Thelma Carleen Schmittle

Thelma Carleen Schmittle, age 79, of Pendleton and formerly of Elgin, died February 2, 2009 at her home. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Mrs. Schmittle was born on November 22, 1929, the daughter of Charles and Nora (Hensley) Hanson in Wallowa. When she was young she worked in the farm fields and later worked for a sawmill and was a bartender, waitress and cook for a restaurant owned by extended family. On June 29, 1949 she married Edwin Schmittle in Weiser, Idaho. He preceded her in death in 1984.

Mrs. Schmittle was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 39. She loved to garden vegetables and especially, flowers. She enjoyed cooking, reading, crocheting and knitting slippers for all family members and could fix just about anything broken. She loved animals, especially dogs. She will be remembered as a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother who was always there for her family.

Survivors include her long time companion, Roger Owen of Elgin; children, Christie Teel of Stanfield, Edwin Schmittle of Elgin and Jonie Thomas of Hermiston; grandchildren, Nichole Crouser, Morgan Teel, Mike Schmittle, Joshua Schmittle and Anyla Kast; several great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Charles Schmittle, grandsons, Jason and Justin Teel and great granddaughter, Kiah Schmittle.

Those who wish to make contributions in memory of Mrs. Schmittle can send them to the American Diabetes Association-Oregon, 380 SE Spokane Street, Suite 110, Portland, OR 97202 or the American Heart Association-Oregon, 1425 NE Irving Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232.

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