Born: Monday Nov-07-1932
Died: Thursday Mar-08-2018
Funeral: Wednesday Mar-14-2018

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

On November 7, 1932, in Grant Ward, Idaho, a brown-eyed black haired girl completed the family of James Lee and Mary Salverson Burrup. Gena Lee joined Gladys, Nona, Fern, Ray, Holt, Ross, Gayle and Max on a modest farm in the Downey area of southeastern Idaho. The deaths of brother, Reed, and sister, June, preceded her birth. It was in this pastoral environment that she acquired the character that made her a part of The Greatest Generation.

Sometime in 1948, a “real cute” guy named Merrill Evans called the bashful teenager for a date. She initially refused, but Gayle convinced her to reconsider. Thus began a courtship that would flourish into an eternal companionship. Merrill was so crazy about Gena Lee that he often walked many miles across the valley in subzero weather to see her. Upon their graduation from Downey High School, he bypassed a promising football career to follow her to Salt Lake City. Their love was sealed forever in the Salt Lake City Temple on October 12, 1951. Their earthly marriage lasted sixty-four years.

In 1956, C. Merrill and Gena settled in Ashton, Idaho, where they raised their five children. Gena worked at the Idaho Bank of Commerce in Ashton which was the beginning of her thirty-five year career. In 1979, they relocated to Blackfoot, Idaho.

Gena Lee served the Lord and her fellowman with quiet devotion and love unfeigned. She maintained a genuine testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2000, she and Merrill served a mission to Liberty Jail in the Independence, Missouri, Mission. She overcame shyness as she testified to the public of the revelations in that sacred structure.

Gena Lee died on March 8, 2018 in Oakley, Idaho. After suffering in loneliness for two years, she happily joined her beloved husband, parents, and all ten of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Douglas M. (Vicki), Kurt B., Diane (Gary) Spackman, Michael L. (Nancy), and Karen Lee Critchfield. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Shaun Critchfield. Part of her legacy is her posterity, including twenty grandchildren and TBD great grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Downey, Idaho, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel. A viewing will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the same location.

Condolences for Gina Lee Evans

From: Lois Kern Haraguchi
My heart reflects and remembers the shared times and moments we shared with love as sisters-in-law married to brothers. Gena's quiet steady faith and strength was felt and enjoyed by all of us who loved her. I pray for all her children and other family and friends who grieve at their loss. May they feel supported that she is happy in her reunion in heaven.

From: Lynda Bales
I send my love, condolences, and prayers for the family to receive peace and comfort during your time of loss. I was so fortunate to spend a few years in the same ward with your parents and my love for them increased immensely as they blessed my life with their great example of dedication, love for our heavenly father, and love for each other. I loved Gayle with all my heart and so it was an extra blessing to have Gena Lee a part of my life, as well. My memories are of a shy yet strong example of a devoted mother, wife, and servant of our heavenly father. I shall always remember your father's great humor and your mom's shy smile as she sometimes seemed surprised at his banter, but their deep affection for one another was always evident. I pray for angel wings to wrap you all within their arms and carry you through the difficult days ahead with loving recall of precious memories shared together and that will remain in your hearts forever.

From: Val and Julie Stokes
I am so thankful to have known and loved My sweet aunt all of my life. She was so fun to visit and i will treasure our visits always! I know how she adored and miss uncle Merrill. They were always such a loving Couple to each other! So happy for the reunion that they are having. Love you all!! The Stokeses

From: Helen Howell Cruse
So sorry for your loss, Diane! I remember your mother being a very kind and gentle person!

From: Tina Jo Evans
Dear Aunt Gena Lee, you are a sweet lil angel God wanted you to return to uncle Merrill as they both missed you & God has had a better journey for you to take a ride on! Your heart will always be in my cousins, your kids & the wings of angels will wrap them all up with love each & every day! Rip my dear aunt, you are in loving arms! Have fun on the other side! Party in paradise I'll look for that shining star! Much love, your niece Tina Jo xoxo. <3 love to U all up there!

From: Colleen Carson
Karen and family. I'm so sorry for your loss, but knowing Merrill, they are enjoying at their reunion. May you have peace in knowing they are together again.