Maria Wattier Evans

Maria Wattier Evans, 56 of Webster passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at University of Minnesota, Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Celebration Service will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday, January 14, 2011 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Webster. Inurnment will be at St. Ottos Catholic Cemetery. Vistitation will be Thursday 6-8 P.M. at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster with a 7 P.M. Rosary and Scriptural Prayer Service. Fiksdalfuneral.com. Maria Lynette Wattier Evans lived an extraordinary life. Born to David and LaVina (Goetz) Wattier on Monday, February 22, 1954 in Watertown, SD, Maria began her lifelong journey of incredible perseverance, dignity, love and laughter. She grew up on a farm outside of Webster, SD with her dedicated parents, an older brother and sister, a younger sister and a abundance of animals. She attended St. Otto's Catholic School which sparked her passion for knowledge. Maria's frequent perfect attendance achievements were balanced by the simple enjoyment of tire swings, making mud pies, trapping gophers and helping her dad around the farm. She earned the nickname Tuffy from her tomboy ways, but changed her tune in her teenage years while attending Webster High School. Crowned Snow Queen in 1971 and selected to be a Girls State representative, Maria went on to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings to pursue a teaching degree and give to others her love of learning. In college she met a man who shared her enjoyment for travel and experiencing new things and later he became her husband. Rod and Maria Evans were married on December 28, 1973 at Christ the King Church in Webster. Maria transferred to Northern State University in Aberdeen where she earned her degree in Elementary and Special Education. They moved to Mellette, SD where Maria taught 4th Grade and together they renovated a 1910 Victorian dream-home. Shortly thereafter, a series of physical ailments prompted further medical attention and testing. In 1977, Maria was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The unexpected timeline sparked an urgency for worldly travels as well as the yearning for a child. Maria defied the odds and welcomed the birth of their son, Barrett, in January 1980. Unable to work due to her physical condition, Maria focused her efforts in the home and soon the family moved to a farm house near Conde, SD. In addition to raising her son, she kept busy with numerous craft projects, assisting with school functions, writing, and enjoying time spent with friends and family. Having traveled to many parts of North America and Europe, Maria never turned down the opportunity for adventure and landed back to her home town of Webster in 2001. Maria conquered the odds and lived to see the marriage of her son as well as the birth of a granddaughter. Her battle with this debilitating disease didn't prevent her from living life to the fullest. Filled with optimism, faith and kindness, Maria is best known for her warm heart and generous nature which will sadly be missed by those who knew her. Maria passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at the Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN at the age of 56. She is survived by her parents, David and LaVina (Goetz) Wattier of Webster, SD, a brother, Michael Wattier of Yorba Linda, CA, two sisters, Jane (Wattier) Heinz of Dakota Dunes, SD and Kathy (Wattier) Sauer of Webster, SD, a son Barrett Evans and a granddaughter Cecily Evans of Minneapolis, MN. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Adolph and Mary (Thomas) Wattier and Fred and Marie (Delker) Goetz.