Edna M. Merten

Edna Mae Anderson Merten, 60, of Wenatchee, WA, entered into rest following an extended illness at Highline Convalescent Center on Saturday, September 4, 2010. She was born on December 28, 1949, as a twin, in Torrance, CA, to Henry and Maynard (Telford) Johnson. Her twin, Mary, died at birth. They lived in California a short time, until she and her mother moved to Michigan and, in 1950, she and her mother moved to Plain, WA. In 1952, she was adopted by her aunt Vivian and uncle Bud Anderson and they moved to Twisp, WA. In 1955, they moved to Fairbanks, AK and Edna started school at Denali Elementary School. She graduated from Lathrop High School in 1968. She was a member of the Main Jr. High Concert Band, where she played clarinet. She was a member of the Thespian Club of the National Thespian Society, and a member of the Girls' Athletic Association. She was also a member of the Health Careers Club, who had an interest in pursuing a career in the medical profession. She served as a Candy Striper at the local hospital as part of her membership in Health Careers Club. She also was a member of the Rainbow Girls of Fairbanks. Following the death of her adopted mother, Vivian, in 1969, she moved to Wenatchee to be near family here. She lived with Owen and Alyce Rasmussen for several years, and worked at Deaconess Hospital in housekeeping. She then worked at the Sheltered Workshop for several years in the shop and then doing business cleaning. Edna moved to Quincy in 1977, where she worked for Lamb Weston. She was married to Roger Merten on February 26, 1978, in Quincy. They were divorced the following year. She then lived in Moses Lake for a short time, moving back to Wenatchee in 1980. She then went back to work for the Sheltered Workshop, working there until the new Supervised Skills closed its doors. Edna was an avid TV sports fan. She loved the Mariners and the Seahawks and, if she strayed to another team, it was the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots. She enjoyed the many family get-togethers, especially the holiday dinners. She and Jim Gage were partners in life for many years. They became help-mates to each other. Edna helped Jim with reading lessons he took at WV College and, although he couldn't read a book, she helped him better understand road signs, so he could learn better driving habits. They enjoyed traveling to Grand Coulee Dam for their annual light shows. She also enjoyed animals, especially her cats and the last one being Kelly, a Calico mix. Survivors include her companion and best friend, Jim Gage of Wenatchee; five aunts, Hazel Hawken, Marilyn Crollard, Marlys Parsons, Delta Wood and Judi Telford, all of East Wenatchee; two uncles, Kenneth Wood of East Wenatchee and Jim Telford of Wenatchee; and many cousins. Services will be held Friday, September 10, at 1:30 p.m., at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, with Pastor Kel Groseclose officiating. Concluding Services and Interment will follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday, September 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Edna M. Merten

December 28, 1949 - September 4, 2010