Eva Florence Linch

Eva Florence Linch peacefully entered the arms of her Savior on June 19, 2025, after an extended illness. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of Somerset Assisted Living in Gladstone, Oregon, where she found safety, friendship, and comfort in her final months. Eva was born on August 27, 1944, in Sunnyside, Washington, the fourth of twelve children born to Fred Bender and Marjorie Florence Bender (Perrin). She graduated from Mabton High School in Mabton, Washington, in 1964, and soon after, began her lifelong calling of working in food service—a reflection of her heart for service and hospitality. She received formal training in Vancouver, Washington, which led to a position at a Christian conference center in Wisconsin. It was there she met the love of her life, Claud Albert Linch. Eva and Claud were married on April 4, 1970, in Mulino, Oregon, where Claud had spent his youth. Not long after their wedding, they relocated to San Diego, California, where they made their home for the next 50 years. Eva was a devoted and active member of her local church, where friendships became like extended family. She worked many years in food service, including positions at SeaWorld and later with the San Diego Unified School District, from which she retired. Even in retirement, Eva remained active in her church and loved being a homemaker. Eva also enjoyed sharing her love of Tupperware with friends and neighbors. Following Claud’s passing in 2021, declining health necessitated Eva’s move to Somerset Assisted Living (Gladstone, OR) in November 2023 with the help and support of her niece, Beverly. There, Eva quickly became known for her independent but gentle spirit, and her endearing sense of humor. She enjoyed attending Park Place Church (Oregon City, OR) in person every week alongside her dear friend, Doris. Somerset became a place where Eva made meaningful connections with the staff and residents who surrounded her daily with kindness and care. Eva is survived by her siblings: Barbara Joyce Williams (Don) of Goldendale, WA; Shirley Thelma Allan of Richland, WA; Harold Clyde Bender of Grandview, WA (Janice); Auton Joan Mottice Bergman (Robert) of Longview, WA; Sharon Kay Bierele (Vic) of Connell, WA; Phyllis Rose Peterson (Doug) of Leander, TX; and Charlotte Lynn Williams (Robert) of Bickleton, WA. Eva also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and a host of great-nieces and nephews, all of whom were touched by her warmth and kindness. She was preceded in death by her husband Claud Linch; as well as her beloved parents, Fred Bender and Marjorie Florence Bleyhl; as well as siblings Eugene, Alan, Wanda Rockwell, and infant sister Mary Katherine. Eva will be remembered for her sweet and loving nature, her independence, her unwavering faith, and her deep devotion to family even from a great distance. Eva was a prolific letter writer, and she often wrote long letters in her beautiful handwriting to friends and family alike. In her later years, she became known for her gentle humor—often responding to any circumstance with the same phrase of “I’m just being lazy.” Even after being discovered in her apartment having fallen and unable to move, even then she exclaimed “I’m just being lazy!” The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Somerset Assisted Living for their compassionate care and for creating a nurturing home for Eva during the final chapter of her life. Special appreciation is also extended to Tenderly Hospice of Tualatin, Oregon, whose attentive and nurturing care allowed Eva to pass peacefully and on to her eternal home. Eva’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Although this sadness of Eva’s passing is difficult, we know we will see her again.

Eva Florence Linch

August 27, 1944 - June 19, 2025