Edna Lenora Itel

She was born in Hood River, Oregon on August 4th, 1917. She was the second child of eight born to William Lay and Mary Forsman Lay. She spent her early childhood years in Hood River, Oregon before moving to Stanfield, Oregon, where she graduated from Stanfield High School in 1935. Edna also attended business school after completing High School.

Edna met her husband, Clarence Itel, at the Padwin Club at St. Anthony’s Church, in Tigard, Oregon, where they were later married on June 16th, 1942. They celebrated a loving marriage for 53 years before Clarence’s passing in 1995.

Edna worked as a clerical assistant for Kraft Cheese for 6 years before becoming a Homemaker on their farm in Scholls when her eldest son, Tom, was born in 1944. Her youngest son, Don, was born on her birthday in 1951. In 1955, Edna began a career that lasted over 27 years with U.S. Bank, as a teller and a customer service representative.

Edna filled her life with many past-times and hobbies that highlighted and celebrated her talents as a loving and exceptional homemaker. She enjoyed sewing and being the family’s seamstress, and crafting in needlepoint and embroidery. She was an avid gardener and stocked her cellar pantry with fresh fruits and vegetables that she grew as well as tasty homemade canned goods. It was well known that Edna made the best apple pie and was famous for her homemade oatmeal cookies and almond roca confections. Edna credited her own mother for teaching her how to become the generous and compassionate homemaker that she was.

Edna and Clarence had many wonderful vacations and adventures traveling to Alaska in their camper and also touring in their 5th wheel, going to Arizona and many camping trips with members of the Elks Club and Thousand Trails destinations. Edna truly enjoyed spending time at the Adelman Peony Gardens in Brooks, Oregon.

Edna was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Sherwood, Oregon, for over 70 years. Her faith and active church life was very important to her. She was a member of the Altar Society and devoted time to helping with the local food bank.

Edna is survived by her two sons, Tom (Maryann) and Don (Barbara); her grandchildren Julie, Ryan, Dan, and David (Andrea); two great-grandchildren Jordan and Jake; as well as her siblings, Harold Lay, Doris Doherty (Matt), and Melvin Lay (Barbara).

Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; and her sibling Lay brothers: Kenneth, Russell, Elmer and Bill.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at 10:30 AM before Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church in Sherwood, Oregon. A luncheon will be held at the church with burial and graveside services to follow at 2:00 PM at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Tigard Oregon.

In lieu of food or flowers, and in grateful appreciation, the family request that donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church in memory of Edna Itel.

Arrangements under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Tigard, OR.