Edna Irene Niels, 87, Central Park resident, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, May 10, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. Edna was a loving mother of nine who always put her children first.

Edna was born on Feb. 5, 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Benjamin and Mary (Blevins) Coker, the third of seven children. She lived there until the age of 15 when her family decided to move west stopping at farms along the way for work. She and her siblings worked alongside their parents to help earn money so the family had enough to stay together and survive. While living in Olympia, Washington she met the love of her life, John, during a snowball fight.

On Dec. 10, 1949, Edna married John and moved to Elma, Washington where they raised their family on a 25 acre farm. Edna worked as a nurses aide while taking classes to earn her Certified Nurses Aide degree through Grays Harbor College. She worked for 12 years as a CNA at Beechwood and Oakhurst Convalescent Center.

Edna was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elma. She was active in the Alter Society, Women’s Auxiliary and a teacher of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). Her hobbies included collecting stamps and rocks, traveling, going to casinos, and she was an avid wine maker. You could often find her playing cards with family and friends.

Edna is survived by her children: Mary (Andy) Backman of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Cecilia Joan Swantak of Elma, Washington, Viola Lawr of Montesano, Washington, Pauline (David) Whipple of Elma, Washington, Johnny (Tina) Niels Jr. of Satsop, Washington, Susan Holcomb of Central Park, Washington, Debi (Rick) Rowell of Hoquiam, Washington, James Niels of Aberdeen, Washington, Jackie (Tim) Martin of Aberdeen, Washington; sister, Sylvia Ramono of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 24 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 69 years, John Paul Niels Sr; her parents: Benjamin and Mary Coker; brothers: Bill, Bob, Calvin and Clyde Coker and sister Betty Kelly.

There will be a time of visitation and viewing for her on Wednesday, May 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. She will be buried next to her husband, John, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Elma in a private family service.

Arrangement are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.