Pauline Dorothy Parmenter

November 19, 1926 – March 28, 2025

Pauline Parmenter was born in Lake Crystal, Minnesota on November 19, 1926, and passed away at the age of 98 in Turner, Oregon on March 28, 2025.

Pauline Dorothy Elkins was the oldest child of Harold and Dorothy Buckles Elkins.

Pauline moved with her family to a farm near St. Paul, Oregon when she was 2 years old. After attending 1st grade in Woodburn, the family moved to the Monmouth area. Her family bought a farm south of Helmick Park along with her grandparents. Her parents lived in Monmouth for 4 years, then moved to their home on the farm. Pauline graduated from Monmouth High School in 1944, then attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene where she majored in music.

She married Jack McElravy in 1946, they were married for 31 years, and they raised 5 children. Pauline was a traditional stay-at-home mother, and she supplemented the family income by teaching piano for 35 years and organ for 15 years. After she and Jack divorced, she was employed at the Western Oregon State College (now WOU) business office for 16 years, retiring as an executive assistant in 1994.

Pauline enjoyed sewing, reading and playing the piano and organ for church functions. She participated in a writing class at the local Senior Center and authored many books about the adventures of her life and family history with facts based on letters and research. Her family has been the recipients of her hard work and cherish the memories she recorded in her books.

She was an active member of the Monmouth First Christian Church from childhood until 1996. She played for church services for about 60 years. She also played at many weddings and funerals.

In February of 1996 Pauline married Carmen Parmenter. Together they remodeled his house and enjoyed traveling and actively participating at the First Baptist Church in Independence. She refers to Carmen as the love of her life. They enjoyed many years together until his death in March of 2022.

In September of 2022, the Parmenter home was sold, and Pauline moved to Turner Retirement Homes so she could be close to her sister, Helen Comstock. She attended the Turner Christian Church after she moved, but her membership remained at the Baptist Church in Independence.

Survivors include her children Sandra Schukar (Fritz) of Monmouth, Stephen McElravy (Ann) of Monmouth, Linda Spansail (Craig) of St. Helens, Susan Brungardt (Rick) of Salem, OR, and Janet Daher (Jim) of San Diego, 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Stepchildren, Robert (Barbara) Parmenter, San Jose, CA and David Parmenter of Independence. 12 Step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her sister, Helen Comstock of Turner, and sister-in-laws Holly Elkins of Aloha and Donna Wessel of Salem.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Merlin Elkins and her sister, Margorie Powers Pierce and a great grandson, Jackson McKibben.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 1505 Monmouth ST, Independence, OR 97351. A private burial will be held at Fircrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to The Gate Youth Association, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love to the youth of our community through academic social, and spiritual activities. Your gift can be mailed to The Gate Youth Association, PO Box 453, Independence, OR 97351or donate online at https://thegateyouth.churchcenter.com/giving