April 12, 2025
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that the family of Evonne Jessie Skands (nee Cole) announces her passing on April 12, 2025, at the age of 95.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children: stepsons: Robert (Shelley) Ortis, William (Georgina) Ortis, Michael (Trudy) Skands and John Skands; grandchildren: Cindy (Mike) Plotnikoff, Jeanie (Eddy) Ortis, Darwin (Jennifer) Ortis, Jeff Skands, Jacqueline (Cody) Skands; grandson in-law Andrew Wiebe; great- grandchildren: Ryan Ortis, Taylor Ortis, Abbigaiyl, Logan, Oliver, Cyienna, Jordan, Jeremy Wiebe, Justin Wiebe, Reese Thompson, Karsyn Thompson, Crew Abbey and Wylie Abbey; great-great grandchildren: Mckenzie and Emma; as well as many extended family members. Evonne was predeceased by her first husband Oliver Ortis and second husband Harold Skands; son: Randy Skands; grandchildren: Jennifer Skands and Bradley Ortis; siblings: Rolly, Norma, Howard and Lovel; parents Olive and Noble Cole.
She was born in Didsbury, Alberta. Growing up she lived in Armstrong and Nelson. She married Oliver Ortis and raised his two sons, Larry and Billy. Oliver worked for the CPR and the family lived in Billings, Farron, Sparwood and Grand Forks. Oliver passed away in 1961. Evonne worked, in Grand Forks, in a hair salon and a retail clothing store. In 1967 Evonne married Harold who was raising Michael and John. Randy was born in 1969. Harold died in 2009. Evonne lived the remainder of her life in Nelson as a homemaker. Evonne enjoyed bowling, painting, sewing, doing ceramics, gardening and playing the accordion and the organ.
She especially loved spending time with her family and friends at her home in Christina Lake.
A private gathering to celebrate Evonne will take place at a later date. Donations may be made in Evonne's name to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation.
The family wishes to send a special thank-you to Dr. Ackermann and Dr. Czubernat, the staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital and Cathy-Jo Wright for her loving care.
To leave a message of condolence please go to Thompson Funeral Service at www.thompsonfs.ca