Evelyn Lorraine Figg, age 95, a resident of Pacific Beach, Washington since childhood, passed away on June 9, 2024, at Harbor Regional Hospital in Aberdeen.
Evelyn, affectionately known to her loved ones as “Gram,” was born on May 18, 1929, in Port Angeles, Washington to Martin and Laura J (Samples) Berntson.
In 1943 Evelyn met her late husband Russell R Figg Jr. while he was stationed at the Pacific Beach Naval Facility as a Gunnery Instructor. He proposed to her only two weeks later on the merry-go-round at the Pacific Beach Elementary School. They would go on to marry when Evelyn turned 15 at the Montesano Courthouse and have the first of their five children (Pam) the following year. They marked their 50th Anniversary with the church wedding Russell had always dreamt of before his passing in September, 1994.
The North Beach’s unofficial “OG (original gangster) First Responder,” Gram, had a keen ear for her police scanner and was often the first to arrive at the scene of an incident. She was also the first to answer to the calls and needs of loved ones; playing a critical role in the rearing of her grandchildren, their friends and neighborhood kids. Evelyn didn’t hesitate to open her home to those in need of a place to stay or a warm, home-cooked meal. In addition to raising their own children, Russell and Evelyn fostered the late Lance Hayes and Ralph Straughn who affectionately called her “mom” and participated in her care until her passing.
Those who knew Evelyn would tell you that she was incredibly sharp, feisty, good humored and didn’t back down from an argument easily. She enjoyed staying busy whether it be shopping excursions, playing bingo or slot machines. She was a masterful baker; known for making delicious pies, who had an insatiable appetite for her own baked goods which allowed her to single-handedly polish off one of her creations in an evening. Her crocheted blankets and doilies, to which there are hundreds, are true works of art and crafted to perfection. She loved clam-digging and beachcombing, especially after a good storm, finding countless glass balls, agates and fossils. One such fossil was studied and determined by an Anthropology-Archaeology Instructor from GHC to be a very rare Miocene Pectin over 20 million years old. Evelyn also loved animals. After Russell’s passing her dogs were constant companions, even accompanying her on outings. She once had a pet alligator that went missing and claims that it was reportedly sighted some time later in Joe Creek. The stories and secrets she held from her long life lived in the North Beach area could make anyone blush!
Evelyn is survived by her 5 children: Pamela Miller (Robert) of Troy, Michigan; James Figg (Myrna) of Toledo, Washington; Martin Figg (Alicia) of Neilton, Washington; Rebecca Gilbertson (Larry) of Pacific Beach and Kirk Figg of Pacific Beach; her brother Butch Getchell (Myra) of Lake Limerick, Washington; 12 grandchildren: Christian Miller, James Miller, Barbara Beyer, Arthur Figg, Jaynie Figg, Julie Stryker, Harry Figg, Christopher Gilbertson, Lian Gilbertson, Brandon Figg, Jarrod Figg and Brittany Figg-Case; 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her sister, Karin Flores and her granddaughter, Stephanie Figg.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen; arrangements made by Coleman’s Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online registry at www.colemanmortuary.net
