Obituary of Elsie Ellen Hinkley

Elsie Ellen Hinkley, 100 years old, outlived her husband Vern, and all 14 siblings, passed away peacefully in her home on January 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones and friends. 

Elsie was born October 9th, 1923, at her home in Beaver Kansas.  Her parents were Jacque and Mary Ann Depiesse of Beaver Kansas.  Elsie left Beaver to come to San Diego with her sister Sedonia at age 17.  She went to work for Convair and Solar building Aircraft during WWII.  She worked building Bombers for the war effort.

Elsie raised two daughters, Carole and Sherry, by herself.  Later she met and married Vern Hinkley the love of her life.  Together they had two sons, Vern and Tom and a daughter, Mary Ann.  She is survived by all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Elsie was a wonderful mom who was always there for us when we needed her. She was spry, full of life and always energetic.  She had many friends as well and was loved by all.  She was humorous, kindhearted, loving, gentle and very thoughtful.  Undoubtedly an important figure in our lives and the lives of others.   She loved to sing and dance, go fishing, put puzzles together, knit, garden, bingo and take care of her animals, especially her Kitty. She also had a horse named Candy that she raised from a foal until Candy died after 20 years and every morning she sang to her “Candy I call my Sugar Candy”.  She also enjoyed taking part in helping our dad get him and his horse Teco ready to ride in the Rose Parade for about 20 years.  She taught us to be honest and truthful, never to steal and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Some of her sayings were “Okie Dokie Charmanokie”, “After While Crocodile” “Howdy Pardner”, “We fix”, “What’s Up Doc?” “How Now Brown Cow” and thank you Jesus!  She will be missed by all.