Elna Wilene Wooden, age 87, of Sutherland, passed away December 16, 2012 at the North Platte Care Center. She was born in Keystone, NE, to Thomas and Ruth Markussen.   She attended schools in Keystone through high school and especially remembered ice cream socials and dances during those years.   Elna joined a brother stationed in Florida after graduation, and she met and married Bob O’Donnell there in 1944.  After WWII, they moved to California.  The couple had three daughters, all now residing in California: Kay Randall, Joan McNeill, and Deborah Hailey.  Elna also worked for a telephone company in that state for 25 years.
 In 1974 she married Jim Todd.   After Jim’s death in 1991, Elna moved back to Nebraska, and she and Woody Wooden were married in 1995.  The couple made their home in Sutherland, NE, until health issues meant moving to a nursing home in the summer of 2010.  Woody died in March 2012.
Elna was widely known for her handwork in all areas regarding thread!   She won many prizes and taught many classes after her return to Nebraska – her quilts and Brazilian embroidery gifts are treasured by her numerous friends and family members.  Keeping up with her daughters and their extended families via the internet and phone calls brought her much joy, as did visiting with her special Nebraska “stitching” friends.
Memorials may be made to the Sutherland Senior Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen. A reception will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012 at the Sutherland United Methodist Church. Inurnment at Fort McPherson National Cemetery will be at a later date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.