Sharon Kay Evans

Sharon Kay Evans, 64, Certified Professional Midwife, formerly of Palmer, was born Oct. 23, 1949, to Wanda Froedge of Peoria, Illinois, and died June 3, 2014, from cardiac-pulmonary arrest.

David and Sharon Evans were married in Estacada, Oregon, on Aug. 7, 1970. Together they raised seven children and have 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, many of whom were born into her hands. Sharon had two children, Anna and Jason, from a previous marriage to Robert Gross.

Sharon moved with her family from Estacada, Oregon, to Alaska in 1983. They lived in various parts of the state before settling in Palmer. In January 2013 David and Sharon moved to the Big Island of Hawaii to enjoy their golden years together in paradise.

Sharon was the administrative director of Via Vita Midwifery Foundation, with more than 30 years of experience in midwifery and the natural healing arts, and over a decade focused on training midwives. She served on the board of directors of the North American Registry of Midwives from 1999 to 2004. She was first hired to manage the applications department for the registry in 1997 and was later appointed its director of applications in 1999. She served on the state of Alaska Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives from 2001-05, was chair of the its Qualified Evaluator Committee from 1995 to 1997, and served as president of Midwives Association of Alaska, 1992-1993. She was owner of the Valley Natural Health Center School of Massage Therapy in Alaska from 1985-1988, as well as owner of the Peninsula Nutrition Center in Kenai, from 1991 to 1994.

She completed the Center for American Birth Centers’ accreditation process for the Mat-Su Midwifery Birth Center in Wasilla and recently retired from her position there as Quality Assurance Analyst in administration. Sharon was co-owner of Morningstar Publishing Company and the co-author of Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery (2004), Starting an IV and Other Invasive Skills for the Birth Setting (2007), and the training DVD Basic Training for IV Therapy and Hypovolemic Shock Treatment (2007).

Sharon’s passion was the preservation of the apprenticeship model of midwifery education. As a preceptor, she instilled in her students a deep belief and trust in the birth process, as well as respect and love for the women and families served, honoring them, recognizing that they are truly the midwifery “teachers.”

She is survived by her husband, David Evans of Keaau, Hawaii; mother, Wanda Freese of Creswell, Oregon; brother, Charles “Chuck” (Joyce) Ray of Pahoa, Hawaii; brother, John Ray of Freemont, California; sister, Joyce (Rorick) James of Orville, California; sister, Tammy DeMello of Freemont, California; daughter and son-in law, Anna and Brian Lavender of Palmer; son, Jason Evans of Anchorage; daughter and son-in-law, Natalie and Nathanial Forbis of Palmer; son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Tammie Evans of Wasilla; and son, Eli Evans of Keaau, Hawaii; 22 grandchildren, Gabino, Michiah and Vanessa Solorio; Kristopher, Hannah and McKendri Vecera; Abbigail and Annalise Brosdahl; Skyler Broeckel and Avilon Mantz; Morgan, Michaela and Mason Olson; Malaya Wallace; Kindran, Zachary and Ethan Forbis; Christopher Pearcy; David and Angela Evans; Coral Jones and Jasmine Evans; great-grandchildren Kemper Vecera and Liam Olson; and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family and friends throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.

Preceding her in death was her father, David Buckley of Peoria, Illinois; brother, Wesley Samples of Kent, Washington; daughters, Melanie Evans of Wasilla and Sherry Brosdahl of Belleville, Illinois.

The family held a private celebration of life and Sharon was cremated per her wishes. Condolences may be sent to Evans Family, PO Box 166, Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778.

The Evans did not have medical or life insurance so a fund was set up to assist with the medical and final expenses. Contributions can be made at gofundme.com/EvansFamilyFund.

The family is planning a local celebration of life Aug. 30 at a location to be determined. If you would like to attend, email celebrationforsharonevans@gmail.com.