Elma Saari

Long time Ilwaco resident Saari, 98, died at her residence on December 7, 2011. Born September 6, 1913 in Powell, Arizona, she was the daughter of Finnish immigrants Eli and Edla (Pihlajaniemi) Pitkamo. Elma came north with her parents to the Eufaula/Stella area along the banks of the Columbia River and she was a 1932 graduate of R.A. Long High School in Longview. In 1933 she moved to Ilwaco. Shortly thereafter she married Charles Saari and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary prior to his passing in 1993. Elma was a wife, mother and homemaker. She also worked at the Chinook cannery and for Sportsmen's Cannery in Seaview for a number of years. She enjoyed cooking, visiting with friends, crossword puzzles, garage sales and going to PACE with her grandson. Elma is survived by her son Loren (Ann) Saari of Ilwaco; grandsons Ralph Baker III, Charles Saari (Sarah Eakin) and Nicholas Saari (Angelyn Solko); grand-daughters Annette (Richard) Day, Lisa Baker, and Diane Baker; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are five nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her daughter Barbara Baker, twin sister Elvi Hendrickson, and her sister Elinor Fowler. No service will be held. Private inurnment will be at the Ilwaco Cemetery Columbarium. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.