Elna Mae De Jong

Elna Mae De Jong, 80, of Baxter, passed away surrounded by her loving family Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19 at the Baxter Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Melissa Sternhagen officiating. A private family burial will follow at the Restland Cemetery in Baxter.

Elna Mae was born Feb. 3, 1936, in Newton to Joe and Una (Miller) Damman. She attended Baxter High School, was its first homecoming queen in 1952, and graduated in 1953. On Sept. 19,1954, Elna Mae married the love of her life, Dwight De Jong. To this union two sons were born. The couple resided in Baxter, where Elna Mae worked along side Dwight at their family business, Baxter Oil. She was a member of the Baxter Congregational United Church of Christ. Elna Mae loved her boys and enjoyed spending time with their families. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, flowers, butterflies and her various dogs throughout the years.

Those left to cherish her loving memories are her two sons, Bryan (Karen) De Jong of Baxter, Alan (Lisa) De Jong of Battle Ground, Wash.; four grandchildren, Taylor (Simon) Long, Zoey (Anthony) Arrienda, Gabriel De Jong and Dylan De Jong; great-granddaughter, Joanna Long; sister, Joan Pfantz; sisters-in-law Macy Jane (Warren) Jontz of Newton and Minerva Jane (Doug) Finch of Lincoln, Calif.; many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Baxter Rescue Unit.

Fredregill Family Funeral Home in Baxter, has been entrusted with the care of Elna Mae and her family.