Island resident Evelyn M. Start, age 91, died Jan. 21 at Messenger House Care Center.

She was born July 6, 1910, in Port Angeles to Albert J. and Stella L. Raber. She grew up in Seattle, spending summers with her paternal grandparents at their home on Little Manzanita Bay.

Upon graduating from Queen Anne High School, she studied interior design before joining the staff of a Seattle accounting firm.

She married George Start on July 18, 1931. The couple made their first home in Winslow, then moved to West Port Blakely, living all their married life on Bainbridge Island.

A stay-at-home homemaker for almost 40 years, she maintained an interest in reading, gardening and traveling throughout her life, especially enjoying cruises to various parts of the world.

She attended Eagle Harbor Congregational Church for many years. She was member of Chapter 231, Order of Eastern Star. With her husband, she enjoyed various Masonic activities and friendships throughout Kitsap County. In later years, she volunteered with Helpline House.

She was preceded in death by her husband, who died in 1974.

She is survived by brother Chester L. Raber of Whittier, Calif.; two sons, Jack (Jean) of Mill Creek, Wash., and Gene (Joyce) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. Memorial donations may be made to Helpline House.

Arrangements under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.