Evonne Rae Salyer

Birth Date: 02/17/1937

Birth Location: San Gabriel, CA

Parents: Christian Frederick Petersen Jr.

Manita Clarice Petersen (Edwards)

Baptism:

Date: 04/18/1937

Location: Alhambra, CA

Church: Grace Lutheran Church

Confirmation:

Date:

Church:

Location: Arcadia, CA

Marital Status: Widowed

Date: 02/04/1956

Names of Children: Ben Salyer, James Salyer, John Salyer

Grandchildren: Alyssa Mbelu, Kelsey Beni, Christian Salyer, Jeffrey Andrews, Alexis

McGeeney, James Salyer, Monita Gutierrez, Carmen Gutierrez

Great Grandchildren: Hayden Salyer, Ayanda Mbelu, Zola Mbelu, Zion Mbelu, Russell Andrews,

Lucas McGeeney, Madison McGeeney, Christian Santiago, Jacob

Castillo, Raymond Martinez

Additional Next of Kin: Wayne & Maryann Giroux (Cousin), Michael & Siomara Giroux (Nephew)

Jennifer Giroux-Carter (Niece)

Personal History:

Evonne passed away Sunday morning in her home, July 16th, after living a long, beautiful life filled with love. Evonne was born the eldest daughter of Christian and Manita Petersen and older sister to her brother Christian(Frederick). She was raised in Arcadia and attended M.A.D. high school graduation in 1954. She met and was married to Ben Salyer Feb. 4th, 1956 in Arcadia, CA. Together, they started a family and settled in Covina of the San Gabriel valley. They raised their three boys, Ben, James and John in Covina. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she loved serving the church community. She served as her boy’s room mother, was active in the school Parent Teacher Group, was a Cub Scout den mother and became a member of the school board. It was at St. John where she became acquainted with her soon to be friend and compatriot, Nelda Berndt.

After the boys got older, Evonne decided to trade the stay at home mom path for the working world. At the urging of her friend Nelda, Evonne became a librarian at Western Christian high school, a job that was more of a mission than anything. She loved investing in the lives of her students, many of whom she remained in contact with till her passing. She was adored and loved by all who came across her path.

Evonne left Western Christian in 1985 to help Ben start their own construction rental business, B & G Equipment. After many tough years, the business became self-sustaining. This allowed Ben and Evonne to travel. They went on many cruises with her cousin Wayne and Mary Ann Giroux. Evonne retired from B&G in the late 1990’s to become a full time Nana to her grandchildren.

Her greatest joy was being a Nana to her grandchildren. She was so proud of each and everyone of them and would brag about all their accomplishments to anyone who would listen.

She was doubly blessed to live long enough to meet her great grandchildren and proceeded to sing their praises to the world.

Evonne is survived by her children, Ben and Cynthia Salyer, and John and Gina Salyer, eight grandchildren, as well as her ten great grandchildren.