Fern Anensen

April 15, 1920, Fern was born to Silver and Alice (Fry) Valentine at their home in the Wynooche Valley. She had two older brothers, and was the first girl in a family that would grow to 14 children. As a child her days were spent on the family farm. There was hard work, but also very fun times growing up in that family. Her school years were precious to her. Her grade school was the Fairview School, located on the hill that is now the Wynooche Cemetary, and she graduated from Montesano High School in the class of 1937. After high school, Fern completed beauty school. It was during this time that she met and married Anton (Tony) Anensen. She and Anton were married in Shelton, WA on September 23, 1939. They lived for a time in a Simpson Logging camp where Tony worked while they built their home on the Satsop Cloquallum Road outside of Elma. They spent their entire married life in that home. During this time they raised four daughters: Toni, Joy, Nancy, and Sally. As time passed Toni went on to marry Larry Stevens, Joy married Dale Kepley, Nancy married Jerry Anderson, and Sally married David Parks. Because of these families Fern had 12 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great grandchildren. All of these children were special to "Mammie", as she was lovingly called. Fern never held a job outside of the home, but she fulfilled many roles at home. She was a wife, homemaker and a great mother. She loved baking, and baked bread for her household for over 60 years. She and Tony sold milk in the early part of their marriage, cleared land, built a house, gardened, put up hay, and many other day to day tasks, all done the hard way! Fern canned much of the family's food, picked wild blackberries, and sewed. She also embroidered and crocheted for her children and grandchildren. Most can look and find something she made for them throughout the years. She was a happy and fun person. All of her children can remember the many mornings she would wake them up by singing. Fern was an active grange member for many years, filling the office of secretary most of that time. During the 60's Fern was introduced to Jesus at a Buck's Prairie Church. She was baptized and later joined the First Baptist Church in Elma where she remained a member until her death. She taught Sunday School, VBS,and worked in the nursery there for many years, and she enjoyed the fellowship of many friends. Along with her daughters and families, Fern leaves behind brothers Clarence and Jim Valentine, and sisters Ernestine Wolfe and Neva Schmidt. Vernon, Lyle, Richard, Gerald (Gov), Harold, and Roger Valentine were the brothers that preceeded her in death. Sisters Eunice Colombo, Alice Duncan, and Doris Jarvis have also passed away. As many family members have had cancer, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, First Baptist Church Children's center, or a charity of your choice. Fern's life will be remembered at a memorial service at First Baptist Church, Elma, on Monday April 17 at 11:30. To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano is honored to assist the family.