Evelyn Elizabeth

Wages

Evelyn Elizabeth (Michael) Wages, 78, was born on January 30, 1948 in Mariemont, Ohio, to Howard and Marjorie (Cloak) Michael. She grew up in Blanchester as the oldest of three children, alongside her sister, Dorothy Henry (Bruce), and brother, Donald Michael (Sharon).

Growing up on a farm, Evelyn helped with the seasonal farm work and developed a love of sewing through her involvement in 4-H. She attended Second Creek United Methodist Church, where she was active in the youth group. During high school, she participated in a work-study program, working in the principal's office. After graduation, she held a variety of positions, including jobs at a dentist's office, a police station, Fulflo, and Vulcan.

It was at a youth gathering that Evelyn met Eugene Wages. After dating for a year, the two married in 1969. They briefly lived in Clarksville before making their home in Blanchester, where they raised their four children and lived for more than 57 years together.

Evelyn was the proud and loving mother of four children: Michael Wages (Melanie), Melissa Wages (Bethany), Stephen Wages (Stephanie), and Phillip Wages. She was also the much-loved grandmother of seven grandchildren: Elisabeth, Benjamin, Meghan, Jonah, Gideon, Adam, and Ezekiel Wages.

Family was at the heart of Evelyn's life. She was always there, never missing a band or choir concert, sporting event, school play, birthday, or scouting event. She proudly supported her children and grandchildren through their many activities and accomplishments.

As a grandmother, Evelyn loved playing, joking, cuddling, reading books, and listening to her grandchildren. She had a knack for remembering everyone's favorite candy and taking an interest in the things that mattered to them. She loved bringing everyone together for family holidays and making memories that her family will treasure for years to come. She had a wonderful way of making those around her feel loved through a silly gift or greeting card, a shared laugh, or one of her unforgettable hugs.

Evelyn's creativity extended beyond her family. For a time, she operated a home-based cake decorating business, creating birthday, anniversary, and wedding cakes for families throughout the area. Some of her most memorable creations, however, were the specialty birthday cakes she made for her own children. From Godzilla to Penguin Ice Capades, she made each birthday special with a cake as unique as the child celebrating it.

Evelyn was an active member of her local Homemakers group for many years, serving as an officer, and also served as secretary of the Board of Trustees at Second Creek United Methodist Church. Among her many roles over the years, she also worked for a time as a postal contractor, transporting mail to and from the airport.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures: tending to her collection of daylilies and herb garden, watching British television, sewing, soaking up the sunshine, and spending time with her beloved cat, Scarlet. Music was another lifelong passion. She enjoyed the songs she grew up with just as much as discovering new artists and keeping up with the latest music. Evelyn preferred a home filled with sound, whether it was music playing or the television in the background. But more than anything, she loved sitting and visiting with the people she loved, talking about everything and nothing at all.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that was both stubborn and surprising. Although she wasn’t one to strike up a conversation with a stranger, she could hold her own with just about anyone once engaged. Her curiosity about the world never faded. Though she devoted herself to her home and family, she never stopped reading, following the ongoings of the world, or looking for something new to experience. For her an adventure was always worth considering, even if it was unexpected.

Evelyn will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. Her warmth, laughter, and hugs were gifts she shared generously, and they will be forever cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Marjorie Michael.

The funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Monday, November 16, 2026, at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 120 W Main St., Blanchester, Ohio, where friends will be received from 11 AM until the time of service.

Interment will take place at Clinton County Memory Gardens, Wilmington, Ohio.