Elma was born July 8, 1925 in Monroe, WA to Peter & Celesta (Bionda) Ottini. She died in her sleep on January 8, 2016. Elma was preceded in death by her husband, Don, in 2010, daughter, Judy, in 2013, parents and 2 brothers, Livio and Leo. She is survived by her children; Mary (David) Douglas of Calhoun, GA; Eileen (Rich) Hartzell of Deer Park, WA; Nancy (Rick) Oliver of Puyallup, WA; and Wayne (Brenda) Steffen of Antioch, CA, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, "adoptedGÇ¥ daughter, Linda Hanseth, and many other relatives and friends. Elma grew up and attended grade school in the Tualco Valley and graduated from Monroe High School in 1943. Following high school she worked for the Ration Board during World War II including several months in Seattle. She married her high school sweetheart, Don, on August 1, 1945, and they spent their lives on the family farm. She dedicated her life to her family supporting their many activities and interests. She was always willing to provide opportunities for other young people to achieve success. as well. Elma was a long-time 4-H leader and active Grange member, holding several positions in local, county, and state Grange. She was the Snohomish-North King County Holstein Club Secretary-Treasurer for several decades as well as serving as Clerk for state and local dairy cattle shows. Elma was the last surviving charter member of the Snohomish County Dairy Wives/Women and spent many hours manning the milkshake machine in the Purple Cow Booth. She was inducted into the Snohomish County Dairy Shrine Hall of Fame in 2008. She was an accomplished seamstress, cake decorator, flower arranger, pie baker, and gardener. No one ever left Elma's house hungry. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 15 at St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church, 601 W. Columbia, Monroe followed by a reception at the Church. Memorials may be made to Washington State 4-H Dairy Endowment Fund, 2606 W. Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98371-4998 or the charity of your choice.
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