PEDERSEN, Elsie

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ Tuesday, November 01, 2011 With her sons at her side, Elsie Pedersen died at her home in Cottonwood, Arizona. on October 26, 2011. Elsie Jean Christiansen was born in Flandreau, South Dakota. on July 26, 1929 to Helge and Christian. As a child, she moved to the Danish community of Solvang, California. There she grew up with her sisters Doris and Edith, and brother Harry, and graduated from Santa Ynez High School. In her early years, Elsie worked for the post office and for the county clerk in Santa Barbara, California. In 1959, Elsie married Raymond Pedersen, also of Solvang. Together they raised two sons, Brian and Glenn, in the Los Angeles area. Elsie and Ray retired to Cottonwood in 1991. Elsie was a loving mother and homemaker. She was a wonderful cook, passionate about healthy eating. Her many quilts and crocheted blankets were shared with friends and organizations such as the House of Ruth in Cottonwood. Elsie was a woman of strong faith. For many years she was an active member of Emmanuel Fellowship Church in Cottonwood. She was also active in Aglow, holding leadership roles when she lived in California. Elsie is survived by her sons Brian (Kate Wilkinson) of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Glenn of Utila, Honduras, and by her sister, Doris Mitchell, of Solvang. Elsie’s wish was to have no memorial service. Instead of flowers, please make donations in Elsie’s memory to the Old Town Mission in Cottonwood. Information provided by survivors.