Evelyn Ellen (Price) Eslinger, 94


Evelyn Ellen (Price) Eslinger

Evelyn Price Price Eslinger, 94, of Wasola, died June 27, 2020, surrounded by many family members. She was just two months shy of her 95th birthday. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

She was born Aug. 26, 1925, in Werner, North Dakota, the daughter of Scott Lee and Gladys Hill Price. After experiencing some very harsh winters, the Price family decided to move to Missouri when Evelyn was 4; they settled on a farm just north of Gainesville. She met her husband-to-be, Royce Eslinger, while attending Gainesville High School. Much of their courtship was carried on through letters while he was serving in the Army during World War II. Just months after his return in 1946, they were married.

Mrs. Eslinger was a stay-at-home mom to their six children. She always had a big garden, which meant much canning. She also taught herself to sew and made clothes for the family as they were growing up. She gave each of her children a homemade quilt when they were married. Each grandchild also received one of her quilts upon graduating from high school, and each great-grandchild received a baby blanket. Just last year, she had completed her last quilt.

In addition to being a homemaker, Mrs. Eslinger raised turkeys, ran the local Dairy Princess for a while and worked as a nurse’s aide. She was available to help many families when loved ones were dying, and she was especially thankful to family members who cared for her during her declining health, enabling her to stay in her own home.

Like so many others in the community, she taught herself to play the guitar when she was a child. She also learned to play the mandolin and drums. Though none of her children played these instruments, some of her grandchildren do.

Over the past few years, Mrs. Eslinger suffered from scleroderma, which attacked her lungs and left her dependent upon oxygen. As with all other challenges, she met that one with courage and a positive attitude, even when she lost her husband after 72 years of marriage. She loved and continued to inspire her family to the end.

She is remembered with love and leaves behind a lasting legacy.

She is survived by three daughters: Linda Wasilkoff and husband Anthony, Ona Boyd and husband Raymond, and Glenda Eslinger; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Royce; and her children Louise, Calvin and Evelina.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423