Evelinne M. Kelso

Evelinne M. Kelso, 92 ESCONDIDO -- Evelinne M. Kelso, 92, went home to the Lord on New Year's Day, after a long struggle with COPD. She was raised in Gibson City, IL a descendant of "the Donner Party" family, who acquired their perseverance and yen for travel. As a young woman, she worked as a secretary in Chicago, where, in 1941, she married Robert C. Kelso, who predeceased her (in 2001.) They enjoyed many travels and adventures in their lifetime. First, he was a prosecuting attorney in Rockford, then they moved to Arizona where he established a one-man practice in Springerville. In 1951 he joined the CIA, and the family resided in Germany for the next five years. They returned to Arizona in 1956, and while he was a partner at Lewis and Roca in Phoenix for 28 years, she was a homemaker and also cared for her mother in the home. They were active with the Presbyterian Church of America, and helped establish churches in the Phoenix area. In 1984, they retired to Escondido and were members of New Life PCA. Her family was her "treasure;" and her strength, courage and great faith, will be deeply missed by her survivors: two daughters, Sue (Del) Mackey of Aztec, NM, and Margaret (Jerry) Gerard of Escondido; 4 grandchildren; Ronda Kelso of Phoenix, Clifford K. Lowrie (Kim) of Haymarket, VA, Steven and Alex Gerard of Escondido. Visitation will be at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 South Broadway, Escondido, on Wednesday, Jan.7, from 4 to 6 p.m. Burial will be in Phoenix. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com