August 15, 1943 – June 4, 2013

Greta Ann (Skjersaa) Cecil, 69, of Crooked River Ranch and Cozumel Mexico, went to be with The Lord on June 4, 2013, after a two-year struggle with cancer. She died at home surrounded by the love of family.

Greta’s tenacity in the face of the disease was an inspiration to many. Her unrelenting optimism, faith, spirit and grace continued to sustain her friends and family even during the darkest days of her disease.

A native of Bend, Greta is the daughter of the late Olaf and Grace Skjersaa. Greta met her life partner, Gary Cecil, when she was 14 years old, went on to marry him, and in March celebrated 53 years of loving marriage.

Greta was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend who made the world a better place by her presence.

Greta was a 27-year employee of JC Penny Co .and retired as office manager from the Yakima, WA store in 1998. Greta enjoyed her association with her Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters; was a member of the Sons of Norway; a partner with Gary in the Central Oregon Classic Chevy Club; a member of the Assembly of God Church in Redmond, OR; was an accomplished PADI scuba diver with over 1300 dives and a member of the Yakima Dive Club. She was an amazing underwater photographer and loved to capture the beauty of God’s ocean creatures.

Greta is survived by her husband, Gary; daughter, Kristine Cecil and son-in-law, Mike Cureton and their children, Lindsay Melloh and Tyler (wife, Lauren) Cureton; son, Harold Cecil and daughter-in-law, Michelle Hanford and their children, Blake and Maya Cecil. Predeceased by son, Robert Cecil (1968-1992) and son, William Cecil (1960). Greta also leaves behind brother, Terry (Judy) Skjersaa); sister, Karen Weeks (Mike); sister, Karol Jannsen (Ross); brother-in-law, Bob Cecil (Sandy); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial gifts are encouraged in Greta’s name to the following: Assembly of God Church Youth Programs in Redmond, OR; Partners in Care Hospice, Bend, OR; Caring Bridge. Read Greta’s complete story on Caring Bridge: http://m.caringbridge.org/visit/gretacecil.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013, at Deschutes Memorial Chapel. A celebration of Greta’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Redmond Assembly of God.

Deschutes Memorial Chapel is entrusted with Greta’s arrangements.