Gerthene J. Eveland, age 94 of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, August 26, 2012. She was born June 17, 1918, the daughter of Jason and Mable (Wolever) Cole. She married Clyde Eveland on March 19, 1939 in White Cloud. Together they made their home in Muskegon until 1959 when they moved to Big Rapids. Gerthene enjoyed making quilts, sewing, working in her flower garden, canning and cooking. She loved her dog, Buttons. She is survived by 6 sons, Claude (Nancy) Eveland of Big Rapids, Nelson (Joyce) Eveland of Paris, Jason Eveland of White Cloud, Rick (Sue) Eveland of Paris, Donald (Brenda) Eveland of Paris, Kalen (Karla) Eveland of Grand Rapids; 3 daughters, Helen (Gerald) Lofquist of Caledonia, Darlene Vaughn of Big Rapids, Rennell (Gary) Rasmussen of Big Rapids; a daughter-in-law, Kate Eveland of Bellevue; a son-in-law, Richard Graham of Bellevue; 40 grandchildren; 88 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Beverly Lamb; many nieces and nephews. Gerthene was preceded by her husband, Clyde, on October 5, 1996; her parents, 2 sons, Clyde D. and Merle; 2 daughters, Judy VandeWater and Aundria Graham; 3 granddaughters, Shawn, Gayle and Denise; an infant great-grandson, Zachary; 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Ed Milam officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, August 28th at the funeral home and one hour prior from 10:00 a.m. to services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Interment will take place 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 30th at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made in Gerthene's name to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.