Evelyn Lillian Coates, age 102, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020.
She was born October 4, 1917 and raised in Trenton, NJ and moved to Ewing, in 1952. 
Evelyn retired from the National State Bank in 1979 after a 27 year career as officer in charge of the Personal Loan Department.
She loved to do crossword puzzles, word books and loved all animals. She loved being with her family and friends.
Daughter of the late Otto and Grace Hardifer, sister of the late Daniel Hardifer, Ruth Catherine Sherbaum, Dorothy Miller and Emily Schafle, she is survived by nieces and nephews.
Services are private with burial at Colonial Memorial Park.
Dearest Aunt Evelyn,
I cherish how we used to call each other “Sweetie.” So now I say: “I love you, Sweetie.” Even though my heart is broken and I am devastated at your passing—my tears are not just in sadness, but in great joy as I think of all the years we spent together talking, watching television, going to dinner or just sitting at your kitchen table talking about life, family, politics, and sometimes exchanging jokes we heard which made us laugh. I will miss not being able to call you at all hours, to hear your voice saying: “I can’t be there in person, but I can help you by listening and letting you tell me what is troubling you.”
You were like a mother to me, Aunt Evelyn, always seeing me as the son you never had. I will miss the times I took you grocery shopping and how you always made it fun! I will miss the many years I would come to your house and you would be standing at the door because you knew instinctively that I would be pulling up in the driveway at that precise moment! Your home and your heart were my safe haven: we both knew the moment I stepped inside that my visit would never be just for a few hours…it would be till midnight and beyond as we talked over dinner and dessert, then onto sitting on your comfy couch to watch the latest television show.
I will miss bringing you word books and crossword puzzles. Your mind was so sharp, sharper than mine many times! I will miss you hugging and kissing me when our visits came to an end. I’ll miss how you would hold my arm, making me promise to call you to tell you I got home safely. You always knew the lastest news even before I opened my mouth to give you the scoop! I close my eyes and remember how your house was the meeting place for the whole family to gather. It was the one place as I was growing up where I felt at home and safe.
So, Sweetie, I won’t say goodbye…because you will live in me forever and we will see each other again. You are at peace and have joined your loved ones. Hug them all for me as you take your place in heaven. Tell my grandmother I love her! Thank you, Aunt Evelyn, for everything…I am only here because you were always there for me.
Descansa en paz,
“Rocky Junior”
Even though I never met Aunt Evelyn I felt I knew her from the many times Raymond would speak so fondly of her. He would tell me how feisty she was and how much they enjoyed all the visits. It always amazed me how much energy she had for a woman her age. So my heart aches for Raymond because I know he will miss her greatly and I will miss her through him. Rest In Peace Aunt Evelyn. You left a wonderful legacy behind and some amazing memories for all who knew and loved you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. God bless Mrs Evelyn Coates and we extend our deepest condolences to her family. From Sidney miles jr and Judith and Genevieve miles.
Ray, siento mucho la partida de tu Tía Evelyn pero ella ya está gozando con el Señor. Siento que la conocí pues tú hablabas mucho de ella y tu amor por ella siempre lo sentí. Que esos recuerdos tan gratos te consuelen y te den fortaleza ahora y en adelante! Que en paz descanse y brille para ella la luz perpetua, Amén.
I’m sorry for your loss Ray but you have many wonderful memories to sustain you through this difficult time. Your Aunt Evelyn lived a good long life and you honor her with your goodness.