Dona SuzAnn Evans

Dona SuzAnn Cox Evans of Aptos, know by most as Suzie, passed away quietly on January 13, 2021.

She was born November 27, 1936, to Donald Arthur Cox and Liddie Mae Gray Cox. Suzie grew up in the midst of redwood groves and family apple orchards. Her early childhood was filled with gardens, domestic animals, farm chores, and her favorite horse, Chaco.

She was playmate, sitter, and mentor to younger cousins to whom she was more a "big sister" than cousin.

She attended Watsonville High School, graduating in 1954. Her passion while there was art. She worked for some time at the Aptos Drug Store. Suzie attended Hartnell College in Salinas and went on to complete the San Francisco Dental Nursing School program in 1956 and worked for Dr. Knute Hylen and Dr. Silvio Biancalana.

April 30, 1957 her parents announced her engagement to Air Force Lieutenant Wallace Eugene Evans, a 1951 graduate of Santa Cruz High School, Cal Poly student, and University of Texas alumnus. He was stationed at O'Hara field near Chicago flying fighter aircraft with the 62nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

Suzie and Wally were married on August 18, 1957 in the Soquel Community Church, the same church where her parents were married. When Wally left the Air Force in early 1958 he joined Central Supply, which was later to become Granite Rock. This brought them back to Santa Cruz County where they have remained since.

Suzie and Wally bought and operated Valley Feed in Watsonville and Scotts Valley Feed in Scotts Valley. In about 1991, Suzie took over the Scotts Valley Feed operation. She relished her relationship with her customers and took great pride in managing all aspects of the business. Wally continued to operate Valley Feed and they teamed the two businesses to achieve economies of scale. Deciding to retire she sold the Scotts Valley business and returned permanently to the Cox Road family property. There she oversaw construction of her dream home, reveled in the memories of the remaining orchard, and enjoyed the abundant wildlife that roamed the property.

She immersed herself in the Watsonville Agricultural History Project, assisting as a volunteer docent. True to the experiences of family gatherings in her youth, Suzie also enjoyed every type of family reunion. She so loved visiting with the people and sharing the experience of family and history.

Suzie found time for foreign travel, delighting in visits to Ireland, the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and China. She also took many road trips across the United States.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Liddie Cox, and her son Todd Evans. She is survived by Wally; and two children: son Craig Evans (Keri), their children Kiersten and Nicholas; daughter Dana Dentice (Peter), their son Peter, and her grandson Casey Evans, son of the late Todd Evans. She is likewise survived by numerous cousins, including Pat Swinn, Gloria McNally, James, Edward, and David Cox, for whom she was indeed "big sister Suzie."

Arrangements for immediate family are pending.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Suzie's memory may wish to consider the Watsonville Agricultural History project or Heifer International

Published in The Pajaronian · January 28, 2021