson; and 13 great-grandchildren, Brady Holko, Beck Holko, Hannah Fath, Jacob Fath, Isabella Gillin, Sophia Gillin, Brenna Hays, Brice Hays, Mylee Snyder, Lainey Snyder, Parker Marcello, Becca Bergman, and Brice Bergman. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Bob, on May 10, 2006; and brother, Fabian Touchton. Friends will be received Wednesday, December 17th, from 2-8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Friends will also be received on Thursday at VanKirk Lutheran Church, Center Township from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Her pastor, Rev. A. Patrice Weirick, will officiate. Interment will follow in The Beaver Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to VanKirk Lutheran Church, 106 VanKirk Road, Monaca, PA 15061. To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.