Elna graduated from Ontario High School, and received her bachelor’s degree from Western Baptist Theological Seminary in 1951. There she met her husband, Stanley, and the two were commissioned as missionaries to Taiwan by the Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society (now known as WorldVenture). During their 30-year ministry, they did evangelistic outreach, formed a Bible college and established seven churches. In the earlier days, Elna could often be seen transporting her two children via motorcycle, a popular mode of transportation in rural Chinese communities.

Upon returning from Taiwan in 1980, after a brief stint with Far West Federal Savings, she became senior secretary to Pastor Loren Fischer, Milwaukie First Baptist Church, for 15 years. After retiring in 1996, she and Stan moved to Keizer where they joined New Harvest Church, Salem. During retirement, they enjoyed garden tours to Canada, Holland, Scotland and New Zealand, as well as a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to help construct houses. Elna remained active right up until her recent illness, keeping in touch with friends in Taiwan, participating in her women’s group in Keizer and playing with her great-grandkids.

Her husband, Stan, died in 2007 after 58 years of marriage.

She is survived by her son, Phil; daughter, Melody Lidtke (Mark); granddaughters, Kristyn, Sara and Keri; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Bethel Asmussen.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, at GracePointe, 10750 S.E. 42nd Ave., Milwaukie, OR 97222.

Remembrances may be made to WorldVenture, 1501 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton, CO 80120, worldventure.com.