Search by Name

Search by Name

Elva Guttu Obituary

ELVA MAE GUTTU
Born into time July 3, 1930 - Entered into Eternity Jan. 19, 2011
She was a gracious person who was kind, caring and giving to all.

Elva Mae Guttu of Camas, WA, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was 80 years old. Born in Vancouver, Washington on July 3, 1930, she was the only child of Kermit and Mae Edwards. Elva was a life-time resident to the Pacific Northwest. At age nine, her family moved from Vancouver to Seaside and then to Warrenton, Oregon. Then they returned to farm in the Fisher's Landing area in 1942. She graduated from Union High School in 1948 where she enjoyed many friendships (of whom she still kept in contact with at the annual Union High School class reunions), was a May Day princess and lettered in basketball.
In 1947, she met her loving husband, Vernon Guttu, at the Johnson's barn dance, and they were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Camas on May 19, 1950. They were married 58 years.
In the early 60's, Elva was employed at the Camas Inn Hotel as a part-time waitress and later at the Bank of Washougal as a teller. In 1980, she became the branch manager for Riverview Bank in Washougal until retirement in 1992.
Elva loved being with people and being involved in the community. She was a member of the Camas Chamber of Commerce, the Washougal Business Association and the Camas-Washougal Soroptimist. She was involved in the Soroptimist's community concerts and served as their treasurer. What she enjoyed most, though, was helping with the estate sales, which fueled her passion to collect antiques.
Elva will be remembered as an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables. She loved baking and cooking with her collection of hundreds of recipes. Her favorite subject in school was history, and she enjoyed researching the family history of both her and Vernon's families. She dearly loved her family, and she will always be remembered as the family photographer capturing so many loving moments of her families lives.
Elva will be deeply missed by her beloved daughters, Karen (Gary) Tortorello and Donna M. (John) Rankins; granddaughters, Kristin Tortorello and Jennifer Friedrichsen-Coles (DJ); grandson, Scott Friedrichsen; great-grandchildren, Emma Friedrichsen-Coles and Mabelle Coles; her aunt, Dorothy Kirsch; cousins, Laurel Kirsch and Nancy (Stan and children Katie and Kyle) Horton and Jane Johnson and family.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband, Vernon Guttu (February 15, 2009); and granddaughter, Kelsey Tortorello (September 16, 2000).
A viewing will be held at Straub's Funeral Home, 325 NE Third Ave. in Camas, WA on Thursday, January 27, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 824 NE 4th in Camas, WA.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Elva Guttu, to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Camas-Washougal Soroptimist, PO Box 621, Camas, WA 98607.
To send condolences or sign the online guest book, visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com or www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Jan. 23, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Elva Guttu

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Elva lived her life with grace, dignity, warmth and beauty. I spent many hours at her home since one of my grade school best friends was her daughter, Karen Guttu. I knew her other daughter well also, Donna Guttu. Elva always welcomed me into her home and treated me like I was a part of the family. She assisted my Mom, Margaret Girvan, with many Girl Scout projects and adventures. I remember her fondly and with love. I send all my love and blessings and prayers to Karen, Donna and their families. Nancy Girvan Doyel

Nancy Girvan Doyel

January 26, 2011

My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Please find comfort in knowing you are in everyones thoughts and prayers. Ann

Ann Varkados

January 24, 2011

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Elva Guttu's name

Memorial Events
for Elva Guttu

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Elva's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Elva Guttu's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more