Evelyn “June” Demeter
Evelyn “June” Demeter, 81, died at home with her daughter and son in law in San Antonio, Texas, on May 29, 2010. She had suffered a heart attack earlier in May and came home from the hospital under the loving care of Vitas Hospice Care of San Antonio and her daughters Twyla and Gayle before she passed away.
She was born in Klickitat to Victor and Sylvia Marlow on Nov. 24, 1928. She was the oldest daughter of seven children. She met Julius Demeter in Portland in January of 1946; they were married February 7, 1946. They spent 51 years together before Julius died in May of 1997. They lived in Columbus, Ohio, for a short time after their marriage, then moved to Portland in 1952, and then they moved back to the Klickitat area, where they raised their five children. Appleton became their home in 1964. In the late ’80s they resided in the Darrington area for a short time, then moved back to Appleton for a few years until 1990, when they moved to Goldendale, where they lived until Julius passed away. At that time June went to live with her daughter, Twyla, in Austin, Texas. In 2000, she returned to Washington to stay with her daughter Gayle in Mt. Vernon for six years, then moved back to Texas with Twyla in San Antonio, where she resided until her death.
June was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and as a devoted mother she spent much time instilling Bible teachings into her children and was very patient in teaching them to read. She loved spending time with them in the door-to-door ministry which Jehovah’s Witnesses are active in, especially in the Klickitat area. She also found great joy in taking and teaching her children to swim and dance. They spent much time in the summer months swimming in the Klickitat River across from her parents’ home. June’s life was her children and her faith.
She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes, sometimes with a mischievous twinkle. She was a very tolerant person, patient, and good to her family and friends. Although she was quiet by nature, she was not afraid to speak her mind when it was necessary. She had a self-sacrificing spirit, welcoming many into her home and caring for those who needed help because of circumstances. Her happiest moments were when she was with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family and friends.
She is survived by her son Ronnie Demeter of Sioux City, Iowa, and his wife Billie; Twyla Godfrey of San Antonio, Texas, and her husband Lynn; Vicki Cox of Klickitat; Cheryl Gunter of Centralia; and Shanon Gayle Gallegos of Enumclaw; three brothers; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and an abundance of loving friends.
A memorial service will be held for her at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 333 W Nesbitt Street, Goldendale, on June 19, 2010, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the PUD building in Goldendale. Burial will be private.
You may view or sign the guestbook at meadowlawn. net, under Obituaries.
