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