Ellolee Evelyn Welchhance Carpenter, known as Evelyn by those who knew her, went to be with Jesus for her eternal home on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Evelyn was born on July 17, 1938, in Richmond, California to Winston (Don) and Hilma Evelyn Welchhance. Following the death of her mother when Evelyn was very young, she was raised in a Christian home by her aunt and uncle, Jimmy and Ellolee Wheat in Fillmore, California.
During her time at Fillmore High School, Evelyn volunteered in the library. Fueled by her love for reading, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience – so much so, she later served as the librarian at her church for many years.
Evelyn married her high school sweetheart, Fred Carpenter, on November 18, 1956. Together, they raised three children: Terri, Tracy, and Matthew in a home filled with faith, love and stability. It brought Evelyn joy to serve as a homemaker for her family.
Evelyn’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of how she lived. Throughout her life she devoted herself to serving those around her. She was known for her kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, and encouragement to others. She loved the truths she meditated on in “her Scriptures,” as she called God’s Word. Focusing on who her Savior is and how He sees her and her role in the world, gave her strength through the ups and downs of life.
Over the years, Evelyn enjoyed gardening, crafting, going to Bible studies, and spending time with family and friends.
Evelyn is survived by her daughters Terri Nevlin (husband, Rick), Tracy Hackney (husband, Chuck), and son Matthew Carpenter; grandchildren Brandon (wife, Belinda), David, and Gordon (wife, Grace) Griffith, Ryan Hackney, and Elyse Patierno (husband, Mark); great grandchildren Luke, Micah, Josiah, and Rachel Griffith, Nicholas, and Samuel Hackney, Kalinaw Griffith, and Daniel, Caleb, and Noelle Patierno. She was preceded in death by her parents, by Fred Carpenter, by her sisters, Donna Heilman and Patricia Buehring, and her brothers Jack Howton and Lloyd Luoma. Evelyn also had close relationships with her nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held for Evelyn on Saturday, January 31, at 10:00 am, at Lifepoint Church (1057 First Street, Fillmore, CA.)