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Albert Eugene Elton, 99, a long-time resident of The Dalles, Ore., died November 11 at a Boise, Idaho care facility. Albert was born October 1, 1917 in The Dalles, the first child of Eugene B. and Rosa Daniels Elton. He was a 1936 graduate of The Dalles High School, and attended Oregon State University. Albert married Mildred Charlotte Tenold on August 9, 1940, and the couple operated a cherry orchard in the Three Mile area until moving to Exeter, N.H., in 1946, where Albert truck gardened. He and Mildred and their two children, Patricia and Terry moved back to The Dalles in 1951. Albert then started his excavation business, Elton Construction, and later was joined in business partnership by his brother-in-law, Earl Tenold. Albert joined the Baptist Church in 1975 and later helped with the excavation work for construction of Calvary Baptist Church on Columbia View Drive.
Albert remained very active until his retirement in the early 1980s, which allowed him to spend more time hunting, fishing, camping, traveling and visiting with family and friends. He also turned his talents to ventures including building a three-wheel motorcycle and constructing a gyrocopter – assisted in both projects by his brother, Bill Elton. Albert was sometimes seen in town driving his 1917 Chevrolet touring car or his horse-drawn doctor’s carriage. Albert’s wife Mildred passed away in 1993, and he later married Betty Lou Tenold. The two had many wonderful years together until Betty’s death in 2009. The following year, Albert moved to Boise where he was close to his daughter Patricia and her family. In Boise, his favorite pastimes were going for drives in the country, enjoying the city’s restaurants and visiting with family. Earlier this year Albert moved to Amber Lane in Boise, a wonderful care facility, where he remained until his passing. The family gives their thanks to the management and staff of Amber Lane, to All Care Hospice staff and a special thanks to Jill Hansen, a dedicated and generous care giver for Albert.
Albert is survived by his sister-in-law Helen Spickerman Elton; daughter Patricia Elton Bartels and husband Doug; son Terry Elton and wife Suzi; grandchildren John (Pam) and David (Becky) Bartels, Jason (Stephany) and Jeffrey (Cortney) Elton; and great-grandchildren Zachary, Caleb and Josie Elton. He is also survived by Betty’s children Stan Tenold and his wife Meme, Robert Tenold and his wife Susan, Betty’s daughter-in-law Kay Tenold, and by Betty’s grandchildren.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Rosa, half-siblings Melvin Runyon and Echo Runyon Oades, sister Ruth Elton Fraley, brother Bill Elton, as well as by Betty’s son Rich.
Memorial Service 2 p.m., Sat. Nov. 19, 2016 at Spencer Libby & Powell Chapel, with graveside service following at IOOF Three Mile Cemetary and reception at Riverenza, 401 E 10th St. at 4 p.m.
“Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near,
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”
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