Evelyne May Silva Stratton

Evelyne May “Nanie” Silva Stratton

Nanie was the last of the Silva tribe. She was born to Manuel and Maria Silva, (who were immigrants from the Azores Islands), in Los Alamos, CA on May 12th, 1932. She was the youngest of six children. Born and raised on a ranch in the central coast before it became boujie wine country. 

They were hard working bean farmers that helped build the good ole USA. Her job being the youngest was to gather the sheep for the night. Always told the story of how the sheep would climb the tallest hill and wait until she climbed all the way up there before thinking about heading to their stable. 

Nanie died in St. George, Utah on April 29th after a short illness at the age of 90 7/8s. Her six siblings Minnie Rose, Manuel, Adelyne, Albertina(Tina), and Johnny(Tiger) all preceded her in death. 

She married Robert A Stratton after moving into Santa Maria, CA shortly after high school, and had six children of her own..ALL BOYS!! She always said “the good Lord knew what he was doing when he gave me boys.”

Nanie lived the oilfield life and resided in Santa Maria, Ventura, Bakersfield, and Long Beach. Finally moving to StG in 2012 to be near her boys. 

Nanie lived a life of service to others. Always volunteering time, service and donations to homeless shelters, Catholic churches and countless charity groups. Cost a small fortune just in the stamps needed to send donations! I bet if you could bring up the donor page of multiple charities, she’d be on the front page. Nanie was always game to hit up a bazaar, antique store or thrift store..to say she collected things is an understatement. Sheesh. Loved to read. Loved it. Clipped articles and recipes out of every publication in print and mailed them to all her relatives and friends. 

Nanie had a reservoir of love to give that never ran out. More patience than God when it came to raising kids and grandkids. Always up for an adventure. Later in life, she spent months traveling with her sister Minnie. On one such excursion, leaving her youngest at home while a junior in high school for “a week” to attend a Holy Communion in Vernal. Well, that turned into a multi month Thelma and Louise adventure that crossed 8 western states and culminated in Castle Gar, Canada, to see some long-lost cousins. Having the gift of gab is an understatement. She could talk to any stranger and be best friends within five minutes. The stories and memories this lady has is unreal. Hours and hours of stories, right to the end. 17 different subjects all going on at the same time with amazing detail. So much for being forgetful in your later years, that wasn’t happening to Nans. 

Nans has six boys: Robert Allen(StG), Craig Martin(Vernal), Kevin Paul(Vernal), Michael Stephen(StG),  James Phillip(Vernal), and David Perry(StG). Daughter in laws Cindy, Amy, Barbara, Michelle, Carolina, Shelly and Shanell. Has 18 grandkids, 22 great grandkids and 3 great great grandkids. Countless relatives and friends. 

She loved her entire family. She worried about them. Called them and checked up on them. Rooted for them, protected them, forgave them, was so, so proud of them and always kept on loving them. 

Nans will be so desperately missed by all whom she’s left behind, she was one of kind and to know and be loved by her was to be truly blessed. I’m going to miss you tremendously. Guess what?….LoveYou. 

On May 12th, 2023 at 11am a funeral mass service for friends and fam will be held at the St. George Catholic Church. Viewing at 10am. Graveside following at Tonaquint cemetery..look for the yellow! In lieu of flowers please do something for someone less fortunate than yourself…and then make it a habit.