Evelyn "Depew" Billy Baggs

Evelyn Billy Depew Baggs, 92, of Crown Court, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away, Sunday, February 20, 2011 at the family home. Memorial services are scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 2011, 5:00 PM, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home, 1001 N. Canal St., Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Evelyn Billy Depew Baggs was born December 24, 1918 in Yakima, Washington to William B. and Fern (Ferrell) Depew. She grew up in California, graduated from San Jose State College with BS degree. Evelyn attended UCLA Graduate School where she met her husband Chester Raymond Baggs. They married in August 30, 1940 had two sons in California, Raymond and Jerry. Chester worked for the Department of the Interior, he was transferred to Washington DC in 1950. The family lived on a farm in Centerville, VA where she enjoyed raising goats and selling butter and eggs to the neighbors. When the boys left for college, she continued her education obtaining a Doctor of Education. Evelyn taught at an elementary school in Fairfax, VA, for 15 years and was director of education at the National Children's Rehabilitation Center for epileptic and emotionally disturbed children in Leesburg, VA for 11 years. Chester retired in 1973, for the next 15 years Chester and Evelyn traveled extensively spending 10 summers in Alaska. They came to Carlsbad in November 1980 where she enjoyed a full life quilting and painting. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 30, 1991 at Riverside Country Club. Chester died in 2001 and she maintained the family home. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Chester Raymond Baggs. Survivors include her two sons Dr. Raymond B. Baggs and wife, Judith of Aloha, OR and Dr. Jerry Baggs and wife, Tiffany of Carlsbad, NM; nine grandchildren Aaron and Lisa Baggs of Pinole, CA, Joshua and Janet Baggs of Seattle, WA, , Kassandra Baggs of Rochester, NY, Natalie and Joe Miller of Takoma Park, MD, Kelly and David Allebach of Wynnewood, PA, Benjamin Baggs of San Antonio, TX, Austin Evanovich of Carlsbad, NM, Cameron Evanovich of Carlsbad, NM and Liam Baggs of Carlsbad, NM; and seven great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Carlsbad Foundation, Teachers Training Fund in memory of Evelyn Billy Baggs, 116 S. Canyon St., Carlsbad, NM 88220 Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.