EVERETT SHEFFIELD
Everett Allen Sheffield (83) of Sommers, Montana and Quartzsite, Arizona, passed away on January 5, 2024. He was born in Scotland, South Dakota on February 9,1940 to James L. Sheffield and Irene Fink Sheffield. He earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education and began his High School teaching career in Del Rapids and Sioux Falls. He obtained a Master’s Degree and ultimately a Doctorate of Education (EdD) at Colorado State University in Greeley. Everett continued his teaching career, in Higher Education, at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) and Kearney State College (now UNK) in Nebraska. He was one of the first Associate Professors to teach computer use in Industrial Arts education at Kearney State College. Lastly, he accepted a position as Department Head at California State University, San Bernardino from which he retired after a 30+ year career in Education and relocated to Sommers, MT.
Everett was a great guy and very handy to have around. In Bozeman and Kearney, he built two houses from the ground up, he designed and drew the blueprints for the one in Kearney. In Sommers, he also designed and constructed a greatly admired showpiece home. Over several years, he spent time remodeling places he lived in, sold or rented. Not only did he construct and remodel buildings, he was able to install plumbing and electricity in each location that needed an upgrade. His woodworking skills were outstanding, even building furniture and cabinets for general use. He could fix any car, make and model; even installing an oil filtration system in a 1969 Toyota Land Cruiser (it did not come with one). Thankfully, he insisted his daughter’s learn basic auto mechanics so they would not be stranded or taken advantage of by anyone.
As a collector/historian of antique woodworking tools or any tools for that matter, Everett was a member of several professional tool EVERETT SHEFFIELD associations and faithfully attended meetings and conventions throughout the United States. He would proudly explain each tool to anyone that was willing to listen. If someone was stumped by a tool they had/saw, he would generally know exactly what it was, when it was created as well as the history and use behind it. Over the last few years, he spent winters in Quartzsite, AZ, returning to Sommers once the temperatures increased and much of the snow melted.
He is survived by his brother Kenneth D. Sheffield (Donna Jean). Also survived by his first wife of 28 years, Jone M. Haenfler Sheffield and their daughter’s Annette M. Sheffield Tutton (Mark) and Marijo L. Sheffield Root (Edward) along with his granddaughter Leah A.Tutton.
He is survived by his second wife of 35 years, Donna Hartley and her daughter’s Cynthia L. Hartley and Penny S. Zizza (Louis); grandchildren David J. Kavert (Stacy), Kyle L. Kavert, Andrea M. Kavert (partner Jason), and Even J Sevaly; great grandchildren Audrey J. Kavert, Riley J. C. Kavert and Mackenzie A. Kavert.
Everett will be greatly missed by his family, folks that knew him for years as well as those he only knew a short time. Meeting with friends for coffee or breakfast both in Sommers and Quartzsite was one of the highlights of his day. He made friends easily, was kind and saw the best in all he met. He listened to his friends and acquaintances offering no judgment, just caring.