Evelyn Tutu’tuaq Pete Elliott

Nov. 6, 1940 – Jan. 3, 2021

Evelyn Tutu’tuaq Pete Elliott was born November 6, 1940 to William and Cecilia Pete, in Bethel. A fluent Yup’ik speaker, she attended elementary at Holy Cross Mission, where she helped nuns and priests communicate with elders. This experience led to a deep and everlasting faith.

As a teen, Evelyn sang in her brother Billy’s band at Bethel’s Tundra Shack. In 1958, she caught the attention of Donald “Sompy” Elliott. Wed in Bethel, they honeymooned in Sompy’s hometown of Florence, Arizona, where she discovered she had married a local army hero and rodeo champion. She often joked, “I didn’t know I married a cowboy!”

So began the couple’s journey, and through ups and downs forged their life bond. A dedicated mother, she impressed strong Catholic values and a hard work ethic in her children. Evelyn possessed a generous and giving spirit stemming from her devotion and a lifetime of encounters with miracles. She would bless those she met and give away religious medals. When she said she would pray for you, she meant it with every bead and sign of the cross.

She would often say her family was part of the entertainment committee wherever they traveled. In her later years, she especially loved being “Gambo” to the grandkids she spoiled with unconditional love and endless sweet treats.

She was preceded in death by her late parents William and Cecilia Vaska Pete, brother’s George, Fred, Joe, Billy Pete, sisters Mary Romer, Bing Santamour, Carol Pete, and her beloved son, Scott Vernon Elliott, who she will be buried beside in Bethel.

Evelyn is survived by her cowboy sweetheart of 61 years, Donald E. Elliott, her children Glenn Elliott (Kyla Kelly), Sundi Hondl (Kerry), Becky Maloy (Mike), Jill Hoffman (Mike or “cupcake”) and Donna Bach (Chris), grandchildren; Jamie Herring, Robyn Rodriguez, Marshall Maloy, Jenna and Kenny Hondl, Elliott and Taylor Hoffman, Carlie Romer, Abigail Elliott, Zahn and Santi Bach, Geniene Kelly, and Leviticus Elliott. Great grandchildren; Dottie and Lucy Herring, Max Rodriguez, Mason and Jensen Maloy.

She is survived by her sisters Margaret Chaney and Linda Joule (Reggie) and Annie Pete and brothers Jimmy (Paulie) and Gary Pete (Carrie).

We are saddened by the loss of our beloved wife, mother, and friend. We appreciate your continued prayers as she joins her family and friends in heaven. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to #BethelGives, part of the Bethel Community Services Foundation.