Evelyn Ensign Gessner

Evelyn Ensign Gessner, 94, of Cortland, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at St. Joseph Health Care Center in Warren, Ohio. She was born on June 6, 1920 in Cortland, Ohio to the late, Edward "Roy" and Claire (Oatley) Ensign. Evelyn was a lifetime resident of Cortland, living in the family home which has been owned for six generations. Evelyn attended Hiram College for two years and graduated from the Youngstown School of Nursing in the early 1940's with a degree certifying her as a Registered Nurse. Evelyn married her late husband, John Franklin Gessner on August 23, 1943. She went on to work in private practice and was a volunteer nurse at Cortland Elementary School for many years where she conducted vision and hearing tests for the students. Evelyn was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was passionate about basketball and football and was an avid fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. She played basketball throughout high school and college, and even played on a basketball team called the Cortland Polka Dots to raise money for the PTA and they were undefeated for two years. She was a great cook and baker and enjoyed gardening with her husband over the years. Evelyn was most known for being a kindhearted caregiver, readily available to anyone who needed her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Evelyn is survived by her son, George E. Gessner; granddaughters, Jenna (Aaron) Polak and Leesa (Mike) Montandon; great grandchildren, Payton and Grayson Polak; nephews and niece, Burke L. (Beth) Ensign, John (Sue) Ensign, Jr., Terry (Sandy) Ensign, Judy Ensign and many extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, John Franklin Gessner on May 23, 2001; her parents; two brothers, Burke Ensign and John Enign, Sr.; and daughter-in-law, Linda Gessner. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery in Bazetta.