Lillian Whitten

Lillian Ruth Whitten, 97, of Naselle, died June 24, 2007 in Portland, OR. She was born September 21, 1909 in Astoria, the daughter of Theodore and Letta (Knifong) Swanson, pioneer residents of the Rosburg area. She grew up at the mouth of Grays River, where her father owned and operated a shingle mill. There were no roads at that time, so people traveled by boats to nearby towns. Lillian would row to Seal River to attend school. She met and was courted by Eugene Swanson from Altoona and they were married on Sept 4, 1928 in Astoria. They established their home in Altoona where Gene was a fisherman. Later they moved to Rosburg where Gene worked at Lillian's father's shingle mill. In the early 1960's they moved to Naselle where Gene was a partner in Grays River Logging. Lovingly called "Nana" by her family, she was famous for her delicious apple pies, which she made for most family gatherings. She enjoyed gardening and quilting with the Friday Club at Naselle Congregational Church where she was a member, and recently was baptized there. Lillian was able to remain in her own home until the time of her death with the help of her grandson Tim. She would sit for hours watching and counting the traffic as it passed by. Lillian is survived by her daughter Sharon Alexander of Westport, WA; sisters Lenore Sorenson of Vancouver and Gloria Clark of Grays River; brother Ted (Sally) Swanson of Naselle; grandchildren Wendy (Bill) Sipla of Cosmopolis, Bonnie (Steve) Hargrave of Mesa, AZ, Michele Floch of Spokane, Pam (Louis) Astwood of Olympia, Stacy Feneide of Westport and Tim Testerman of Naselle, who was her caregiver. Also surviving are twelve great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of seventy-three years, Gene; daughter Beverly Hykas; brother Willard Swanson and sisters Olive, Florence and Wilma. Graveside service will take place Saturday June 30, 2007 at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle with the Rev. Cliff Weimer officiating. A reception will follow at the Naselle Congregation Church. Arrangements entrusted to Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.