Dakota Scott Gary Ensminger, a life-long resident of Lone Pine, passed away on March 1, 2024, at age 34.
Dakota was born October 4, 1989, to Jodi Ensminger of Lone Pine and Deston Rogers of Bishop. Unfortunately, Dakota’s mother and older brother, Cody Rogers, were killed in a car accident when he was only 10 months old. Dakota was then raised by his grandparents Gary and Ruby Ensminger of Lone Pine.
After graduating from Lone Pine High School, Dakota became a member of the Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department and eventually received his EMT Certification. Dakota dedicated his life to being an involved member of the Southern Inyo Community, always giving of himself to others.
Dakota found happiness serving his community though the Lone Pine Fire Department, Inyo County Coroner’s Office, Search and Rescue, Southern Inyo Hospital, Ambulance, EMT, and Lion’s Club. He also found enjoyment playing music with Paul Dorame, Victor Silvas Jr and Sr., Donnie Gockley, Chris Connolly and others.
While Dakota’s life was short-lived, he lived it to the fullest by serving others.
Dakota Ensminger was preceded in death by his mother, Jodi Ensminger, older brother Cody Rogers, Grandparents Gary and Ruby Ensminger, Gaillen “Buz” Rogers and Mary Seymour, Aunt Mary Fink (Hot Rod), and Cousins Tony Bridges, Robert Fink, Dieter B. Jr., John McGuire, David Chavez, and Michael Vasquez.
Dakota is survived by his long-time K9 companion Rescue, Father Deston Rogers, Stepfather Gerard Beauchamp, Siblings Debbie Lowe (Ron), Cathy (Dieter Sr.) Beilicke, Brother Gaillen Rogers, and Sisters Rebecca Rogers, Niece Everly Rogers, Nephew Levi Rogers, Donnie, Kayla, Alex, Samuel and Baby boy Gockley, Uncle Farren, Randy and Tony Rogers, Also Cousins Dean (Yolanda) Chavez, Tony Chavez, Rosalie Chavez, Tammi Lembek, Dean Jr, and Cordero Chavez, Michael Chavez, Rosa Roake, Jessie and Manuel Chavez, Stephanie, Tony Jr. April and Erin Chavez, Nancy and David Jr. Chavez (and wife), John Jr. and Joseph McGuire, Shaynie and RJ and Andrew Beilicke, Stephanie Foreman, Brian, Jamie, Gianna and Lorenzo Gilmore, Sheena Vasquez, Darlene (Carlos), Leonard and partner, Andrew and Robert Alverez, Linda, Lola, Tina, Dorie, and Crystal Castro and husbands and children. Dakota is also survived by many close friends he considered family.
A Rosary Service will be held on Friday April 12th, at 7pm at Santa Rosa Catholic Church in Lone Pine. Mass Service will be Saturday April 13th, at 10am at Santa Rosa Catholic Church in Lone Pine. A dedicated procession will follow the Mass Service through Main Street, to Mount Whitney Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will follow at the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation Gymnasium, 1140 E-Shaw Lane.
May Dakota now rest in peace, forever be in our hearts and always in our thoughts.
