Evelyn Gerwitz

Evelyn Rose Gerwitz was born on August 30, 1936 in Gallup, New Mexico to her parents Ruby Irene McDonald and Thomas Richard Layden. After a childhood split between New Mexico, Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, Evelyn, met and married her best friend and love, Joseph Victor "Sonny" Gerwitz. Very soon after, they spent time living in France together as Victor served in the Korean War. Evelyn and Sonny settled back in Arizona and had four children and over twenty years of happiness together before his sudden passing in 1979.

She lived her life serving her family, friends and community. As a active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her service included being a temple worker in the LDS Temple in Mesa, Arizona. Evelyn made hundreds of quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also gave them all endless amounts of love and care, tending to anyone in need whom she could lend a helping hand. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was the best partner in Canasta and a most formidable opponent. She was also an amazing baker and cook, an avid reader and skilled bookkeeper working for Spurlock Ranch, Judge Laveen Porter, and Bank of America before retiring very late in life.

Evelyn had 3 siblings who preceded in death, Donald Layden, Virginia, Layden Hatch and Mary Kathleen Layden. She is survived by 2 siblings, Ericka White (and husband Jimmy), Thomas Commons, Her 4 children, Mary Martinez (and husband Joey), LaMerle Martinez (and husband Gene), John Gerwitz (and wife Doris) and Martin Gerwitz (and wife Judine). She has 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces, nephews and their children. She spoiled all of them, every chance she had. She was a tender of her family, friends and anyone in need who she was able to help. Evelyn was a classy lady and will be greatly missed by all who had the chance to get to know her.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Monday, August 11, 2025 at the Holbrook Stake Center in Holbrook with a visitation beginning 1 hour prior. Intermet will be in the Holbrook Stake Center.