Ocean Park, Washington

Oct. 29, 1942 — Jan. 29, 2018

Our beloved and special mom, wife, daughter, grandma and adopted mom to many, Claudia Marie Edwards, 75, died from complications of a stroke on Jan. 29 in Portland.

Claudia was born in Vancouver, Washington, on Oct. 29, 1942, to Bill and Ida Wulf. Their only child, she had a happy childhood, living in the Dollar’s Corner area near Battle Ground. Beginning at age 8, she began her cooking skills, and attended Battle Ground grade and junior high until 1957. That year the family moved to the Long Beach Peninsula, where she graduated from Ilwaco High School with the class of 1960. Immediately following high school, she went to beauty college for a year.

In March 1961 she married Larry Edwards, who was in the Coast Guard, and they lived in Ilwaco. She gave birth to her daughter, Claudette, on May 4, 1963, followed by a son, Blaine, on March 1, 1965. In 1972, they divorced. After a time away from the peninsula, Claudia and children returned there, where she worked in various occupations.

In 1981 the family moved to Kodiak, Alaska, along with best friend, Marie Minkoff, and in 1983 she met and became life partner to Jim Kemmer. Together they began a life of adventure, fun and many happy moments. In 1989, they purchased a ranch in Eastern Oregon and enjoyed many happy times “over there.” Claudia’s special gift was being a cook for family and friends, making a “bunch of food” for all, especially her own special creations.

In her younger years she was a member of Chinook Lutheran Church, where she was active with the choir. Later she became a member of Ocean Park Community Church. She loved the Lord, Bible study, fun events at church, loved Joyce Meyer, and always wanted to see her in person. In the late 1970s she was a member of the Junior Women’s Club.

Claudia loved to travel, having gone to Hawaii twice; but her favorite destination was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There she dreamed of having a place in front of the Teton Mountains. Digging razor clams was a favorite activity, and the annual highlight was hosting a Fourth of July party! She was the bright spot of her family, loved by many, and she will be missed so very much.

Claudia is survived by her loving partner, Jim Kemmer of Long Beach; daughter Claudette Terry of Ocean Park; son Blaine Edwards of Ocean Park; 10 grandchildren; and numerous cousins, step-family members and her loving friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Wulf; mother, Ida Wulf; grandson, Travis Christman; and half-brother, Kevin Wulf.

A celebration of her life will be Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at 3 p.m., at the Chinook School Event Center Gym. A dessert reception follows.

Her guest book is available at penttilaschapel.com