ForeverMissed
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 Gaylene Jo Blickenstaff Evans, 76, went home to our Lord on July 26, 2019. She was born in New Jersey on December 21, 1942 to Wyverne Augustus and Betty Jayne (Brimmer) Blickenstaff.

  Gaylene is survived by her husband, W. Lee Evans, Jr. of 32 years. Their love was joined together on June 30, 1987 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also survived by her only son, Greg Birkland and his wife, Lori. Gaylene was a devoted mother to Greg and was very proud of him.

  Gaylene loved to dance just as her mother, Betty Jayne Brimmer Blickenstaff did. She spent countless hours in her early youth in dance training with her late brother, Jon. Her love for her animals was very deep. She spent many hours volunteering in animal shelters in the surrounding counties. She leaves behind her rescued cat, Alley, and her rescued dog, Sammy. Gaylene spent many days walking her pets and riding her bike with her dog in the front basket through Glen Oak Park, over the years. She found peace in comforting rescued animals.

  Growing up in Spring Bay, IL on Whippoorwill Hill, she graduated from Metamora High School in 1960. Gaylene worked for Woodhouse Food Distributor for over 20 years, and had many great memories of her boss, Jim Woodhouse and all the Woodhouse staff.

  Gaylene is also survived by her Grandchildren, Nick (Abby) Birkland, Janessa Birkland; Great-Grandchildren Eli and Theo Birkland; Brothers Scott (Laura Dell) Blickenstaff, Kim David Blickenstaff, Todd (Christine) Blickenstaff; Sister-in-law Wendy Blickenstaff (the late Jon Blickenstaff); Brothers-in law Newton Evans, Earl (Linda) Evans; Stepchildren Jennifer (David) Schwegman, Perry Evans, Michael Evans, Paul (Heidi) Evans, Chris Evans; Step Grandchildren Hannah and Heidi Schwegman, Alex Evans, Matthew Evans, Benjamin Evans, Jack Evans, Samuel Evans, Lauren Evans; 2 Nieces; 6 Nephews, 2 Great Nieces and 1 Great Nephew. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her brother, Jon.

  Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on August 17th at Clary Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Her cremated remains will be placed in The Prairieland Garden in Springdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to honor Gaylene and her Mother by supporting the arts at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for Performing Arts in Peoria Heights, IL and donating in their honor to My Sister’s House at www.mysistershse.org supporting single mothers and the children.

Tributes

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Linda Dwyer
August 15, 2019
August 15, 2019
Greg & Lori,
So sorry for your lost! I have so enjoyed working with your Mom for so many years. I loved catching up with her every time she would come into my office. I will truly miss seeing her! May God give you comfort in the journey ahead of you!
Warmest Regards, Linda Dwyer from Healing Hands Bodywork & Massage
Bill Epley
July 29, 2019
July 29, 2019
Greg and Lori ,  So sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I know how hard this must be for you and your family. This is always a great loss . So Sorry .
Barb Rafool Patterson
July 28, 2019
July 28, 2019
Lee, Greg and family:\
I'm sick inside about Gay...We were like sisters for 57 years..talked daily..saw each other 2-3 times a week. We went to beauty school together in 1962 and never lost touch..Lee, you were a great husband to Gay..never left her through all her surgeries and health issues...Greg, your mom loved you dearly and all her family. My girls loved her and would call her Auntie Gay...So many neat stories to tell and I will at the Memorial. Gay, I will miss you and our dark secrets. You left a big hole in my heart and many others..RIP my friend and I love you and will miss you horribly.

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Recent Tributes
Linda Dwyer
August 15, 2019
August 15, 2019
Greg & Lori,
So sorry for your lost! I have so enjoyed working with your Mom for so many years. I loved catching up with her every time she would come into my office. I will truly miss seeing her! May God give you comfort in the journey ahead of you!
Warmest Regards, Linda Dwyer from Healing Hands Bodywork & Massage
Bill Epley
July 29, 2019
July 29, 2019
Greg and Lori ,  So sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I know how hard this must be for you and your family. This is always a great loss . So Sorry .
Barb Rafool Patterson
July 28, 2019
July 28, 2019
Lee, Greg and family:\
I'm sick inside about Gay...We were like sisters for 57 years..talked daily..saw each other 2-3 times a week. We went to beauty school together in 1962 and never lost touch..Lee, you were a great husband to Gay..never left her through all her surgeries and health issues...Greg, your mom loved you dearly and all her family. My girls loved her and would call her Auntie Gay...So many neat stories to tell and I will at the Memorial. Gay, I will miss you and our dark secrets. You left a big hole in my heart and many others..RIP my friend and I love you and will miss you horribly.
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Mary always referred to Gay and Lee as kids ☺️
Grandma Airplane and Grandpa Lee 2011
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