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ELSA CHRISTINE GUINETT
November 8, 1933 ~ January 15, 2013
Recognizing that many will share our deep sense of loss, we announce the passing of Elsa Guinett (Anderson) into the nearer presence of her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Left behind for a time are her devoted husband of 62 years, Louis Guinett; and her children, Renae Christine Kuhn (Bob), Tracy Lee Guinett (Cindy) and Debra Roxanne Paull (Gregg); as well as nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom share her legacy of faith. She is also survived by her three older brothers, Erle, Milford and Curtis Anderson, having been predeceased by a baby sister who died at birth.
Born in Powers Lake, North Dakota, Elsa and her family moved several times before settling in Vancouver, Washington, in 1945. After meeting on a blind date in 1949, she married Louis on April 28, 1950. Together they embarked on a lifelong adventure. This included starting what became the award-winning stone masonry firm, Louis Guinett Masonry, well known throughout the Pacific Northwest for its "Artistry in Stone". Elsa worked tirelessly alongside Louis by managing all aspects of the office until they both retired in 1993. For the next 20 years they experienced a honeymoon retirement, traveling and cruising throughout the world.
Besides being a full-time mother dedicated to the well-being and success of her children, Elsa worked in numerous local Christian ministries of encouragement. She impacted hundreds of women through a leading of Bible studies over a 25 year span. As well, she especially enjoyed working with babies. This led her to make a 20 year commitment to handwriting over 1000 individualized letters of encouragement and reassurance to mothers who had lost their infants. Elsa loved being with her family and friends as much as they loved being with her. Whether playing with her great-grandchildren, cheering on her grandchildren or supporting her children in their various endeavors, she was a woman with a passionate dedication to those she loved.
It was evident to everyone Elsa met that her Christian faith was central in her life. She lived with a deep and abiding assurance that Jesus resided in her heart, giving her the strength to deal with not only the challenges of living, but also her final hours with confidence that she was going "home". Surely she will be greeted in heaven by the exclamation, "Well done, my good and faithful servant".
Elsa's life will be celebrated at a service to take place at 3 PM on Sunday, January 20, at Glenwood Community Church located at 12201 NE 72nd Avenue, Vancouver, WA. A reception will follow at the church.
Please sign Elsa's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Louie and family,
I only learned of Elsa's passing today from a friend who attended Cascade Park at the same time Louie, Elsa and I did. Louie and Elsa were in my husband's Sunday School class for awhile and I attended women's functions with Elsa and loved her very much and enjoyed them as a couple in our class. My husband Art died 11/22/12 on Thanksgiving Day and is also with our Lord Jesus so he and Elsa are enjoying heaven together. She was a very special lady and I am very sorry for your loss. God is so good at making sure we have strength and peace to get through these times of grief. Much love to all of you. Judy Smith
Judy Smith
January 30, 2013
Elsa inspired many to serve the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul. It was her passion. For me, the words that sum up her life the best... "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Louie, I would like to share a verse that brought me comfort when the journey seemed almost too much -- Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the Lord your God, who
upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, Do not
fear, I will help you."
We are praying for you and your family daily. Our love.
Marland and Lois
January 28, 2013
Nothing could ever be as sweet,or be of greater reward,Than knowing the heartfelt joy, Of giving your life to the lord.To my family and my loving brother,the Angels sing out and embrace Elsa who has gained a new home in glory.
Connie Kohler (Guinette)
January 27, 2013
Such a strong woman God! Her words contained wisdom... the life-giving, affirming, sweet, precious love of God. She used her life to its fullest and has left us an example that is so palatable... so tangible... and for this I am forever grateful!
A life well lived. A heart of gold shared so freely. She cried with you, laughed with you, challenged you, rebuked you and most of all... when she put her arms around you and looked you in the eyes...you knew that she was THERE with you and for you whenever you called. Incredible was this beautiful, fragrant rose of God named Elsa! "Many daughters have done well, but YOU excel them all!"
Many prayers for her sweet family. Our Lord Jesus, the God of all comfort, WILL see you through!
Lynda Shoemaker
January 24, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this sad time. And special prayers for Uncle Louie, who is kind and caring and one of the nicest men on earth.
Cliff and Suzy Kohler
January 23, 2013
doug Majury
January 22, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family. I will always remember Elsa's smiling face. She was always a pleasure to work with. Brenda Raleigh (haidresser, J.C.'s and Assoc.)
Brenda Raleigh
January 22, 2013
I pray that God will hold you in his loving arms and comfort you in the loss of your beloved Elsa.
Lorraine Paulson
January 21, 2013
I was saddened when I read Elsa's name in the obituary list. She was always so pleasant and obviously loved life. I know she will be greatly missed by her loving family as well as her many friends.
Fran (Tarrant) Winters
January 20, 2013
As many of us feel a great loss, it's so good to know that Elsa is in glory!!! I will be praying for all of you that were the closest to her during this difficult time! What a beautiful woman, that left a beautiful memory!
Viola Roy
January 20, 2013
I have had the privilege of being in "Precepts" class with Elsa for a number of years. Elsa was wise, she was compassionate, grounded in Scripture, was passionate in her love for God. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and she made each one of us feel special. I wasn't ready to lose her and I wish I could have hugged her one more time, but I am joyful that she is with her Lord.
Jeanelle Vernon
January 20, 2013
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. She will be in good company. Anne Powers. (Doc. Powers)
Anne Powers
January 20, 2013
My heart and prayers go out to you and family at this time. She will be in good company. Anne Powers (Doc Powers).
anne Powers
January 20, 2013
Both Loiue and Elsa are 2 godly persons that I can look up you and say "there's an example of what it's like to have Christ in ones heart.Soft words, hospitalityl joy and laughert. But most of all The Word of God. She will be missed greadly xo Janie (Foster) Sorensen Please keep in touch [email protected]
January 19, 2013
Alan and I are saddened by Elsa's homegoing and we pray for the Lord's comfort for her family. I am encouraged that I will be seeing her again.
Robin Sharpnack
January 19, 2013
She was a godly woman alway ready with a smile and cherry word of encouragement. She Will Be Missed! xo Janie Foster Sorensen
January 19, 2013
I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE MET MY MOTHER, VIVIAN BECKSTROM'S, WONDERFUL FRIEND ELSA. MY MOM DOES NOT HAVE A COMPUTER SO I AM RELAYING HER SENTAMENTS OF LOVE AND BLESSING FOR HER FAMILY. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.
January 19, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Steve & Lori Kohler
January 19, 2013
She was one special lady. I have fond memories of planning church women's events with her years ago. My prayers are with the family.
Helen Hafer
January 19, 2013
Mrs Guinett was my Sunday School teacher and she started me in my faith. What a wonderful woman and family. Many memories of the handbell choir and visits at their home. Our prayers are with all of you, but there is such peace in knowing she is home with our Lord and Savior.
Ruth Lindblom Adams
January 18, 2013
Dear Heavenly Father, As we who have been left behind grieve the loss of one of your dear saints, Elsa Guinett, we want to thank you so much for the impact she had in so many people here on earth. Thank you for all the memories and special times You gave us to get to know her and love her deeply. Please Lord, wrap your arms around Louie and the family. May they experience Your abiding grace, peace and love in their souls. Her faith in You has become sight and for that we will forever be grateful. Keep her family very close to Your heart. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Al and Ann Penner
January 18, 2013
Elsa was always armed with A ready smile and a kind word! She will be missed. Our prayers go out to her family.
Scott, Brianna and Shelby Forgacs
January 18, 2013
I remember Elsa as a very warm and hospitable person. When I was in the handbell choir, she would have us all over to their home sometimes and made us feel so comfortable. Thank you, Elsa. I know you are enjoying meeting your Savior face to face.
Connie Salapka Potter
January 18, 2013
In the midst of our sadness of losing a dear sister in the Lord, we rejoice in the knowledge that you are at peace in His presence forever, and we will be sustained by the memories of the beauty of a life well lived. A special thank you for the gift you gave to me of encouraging a friendship with Louie that will continue to bless me in the days to come. In fond remembrance, Tom Hogan
January 18, 2013
Elsa help me through a time of depression after the birth of my baby (43 years ago) by coming to my home, often late in the evening, to help me. I have never forgotten her 'Jesus to me' love. Loved her.
Vicki Michael
January 18, 2013
Elsa touched so many lives, ours for sure. God gives us a lot of precious gifts, the gift of Elsa in our lives will be cherrished and remembered until we are with her in heaven. Gods peace to Louis and the rest of the family, whom we know miss her very much.
Robin & LaRAY Reed
January 18, 2013
Elsa was my children's Sunday School teacher when they were little. What a wonderful foundation of faith she provided for them. Margie Lantz
January 18, 2013
Elsa is a beautiful and loving person. My prayers go out to my family Louis, Renae, Debbie and Traci. May she rest in peace. With Love, Liz Guinette
Liz Guinette
January 18, 2013
She will be greatly missed.
Bob Kuhn
January 18, 2013
What a beautiful person, both inside and out. Elsa we will miss you beyond words but treasure the times we shared with you. Rest assured our dear sweet friend that we will take care of Louie.
Until we meet again in heaven... All our love, Rick and Lori
Rick and Lori Boouslaugh
January 18, 2013
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