Elsie May Robins

Longtime resident Elsie M. Robins passed away on August 27, 2024, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla after a brief illness.

Elsie was born to George and Alice Crall in Dayton on March 25, 1927. She joined a brother, Gene, at their home on 2nd Street, where she grew up riding horses, milking cows, raising chickens, swimming in the river, and started her love of reading.

After graduating from Dayton High School in 1945, Elsie attended business school in Lewiston, Idaho. She thought she wanted to be a bookkeeper but soon realized she didn’t want to be inside all day. It was a few jobs later, and Elsie found a job outside. Working for the United States Post Office, she enjoyed walking her daily routes. She continued to walk every day for the rest of her life.

Elsie married Wallace Robins on November 3, 1946. Both loved working and being outside; having a large garden was a yearly project, canning, freezing, and sharing the harvest with friends. Raising cattle and farming with Wally’s parents kept them busy. Her love of the water continued her whole life. She was doing water aerobics till she was 90. Vacations to Coeur d’Alene, the ocean, and skiing at the river with family were her favorite activities, along with time at the Wolf Fork and Eckler Mountain cabin. Wally passed away in 1992.

She was mother to Terry Robins and Linda Robins Barker. Always involved in their activities, she was a campfire leader, 4-H helper, member of the Rebecca’s Lodge, and #1 fan of all sports. She never missed a game of grandkids or great-grandkids.

She is survived by her two children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Service at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, Dayton, on October 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, followed by a lunch at the Eagles.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dayton Booster, Dayton Pool, or the Senior Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.