Evelyn Zinn

97, El Centro

Sept. 29, 1920 - Dec. 28, 2017

Evelyn was the first child of Frank and Ethel Rosenbaum and was born in Woodland, CA while her father studied at UC Davis. Soon after Evelyn’s birth, her family moved to their ranch near Seeley, which is still owned by the family. Evelyn lived her whole life in or near El Centro, except for a few years while she studied for her degree and teaching credential at University of Redlands. She never stopped singing the praises of California and, more specifically, the Imperial Valley. To that end, she has been a strong supporter of the Imperial Valley Pioneers Museum. Following in her parents’ footsteps, Evelyn served a term as President of the Pioneers Museum Society, as did her husband Charles Zinn.

Having taken part in classes and field work dealing with anthropology and archaeology of Imperial Valley, Evelyn and Charles became enthusiastic students and proponents of the idea of a new museum dedicated to that pursuit. The wonderful new Imperial Valley Museum in Ocotillo is a monument to the dedication of a group of dreamers, of whom they were proud to be a part.

Evelyn was a woman blessed with amazing energy. During WWII, Evelyn’s husband served in the Navy while she raised their two toddlers, Neil and Lauryl. At the same time, she worked as freight clerk for Southern Pacific Railroad and found time to lead a group of Campfire Girls. The family moved after the war so that Evelyn could study at Redlands. Not willing to waste a minute during her time in Redlands, she took on a Den of Cub Scouts and troop of Brownies.

Evelyn taught from 1949 to 1981 and, to this day, her former students express what a great influence she was on their lives. True to her caring nature, Evelyn also volunteered in community organizations like 4-H, Red Cross, Literacy Volunteers of America, Neighborhood house, Kiwanis, and many more.

Her brothers, Bill, Frank Jr., Bob and Orvon all preceded her in death. Orvon’s wife Virginia is the only one from that generation who survives.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Neil Zinn (Elvira) and daughter Lauryl Driscoll (Mike); grandchildren, Brett Driscoll, Mitch Zinn and Jeff Zinn; great-grandchildren, Jessica Din, Allison Vogel, Dustin Driscoll, Demi Driscoll and Taylor Zinn; great- great- grandchildren Ray Din IV, Ryan Vogel, Jackson Vogel, Andrew Din, Weston Vogel and Makenna Vogel.

Her last years were spent in comfort at Casa Elite in El Centro. Her dedicated care giver was Grizelda Guttierez.

Services will be on January 16, 2018 at 10 a.m. at First United Medthodist Church, Eighth and Olive in El Centro, CA with Dr. Ron Griffin officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro, CA.

The family suggests memorials go to The Imperial Valley Desert Museum or United Methodist Church of El Centro.