Anna Mae Jarrell

Anna “Annie” Mae Jarrell, of Forest Grove died January 2, 2021 in her home.

Annie was born on December 15, 1926 in Alliance, Nebraska, to Earl and Martha (Platt) Wambaugh, the second of three children.

In 1929, the family moved to Fox Island, Washington and then moved to Hillsboro, Oregon in 1940, where she was a graduate of Hillsboro High School.

Annie met and soon married the love of her life, Percy Jarrell, on December 13, 1946, and together they raised four children on their property on Firdale Road, south of Hillsboro. Annie and Percy celebrated 68 years of marriage prior to Percy’s passing in 2015.

After her children were grown and had moved out of the house, Annie went to Portland State University and received her B.S. in Sociology in 1974.

Annie was a homemaker, but worked side by side with Percy, first in his construction business and then in a nursery business. They also built, owned, and managed several rental properties.

Annie was an active member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. She and Percy went on several mission trips sponsored by a Lutheran organization involving construction projects on Indian reservations.

Everyone who met Annie knew of her love of her family, friends, and people in general. She has been described as a “force” in the family – making sure that the family stayed connected, creating family traditions, and had served as the family photographer at gatherings for many, many years. Annie was always eager for a visit, especially from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her many friends.

Annie enjoyed traveling, having visited most of the states over the years, as well as several other countries. Annie loved camping, horseback riding, boating, flying, and many outdoor activities. If her family and friends were involved in the outdoor activities, it was an even better time! She was always ready for the next big adventure. Annie was a published writer, having authored A Road in Oregon, a book about Firdale Road, where she and Percy lived for many happy years.

Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Percy in 2015, her brother, Daniel “Dan” Wambaugh in 2015, and her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Axtell in 2020.

Annie is survived by her four children and their spouses: David (Cynda Foster) Jarrell of Hopewell, Oregon, Stanley Jarrell of Christmas Valley, Oregon, Constance (Glenn) Denfeld of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Kathleen (Michael) Buckner of Columbia City, Oregon. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Building Fund.