Nell Grace Steffen

Nell Grace Steffen, age 109, of La Grande, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at a La Grande adult foster care home.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Norman Shrumm officiating. Private interment will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.


Mrs. Steffen was born on January 23, 1894, the daughter of Robert and Bertha (Brainerd) Lloyd in La Grande. After graduating from Oregon Normal School she taught at Bigalow School in Klondike, Oregon. She later moved to Portland and then to Huron where she worked for the railroad. On November 21, 1922 she married P.J. "Jim" Steffen in Spokane, Washington. They made their home in La Grande and she was the cook for the Central Elementary School, La Grande Junior High School and the La Grande High School from 1944 until 1958. She made and sold bread and hand pulled taffy for many years. Her husband preceded her in death on September 5, 1958.


Mrs. Steffen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of Hope Chapter #13 Order of Eastern Star for over 75 years. In the summertime she loved to garden and go huckleberry picking and in the wintertime she enjoyed quilting and was an avid Trailblazer fan.


Survivors include her children, Stan Steffen of Elgin, Ellen Olcott of Medford and Kathleen Smith of Albany; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Nine brothers and sister preceded her in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Steffen to the Presbyterian Church or the charity of one's choice.