Emily Everly 1934 - 2014

One of Aleli Parlor's longtime members, Emily Everly passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, after a long illness. She was born, along with her twin sister Edith, at the family ranch in Soledad, on Oct. 26, 1934.

Emily graduated from Gonzales High School in 1952. She moved to Salinas, worked at a bank and shared an apartment with her sister. She met a local young man, Albert B. Everly, Jr., and they married in 1954. They settled in Salinas and raised three daughters. In 1960, the family moved to Capitola and in 1971 returned to Salinas. In 1984, Emily retired from the Monterey County Sheriff's office after working in the telecommunications division where she supervised her staff through the transition from teletype to computer communications and records keeping. Emily and Al traveled extensively in their fifth wheel. Playing cards with friends and dancing were favorite pastimes. They were happily married for 42 years until his death in 1996. 

Emily valued her pioneer heritage, and as a 54 year member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, she worked to promote and preserve the history of California. She treasured the life-long friendships developed with her Native Daughter sisters and was proud of their many accomplishments.

Emily's faith was a constant, sustaining force in her life. An active member of St George's Episcopal Church in Salinas, she served in many capacities including alter guild, vestry and choir. She found much joy in preparing lovely flower arrangements each week to beautify the sanctuary.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother with the sterling qualities of loyalty, sincerity, honesty and generosity. She was loved by many. Emily is survived by her dear companion, Joseph Bennett. Their love and commitment to each other never wavered through their 14 years together. She is also survived by her daughters and Aleli Parlor members Arlene Tavani (Rocco) of Salinas, Barbara Maldonado of Scottsdale, AZ, and Karen King (Randall) of Crownsville, MD; sisters, Edith Howe of Salinas and Kathleen Curtis (Douglas) of Winston Salem, NC; grandchildren, Melissa King of Chicago, IL, Jonathan King of Columbia, MD, Domingo Gutierrez of Salinas, Tracy Maldonado of Salinas, Michael Maldonado of Guam, Cassandra Castillo of Laurel, MD, and Alicia Castillo of Los Banos; and great-grandchildren, Savannah Jordan, Carina Castillo, and Inessa and Mia Maldonado. 

Memorials are suggested to the Native Daughters of the Golden West Childrens Foundation or St. George's Episcopal Church.