Lenna Edris Hermann

Lenna Edris Hermann, 90, of Hood River and formerly of La Grande, died March 16 at an assisted care facility in Hood River.
Lenna Edris Hermann, 90, of Hood River and formerly of La Grande, died March 16 at an assisted care facility in Hood River.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church in La Grande. Viewing will be from 6 to 8 Friday evening and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church.

Lenna was born Sept. 30, 1919, to Ed and Ollie Neill on the family ranch on Butter Creek. She went to Pine City grade school and high school. In 1936, Lenna moved to

La Grande to attend Eastern Oregon Normal School, a two-year teacher training school that is now Eastern Oregon University. It was during her second year of college that Lenna met L.W. "Buck" Hermann. They were married May 20, 1939, in Lewiston, following Lenna's first year of teaching in Stanfield.

Lenna taught second grade at Willow Elementary School in La Grande from 1953 to 1980. She took night classes and earned a master's degree.

During her teaching career she was president of the Union County branch of the Oregon Education Association. She belonged to ACE (Association for Childhood Education) and Delta Kappa Gamma.

Lenna and Buck were instrumental in the creation of the Oregon State Snowmobile Association.

She was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star in La Grande, holding many offices including Worthy Matron. Lenna was also active in church activities at the La Grande First Christian Church, where she and Buck were members for more than 60 years.

Buck and Lenna founded the Union County Shriners Hospital for Children annual pizza fundraiser.

Upon retirement, Lenna and Buck spent many winters snowmobiling from their cabin at Tollgate. Later they traveled in their motorhome, then sold it and bought a home in Yuma, Ariz.

She and Buck thoroughly enjoyed many years of fun in the sun throughout the winter months in Arizona and beautiful summers in Eastern Oregon, spending time with their kids and grandkids. They also took many trips out of the United States.

Survivors include her husband of almost 71 years, Buck; children and their spouses,

Bill and Jodi Hermann of La Grande and Sharlene and Ronald Wilkins of Hood River; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and sister, Neva Neill of La Grande.

Lenna was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Oleta Akers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or Hospice of the Gorge in care of Loveland Funeral Home, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande.

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