Evelyn Annie Maresh's Obituary
Evelyn Maresh, 86, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. Born in Pilot Grove, Texas, she began school in Sweet Home. When she was 10 years old, her family moved to Yoakum and she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School graduating in 1957. She met the love of her life, Larry, on a blind date at the VFW Hall in Moulton at a New Year’s Eve dance. They married on July 26, 1958 and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Starting their life together in Houston, they joined Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and eventually moved in 1992 to Pearland, joining St. Helen Catholic Church. No matter where she lived, she built a life centered on faith, family, and tradition.
Evelyn devoted her life to her loved ones and the community she cherished. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Maresh, and their four children: Jeffrey; Suzanne and her husband David; Gregory (preceded in death by his wife Mickie); and Dianne and her husband Matt, all of whom were her greatest source of pride.
She was also blessed with her grandchildren; Benjamin and his wife Kay, Elizabeth and her husband Peter, Katrina and her husband Reece, Lauren and her husband Kenny Joe, Phillip and his wife Kathleen, Sidney, and Madison. Her joy multiplied with her great-grandchildren Blane, Blair, Bennett, Evelyn, Nicholas, Benjamin, KJ, and Archie, each of whom brought a special light into her life.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her dear parents, Annie and Jerry Honc, and by her brother, Leon, who she held closely in her heart throughout her life.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Evelyn has always been an active member of her church and her service started in the Catholic Family Fraternal of (K.J.Z.T.) She was a member for 75 years and served as treasurer for over 30 years. She volunteered her time as Den Mother helping her sons in the Boy Scouts of America and assisted her daughters in the Girl Scouts of America at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Her service continued through the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #2330 here in Pearland. She did very much enjoy volunteering, giving back, and staying connected with her community.
Evelyn also found great joy in dancing and fellowship. She was a charter member of the Polka Lover’s Klub of America, Texas Chapter I and held office for 21 years beginning in 1989. Additionally, she was a member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge 88 where Czech heritage is preserved.
Evelyn loved being a housewife when the children were at home. She was the best mom. After her last child entered grade school, Evelyn helped the family in another manner and began part time work at JCPenney at Palm Center. Once her children finished school and left home, she gathered her entrepreneurial skills and love of travel to become co-owner of the Travel Factory. She led that effort for 24 years and eventually sold it to American Express Travel staying in their accounting department until she retired. Then alongside her husband, Evelyn helped in their family business, Monarch Printing, contributing to its success with her strong work ethic and gracious presence. Her children and grandchildren hold dear the memories of working with her in the print shop. They enjoyed being able to work beside her, as she provided them with tasks and jobs which were always followed by a special lunch together with our beloved “Ma”.
Evelyn’s life was guided by a deep appreciation for family traditions. She poured love into holiday gatherings, shared her treasured favorite recipes, and invested her time in creating unforgettable moments with those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down and the values she instilled which were faith, family, togetherness, and love.
Her memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part. God has her in His keeping; we have her in our hearts. Her legacy is etched into all our family’s memories and traditions forever more. Thank you for filling our lives endlessly with love, patience, and joy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum.
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