Obituary of Charlotte Alvina Portner

Charlotte Alvina Portner May 4, 1920 - Dec. 23, 2013 Charlotte was born in Spanaway, Washington. She was the third of six children and only daughter born to Lester C. and Mae S. Bishop Wedrick. The family moved to Home Valley, Washington in the early 1930s. Charlotte graduated from Stevenson High School in 1939. After marrying Peter W. Portner in 1941, Charlotte lived in or near White Salmon, Washington, where her two children were born and raised. She was active in community organizations during her time in White Salmon. In 1980 she moved to the Camas-Washougal area. Charlotte retired from her position as a fish counter at the lower Columbia River dams and the Corps of Engineers in the mid-1980s. Charlotte had many interests. She was both artistically and musically talented. Charlotte was a "natural" portrait artist who worked in pencil, pastels, oils, and charcoal. In addition, she enjoyed painting landscapes and wildlife. Charlotte sang with the Community Choir in White Salmon and was a self-taught pianist/organist who played by ear. As a seamstress, she relished the challenge of using designer patterns when sewing for her wardrobe. Being out of doors, exploring the Mt. Adams backcountry, fishing, and hunting were among her favorite activities. In her retirement years, Charlotte travelled extensively and volunteered for several agencies. Charlotte is survived by daughter, Kathleen Wilkes; son, Dr. Lester S. Portner; granddaughters, Tamara Sheets, Amy Hawthorne, and Kristen Lauerman; six great grandchildren; younger brothers, Arnold Wedrick and Shurley Wedrick; and several nieces and nephews. A service of remembrance will be held at Straub's Funeral Home in Camas at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 5. Her children will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the Mt. Norway Station of East County Fire & Rescue.