Joan Margaret (Zeits) Evans

Joan Margaret Evans, age 85, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, passed away on July 18, 2020 in her daughter’s home in Harbor Springs surrounded by loved ones.  Joan was born on August 4, 1934 on her grandparent’s farm in Kewadin, Michigan. She was the daughter of Edward and Nellie (Jones) Zeits of Traverse City. She grew up in Traverse City and graduated from Traverse City Central in 1952. After graduating from high school, she moved to Flint and worked as switch board operator for Michigan Bell. On August 3, 1956, Joan Zeits married Hubert (Jim) Glen Evans in Flint, Michigan. During their marriage, they spent most of their life together as entrepreneurs. They owned and operated the U&I Bar in Iron Mountain, the Motor Haven Motel and a Dairy Freeze in Kalkaska, and R&H Maintenance in Alanson. Joan also worked both as a caretaker for the elderly and an advocate at the Women’s Resource Center in Petoskey. After retiring, she spent her winters in Clearwater, Florida. Joan loved traveling, cooking, camping, hunting for mushrooms and a good game of cards. It was also never surprising to find her nose in a novel, crocheting rugs or watching the Tiger’s game.

Joan is survived by her children Robert (Jane) Evans of Alanson, Yvonne (Randy) Alpers of Traverse City, Richard Evans of Petoskey, Victoria Anderson of Harbor Springs and Connie (Daniel) Warner of Harbor Springs; siblings Roger (Sally) Zeits of Interlochen and Jerry Zeits of Traverse City. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cory (Jessica) Evans of Harbor Springs, Erikka Anderson of New York City, Heather and Michael Evans of Petoskey, Kelsey and Courtney Alpers of Traverse City and Kaleb and Wyatt Warner of Harbor Springs, as well as five great-grandchildren.

Joan was well known for her quick wit, sense of humor and love of all children and dogs. She was lovingly referred to as “Grandma Jo” not only by her own grandchildren, but by the children of neighbors and extended family who often came to visit her and her toy poodle, Sammy. A visit with “Grandma Jo” usually came with M&Ms, a Lifesaver or maybe even some chocolate-peanut butter fudge she made that day.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for a donation to the Women’s Resource Center of Petoskey.

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