Evaleane May (Pannkuk) Schneider

Evaleane May Pannkuk Schneider of Raleigh, 88, affectionately known as “Grandma Ev” to her grandchildren and “GiGi” to her great-grands, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 26, 2020, as she left this Earth to be with her Lord and Savior.

Evaleane was born on November 25, 1932 in Waverly, Iowa, to the late Mabel May Kingsley Pannkuk and Everett Bernard Pannkuk, Sr. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, William Gene Schneider, and her sister, LaDonna DeYoung. Evaleane graduated from Monticello College in St. Louis and soon thereafter became Bill’s devoted wife.  She was born to be a mother, giving birth to their four children, raising them with compassion and her affectionate support. 

Many will remember Evaleane for her love of music and the time she treasured singing in the Bay Leaf Baptist Church choir for decades, joyfully sharing her beautiful voice. Evaleane’s home, always filled with the sound of music, was a gathering spot for extended family to spend hours singing together around the piano and the bonfire.  After her children were grown and married, Evaleane dedicated much of her time to rocking babies at the nursery at WakeMed Hospital and volunteering at the Governor’s Office. She was also active in her church, visiting homebound members and delivering meals. Never having met an animal who didn’t love her, Evaleane cared for many pets throughout her life, including her sweet Lily, who was her final constant companion.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Devan Vaughn (Ray), Bill Schneider (Jan), Brian Schneider (Melanie) and DeAnne Grice (Larry); her ten grandchildren, Lindsay Kahrs (Matt), Lauren Lewis (Phillip), Kent Schneider (Guenn), Amy McGillicuddy (Kam), Jenna Chalk (Evan), Gene Schneider, Randall Schneider (Nicole), Jill Hooks (Josh), Neil Grice, and Kevan Grice (Audra); and her fifteen great-grandchildren (including one on the way). She is also survived by her brother, E.B. Pannkuk, Jr. (Marlene), and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members she loved dearly. 

The family is forever grateful for the loving support of the caregivers at Brighton Gardens who diligently and lovingly cared for Evaleane up through the final days of her life, which brings great comfort to her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Evaleane’s name to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Dept., 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, transitionslifecare.org/donate, or Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614, bayleaf.org/give, or SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603, spcawake.org/donate.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 9, at Bayleaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh; (919) 847-4477.  

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