March 1, 1949 – August 18, 2011

ANNIE…

Devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Companion and Friend.

Lovely brave woman

Lovely inspiring friend

…Full of grace

…Smart

…Loyal

…Always smiling

…Princess

…Joyful

…Loved by many, adored by all

LOVELY, ANNIE

Ann Elkin was born and raised in Bend, Oregon. She attended St. Francis Elementary School and Bend High School where she made many life-long friendships that continue to this day. Ann married her high school sweetheart, Harley Elkin, who preceded her death in 2009. Together Harley and Ann led a crazy, fun-filled, happy life. Their three children, Terry, Lisa, and Jennifer have great memories of camping, boating, a home where the door was open to all, and their mom acting as taxi for them and all their friends. Ann loved to entertain everyone and their life was full with lots and lots of friends and a Big Wonderful Extended Family! Once the kids were raised Ann and Harley took many exciting trips with friends to Mexico and Hawaii or any place warm and sunny during our long, cold winters.

Ann loved to stay busy. She was always up early and ready for whatever the day held. She was an avid Golfer, Bowler, Scrabble Player, Card Player, Reader, Listener, Talker, Socializer … Ann also loved her ’54 Buick. Harley may have done most of the mechanical work, but it was Annie who kept that beautiful car spit-shined and polished … and it was Annie who did most of the driving. The classic car cruises will never be the same without Ann and Harley and that beautiful smiling BUICK!

Ann’s passion for books lead to her owning her own business, First Chapter Books, which she ran successfully for thirteen years. When she could no longer compete with the big chain stores, she sadly closed the doors, and moved on to her next adventure: Having seven incredible Grandchildren. Ann kept busy volunteering at their schools, and again driving kids where ever they needed to be. She loved to sing, and became a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir. Many a Christmas dinner was put on hold while she made family and friends participate in the singing of the 12 Days of Christmas followed by her entire rendition of ”Twas the Night Before Christmas!!! UGH!!!

Annie will forever be remembered for her beautiful big smile and for her ever upbeat attitude. Her trademark saying, ”This Is The Best Ever” applied to everything from a cup of coffee to a vacation, a beautiful day to a quiet moment with one of her children. For Ann, it was always just ”The Best Ever.”

You cannot speak of Ann and not mention her lifetime wealth of friends. From her school years to her thirty year friendship with her Bunco Girls. She will forever be Kindred Spirits with her ”Therapy Girls” and most recently, a mentor to the”Petite Ya Ya’s”… (The Next Generation.). Ann has inspired each of us with her courage, grace and joy. Her friendship was truly a gift.

Ann is survived by her children, Terry Elkin (children: Demi, Seth. Samantha and Leo); Lisa and Dan Cummins (children: Josie and Emily); Jennifer and Lance Davis (child: Saylor); her mother-in-law, Hanna Elkin; her sister, Patty Sells; her brothers, Bill (wife Lorraine) Hatch and Rich (wife Sydney) Hatch. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Elkin, her parents, William and Alyce Hatch, and her brother, Bob Hatch.

Ann’s memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church this Friday, August 26, at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Ann’s home at around 3:00 p.m. following the service. Please join us. The address is 63989 Old Bend-Redmond Hwy. First house past the church on left.

Ann requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a fund that she set up for a dear friend of hers that has just begun her journey with cancer. Please make checks to: S.E. Friendship Fund.

Lastly … if one can measure the success of their life by the people whose lives they touched on their journey … then Ann Elkin might well have been ”The Richest Girl In Town”. Ann will be forever missed!