Evelyn R (Vass) Tinsley

On July 6, 2023, Evelyn Ruth Tinsley, beloved wife, mother, and friend passed away at the age of 90.

She was born on April 23, 1933 in Jackson, Michigan to the late Herman and Wilhelmina Benner, graduated from Jackson High School in 1951, and Michigan State College in 1954.

Evelyn married Douglas Vass in 1955 and lived in Ferndale, Michigan before moving to Port Huron in 1970. They had four children, David, Ann, James, and Cheryl. Evelyn was preceded in death by Douglas, her daughter, Ann, and grandchildren, EnanAne and Nathan.

Evelyn was proud to have worked for her father in his construction business, was a teacher, and spent many years at Jensen Townsend Printing Company.

Evelyn met Richard Tinsley at Jensen Townsend and they were married in 1987. They enjoyed travel, particularly house boating, road trips in Western states and many cruises.

Inspiring the family with her zest for life, in her 70’s Evelyn took up the flute again after playing in high school and played with the Port Huron New Horizons Band.

Friendship was central to Evelyn; she loved entertaining and hosted parties for friends and family filled with delicious food and laughter. She was known for exquisite needlework.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, serving as elder, deacon, and a charter member of the Memorial Hand Bell Choir.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Richard; three children, David (Heidi) Vass, Pacifica, CA., James (Marion Dow-Vass) Vass, Racine, WI., Cheryl (Gregory) Fuhrman, Green Lane, PA.; five stepchildren, John Tinsley, David (Debbie) Tinsley, Kimberly (James) Burdick, Michelle Tinsley, and Richard (Amy) Tinsley; and thirteen grandchildren, Elijah and Anneliese; Joshua (Beverly) and Jackson; Rick, Ashley, and Jason; Anna and Jack; Kirsten (Taylor) and Evan; and Brendan (Summer) and Connor.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2023 in First Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Roxie Davis will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com