January 9, 2019

Evelyn Lindsley

Evelyn Lindsley, 98, of Williston, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Home of Williston, ND.
Evelyn Louella Stevenson was born May 19, 1920, to Alfred Henry and Bessie Adeline (Bartram) Stevenson at her Grandma’s in Alex Township, McKenzie County, N.D. She grew up on her Dad’s claim south of Alexander. The family moved to town when she started Alexander High School where she graduated in 1940.
Like many young women of the time she worked out as a hired girl and other odd jobs. She and school chum Myrtle Lindsley were picking potatoes near Arnegard when they were approached to take the test for school teachers. They both passed and Evelyn was given the Deer Draw School west of Grassy Butte. There she met Watson Cook and they were married in September 1943, and ranched west of Grassy Butte until his untimely death in January 1945.
Evelyn returned to Alexander and taught two more terms of school. She was then proud to be hired to work at Woolworth’s, helping the store open up. While working there, she renewed a friendship with her school chum’s brother. Evelyn and Leonard Lindsley were married in Sidney Mont., on July 19, 1950. They started their life together in the little house he had built for them on his family’s farm north of Cartwright.
They milked cows, raised pigs and chickens and were part of the family operation with his dad and brother. In 1957 they purchased the family farm east of Alexander where she had been born, moving there in 1958. Together they built up the farmstead and the farming/ranching operation. Evelyn was a full partner, driving truck and tractor and working with the cattle, other animals and poultry in addition to the more usual big garden, meals to the field, and maintaining a welcoming home. The door was always open to family and friends. If it was mealtime, you sat up. Afternoon coffee was at four o’clock!
Evelyn was a “crafty” lady, enjoying a variety of crafts such as crocheting, quilting and beading, while giving many others at least a try. Many examples of her skills are in their farm home, and the Williston house they later purchased.
Evelyn and Leonard enjoyed being part of the Kings and Queens card group for a number of years. Evelyn was also a “Knutty Knitter” for a time.
Evelyn and Leonard had nearly 67 years together before health required her to move to Bethel Home on June 5, 2017. Leonard joined her there in November, shortly before he died on December 28, 2017.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents; her sister, Mae; and her brother, Alfred Lawrence (known as Bud or Skinner); and two nephews Lynn Dee Walla and Maro Lindsley.
She is survived by nieces, Frances (Kelly) Olson and Ina (Jim) Patterson; nephews, Leonard (Karole) Walla and Larry (Sue) Walla; a number of cousins, including Albert Brigham and Hubert Bartram locally; special friends, Tim and Lana Bonnet and Brenda Bonnet and “Queen” Joyce Fjelstad.
Her funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at Faith United Methodist Church in Williston. Pastor Ross Reinhiller officiated. Burial was held in the Alexander Cemetery, Alexander.
Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com

 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER