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Published October 08, 2009, 12:00 AM

Helen "Rainie" Lorraine Evans

Helen "Rainie" Lorraine Evans, 87, passed away October 7, 2009 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Helen "Rainie" Lorraine Evans

Helen "Rainie" Lorraine Evans, 87, passed away October 7, 2009 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Rainie was born June 6, 1922 in Knoxville, Iowa to Charles and Ramona (Bodine) Roff. She graduated from Knoxville High School, received a teaching degree from Pella College and a B.A. in teaching special education from Drake University.

She married Frank Ruford Evans in 1947 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. She spent 35 years of her life teaching and especially enjoyed the accomplishments of her special education students. For most of her teaching career she worked at Norwoodville Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa; where she was very involved in the community and the lives of her students and their families. While there, she invented the "Blue Rose" parties for children with special needs. Rainie especially enjoyed entertaining. She liked games, bingo and even playing the nickle slots at casinos. She loved being with people and making them laugh. She occasionally wore costumes and would recite poems and tell imaginary stories complete with actions and facial expressions, just to see what reactions she could get.

In 1984, after Frank died, Rainie moved to East Grand Forks, Minnesota to be with her daughter and share the lives of her grandchildren. During her time in EGF, she renewed her friendship with Arlo Turner and made many new friends.

She is survived by her children: Jody Evans and Stephanie (David) Sogard, grandchildren: Nicholas Sogard and Sabiah (Alan) Sogard-Tocchio and several nieces and nephews. Rainie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank R. Evans, daughter, Jardy Evans; and siblings: Ruby Stapleton, Velma Heaberlin and Leslie Roff.

Services: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Stennes Funeral Home Chapel, East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: one hour before the funeral at the Chapel.

Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville, IA.

Online Guestbook: www.stennesfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Stennes Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

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carol b.
Browerville, MN     10/09/2009 2:26 PM

Lorraine showed great interest and kindness to my son who, as a young boy, delivered her newspapers every morning for many years. She also employed his budding carpenter abilities. Lorraine was a great encourager. I am sure she will be greatly missed by many people. Carol Brandt Browerville, MN

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