EVELYN ROSS
October 1, 1922 - June 27, 2022
Evelyn Rita Maraist was born in Saint Martinville, Louisiana, on October 1, 1922, to Brigadier General Robert Maraist and Evelyn M. Maraist. The older of two children, Evelyn, her parents, and her sister, the late Jean Hartley, lived in many places in the United States, assigned to various posts by virtue of her father’s position in the U.S Army.
At Ft. Snelling in Minnesota, Evelyn became an accomplished equestrian, and enjoyed many activities with her family. She also received an excellent education. Evelyn studied at Hollins College in Virginia, even writing a fashion column for the campus newspaper, but Evelyn was especially fond of her time in New Orleans. With aspirations of entering the medical field, she became one of the first generation of medical technologists, finishing her training and degree at Loyola University in New Orleans.
On a Labor Day weekend trip with friends, Evelyn Maraist met Jim Ross at a dude ranch in Bandera, Texas. Several months later, still intrigued by their weekend conversation, Jim contacted the ranch where they had met, inquiring after Miss Maraist’s address. The ranch obliged, and Evelyn was pleasantly surprised to receive a Christmas card from the handsome young man she had encountered months earlier. Many letters and some enjoyable dates later, Evelyn and Jim married and took up residence in Houston.
Evelyn enjoyed 68 years of marriage with Jim, and together, they cultivated many interests: reading, traveling, swimming, and sailing. Using his considerable skills, Jim designed a unique and beautiful home for their family and it was here they raised their sons, Knox and Gary. Jim and Evelyn also had a daughter, Sharon, whom they lost to leukemia when she was only 5 years old.
As their family widened to include daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Evelyn, always a gracious hostess, shared with them many of her favorites: sailboats, brunch, chocolate, books, and coffee. Her letters, written in her distinctive and elegant script described her travels with Jim, and included family news, as well as commentary on current reads and events.
After Jim’s death in 2018, Evelyn’s strength and resolve amazed her family, even as she deeply mourned her great love. Though her health gradually faded, her intelligence, humor, and concern for others remained striking. When she passed away on June 27, 2022, she left at peace, with a loving family grateful for her long life and legacy.
Evelyn will be greatly missed by her son Knox, and his wife, Kay and their children, Anna, Timothy and his wife, Sarah, and Megan; her son Gary, and his wife, Karen, and their children, Campbell Knox and his fiancée, Ally, and Griffin James. Evelyn will also be missed by Tim’s and Sarah’s children, Henry and David. A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held on July 14, 2022, from 4pm to 6pm, at The Forest Club in Houston, 9950 Memorial Drive.
The family is grateful to Jan, Bruce, and the caregivers of Belmont Village, and to Lacy of Crossroads Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they provided Evelyn.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Evelyn’s memory, and in remembrance of Jim and Evelyn’s daughter, Sharon, to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.