Obituary: Held, Elva Lorraine
Age 88
Of Spokane Valley, WA, died April 30 2016.
Elva Lorraine, the daughter of Martin and Olga Hjelseth, was born October 8, 1927 at Devils Lake, ND.
Elva’s childhood homes were in Devils Lake and on the family farm near Brantford, ND.
The eldest of seven siblings, Elva was just age 10 when her mother died suddenly.
Elva graduated from high school in Carrington, ND.
She was united in marriage to John Allen Held in November 1947.
A faithful member of the Federated Church in Carrington, Elva enjoyed water skiing, bridge, and spending time with her many dear friends and relatives.
She worked as a switchboard operator, then later as bookkeeper for the family car dealership.
An energetic supporter of her two sons, she attended countless ballgames, track meets, and school functions in their formative years.
Elva and John retired to Arizona where they treasured life for 25 years in Mesa and Gold Canyon.
Elva’s active retirement included swimming, golf, and entertaining friends.
She deeply loved her adopted state of Arizona.
In 2005, she and John relocated to Spokane to be nearer to family.
She was fond of wearing her signature stylish, colorful hats.
Elva is survived by her two sons, Gregg (Kathy) Held, Liberty Lake, WA and Steven Held, Mt.
Shasta, CA and sister Joyce Braun Fillmore, Henderson, NV.
Also surviving are three grandchildren: Jeb Scarcello and Lani Richards, Spokane Valley, and Jenna Williams, Yucca Valley CA, as well as five great-grandchildren in Spokane Valley.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John Held, in 2010.
She was also preceded in death by her parents Martin and Olga, brothers Orlo Hjelseth, Roger Hjelseth, Gene Schutt, sister Ruth Lund, and her infant brother Mortie.
There will be a Memorial Service, Saturday, June 11th at 2:00 PM at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206.
A graveside inurnment will take place at a later date in her hometown of Carrington, ND.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements by Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home.