Evelyn M. Johnson was born April 16, 1927 in Kennett, Missouri to Frank and Elizabeth (Stafford) Ursery. Evelyn married Otis Johnson December 24, 1943 in Missouri, just before he entered the service during World War II. They moved to California living in Weed Patch, Lamont, and Lost Hills before settling in Wasco in 1954. Evelyn and Otis owned several markets including the Village Market in Lost Hills, S & H Market in Wasco; then they bought the Save-Way Market, changing the name to Big Star Market, which they operated until 1974. They also owned the liquor store in Taft for 1 year before building the J and J Market, which they owned until 1982. Evelyn was a member of the Christ Community Church, Wasco Women's Club and Eastern Star. Evelyn is survived by her husband of 64 years, Otis Johnson; sons, Butch and wife Geniece Johnson of Mariposa, Chuck and wife Susan Johnson of Bakersfield; grandchildren, Nathan, Jeremiah and Jodi; great-grandchildren, Natasha, Jacob and Nichole; brothers, Bill Ursery of Wasco and Donnie Ursery of Washington; sisters, Ellen Hale of Wasco, Jean Moss of North Carolina, Joyce Stanley of Tehachapi, Delores Heilig of Illinois and Gale Johnson of Washington; special sister-in-law, Betty White of Arkansas and special family friend, Phil Craft of Bakersfield. Her sister Wanda Plunket and granddaughter, Ronda Johnson, preceded Evelyn in death. Peters Funeral Home will conduct a graveside funeral service on Tuesday, July 29 at 10am at Wasco Memorial Park for Evelyn M. Johnson, age 81, of Wasco who passed away July 24 at home. Pastor Wayne Montgomery of Christ Community Church will officiate and interment will follow. A visitation will be held at Peters Funeral Home from 2pm – 8pm on Monday, July 28. Donations may be made to Hoffman Hospice or the American Cancer Society.