About Evelyn Marie Row
Evelyn Marie Row passed away peacefully at age 93 of natural causes at Emerald Groves Assisted Living where she had spent the last seven years of her life. She taught in Mesa Public Schools at multiple elementary sties for 39 years, retiring in 1989.
Evelyn was born in 1925 in Globe, Arizona to Arthur ‘Tubby’ Upton and Violet Upton. She was predeceased by her two sisters Violet Lou Patterson and Pauline Shelby.
Her first husband, Dick Griffin, was killed in a plane crash in Nickerson, Kansas in 1949, leaving Evelyn with her 18-month old first child, a son, Richard A. Griffin.
An avid ASU fan, Evelyn graduated from the university, with honors, in 1951 with a degree in education. She always loved learning and instilled that love to her many students, as well as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In Evelyn’s younger years, her and her husband, Don Row, were active in the First Baptist Church of Mesa. She taught Bible School for many years; also participated in women’s seminars, and other church activities. Evelyn also was a stepmother to Don’s son, Bob Row, and mother to Steven Row, Sr. who passed away in 2004.
She is survived by her son, Richard A. Griffin (Denise), step son, Bob Row (Jane) and grandson, Steven Row, Jr. (Amanda). Evelyn will also be missed by her 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Bunker Family Garden Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Evelyn’s name to the Mesa Schools Foundation.
Address 63 E. Main Street/Mesa AZ/85201.