Gibbons, Evelyn passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Evelyn was born in Sheridan, Missouri on July 18, 1931 and was the only child of her parents, Ethel and Clarke Evans. She was raised on a farm until her family moved to Arizona when she was a young girl. Evelyn studied at North High School and Arizona State University, eventually entering her career choice of teaching. Interestingly enough, she began her extended teaching career as a girls' volleyball coach. During her thirty years as an elementary school teacher and principal in Phoenix Elementary School District #1, Evelyn influenced the lives of many children, parents, and co-workers. Evelyn loved her three children, Gregg, Denise, and Debra, and blessed them with the gifts of self confidence, determination, and responsibility. For many years, Evelyn was an active member of both Ascension Lutheran Church and Bethany Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Evelyn is survived by her son Gregg Clarke Gibbons and his wife Janice, her daughter Denise, her daughter Debra and husband Matthew Longley, and her husband, John Oehmke. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4300 N. 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Published in The Arizona Republic on 5/22/2009