Evelyn Groves (Evy) Coolidge, age 96 of Shelby, a homemaker, teacher and Toole County area businesswoman, died peacefully Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the Marias Medical Center . Visitation is Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 until 8:00 pm at the Whitted Funeral Chapel. Funeral service is 1:30 pm Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the Community United Methodist Church . Burial will be take place in the Mountain View Cemetery  

Survivors include her daughter, Sue Mallette of Whitefish and a son, Gus Coolidge Jr. of Calgary , Alberta ; five grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Gus Coolidge Sr and a grandson Gus Coolidge III.

Evy was born October 30, 1910 at Balfour , North Dakota to Charles & Minnie (Sahr) Groves . At the age of four, Evy she moved with her family to Coffee Creek and then when she was ten they moved to Great Falls where she graduated from high school and attended Commercial College . She worked as a secretary and accountant for a Great Falls insurance company and was active in swimming and theater during her early years,

In 1935 she married Gus Coolidge and moved to the Oilmont and Sunburst area where her husband was employed in the oil and gas business. She raised two children (G.B. & Sue) while residing in the refinery town of Sunburst during the 40’s and 50’s. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was also active in scouting activities while her children were growing up. She later established a kindergarten class within the local school system and later started the Sun Insurance Agency. In 1985, the couple moved to Shelby where they had their own oil and gas business. 

Evy enjoyed oil painting and staying active in the Community United Methodist Church and hospital auxiliary. Retirement was never an option for Evy until the past three years when she was a resident of the Marias Heritage Center .

Evy is best characterized by her friendly, gentle and unassuming personality who never backed away from challenges in her life, however great, but met them head-on, without complaint or reservation. She took a great interest in young people and was very special to all her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Marias Heritage Center , church or charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to whittedfuneralchapel.com.