Samuel Eugene Evans

Samuel Eugene Evans passed away July 4, 2021, in Sacramento, Calif. Sam was born May 25, 1989, to Kandis Peterson and Ted Yarding in Tucson, Ariz.

Sam lived in Libby from age one to 16, making many great memories while enjoying the outdoors and recreation Libby offers. Sam was a charismatic boy with a vivid imagination. He was involved in little guy wrestling, drama, plays and choir. He prided himself in being a Libby Logger.

Sam had special teachers (Jenny Thorstenson was his favorite) and many friends growing up. He was known for his wonderful smile.

Sam became addicted to drugs in his late teen years and, unfortunately, this led to an unhealthy lifestyle. Even in the midst of addiction, Sam remained caring, giving and helpful, following his Christian beliefs. A passage of scripture that helps describe Sam’s life at this stage is from Romans 7:15 where Paul says, “I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.” Sam knew Jesus and did care for those around him in a loving, compassionate way; however, he struggled greatly with the pull of his addiction. It was this battle with drugs that ultimately took his life way too soon.

Sam is survived by his mother, Kandis; his father, Ted; sisters, Mandi and Jessica Evans; brothers, Nicholas Peterson and James Yarding; and many friends in Tucson, Sacramento and Libby.

In honor of Sam’s life, our family would like to encourage you to make a conscious effort to listen to your kids, to address issues with purposefulness and to seek out help in humility. We know his life was not in vain and believe that God can and will use Sam’s struggles and choices to help someone else. It is that hope that brings us comfort. A physician who cared for him stated that Sam’s last words were, “I want to call my mom.”

If you are struggling with addiction or have found yourself in a dark place, please call your mom or someone who you can trust. There is always hope!