Obituary of Evelyn Christensen Barr

Evelyn Christensen Barr of Portland, Ore., passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at the age of 95. She was surrounded by loved ones. Evelyn Marie Brent was born in Stafford, Kan., April 29, 1927, born to Shelah Harrison Brent and Hassie Mae (Taylor) Brent. She was the youngest of seven children: Herbert, Kermit, Lillian “Irene”, Dessie, Ralph, and Kimel. The Brent family established a farm in Bovina, Colo., in June 1931. They resided in the Miller House where she spent much of her childhood. In the Autumn of 1942 the Brents moved from the farm to Denver where she graduated from East High School. The family later returned to Eastern Colorado. After marrying Donald Alvin Christensen Aug. 8, 1946, the couple moved to Oregon. They raised two sons, Jerrold Donn “Donnie” Christensen and Steven Dane Christensen. Evelyn cherished her boys and was involved with the Cub Scouts as a troop leader. Eventually Evelyn and Don divorced and she moved to Beaverton as a single mother and made numerous friends who became as close as family. On Christmas Day 1964, Evelyn married Tom Barr whom she referred to as the “love of her life.” They enjoyed camping, hunting, spending time together, and playing with grandchildren. Tom passed away in January 1975. Evelyn married George Holcombe in February 1980; they divorced shortly after. A strong and independent woman, Evelyn took on tasks and jobs that were challenging. She managed a Montgomery Ward Catalogue Store for many years in the ‘60s. She also worked in the accounting departments of several retail stores. Evelyn sold real estate and became a broker in the late ‘70s. Although she was never “rich and famous” she made wonderful friends. Evelyn finished her working years by becoming a respite caregiver in the ‘90s. The family members of the people she served stayed in touch for many years. Grief and loss were no stranger to Evelyn. The untimely death of her son Donnie at 18 inspired her to become involved as a leader of the Compassionate Friends, an organization that supports those grieving the loss of loved ones. Evelyn also volunteered with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Her empathy, kindness, and tolerance brought people together. She had many “adopted” children and grandchildren as she was so welcoming to all who met her. Evelyn enjoyed traveling, visiting the coast, and frequenting garage and estate sales. She felt strongly about capturing moments on camera and was known for taking many pictures. Evelyn is survived by her daughter-in-law Joyce Christensen and stepchildren Jim Barr (wife, Sue), Barb Weisend, and Dave Barr; Christensen grandchildren Dane (wife, Fuko) and Dawn (husband, Matthew Paul); Barr grandchildren Jon (wife, Katie), Charity Payne (husband, Chris), Angela, Ryan (wife, Kim), Taryn Stephens (husband, Dan), Aaron, Janelle Wagner (husband, Seth), Tess Hamblin (husband, Finley), and Dylan; beloved great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by six siblings; two sons; three husbands; a grandson and his wife; two granddaughters; and other family members and friends. Service details for Dec. 15, 2022: Viewing 10 a.m., Interment 11 a.m., at Valley Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 3929 S.E. Tualatin Valley Highway, Hillsboro, OR 97123. A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held at 2 p.m., at A Jesus Church, 10500 S.W. Nimbus Ave., Building T, Portland, OR 97223