Evelyn Jane Nafziger, 98, passed from this life to her home in glory on March 27, 2018.  The first child of Harley and Fannie Nofziger, Evelyn lived in the Archbold area all of her life.  She was known by her many friends as one who lived life with a sincere devotion to God, to her husband, and her family; enriching the lives of many people with encouragement and understanding.  Her quick wit and sense of humor brought a spice of life to many situations that others found difficult or depressing.

Evelyn became an older sister to Lorene (Eash), Lois (Aeschiman), Loyal, and Valetta (Beck-Frey).  On Evelyn's 18th birthday, her parents gave her an electric sewing machine.  This changed her life and sewing became both a gift and a life-long passion for her.  She made her own wedding dress as well as those of many others, her own clothes, clothing for her mother, siblings, and for all of her children. In reality, the sewing machine not only provided a source of income during difficult financial times and helped her to stretch the clothing costs of a large family, it became a lifelong tool to create pieces of art through her quilts.  She firmly believed in the "waste not…want not" philosophy and could often find a way to alter a pattern in some way in order to use the fabric that she had available.

As a young adult, Evelyn became acquainted with Vern Nafziger, son of Charles and Melinda, through the youth group at church and they were married on December 4, 1941.

They became parents of seven children:  Mervin (Carolyn), Melda (Larry) Richer, Esther (Wendell Badertscher), Daniel (Shirley), Julia (Neal) Beck, Norma (Doug) Kauffman, and Karleen (Lori Hastings).

Raising a large family was a joy and a responsibility that Vern and Evelyn took very seriously.  Evelyn raised a large garden and her freezer and can shelves were always filled.  She canned everything ...often in large supply.  Evelyn spent many hours in the kitchen and she had the uncanny ability to prepare a delicious meal on very short notice.  Her children enjoyed coming into the house after school to the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls or donuts which often included a pan or two of "Belly Stickers".  They also have a strong preference for her big-pearl tapioca and it remains a family favorite!  In addition to cooking and preserves, housework and laundry for her large family, living on the farm, meant that there was always work to be done and many hands to share the load.  Few jobs were ever done completely alone and many included moments of laughter or some silliness.

Evelyn was a committed member of Central Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School and enjoyed working with the Ladies Sewing over the years.  She was a member of the Gideon Auxiliary, served as Camp Managers at Little Eden Camp for several years, and in retirement, they began making home-made soap.  Together they shipped over 30 tons (60,000 pounds) of soap to under-developed countries through Mennonite Central Committee.

Evelyn firmly believed that "laughter really is the best medicine ."  She was a prankster and loved to make people laugh, including her children.  Even when confined to her bed, she continued to find ways to share her joy for life and this trait served her well over the years.  However, this by no means meant that life was all fun and games.  In 2003, her oldest son, Mervin, was killed in an accident on his farm.  And in August of 2011, Evelyn grieved the loss of her son Dan from cancer. She suffered yet another grievous loss when she had to say good-bye to daughter Julie from cancer just last fall.  While these were difficult and heart-wrenching experiences, she found peace and comfort in knowing that each one knew and loved the Lord and knew they would be part of her welcoming committee when she reached heaven's gates.

Over the years God remained faithful and Evelyn was blessed with a family that loved her and loves the Lord and has grown to 100 people including 7 children and spouses, 18 grandchildren and spouses, and 49 great-grandchildren.  While a resident of Fairlawn Haven, Evelyn crossed over to her heavenly home.   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vern, sons Mervin and Daniel, daughter Julia, grandson Matthew and siblings.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Central Mennonite Church, State Route 2, Archbold.  A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held on Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Church with Pastor David Elkins officiating, followed by a fellowship meal.  Interment will take place prior to the service at Pettisville Cemetary.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider donations to Mennonite Central Committee.  Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements.