Merle & Evelyn Lashey YMCA Fund

Established in 2011, the Merle & Evelyn Lashey YMCA Fund is a designated fund benefitting the Marion Family YMCA. The fund was created by Merle following Evelyn’s passing in 2010.

Evelyn was a native Marionnite, born in 1924. She was raised and lived on her family farm, which she truly loved. She and Merle were married in 1946 and had three children, David, Beth, and Miriam. She graduated from Green Camp High School and held degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University and Bowling Green State University.

Evelyn taught home economics at Grand Prairie and Morral high schools, as well as fourth grade in the Elgin Local School District for many years. While on agricultural related assignments overseas with Merle, she was a substitute teacher for international schools in Nairobi, Kenya, and Alexandria, Egypt.

Evelyn was known throughout Marion County for her vocal talent in solo and choral music. She was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed growing irises and peonies. Her other hobbies included baking, golf, needle work and attending Ohio State University football games.