Longtime Rainier resident Elsie Gertrude Rivenes, passed away May 5, 2007, at the Hospice Care Center in Longview at the age of 84.

She was born March 6, 1923, in Molalla, Ore., the second oldest of 12 children born to Enoch and Gertrude (Kyllo) Skirvin. She attended grade schools in Clackamas and Marion counties and graduated from Molalla High School in 1941.

She worked for her father hauling produce to the cannery in Woodburn, Ore., and worked in the cannery evenings for two years. Then she worked at the Molalla Bakery.

Elsie and James Melvin "Mel" Rivenes were married Jan. 4, 1949. He preceded her in death March 22, 1991.

They managed Weiby's Department Store, now Bells Studio, for 33 years. She thoroughly enjoyed her work in Rainier and meeting people every day. She also enjoyed vacationing in Bend, working in her yard, volunteer work, visiting nursing homes and care centers and was actively involved in water exercise, walking and hiking. She was a member of the Rainier United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Rivenes is survived by a son, James Rivenes and his wife, Maxine, of Longview; two brothers, Paul Skirvin of Philomath, Ore., and Charles Skirvin of Salem; six sisters, Diane Johnson of Scio, Ore., Florence Howe of Milwaukie, Ore., Rose Fish of Concord, Calif., Ruth Folgelberg of Kenmore, Wash., Cleo Christophersen of Woodbridge, Va., and Deborah Weaver of Corvallis; four grandchildren, Tina Mawae, Michele Doppe, Shawna Carter and Jamie Rivenes; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Carl Skirvin and Walter Skirvin; and a sister, Ione Gersch.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Rainier United Methodist Church, 101 C St. E, with Pastor Patsy Sturdevant officiating. A committal service will follow at Hudson Cemetery in Rainier. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Haakinson-Groulx Mortuary, 215 C St. E, in Rainier.