The family of Commander Evelyn Sooy, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for her service to her country. It will be our privilege to do so.
CDR Evelyn Nadine Niehaus Sooy USNR (fondly known as Dene) passed away on June 1, 2021, in San Clemente, Calif., at the age of 102. Dene was born May 14, 1919, on the farm of her great grandparents (Arron and Elizabeth Ewing), northeast of Lamar, MO to August John and Gladys Clarine (Ewing) Niehaus.
She was a 1937 graduate of Lamar High School. She enrolled at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College in Springfield, MO. Dene began teaching at Iantha School (grades 1-12) and Bakers Grove (grades 1-8) in Barton County; she later taught kindergarten in Seattle, WA.
Dene joined the U.S. Navy Waves July 4, 1943, she served as a cryptologist in Seattle, WA and communications specialist in Washington, D.C. during WWII. Leaving the Waves in 1945, she was recruited by United Airlines as a flight attendant for two years and has been an active member of the United Clipped Wings Club for nearly 75 years.
In 1948 she left United to join the US Occupation Forces in Europe for two years. In 1950, as a Naval Reservist, she was recalled to active duty. During the Korean War, Dene was assigned to the Pentagon. She retired from the military in 1979 at the rank of Commander. Dene continued her military service for a total of 30 years. She has the distinction of being one of the first four women assigned a command in the Navy.
Dene married Captain David A Sooy, USN, on November 15, 1964 in Lamar, MO. He was a jet fighter pilot. From 1953 to 1969 Dene was employed by Chance Vought Aircraft Corporation in Grand Prairie, TX. Working in the engineering department, she helped update, design and build the Vought F4U Corsair Fighter Jet, the VTOL 124A and the F8U Crusader Jet.
In 1969, Dene and David moved to San Diego, CA. Dene changed vocations, becoming a real estate agent for Century 21 for 20 years. Dene loved traveling, visiting six continents, all 50 states and more than 90 countries. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, making jams, sewing, little theater and playing and “teaching” bridge.
No matter where Dene went, she was the life of the party. She left people wide-eyed and laughing, establishing herself as a character to all she met. She was beloved by many generations, from several states and many countries, because of her lively anecdotes and gift of conversation.
In 2019, at 100 years old, Dene was honored to fly with other veterans on the San Diego Honor’s Flight to Washington, D.C., where she was honored at the Women’s Veterans Memorial. It was one of her proudest moments! She also celebrated her 100th birthday with 200 of her closest friends.
Commander Sooy was preceded in death by her husband, Captain David Sooy; by two sisters, Helen Settler and Jean Roderique; a brother, August John Niehaus Jr. and a nephew, Johnny Stettler. Dene is survived by step grandchildren, Jo Cachia, David Worley and Lolly Michael and step-grandchildren, Lexi Cachia, Tori Cachia, Blake Worley and Nicole Worley, San Clemente, CA and a cousin, Patricia Niehaus Casady, Hollister, MO. Dene leaves behind nieces and nephews, Lendi Davis, Naomi Burwell, Jim Stettler, Craig Roderique, Leigh Roderique, Cindy Roderique and Glen Roderique; 15 great-nieces and nephews and 21 great-great-nieces and nephews.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Tuesday June 29, 2021:1230 - Stage at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106
https://goo.gl/maps/XLMp7gMvPz4NUwF97 1245 - Mission Briefing
1315 - Head to committal
1330 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
So Cal PGR Ride Captain(619)277-5176
smoerschell@yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
