Evelyn Lucille Kerns Davis turned 100 years old on
March 8th. She was born March 8, 1902, in Malad City,
Idaho. Her mother, Mar;y Jones Kerns, descended from the Jones
and Daniels families who were some of the first families to
permanently settle in Malad in 1865. Both families came
from Wales.
Evelyn's father, James Marion Kerns, came to Malad from
Kentucky. He was a medical doctor and practiced in Malad
until his death in 1936. Both of her brothers Claude and
Marion (now deceased) - also became medical doctors.
Evelyn has been a lifetime resident of Malad, except for the
years she attended school in Pocatello and Moscow. She
graduated from Pocatello High School in 1919. She
graduated from Idaho Technical Institute (now Idaho State
University). After graduation from ITI she taught school
and then attended the University of Idaho. While at the
University she was a member of Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Chi
Omega Sorority. She graduated from the University of
Idaho in 1925.
Following graduation she taught school in Malad. In 1927
she married Griff Davis, also of Malad. They were very
active members of the Malad community. She was a charter
member of the Malad American Legion Auxiliary, an elder in the
Presbyterian Church, and active in many other community
groups. During World War II, and for many years after,
she was the American Red Cross representative in Oneida
County.
Evelyn and Griff raised three children. After their
children were grown, Evelyn again taught school in Malad.
Upon their retirements, Evelyn and Griff purchased a trailer
and began a pattern of summers on the Oregon Coast and winters
at their home in Malad - certainly, some of the happiest years
of their lives. Griff died in 1980 at the age of 75.
Evelyn continued an active life in Malad, including activities
such as bridge clubs, traveling, fishing and gambling.
Many of there activities were eventually limited by her
blindness.
A major theme of her life has been the importance of
education. Also of great importance has been
relationships with friends and family. Although she has
outlived most of her friends and family, she has never stopped
developing new friendships. She still lives in their
home in Malad; and at this time enjoys visiting with friends
and family, as well as attending church and Senior Citizen
Center activities.
Evelyn is a 78-year member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, a 64
year member of the Eastern Star (Ruth Chapter), and a
longtime member of the Royal Neighbors of America. She
has been a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church of Malad.
Evelyn's three children are Bob of Gresham, Oregon; Diane of
Pocatello; and Nancy Gentry of Sumner, Washington. She
has five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two
great-great-grandchildren.
Adapted from the Idaho Enterprise (February
28, 2002)
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