Helen I. Everson

Helen Irene Berry Everson passed away on May 6, 2011 at age 86, surrounded by her children. Helen was born July 5, 1924 to Lillian and Thomas Berry in Barnum, Iowa. Helen's father was a banker and later the owner of a restaurant and tavern in Churdan, Iowa. Helen and two girlfriends left Iowa for Long Beach, California during WWII where she met and later married Lynn Everson, who had left Granville, North Dakota to join the Merchant Marine. Helen and Lynn made their home in Long Beach and raised three children: Judy, Tom and Kim. Lynn founded Pacific Butcher Supply, which became known as PBI Market Equipment. Helen and Lynn retired to La Quinta, where they lived for many years. Helen was a lover of all card games and was known for her skill in cribbage, bridge, gin rummy, spite and malice, and poker. She prided herself on her ability to consistently beat her brothers and her children in cribbage. She liked to read and play golf, and enjoyed extensive travel all over the world. Most of all, she loved her family and being with her wide group of friends. Helen was a "people person" and was known for her beautiful and irrepressible smile, her infectious laugh, her sense of humor, and her kindness. She was elected the first female director of the La Quinta Country Club and was an active member of the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn, in 1986. She is survived and dearly missed by her daughter. Judy Hyde (Tom); her sons, Tom Everson (Judy) and Kim Everson (Tina); and leaves eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at the Virginia Country Club, 4602 North Virginia Road, Long Beach, California. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, 49995 Park Avenue, La Quinta, California 92253, or the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 1428, Long Beach, CA 90801, may be made in her memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.luybenfamilyd-m.com