Melva Jean Eldridge's Obituary
Melva Jean Eldridge passed away peacefully in a Portland hospital Saturday May 7, 2011 at the age of 78.
Melva Miles was born on July 18, 1932 in The Dalles Oregon to Ted and Elva Brumley Miles, she was the eldest of six siblings. Shortly after birth the family relocated to Astoria until Melva reached the age of five. In 1937 the family settled in St. Helens where she remained throughout her life.
Melva married Donald Dee Eldridge on July 16, 1954 in St. Helens who preceded her in death in December of 2005.
Meb, as called by her sisters was a homemaker in her early years of marriage. She found joy in the simple things life had to offer. She later enjoyed working outside of the home finding employment at the County Courthouse, the Candle Factory and Burgerville. Always a caring and loving person she treasured her time spent with family while camping or boating and cherished watching her grandchildren grow into adults. Recently she was afforded the opportunity to offer her love to the three newest members of the family, her great granddaughters.
She is survived by her daughter Janell DePriest, her husband David and son Doug Eldridge all of St. Helens. Surviving granddaughters include Monica Aaron Peterson and Megan Steve Anderson of Portland and Heather Eldridge of Scappoose. Great grandchildren include Liliana Peterson and newborns Adelyn Peterson and Evie Anderson. Sisters Gerry Neal Crane of Mesa AZ, Nancy Dick Smith of Yuma AZ and Billie Dan Boyd of Santa Rosa CA, brothers Ted Joanne Miles of Phoenix AZ and Rick Beva Miles of Spokane WA.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday May 17, 2011 at 2:30pm at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Helens Senior Center or the American Cancer Society.
On-line condolences can be made to the family at: www.columbiafh.com
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