Mrs. Elma Ethel Medford

June 28, 1917 - March 11, 2015

Elma Ethel Medford, nee Blackbern, passed away on March11th, 2015. She was 97. Elma was born in Modesto, CA on June 28th, 1917 and grew up on a farm in nearby Ceres. She was one of seven siblings all of whom predeceased her through the years of her long life. Elma was known and loved by many in Truckee where she lived for over 70 years. She was married to Dave Medford until his death in 1982 and they had two sons: John Weston Medford, who died in infancy, and Samuel Allen Medford. Elma always had a bright outlook no matter the difficulties in life. She worked for over 25 years as a Certified Nurses Assistant at Tahoe Forest Hospital where she cared for newborns and their mothers. She belonged to the Rebeccas and through the organization did community work. In the 1950s she was always in attendance at Truckee High School athletics where she watched her Sammy play football, baseball and basketball. She remained a serious sports fan all of her life and could follow any game well into her nineties, and often won any placed bets. She played a good game of cards and won at those, too. You could always spot Elma in a crowd at an Old Timer's Picnic, or a pancake breakfast, by the hat on her head. She never left the house without one. Elma was proud of her attendance at AA meetings where she shared her story and was an inspiration to many. She had a genuine concern for others and she always listened with compassion and kindness. Many people will remember her voice when she said hello; you felt as if you were the most important person in the world when she just said hello to you. We were lucky to have been loved by Elma. Elma is survived by her son Sam Medford and his wife Kristen Siemon, her grandson Jeremy Medford and his wife Marie Tyler, nieces and nephews, and by many friends, young and old. Elma, you touched many lives and you will be missed and loved forever. A celebration of Elma's life is planned for June 28th with details to be announced.