Eva Emile Jenkins

Eva Emile Jenkins passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, March 22, 2015, going home to be with her Heavenly Father, to meet again with loved ones gone before her. She was born on June 9, 1918, to Samuel and Delia Cheever in Jim Falls, Wisconsin. Eva was born third of nine children, two older sisters and six younger brothers. She spent most of her teenage years taking care of her grandmother and helping on the farm until her grandmother passed away in 1935.

Eva met the love of her life while working at her parents’ store and resort on the Chippewa River in Wisconsin. She and Harvey Olson were married during the depths of the depression and moved to his farm near Cadott, WI. Three children were born there, Everett, Donald and Ruth. They moved to another farm near Stanley, WI, so Everett could start school and later to Gilman where another daughter, Carol was born. Selling that farm in 1946, Harvey and Eva moved their young family in a modern covered wagon—a 1935 Chevy one ton truck with canvas covered box to a remote ranch in central BC, Canada, near Vanderhoof on the Nechako River. These were the happiest years of Eva’s life until Harvey became sick with what is now believed to have been Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Harvey passed away in 1964 in Pendleton, OR, while seeking medical help. Eva later married Max Jenkins until his passing several years later. She worked for the State of Oregon until her retirement. Eva moved to Briarwood Commons in Ellensburg to be near her son, Everett, in 2002.

Eva was preceded in death by her husbands; son, Donald in 1958; granddaughter, Anita Olson in 1977; parents; and two older sisters, Bernice Belin and Mildred Stewart. She was also preceded in death by two younger brothers, Leonard Cheever and Cecil Cheever, plus two sisters-in-law and son-in-law, Frank Nelson.

Eva is survived by four brothers, Larry Cheever (Lois), Warren Cheever (Jewell), Vern Cheever and Alvin Cheever (Yvonne); son, Everett Olson (Carolyn); daughters, Ruth Nelson and Carol Ludwick; and many grandchildren plus great and great-great grandchildren.

Burial will be next to Harvey at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton, OR. A graveside service at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30th is planned. A celebration of life will be at Briarwood Commons at a later date.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the Community Health Home Care, Kittitas Valley Hospital and Prestige Rehab for their loving care. Also special thanks to Betsy Johnson for her years of tender care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Steward & Williams Tribute Center, and condolences for the family can be left at www.steward-williams.com.