Evelyn Witt Stubbs

Evelyn Witt Stubbs, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born August 16, 1946, in Hamburg, Germany, to Hugo Witt and Berendje Wagelaar. She married Mayo Proctor Stubbs on September 30, 1963; they later divorced in 1982. She later married Lorin Cope Zitting in December 1987; they also divorced. Evelyn immigrated with her family to the United States, arriving in New York on December 19, 1949, at just three years old. They traveled by ship and then by train to Ogden, Utah, marking the beginning of a life defined by resilience, faith, and love. She found joy in many hobbies, including gardening, growing flowers, and planting trees. She was a gifted teacher and a tireless creator, painting, quilting, sewing, writing poetry, and filling every space she inhabited with beauty and warmth. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University in 2002 and went on to teach for over ten years, loving every child in her care. Evelyn drew strength from her deep faith in the gospel and in her Heavenly Father. Her faith sustained her throughout a life of many moves, from Ogden, Utah, to San Diego, California; Lebaron, Mexico; and ultimately to her favorite home, Colorado City, Arizona. She had nine children with Mayo. Following their divorce, she raised her children in Moapa, Nevada, where she thrived in her church community, participated in AA, and was present, playful, and devoted to her family. She loved taking her children on adventures, searching for arrowheads, exploring ghost towns, and camping by the lake. She was also proud to be part of her women’s softball team, “The Muddy Angels.” Later, she married Lorin and welcomed a son. During this time, she completed her education and earned her bachelor’s degree. Even while balancing many responsibilities, she worked tirelessly, helping load wood, caring for her home, and preparing meals, while continuing to grow personally and cherish her friendships and community. In her later years, she was so proud of her many years of sobriety, her work with the “Daughters of the Utah Pioneers,” and she especially treasured time spent with her family, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, camping, and volunteering at a local Montessori school. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugo and Berendje Witt; her sisters, Henriette and Alida; and her daughter, Deana Beth Hammon. She is survived by her nine living children: DoriAnn (David), Stacy, Brandon (Melissa), Parley, Christopher, Shirley, Cathy, Debbie, and Matthew; many stepchildren; her sister, Cora; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; 45 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren, with at least two more on the way. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 700 South Central Street, Colorado City, Arizona. A closed-casket viewing will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will take place at Isaac Carling Memorial Park in Colorado City, Arizona. Arrangements are under the direction of Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S., St. George, Utah. (435) 674-5000.