Irene, my beloved great-aunt, lived in Stevenson, WA for many years, with her husband, Charles Ottinger. My grandparents, Isaac, (Irene's brother), and Martha (Mattie) Agee lived on the same road. While my grandmother was pregnant with my father, she went for a walk with my grandfather to explore the falls that were on the back portion of Aunt Irene and Uncle Charlie's property. The hike must have been more difficult than my grandmother thought it would be, as she unexpectedly went into labor. Knowing that she would not be able to make it home, my father was born in the Ottinger's house.

Aunt Irene and Uncle Charlie never had children of their own, and were very close to my grandparents. Aunt Irene was the one who named my father, and they were like second parents to him. He spent many happy hours in their home, and would return for extended visits even after his family's move to Woodland, WA.

My memories of Aunt Irene are very precious to me. She was a gentle woman, with an inner strength and strong determination. She also lived for many years in La Center, WA, where we would visit her, Uncle Charlie, and my grandmother, who lived with them after Isaac's death. Even in their senior years, they were very independent, living in the country in a simple home with only wood heat and cold water from their well. I will forever treasure the memories of the meals that were cooked on the old wood-burning cook stove, and then heating up the water to wash the supper dishes.

There was always a garden in the summer time loaded with fresh vegetables, chickens that laid the most delicious eggs, an orchard full of fruit trees, and a grape arbor that made a perfect play house for all the great-grand nieces and nephews.

Aunt Irene also enjoyed growing many varieties of house plants, and spent many hours creating beautiful braided rugs. I am very thankful that I was privileged to know Aunt Irene, and was able to experience a little bit of the simple, old-fashioned way of life from her generation.

I will add more information as I am able.