Edna Courtney passed away and went to be with her heavenly Father on March 14, 2013. She was born in Portland, February 14, 1919, daughter of John and Laura Ankrom. Edna was preceded by her husband of 50 years, Charles Eldon Courtney and her loving son C.G. “Nick” Courtney. Survived by loving daughter Carrie “Sue” and husband, Steve Klepak; Daughter-in-law, Donna Courtney; Four grandchildren and their spouses; Nine Great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends. Edna was most remembered for her caring heart of those in need. She lived her life for God, family and friends as an example of goodness. We trust that she is now in the warm embrace of those who loved and passed before her, reunited in the presence of God. The Family would like to thank the members and staff of Marquis Vintage Suites of Wilsonville for their comfort and loving care of our loved one, Edna Courtney.
A celebration of Edna's life will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home Chapel, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 2:30pm.
Edna Courtney’s Life Story
Valentine’s Day 1919 was the day chosen by our heavenly Father to bring our dearest sweetheart to earth so she could touch the lives of so many.
Edna was the third child born out of six to John and Laura Ankrom, in Portland, Oregon. She had two brothers; Omer and Johnny and three sisters; Della, Viola, and Jessie.
Times grew hard for the family and a divorce came to pass. The older brother went to relatives to help out on their farm, and the baby went to live with other relatives. The rest of the children were put in The Children’s Farm Home in Corvallis Oregon. It was here Edna was to spend her childhood years until she was a young teenager.
Edna found work at the Salem School for the Blind. Eventually she also cared for a little boy that couldn’t walk whom she became very attached to. Compassion seemed always to be a big part of who she was. Later she was cleaning houses, and met her future mother-in-law, Leona Courtney. Edna found in her what she had been missing; a woman of compassion, great faith and with a strong family bond. She soon met Leona’s son, who was to become the one and only love of her life.
Eldon and Edna had a long courtship of over four years. There were always struggles to find enough work in those depression days. Whoever had a job took care of the other family members that didn’t. When friends said they were going to Reno and suggested that the two of them go along and get married, they did just that. With ten whole dollars in their pocket and a nine dollars and ninety-nine cent ring, they were married on February 28, 1941.
Although Edna had always been told she could never have children, the Lord blessed their union with a darling baby boy, Charles Garrett. Born the day before Christmas led to the obvious nickname---Nick. But their sweet little family was to be interrupted as Eldon went off to WWII. These were lonely times as Edna and baby waited for their soldier to come home. But home he came and with grateful hearts, life resumed. Soon, another bundle arrived, Carrie Sue. Now the family was complete.
Their early days were spent following construction while employed by L.H. Cobb Co. They lived in a very small, homemade trailer and Edna cooked meals for the crew to help out. She packed water and washed clothes on a scrub board in the river. She often chuckled when she recalled trying to catch diapers as they bounced over the rocks while rinsing them in the current.
They eventually settled in Tillamook Oregon where Eldon became a logger with his own small company. Edna busied herself with family, church and the job of being a great Avon representative. They moved to New Mexico and Nebraska for a brief time but returned to their beautiful Oregon and settled in Beaverton for the next fifty-plus years.
Edna joined Beaverton Christian Church in the late fifties and remained an active member there. She worked with the children often but her heart was directed to the handicapped and the hurting. She spent her days transporting dear ones to doctors’ offices, appointments, shopping, and church. She voluntarily cleaned the homes of those who needed help. No one was ever turned from her door, no matter what the need. Her love was real and unconditional.
Some of Edna’s simplest pleasures were going to the beach, and enjoying the outdoors. The love of nature was always a passion of Edna’s. She always would take time to enjoy the squirrels and birds as they would play outside her window. Long walks would give her pleasure and she would always take time to “smell the roses” and find the ever illusive four leaf clover.
Home and family meant everything to her. Nothing made her happier than to have all the kids, grandkids and “adopted” family and friends come home.
She always had a baby in her arms and cookies in the cookie jar. Hugs were always on the menu too.
In 2008 failing health eventually led Edna to move to Marquis Assisted Living in Wilsonville. There she made many new friends, enjoyed life and continued take care of others around her. She participated in many of the activities and attended chapel regularly. Recently she was moved to the Care Center there and passed into Glory exactly five years from the day she moved into the Marquis.
God instructs us to love one another….She taught us well.
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