Sondra Methmann-Evans

Sondra Methmann-Evans aka Mrs. (Sandy) Ryals, Sept 26^th, 1929-Oct. 8^th, 2010

Sondra Methmann-Evans passed away 2 weeks after her 81st birthday party. She died a natural death at home from complications of late stages Parkinsonism. She was with her husband, Dick Evans, her daughter Bethany, and friend and caregiver, Vicki Panzeri. We send deep gratitude for the wonderful gentle care and kindness from the staff at the Chateau of Bothell Landing. Thank you also to the Evergreen Hospice nurses and staff.

Born in Hollywood, CA Sondra lived in many parts of the Western United States and gave birth to 2 of her children in Japan while working with World Vision there.

Sondra graduated from UC Berkeley in 1951 and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. She was an inspired 2nd grade teacher for 26 years, known as Mrs. Ryals at Lake Heights Elementary School in the Bellevue School District.

After retirement she logged thousands of hours as a volunteer for the Woodland Park Zoo as a docent for elementary school field trips, a gorilla observer and gardener. She was an avid hiker and backpacker, snow skier, gardener, photographer, birder, and world traveler. She devoured books and had a rich life of the mind.

Sondra was a fun loving and energetic person who made a daily practice of finding happiness in life’s blessings and challenges. Everyday through her last breath she was a profound example of deep, quiet love and finding joy in the moment.

She said that she used to think the best thing she did in life was raising her four children until she met Dick Evans. Dick was her knight in shining armor who never left her side. They shared over 30 years together and were known for their kindness, elegant grace and humor. Chivalry is alive and well in Dick and we love him warmly as our gracious Father Figure and friend.

Sondra is survived by her husband, Dick Evans, 4 children, Sam Ryals, Sharon Ryals Tamm, Steve Ryals, and Bethany Ryals, their father, Byron Ryals, 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, her sister in law, Marthe Methmann and family, as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren and generations of nieces and nephews by marriage. Her extended family knew her well for her all inclusive kindness and unwavering generosity.

Sondra loved life and the beauty of this world. She will be greatly missed and remembered with everlasting love.

In about 2 months there will be a memorial bench placed near the Gorillas at the Woodland park Zoo with her name and a few words about her life. Please, sit there and enjoy.  In addition,  next summer, when the wild flowers are in bloom there will be a family hike into the Cascade Mountains to spread her ashes, giving her to the land she loved.

A public memorial has been arranged at the Chateau at Bothell landing in the “Bistro” Building C.

Date: Monday, November 1^st at 6 PM

Please send condolences to:
Dick Evans
Chateau at Bothell Landing
17543 102nd Ave NE Apt # B213
Bothell, WA 98011