Evelyn Arlene Kessinger
Evelyn Arlene Kessinger, formerly of Bickleton, died Jan. 30, 2010 at County Oaks Care Facility in Santa Maria, Calif., at the age of 94.
Evelyn was a long-time resident of Bickleton until retiring to Quartzsite, Ariz., with her husband, Richard. Upon his death, she moved to Santa Maria, Calif., where she lived the last four years. Born in Eslmore, Kan., in 1916, Evelyn, her sister Pauline, and her parents, Bert and Pearl Long, moved to the Grand Junction area of Colorado, where she met her husband Richard. The two were married in 1935 and were married almost 70 years.
During World War II, Evelyn, Dick and their son, Richard, moved to Milwaukee, Ore. Their son, James, was born in Oregon City. The Kessingers moved to Bickleton in 1944. Dick purchased the Bickleton Garage, and Evelyn became potmaster in 1949 and held the position until her retirement in 1972.
Dick and Evelyn spent many weekends boating and waterskiing with relatives and friends on the Columbia River. Their involvement in auto racing took them to Mexico on two occasions. After retiring, the couple became snowbirds and spent winters in Quartzsite, finally settling there permanently. They were always ready to lead a caravan in to the desert to explore or to enjoy its quiet beauty. She enjoyed dancing, visiting with friends, playing harmonica duets with Dick, and feeding birds and rabbits in the desert.
She is survived by her sons, Richard and James; James’ wife, Gina Bernero; granddaughter Lisa; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Norma Jean Rogers (Clyde); brother, Bert Long (Jean); and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Lannie Rae. No funeral services were held. Evelyn will be greatly missed.
