Beatrice Kathryn Elston Lammers
Bea, lovingly know as Granny, was born in Greeley, Colorado January 20, 1922 to William and Esther Elston. She passed away on September 10, 2012 in Crescent City, CA.
To those of us that knew her best, she was our hero, she was tough, determined strong and had a dont you tell me! attitude. Granny took care of herself, her work, her yard, her house and all of her loved ones with conviction and passion. This strong willed attitude helped to promote her as a top welder during World War II in the ship yards in Portland Oregon.
Shortly after World War II ended, she and her husband Al moved their family to California and eventually Del Norte County. Al a logger, built the family home where it stands today. Granny lost Grandpa Al in 1959 and worked sometimes two jobs at a time in order to support her and her children.
Throughout 1959-1971 Granny worked in the Lilies and was a field boss for many of those years. She also went back to school and received her high school diploma in 1974. Granny never moved from the house that she loved, and for as long as she was able she worked in her yard and garden. Many times when we stopped by to pay her a visit, she couldnt be found for a few minutes. Eventually we would find working away somewhere in her yard. We will miss you Granny! Your Peachie Pies love you more than the whole wide world!
Granny is preceded in death by her mother and father husband Al Lammers and her 2nd husband Bud Retke, her brothers Joe, Kenneth, Robert Elston and sister Margariete Stowe.
She is survived by her son Larry Lammers, her daughters Joyce Knapp (David) and Kathleen Melvin (John. Grandchildren Lorna Lammers, Allan Lammers, William Young, Robin Eyer, Matthew Melvin and Rebecca Melvin. Bea was granny to 13 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
By her request no memorial services will be held. She will be interred with Al in the Veterans cemetery in Crescent City.