Evelyn Elizabeth Poling
Evelyn Elizabeth Poling passed away comfortably in her sleep on July 3, 2024.
She was born Oct. 25, 1922, one of 10 children. A long-time resident of Libby, Evelyn spent her youth here. She loved experiencing the outdoors, was a ‘natural’ at sports and very intelligent.
She met her future husband, Donald Poling, while working at the local café. She and Don were married in 1941 and over the period of the next 24 years had seven children, including George, Larry, Gary, Carol, Philip, Patricia and Robert. She is blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren spanning four generations.
Over time, Evelyn and her family lived in such places as Ohio and Arizona, among others, eventually making their way to Oregon where she spent much of her professional life working with St. Vincent Hospital in the Portland area.
Upon retirement, Evelyn returned to Libby be close to her siblings and the town she loved. She enjoyed needle point, walks through the forests, attending the local parades and especially the annual quilt show in September. She loved reading, taking care of her flowers and was active in her church.
Through her eyes, Evelyn had seen a century-worth of change to the world. Moments of magnificent achievement and terrible sorrow. Through this for her came hardship and joy; experiences few today could comprehend, all of which helped contribute in making Evelyn the wonderful person we know. She was strong, courageous and brave; selfless, unassuming and kind. She loved to laugh. She was amazing.
The small building for the local café where she and my father met still stands near the south part of town off Highway 2. My wife and I always look when we drive by and mom’s face would light up when she told stories about dad coming in to see her. Sadly, Don passed away in 1975 after 34 years together, and she will be buried at his side at the Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon. She never re-married.
Very recently, among her documents was found a carefully folded and tucked away hand-written poem signed and dated 1941, just a few months before she and dad were married. I have never seen it before and did not know mom wrote poetry, but I thought it appropriate to share with her passing. Part of me thinks she may have written it for that purpose, although unaware at the time.
Thank you, mom. May the Lord bless and keep you as you walk your path through the pines.
Rob Poling
Moonlight Through the Pines
On a cold winter night
when the frost has settled nigh
I see a silvery shaft of light
shining from the sky.
Slowly rising over the hills
a full moon comes in view
The pines all stand in silent still
as if they see it too.
Across the creek and far away
I hear the coyotes’ wail
They seem to be a welcome note
to a light that never fails.
All night long the lonesome pines
stand without a sign
Of ever knowing of coyote whines
or of a light as fine.
The night goes on as long ago
when the pines first got their start
The same old moon they got to know
of now their life’s a part.
The brightened rays go right on now
past stately pines and to
A winding trail below
where they reach to you.
If you want to feel you’re free
or hear the coyote whine
Just go to where there’ll always be
moonlight through the pines.
Evelyn Johnson (Poling)
18 years old
Feb. 15, 1941
