Edna May Douthit

Edna May Douthit was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 17, 1930 on Saint Patrick’s Day to parents John and Florence (Henderson) Hitchcock. Her family moved to Portland, Oregon when she was twelve and bought a home in the Rose City Park neighborhood where she attended grade school. Edna also attended the Girls Polytechnic along with her sister Gloria.

Edna met Jack Douthit when he picked the new ranch cook up in Antelope, Oregon. She was 18 and had her two children Stan and Kathy in tow as well. They were very soon married at his mother Ida’s home in The Dalles, Oregon on October 7, 1948. Jack adopted both children. With Jack and the children they would return to Portland where they raised their family and lived out their lives.

They would welcome another child, Audrey the following year.

Edna raised her three kids in their beloved home on SE Center Street. She was a Girl Scout leader. A volunteer with many hours and roles for the DAV as well as for the VAVS ( Veterans Administration Volunteer Services ). She received service awards from both organizations. Along with Jack they were Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron for the Masonic Order of Oregon, Washington Lodge.

Edna was a practicing Lutheran for most of her life. She attended weekly services at her last residence in Portland; Courtyard at Mt. Tabor. Her faith in Jesus Christ was important to her.

Edna baked walnut chocolate chip cookies by the dozens for both her home, the children’s classes and for the Veterans at the hospital. Unknown dozens of Edna’s cookies were distributed to her communities. Christmas Cookie baking was a whole other realm that usually commenced after Thanksgiving and well into December and included varied types of cookies and candies. This was a whole family affair that either included you making or eating the goods. Boxes of the treats were prepared for both family and friends. Merry Christmas!

Edna and Jack travelled to many places including several trips to Hawaii, Alaska, California, and Mississippi among many other places. Edna was able to have a special 40th Birthday trip to Portugal with friends that Jack had received from his job. She said she must be a Gypsy and would love to go on any trip that was available. Many, many beach trips to the Oregon Coast was her absolute delight.

They owned an auto parts store in Clackamas County until they sold and retired in 1979.

Edna loved to show people love and was good friends with both her neighbors and family. She cared for her husband Jack of 62 years until his time had come to pass. Most of all she would want to be remembered as Grandma: nine grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren and counting.

Edna May Douthit passed away on July 28, 2026.

Edna is survived by her son Stan Douthit, her daughter Kathy Douthit and daughter Audrey Glynn. As well as many more loving relatives.

Any Charitable donations in Edna Douthit’s memory can be made to Toysfortots.org or to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

A family viewing at Lincoln Memorial will take place at noon on August 13, 2026 to be followed by a service at Willamette National at 1:30 pm. Edna will be buried with her husband Jack.