The world has lost a beautiful soul. Evelyn Christensen, 89, died Jan. 4, 2021, at home with family by her side in Westport, Washington.

She was born Feb. 17, 1931, in Wolf Creek, Oregon at the family home to Homer and Mina Radford. Her father was a Forest Service worker. Her mother a homemaker. She was raised with five siblings: Wilbur, June, Gordon, Keith and Kenny.

Evelyn graduated from Canyonville Bible Academy in 1950. Evelyn was born as Gladys but after much ribbing being called “Happy Bottom” she took the name Evelyn.

Evelyn worked at Mexia and Loson Winn’s Pie Shop in Canyonville where she met and served a handsome man named Leonard Christensen a piece of pie. He quickly became the love of her life, and she and Leonard went to Reno and eloped in December of 1952!

She was a homemaker following her husband while he was a railroad brakeman and later a construction laborer for the construction of Interstate 5.

The family of six (before the youngest Misti arrived) took legendary road trips through all of the lower 48, Mexico and Canada. The adventures were even more exciting as Leonard gave little notice, and they all piled into the car and could be gone up to 6 weeks alternating camping outdoors and motels.

They eventually settled in Westport, Washington. Evelyn loved her home nestled in the small coastal fishing town, where she welcomed so many visitors, family and friends alike.

Evelyn was involved with her community and was woman full of faith and served God with kindness and a gentle spirit of giving to all she knew.

Her interests included embroidery, travelling and spending time in nature. She was an amazing homemaker who baked her own bread, fabulous cinnamon rolls and canned everything from the family’s enormous gardens. On the farms they raised cows, pigs and chickens. She always enjoyed puzzles but more recently she became a Puzzle Wizard and the kitchen table was usually covered with one as she put them together with family and friends.

She especially loved the ocean and enjoyed numerous walks, often with Misti, to collect agates which were stored in bowls around the house and offered to anyone who showed interest in them.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Leonard who died in 1988, her grandson David who died in 2003, and by her siblings: Wilber, Gordon, Keith and June.

After Leonard’s passing Evelyn was left with one child at home, her cherished daughter Misti, who was only 12. The two became the dynamic duo and closer than most negotiating the world together. Evelyn worked for a short time at the Original House of Pizza in Westport ran by family friends Ernie and Becky Lott.

Evelyn is survived by her brother Kenny and children: Bert (Sheryl), Kirk (Lorelee), Jack (Connie), Misti (Chad); her grandchildren: Maacah (Ramone), Eric, Alec and Skyler, and great-granddaughter Kinsley. Her constant lap companion Peepers the calico cat was company for her and was adopted instantly by a caregiver.

Evelyn was a very loving, genuine woman, mother, sister and friend who recognized all who came to see her as her “best ever” and was very grateful to all who came to help her in her days of need. She truly cared for them all, loved and cherished her family, and will forever be with us in our hearts and memories. Evelyn was a very generous person; she was a bright light who people were drawn to, she loved her children and grandchildren very much and relished every moment with them. She had deep friendships, including with Ernie and Becky Lott and many others.

Evelyn loved the many animal companions she adopted over the years, and always welcomed her family’s pets who came to visit her. Her front yard was a haven to deer, birds and other wildlife that she had names for and kept fed and watered until her very final days.

She had wonderful caregivers, Kim and Linda, who helped her with daily life and became family. She also had the gentle care of Hospice during the last weeks of her life.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Evelyn’s memory to a pet shelter of your choice. Please send any cards to Misti Christensen at PO Box 1955, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

Arrangements being made by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.