Evelyn Alpine Young Hielscher

Evelyn Alpine Young Hielscher, age 88, passed away on March 24, 2018 in Bartow, FL. She was born on May 8, 1929 in Baker, FL. She was the daughter of the late William Henry Young and Flora Lee Peacock. She was married to the Late Merlin R. Hielscher, for 49 years, who passed away exactly 15 years ago to the day. Evelyn was a proud 1947 Graduate of Summerlin Institute, as well the Salutatorian. Her classmates were very important to her and many of them remained life-long friends. Evelyn was one of the 69 charter members of the First Baptist Church of Alturas and just celebrated her 65th year as a member and Sunday School teacher. She lived a devoted Christian life and daily followed Christ's example of "loving one another." She loved gospel music and had a lovely singing voice. In her younger years, she and her husband, Merlin; sisters, Raymurl & Flora and brother-in-law, Carl formed the Merry Melodies Quartet. She loved her little community of Alturas and was an active civic member; She was a past president of the PTA of the Alturas Elementary and helped with many of the Halloween Carnivals. She was also past president of the Alturas Women's Club. Evelyn was the Postmaster of the Alturas US Post Office for 33 years. She took pride in a job well done. In 1989, she was sent to Washington DC to receive an Energy Efficiency Award from the Post Master General. Many Alturas community members would go to the Post Office just to visit with Evelyn or to seek her guidance and/or friendship. She was a simple lady, but a very smart woman with a strong belief in Christ and had a strong commitment her church and family. Her family and friends affectingly called her "Sister." She was a fun person that loved to laugh, sing and TALK. She was the oldest sister of 8 siblings and her favorite celebration was Christmas morning where all her siblings and their families met at her brother Leland's barn. Her daughters, Dee and Sherry and their families adored her and were proud to call her mama or grandmama. She always made each of them feel loved and VERY special. She leaves to mourn her passing two daughters, Delores Elaine "Dee" Sowell (Elon) of Bartow, FL and Cheryl "Sherry" Maberry (Wayne) of Alturas, FL., two brothers, Leland Young of Alturas, Florida and James Young (Martha) of Clayton, Alabama; two sisters, Flora Conley (George) of Bartow, Florida and Donice "Donnie" Bennett of Lakeland, Florida. She leaves four grandchildren: Rick Sowell (Ahsley), Jarrod Sowell, Beth Maberry (Jody Kaplon) of Temple Terrace Florida. Amy Maberry of Alturas, and seven great- grandchildren: Jenna Sowell, Kyndal Sowell, Raelyn Sowell, all of Bartow. Asher and Brax Kaplon of Temple Terrace, - Brook and Amber Palacios of Bartow and many special nieces and nephews and a HOST of friends. Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Alturas on Thursday March 29, 2018 at 11:00 am. with burial at the Lake Buffum Baptist Cemetery. Time of visitation with family and friends will be Wednesday evening, March 28, 2018 from 4:30 to 7:00 at Whidden-McLean funeral home in Bartow.