Eleanor L. Harju
Eleanor L. Harju died May 27, 2010, in Goldendale at the age of 84.
She was born (second child of nine) to George and Melvina Johnson on Sept. 14, 1925, at Bergland, Mich. Eleanor married John E. Harju in 1941; he preceded her in death in 1988.
John and Eleanor lived and raised their family in the “U.P.” of Michigan until June 1967, when they moved to Goldendale. Eleanor worked at Mt. Adams Nursing Home and as cook for the Goldendale Schools until her retirement. She loved to play pinochle, crochet, cook, but her special love was for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and children in general.
She was a caregiver not only in her years of work in the service fields—store clerk, waitress, nursing aide, school cook—her door also was always open to anyone who needed her assistance.
Eleanor is survived by her children: Sonja Doughty, Ontonagon, Mich.; Roger and Linda Randall, Goldendale; Jerry Harju, Arlington; her grandchildren: Gaylynn (Ben) Kemppainen, Karen Stone, Chris (Alia) Randall, Steven (Kathyjo) Randall, Scott (Rebecca) Randall, Kristi Harju, John (Tasha) Harju; and 13 great-children: Heather, Casey, Kody, Jalen, Kimberly, Karli, Lexie, Maddy, Joseph, Jake, Jasper, Jackson and Aubree. She is survived by sisters Gladys Wirkkala, Shirley Kolstad, “Tootie” Younkee; brothers Willard Johnson, Arthur Johnson; and nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at the New Life Assembly of God Church, Friday, June 4, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donate to a charity of choice or “Piano for Golden View Terrace.”
