Evie walked into the arms of Jesus at the age of 97 on Sunday morning, October 2nd, 2011.
She was born in West Minneapolis, Minnesota the oldest child of Rudolph and Mollie Kuchera. She resided in the Minneapolis area until she married Ray Gaines in 1947, then moved to Raisin, California where she became a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was employed by the Fresno County Library as the librarian and story lady of Raisin City. She drove the bookmobile until the age of 77. She spent the past 11 years in Bakersfield with her daughter and son-in-law.
She was involved with the YMCA Board, VFW, Raisin City Community Church, Eastern Star, Raisin City PTA, senior choir, as well as being a wonderful friend, wife, mother and grandmother to all who knew her.
Evie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ray Gaines; her brother, Ray Kuchera; and her sister Florence Novatney. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Martin and her husband Dennis; son, Gordon Gaines and wife, Marilyn; five grandchildren,Kathryn and Joe Gonzales, Steven and Heather Martin, Evalynne Martin, Tim and Shawna Gaines, and Renee Gaines, and also by three great grandchildren, Orion Gonzales, Salvador Gonzales, and Caleb Martin; and one great grandchild who is due in November. She is also survived by sisters Ruth Campbell and Marcy Brask.
A Funeral Service will be held at Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 10:00 am the Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno, California followed by a graveside at Fresno Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 10:00 am at Daybreak Church, 5446 Taft Highway, Bakersifeld, Ca.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Fresno County Library.
Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.