Peers-Lorentzen

Marco was born in Michoacan , Mexico on September 3, 1992.  He passed away 

Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Visalia, California at the age of 33.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel-Tulare, California.

A Rosary will begin during the Visitation at 6:00pm.

Finally resting place will be at:  Panteon de la Comunidad de Puerto Eden,

Municipio de Tecpan de Galeana, Guerrero, Mexico

A good hardware store stocks the tools you might need to build a house. A great hardware store owner has the tools to build a great and memorable life… and Stan Canby’s toolbox was overfilled.

Stanley Canby was born on August 1, 1931, at the Tulare Maternity Hospital to Lena and Roland Canby. He was the middle child between brother, Delbert and sister, Susan. The 1930’s were lean years, and Stan learned the value of a strong work ethic. As a boy, he stocked shelves at the family’s hardware store, Canby’s. He also worked for Swall Farms doing a variety of jobs there. 

The Canby family and store moved around Tulare a fair bit in those early days. Stan continued working in the family store and pumped gas at a local gas station as well during his junior high school years. 

As a member of the Tulare Union Class of 1949, Stan really shined as an athlete. He was captain of the football team and was even recruited by a professional team for baseball. But what really made his high school days special was meeting the newly-arrived-from-Iowa, Billie Williams. Billie was the outgoing head cheerleader, the perfect match for the “quiet and shy” football captain. The two were married on September 2, 1950, on a hotter than usual day. The church had no air conditioning, giving Stan the impetus to open a hugely successful HVAC department at Canby’s.

1950 also saw Stan as part of the state champion College of the Sequoias football team. In 1951, Stan and Billie welcomed a son, Stanley Jr.  During these early years of their marriage, Stan and Billie would spend their weekends and any available time they had hand building a cabin at Shaver Lake.

Stan’s son Steve came along in 1953 with son Stuart finishing out the family in 1962. At some point in this happy, busy life, Stan took to the golf course. For over 70 years he made the Tulare Golf Course a home away from home, earning the nickname “Wild Horse”. For about a decade beginning in the late 1960’s, Stan took a break from golf to earn his pilot’s license and fly planes (something Billie did with him one time. And one time only.). In the 70’s he returned to the relative safety of the golf course. He was also a long-time member of the Tulare Elk’s Club and a volunteer at the Tulare Farm Show/World Ag Expo.

While Stan was known as Wild Horse around the golf course, he was known as Dardy to the “scrawny little girl who lived down the street”, a girl he loved like a daughter, Nancy Grissom Gregg. Dardy had the honor of escorting Nancy down the aisle at her wedding.

Stan and Billie would travel the western United States and Canada. In 1982, Stan and Delbert partnered on the construction of their beloved beach house in Cayucos, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Many, many weekends were spent there with family and friends enjoying all the coast had to offer. Nothing put a smile on his face more than when he had his family and friends over to the Cayucos beach house for large cook outs on the terrace overlooking the ocean.

Stan took on one of his biggest projects in the early 1990’s when he began the restoration of the “old Canby house”. He turned the house into a beautiful estate that he loved sharing as a gathering place for family and friends. The “quiet and shy” football captain of days gone by loved nothing more than being the life of the party at these many get-togethers.

In the late 1990’s, Stan handed over the reins of the family business, Canby’s, to the third generation of Canby’s, son Steve and nephew, Doug. 

Stan is remembered as hard-working, industrious, gregarious, fun, and big-hearted. He loved his family fiercely and his wife passionately. Being around people he loved was his greatest joy, followed closely by being with his French bulldog, Romeo, time spent on the links (some days the order would change), and making his beloved Costco runs with his treasured friend Lupita to stock up on family favorites and would always come back with too many cans of whip cream and protein shakes!

Stan passed away peacefully at age 94 on April 19, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Roland Canby, his brother, Delbert Canby, and his wife of 70 years, Billie Canby.

Stan is survived by his younger sister Susan Ewell, sons Stanley Canby Jr., Steve (June) Canby, and Stuart Canby; grandchildren Brad Canby, Brooke (Shannon) Brown, Erin (Lamine) Thiam, and Amie Canby; great-grandchildren Katlyn (Jacob) Wright, Kelsey (Matt) Lincicum, Andrew (Ana) Canby, Beaujul, Ayessa, and Annah Thaim; great-great-grandchildren Ryleigh and Rhodes Lincicum, Emersyn and Kasen Wright, and Elijah, Austin, and Iesha Canby.

We would also like to recognize and thank Toni Rogers, Rick and Cindy Reyna, and Lupita Gonzales for the special place they held in his life.

Graveside service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2026 at Tulare District Cemetery (Kern). Reception will follow at the Tulare Golf Course.

Lucia Natal Pinheiro, age 74, of Tulare, California, passed away peacefully on April 10th, surrounded by her loving family.

Lucia was born on Christmas Eve in 1951, a fitting beginning for someone whose life was defined by deep faith, warmth, generosity, and devotion to family. Her middle name, Natal, meaning Christmas in Portuguese, was given in honor of her birth by her loving parents, Manuel Berberia and Deolinda de Loudes Fagundes.

In 1968, Lucia immigrated to the United States with her parents, embracing a new life while holding fast to her Portuguese roots. She later returned to Terceira to marry the love of her life, Manuel Pinheiro, before settling permanently in the United States. Lucia and Manuel shared a devoted marriage of 56 years, building a life grounded in hard work, faith, and family.

Together, they raised four children:  Mary Lou, Adriana, Joe, and Frank, creating a home filled with love, structure, and tradition. Lucia was also the proud Avó to nine grandchildren, never missing a birthday, graduation, or milestone. She was a steady and joyful presence at every important moment, a constant source of encouragement and pride.

Lucia began her working years at Foster Farms in Livingston, California, before dedicating herself fulltime to raising her family. Once her children were all schoolaged, she returned to work, cleaning homes and business offices while continuing to care for her family. She later completed her career as a food service worker and cook for the Tulare City School District, retiring after years of dedicated service.

When Lucia wasn’t working, she could be found in the kitchen, where her love for her family shone through her cooking. She was known for her traditional Portuguese dishes and holiday pastries, especially massa sovada, filhoses, and other treasured favorites that brought everyone together. Her loyalty extended even to her favorite soap opera—Days of Our Lives—which she faithfully watched for more than fifty years.

Lucia is survived by her four children, Mary Lou Jorge (Tony), Adriana Wilson (Mike), Joe Pinheiro (Megan), and Frank Pinheiro (Carianne); her nine grandchildren, Aaron Gerbig (Megan), Jonne Gerbig, Allison Jorge, Luke Jorge, James Pinheiro, Jakob Pinheiro, Ryan Pinheiro, Myles Pinheiro, and Michael Pinheiro, her sister Maria Couto (Carlos) and nephew David Berbereia (Kelly).  She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Pinheiro, parents Manuel Berbereia and Deolinda de Loudes Fagundes, father-in-law Jose Gonsalves Pinheiro, mother-in-law Virginia de Jesus Dias, and brother Nemesio Berbereia.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff at UCSF Oncology and Sequoia Regional Cancer Center for their tireless work, compassionate care, and unwavering determination throughout Lucia’s journey. We are also deeply grateful to the nurses and staff of the Ruth Wood Open Arms House in Visalia. Your compassion, care, and kindness during Lucia’s final days brought comfort and peace to her and to all of us. We are forever thankful for the dignity, respect, and love you showed her.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel in Tulare.  A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. that same evening.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at North Tulare Public Cemetery.

Lucia will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her strong faith, her tireless work ethic, and the love she gave so freely.

Debra Ann Enos age 67, of Tulare, CA, died Saturday morning April 4,2026 @ 9:00 am. She was born in Modesto, CA  April 17, 1958. She lived the majority of her life in Tulare CA where she enjoyed life with family. She worked hand and hand with her husband Tony Enos running a home repair business. She spent much of her time working in the yard of her home perfecting the landscaping and making flower arrangements for wreaths and the holidays, Rock painting, cooking the food her family loved the most and tending to the animals she adored. Surviving family include: Mother Patricia Mayes, Siblings Jimmy Mayes, Rick Mayes, Donna Mayes, and Peggy Silveira, children/step children Jennifer Aguilar, Steven Nelson, Ericia Sellers, Amy Curtis, Joey Enos, Husband Tony Enos. Preceding in Death: Father Marvin Mayes, Siblings Mike Mayes , Partner Daniel Nelson, children/ step children Patricia Nelson, Mark Enos.

 Funeral services will be May 4,2026 10:00 am at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel in Tulare, California.

Barbara June Rushing (Doyle) also known by everyone as “Daisy” passed away peacefully at age 72 on April 04, 2026 surrounded by her longtime loving caregiver (niece) Delarie Rodea.

Daisy is survived by her 2 children Shane Rushing and Raquel Meneses that she had with ex-husband Ron Rushing, and 3 Grand Children, Justin and Cory Rushing and Shanie Cooper and 4 great-grandchildren Layken and Xander Rushing and Ridge and Stetson Cooper.

Daisy was preceded in death by her parents Joel and Ruth Doyle and 3 siblings Bill Doyle, Nellie Janeway and Bobby Steele.

She is survived by siblings Ruth Steele, Tom Doyle, Robert Doyle, Joe Doyle, Jim Walker, Debbie Doyle, Linda Doyle, Lorrie Rice, Cathy Moore and Linda Head.

Daisy was a one of a kind person, she loved to laugh and to make others laugh, she was greatly loved by all family and friends. She enjoyed the time spent with her longtime caregiver (niece) Delarie Rodea and all her family. She enjoyed family time and gambling (extremely lucky)and watching t.v. She will be forever missed by all.

Burial will be at Woodville Cemetery with all of her family members that had preceded her in death.

It is with great sadness that the family of Caroline Ramos Zamorano announce her passing. Caroline passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026 at age 96 while at her home in Tulare, California. She was kind hearted, giving, loved working in the garden, and working with her hands. She had a calming effect on everyone she met. We are all thankful for the time spent with Caroline and the memories we all shared with her. Caroline will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

​Born December 12, 1929 in San Jacinto, California, she was the 6th of 13 children of James Ramos(Feb. 18, 1894-Nov. 9, 1979) and Ada Renteria Ramos(Oct. 16, 1884-Apr. 18, 1989). Her family moved to Tagus Ranch in California when she was 2 years old. She  and her family worked picking fruit when she was young. She attended Centennial School and Tulare Union High School. She later earned a G.E.D. Diploma. Caroline retired as a Nurse’s Aide from the Tulare District Hospital. Caroline met Daniel Zamorano and they had 4 children, daughter Marian Diane in 1953, sons Phillip in 1954, Theodore in 1955 and Donnie in 1957.

​Caroline Ramos Zamorano was a Silver Feather member of the Pechanga Indian Reservation in Temecula, California. Caroline was very proud of her Native American, Mexican and English ancestry. She was also a  devout Catholic and enjoyed helping people. Caroline was extremely proud of military service given by family members.

​Caroline truly loved visiting and spending time with family and friends. She loved to travel(over 15 states and the Caribbean). Caroline also enjoyed making various jams and crocheting where she won numerous awards at the city fair.

​Caroline is preceded in death by her parents James Ramos(Ada) WWI-Army, brother’s Richard Miranda, John Miranda(Mary)WWII-Navy, Joe Miranda(Edna)WWII-Army, Alfred Miranda WWII-Navy, and James Ramos(Susan)Korean War-Army. Also sister’s Emma Moreno, Lucy Sartuche, Beatrice Avila(Jesus), Daniel Zamorano, son Phillip Zamorano, and granddaughter Michelle Dianne Zamorano Decesare-Stanley.

​Caroline is survived by her children Marian Diane Evans(David) of Malad City, Idaho; Theodore Zamorano of Morro Bay, California; Donnie Zamorano of Tulare, California; brother Willie Ramos(Angie) Vietnam War-Army of Hemet, California; sister’s Rosie Rabago(David) of Delano, California, Florence Green(Frank) of Purcell, Oklahoma; grandchildren Christa Joy Evans Nieffenegger(Justin) of Malad City, Idaho, David Lloyd Evans V(Shaunna) of McCammon, Idaho, Erin Lola Garner(Justin) of Nampa, Idaho, Michael Stephens Evans(Alexandra) of Boise, Idaho, Phillip Alan Zamorano(Erin) of Atascadero, California, Trevor Jon Zamorano of Morro Bay, California, and 10 great grandchildren.

​Visitation and the Rosary will be on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4 pm – 7 pm at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service in Tulare, California (Rosary at 6 pm). Church Mass will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Aloysius Church in Tulare, California. Graveside services to follow at the old Tulare Cemetery. There will also be a Celebration of Life in the Social Hall at the Tulare Ag Center from 2-5 pm.

Longtime Tulare resident Geneva Ford passed away March 26, 2026 at the age of 84. She was born in Roswell, New Mexico on December 18, 1941. At the young age of eight, Geneva and her family moved to California, settling in the Tipton/Tulare area. She graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1959. During her senior year she met her future husband Everett. They were married on September 1, 1959.
Geneva had an extensive work history which began as a carhop at Al’s Drive-In. She later was employed by Sprague Electric, the Tulare County Welfare Dept. and for several years, she co-owned and operated Herby The Hot Dog King with her aunt Ruth. Geneva was a medical transcriber for 35 years, working for Visalia Medical Clinic and for several years she operated her own transcription service, retiring in 2006.
An avid reader, Geneva especially enjoyed mystery novels. She also loved traveling, both domestic and abroad, including numerous road trips all over the U.S.
Geneva was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Cox Davis, her son, Jerry Ford, her aunt, Ruth Statzel, her uncle, Carl Huddleston, two brothers, Jerry Bristow and Carl Wayne Huddleston, and her grandson, Zack Ford. She is survived by her husband, Everett Ford, her son, Brian Ford (Kim), two grandsons, Matthew Ford and Chris Ford, granddaughter, Kendall Ford, two brothers, Michael Huddleston and Rodney Huddleston, two nieces, Eileen Romines and Sherry Huddleston Snider, her nephew, Dustin Bristow and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Private memorial graveside services will be held at Tulare District Cemetery.

Ruth Hanson was born October 25, 1930, in Woodworth, North Dakota, Wadsworth Township, to Vernon and Martha Sophia Hanson.  Ruth was the first of five children and their only daughter.  

After graduating high school Ruth attended teaching college. After graduation she taught at a rural school in a farmhouse community and boarded with a student’s family. After a year teaching Ruth decided to move to Southern California, living with her aunt Mae and uncle Jiggs while working for Douglas Aircraft. After a year Ruth grew homesick for her family and returned to North Dakota and teaching. While attending a dance hall one weekend she met Bob Laber, who was captivated by this spirited redhead. Bob secured a date, for the following weekend, only to be stood up. Bob determined to get an explanation for Ruth’s no show, obtained an address for the farmhouse school where she taught and Bob appeared at the door, at the end of the day, much to Ruth’s surprise! After much discussion and an apology, Ruth was moved by Bob’s determination, gentle demeanor, and tender heart!  Less than a year later they were married on October 30, 1952, at St. John’s Catholic Church in New Rockford, North Dakota. Ruth and Bob’s first child Guy was born a year later and Steven, Jayne, and James (Jim) followed during the next five years. While pregnant with their 5th child Ruth and Bob decided to leave the life of farming and living in North Dakota and follow Ruth’s parents, Vernon and Sophia Hanson, out to Southern California. Robin was born 6 months later and Douglas (Doug) 3 years later. 

The fall of 1963 Ruth and Bob were transferred to Tulare Ca.  Ruth was more than active with 6 children and life revolving around St. Aloysius School and Catholic Church.  Ruth was an active member and officer for Catholic Daughters of America and sang in the choir at church.  Ruth stayed busy supporting all her very energetic children who were involved in various sports, band, choir, swim team, various service clubs, paper routes, and restaurant bussers, while chauffeuring every one of them to all those places and events. Ruth could be found many a night burning the midnight oil at her sewing machine, so that the girls would have their beautiful dresses or gorgeous outfits for all those special occasions. 

Ruth returned to the workforce in late 1960’s. She was employed by Jostens in Visalia, a short stint at Tulare District Hospital, before being hired by Tulare Police Department as a full-time dispatcher. She later left to work at City Hall for the City Planning Department. In the year 1976, Ruth was named Top City Employee of the Year! 

Bob and Ruth purchased the Greyhound Bus Agency, which Bob ran while Ruth did the books to help out until they handed off to their son Guy. Ruth and Bob also opened a laundromat in Tulare and a second in Farmersville CA which kept them busy for many years. 

Ruth and Bob loved to travel America and into Canada, so they purchase a 5th wheel travel trailer to see the country. They enjoyed many fun hours going with their motor home group to various destinations for shorter stints. In 1996 they took a summer to park their 5th wheel in North Washington state to be camp hosts in Crawford State Park, where Ruth led tours down into Gardner Cave 3 times a day. 

Ruth and Bob remained very active members throughout the years with the Elks and the Emblem Club social events. Ruth also loved her Norwegian heritage and was an active member of the Son’s of Norway. Many of Ruth’s birthdays were spent with family who gathered to make lefse, Ruth’s favorite Norwegian treat! 

Ruth, who had been raised Lutheran eventually decided to attend First Lutheran Church in Tulare where she became a very active member. Ruth loved bible studies, singing solos, church functions and preparing meals to support various church events. Ruth eventually influenced Bob to attend First Lutheran Church with her, to which he came to love as well. Ruth’s heart was broken when Bob passed away in the summer of 2009 from bone cancer after 57 years of marriage. 

Ruth’s true love of family and friends always played out in her life with her various destination visits. One of her most memorable was her visit with Guy and her aunt Jane to Norway, where they stayed with family relatives and toured the country. Ruth always had a place at her table for anyone who showed up to visit. No one who showed up was an inconvenience, you always mattered to her. No one could love you deeper, frustrate you more, be upset by your hurtful behavior or poor choices, yet Ruth quickly and completely forgave you when you apologized. If you revisited a bad choice or mistake you made that hurt her, because you were still feeling guilty, she would either say “that has long been forgotten” or, “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Ruth truly modeled Christian love, you were completely forgiven. 

The last 5 years of Ruth’s life slowly took her memory.  There were glimpses of recollection which made our hearts leap, but Alzheimer’s tried hard to have the last word! Yet the one thing it couldn’t take was her knowledge that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior. I always told her that that was her winning ticket home to heaven! The night she passed the nurse told her son Doug she heard my mom and looked in her room to see her sitting up in bed singing a praise song, which we believe to be, “Here I am Lord”. The nurse gave mom her evening meds and came back by her room several minutes later, only to find Ruth had passed and had had the last word!

Ruth is survived by 4 children, Jayne Finkbohner (Bob), Jim Laber (Ruby), Robin Laber (Gerry) and Doug Laber (Anna), and daughter-in-law Maryanne Laber, 12 grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren. Brother Richard Hanson and sister-in-law, Carol Hanson. 

Ruth is preceded in death by the love of her life, Bob Laber and her 2 oldest son’s Guy Laber and Steven Laber.  Ruth’s brother’s Louis Hanson, Alred Hanson, and Vernon Hanson, sisters-in-law’s, Joan Hanson, Dorothy Hanson, and Jan Hanson. 

Dolores Marlene (Costa) Menezes August 6, 1934 – March 7, 2026 

Our loving mother, Dolores Menezes, peacefully left this world on March 7, 2026, surrounded by family, to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A long-time resident of Tulare, she lived a full and vibrant life until her passing at the age of 91. 

Dolores, the oldest of three children, was born to Manuel Costa and Maria (White) Costa on August 6, 1934, in Visalia, California. She and her twin brothers, John and Manuel, were raised on the family dairy in Visalia. She attended George McCann School and Redwood High School in Visalia, and Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. After the passing of her mother, Dolores gained seven additional siblings when her father remarried: Erma Jean, Mary Ann, Fred Jr., Alan, Robert, Annette, and Renee. 

In 1955, Dolores married the love of her life, Joe Menezes, and they settled on his family farm in Tulare, California, where they welcomed six children. They shared 52 wonderful years together before Joe’s passing. Dolores cherished traveling with Joe—whether visiting family or enjoying time with friends in places like Las Vegas, Hawaii, Alaskan cruise, South Dakota, and Florida. Most memorable were the countless joyful family vacations at Pismo Beach and Avila Beach.  

Faith and family were woven throughout Dolores’ life in the way she lived day to day. A devout Catholic, she was deeply involved at St. Aloysius and St. Rita’s Churches, participating in the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, fundraising events, and the choir. She also attended Portuguese festa activities rooted in Catholic faith and tradition. 

Dolores was a beloved bus driver for over 30 years, first at St. Aloysius School and later at Palo Verde, and found great fulfillment in her leadership with the Palo Verde 4-H Club. She cherished every opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and was often greeted around town by one of “her kids” from the bus. Her competitive and creative spirit shone at the Tulare County Fair, where she earned blue ribbons for her lemon meringue pies and various plants. Her rice pudding was a favorite among family and friends. Gardening was more than a hobby—it reflected her creativity and love of life. Her passions for gardening, baking, and caring for animals live on as a lasting legacy within her family. 

Known for her exuberant laugh, Dolores delighted in anything that tickled her, often laughing so hard she was brought to tears. She was always a good sport when it came to the many jokes and pranks orchestrated by her children and grandchildren—often with Joe leading the antics. She rarely missed an event for her children or grandchildren and never missed a birthday, faithfully calling to sing to her loved ones. Regardless of what Dolores was doing or whom she was doing it with, kindness, love, and beauty were always involved. No doubt she left seeds of these virtues behind to continue growing.  

She was a woman of strong character—tenacious in her convictions yet possessing the rare grace to deliver the “sweetest no” one could hear. Dolores maintained an open-door home, welcoming friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a listening ear and a hot cup of coffee, especially during the holidays. She never missed a chance to visit with her sisters-in-law, hair salon confidants, or other dear friends. Even in her golden years, she remained vibrant and curious, taking college and workout classes and making new friends along the way. 

Dolores is survived by her children: Dan Costa; Joe (Teresa) Menezes Jr.; Darlene (Rick) Winfree; Sandra Ormonde; Tanya Menezes; and daughter-in-law Judi (Jack) Loper. Her son Eddie Menezes passed unexpectedly at a young age but had blessed her with her first grandchild. She is survived by her sixteen grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Vava”: Eddie (Stephanie) Menezes Jr.; Michaelene (George) De Boer; Brandon (Shannon) Ormonde; Stacia Enos Bettencourt; John (Erika) Menezes; Tyler Loper; Jessica (Jared Scharfetter) Winfree; Jeffrey Menezes; Daniel (Desiree) Costa; Shannon Costa; Maeve Enos; Jaclyn (Brennan) Hogan; Kirsten Menezes; Spencer (Ashley) Enos; Jennifer (Matt) Le Page; and Miya Menezes Cooper; as well as 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.  

The family is grateful for the compassionate care, comfort, and dignity provided by Armida, Anna, Monique, Glory Days Assisted Living, and American Quality Hospice during her time of need. 

Visitation will be held at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel in Tulare on Thursday, April 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. 

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Tulare on Friday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Tulare District Cemetery. 

Evelyn Louise (McCallister) Benson was born on October 16, 1942, and passed away on March 18, 2026. Born in Arthur, Illinois, she moved to Tulare with her parents, George and Gladys McCallister when she was seven years old. She was educated in Tulare and attended California State University at Chico. She returned to Tulare after marrying Reynold “Buzz” Benson, in 1961. Growing up, Evelyn enjoyed horseback riding, swimming and playing tennis, as well as family trips across the country. She had friendships that lasted from grade school, high school and beyond. She enjoyed travelling, reading and politics. She believed in standing up for her convictions, helping others to do the same, and she had a strong sense of civic responsibility. She was fiercely independent. 

She and Buzz would go on to establish Benco Farms in Tulare. She served on the Tulare County Grand Jury and worked for the United States Census Bureau in the 1970s. At one point, she had a local radio show and then a television program to promote local politics and news. She was active in volunteer work in the community and at the Tulare Methodist Church. She was also active in local civic organizations. Evelyn opened and operated an employment agency for a number of years. She also worked for Proteus, a local hospice, the Tulare District Hospital, and the Tulare Rural Health Clinic before retiring. 

She is preceded in death by her twin brother, who was stillborn, her parents, George and Gladys McCallister, and her husband, Reynold “Buzz” Benson.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Cheryl) Benson and Sally Ann (Paul) Carreiro, her grandchildren Nicholas Benson, Johnathon (Morgan) Benson, Jocelyn Benson, David (Lori) Carreiro, Elizabeth Carreiro, great-grandchildren Aria Benson and Ezra Benson, Charlotte Wilbanks and Casey Wilbanks, her sister Sally (Bill) Phelps, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

Services will be held at the Tulare Methodist Church on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with graveside services to follow. Evelyn loved her family, her church and the community of Tulare. She will be greatly missed.