Eva Faye Kistler, formerly of Los Banos, died on Dec. 7, 2023, after a short illness. She was 95. Faye was born to Homer and Dale George in Aliceville, Alabama, on April 29, 1928. When Faye was about 12, the family headed west to California. Their car broke down in Texas, so the family boarded a train for Los Angeles. From there, they took a train north, eventually settling in Watsonville, where Faye enrolled in school. A trombonist, Faye met fellow trombone player Jeanette Kistler, whose brother Jack was a trumpet player. Faye and Jack started dating in high school. After graduation, Jack joined the Navy, and the two were married on Nov. 20, 1945.
After WWII, the couple returned to Watsonville, where sons Dan, Don, and David were born. The family then moved to Sacramento, where Jack joined the California Highway Patrol. Mark and Tim were the next additions to the family. In 1958, Jack’s first assignment with the CHP was in Los Banos. Faye, busy raising five boys at home, found time to work at the Los Banos Montgomery Ward and for Los Banos City Hall. The Kistler’s were among the families who helped start Westside Baptist Church on Mercy Springs Road. Faye was instrumental in the church’s program for young girls in the area, Pioneer Girls.
In 1973, Jack’s transfer with the CHP to Covina in Southern California allowed Faye time to be close to her first two grandchildren, Mike and Craig, which she treasured.
After Jack’s retirement from the CHP, the couple moved north to their final post, Eureka, to be close to their first two granddaughters, Alex and Brittany.
Faye was predeceased by Jack in 2021 and son David in 2019. She is survived by sons Dan, Don, Mark, and Tim; her brother Richard; sister Joyce; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Services for Faye will be held on Wed., Jan. 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the SJVNC in Santa Nella.
