Elva Marie Gunderson died peacefully at the age of 86 on Oct. 1, 2014 at the Salem Hospital surrounded by family. Elva was born Aug. 9, 1928 in Hillsboro, OR to Eric and Pearl Retzman. She grew up in Portland where she graduated from Franklin High School. Elva married Ralph Wayne Russell in 1946, and spent time living in Sweet Home, Junction City and Madras. Ralph passed in 1974 and she remarried Cecil Vern Gunderson in Madras in 1975. The two later retired to Woodburn where Cecil passed in 2007.

Elva was a woman of deep faith and member of Woodburn Christian Church. She spent many years serving in the church and taking care of others. She had many hobbies and was always creating something: delicious meals, beautiful flower beds and gardens, inspirational music, handmade cards, jewelry or Christmas decorations. She and her husband Cecil traveled many years and many miles in their motor home visiting family and friends all over.

Elva is survived by her family; son Ron Russell and his wife Linda; son Keith Russell and his two daughters, Katie Leapai and Rachel Miller; stepchildren Madeline Young, Cecelia Edgerton and her three children, Vern Gunderson and his two children; daughter-in-law, Donna Russell and her children, Chad Russell and Darbi Olson; and sister Marti Lutes and her husband Ed.

Elva was preceded in death by husband Ralph Russell, daughter Rene Russell, daughter Darla Russell, stepdaughter Helen Palat, husband Cecil Gunderson, and son Jerry Russell.

Funeral service Sat. Oct. 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Woodburn Christian Church.

Graveside service to follow at 2:00 PM at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home, OR.

Arrangements by Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel-Woodburn.