Edna Jane Skinner

Longtime Yreka resident Edna Skinner passed away peacefully at 106 years old on September 20, 2025 at Madrone Hospice in Yreka. She was born on December 12, 1918 in South Sioux City, Nebraska to Howell Gershan and Dora (Petersen) Blacketer. Edna married Earl Herman Skinner on October 3, 1940 in South Sioux City, and they resided in Nebraska for the first six years of their marriage, and welcomed the birth of their children, Lynn Harlan on December 21, 1941 and Ollie Etta on November 25, 1943. During this time, Earl served in the U.S. Army overseas in Belgium and France in World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge on the front lines repairing battle equipment (he was a master welder) and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. In 1947 the family left Nebraska and traveled for a time looking for a suitable place to live. Their travels brought them to Yreka, and they never left. A few months after settling in Yreka, Edna gave birth to Neva Jean on June 9, 1947. The family originally lived in the Veterans Housing Project. The housing project provided low income housing for veterans and many families got their start there. While living there, Edna and Earl forged friendships that lasted a lifetime. In 1954 they moved to their permanent home located right across the street from Miner Street Park and the baseball field. Edna was the self-described "Mother Hen" of Miner Street Park. She always had baseball equipment for kids (and adult kids) playing ball at the park. During ball games her front porch was always available for the ball players during sudden rainstorms. She opened her house for emergencies, first aid and use of the telephone. Her home was also home base for many young men working for the Forest Service. Her son Lynn worked for the Forest Service during the summer and invited fellow workers to camp out in the backyard of the house on their off days. During inclement weather, they moved indoors, and slept on the living room floor wherever they could find space. Edna was always an active lodge and club member and a friend to all. She was a life member of Eastern Star and Daughter's of the Nile. She was an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club before they allowed women as members. The Skinner family were avid rock hounds, and spent many weekends going all over Siskiyou County rock hunting. They were instrumental in starting a Rock and Mineral Club in Yreka. Many meetings were held in their home after it's inception. They and fellow rock club members entered many rock and mineral displays at the Siskiyou County Fair for many years. In 1969 Edna was named "Woman of the Year" by the Yreka Business and Professional Women's Club. She also served on the grand jury in the late 70's. Other hobbies were hunting and fishing. She was excellent at fly fishing and many times outfished the guys. One year, she went out hunting by herself while the kids were in school and Earl was working. She bagged a buck, brought it home, strung it up and had it skinned out by the time Earl got home from work. Edna was well known for her apple pies, sweet rolls and cookies that she generously shared with friends, neighbors, Yreka Police Department, and many businesses she frequented. She was always first in line to welcome newcomers and businesses to town. She also visited and transported elderly friends to doctor and hospital appointments. She would keep an eye on them and provided them with food and love. Edna was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband Earl, her sister Olive Marie Bonneau, her sister Lena Deborah "Babe" Anderson, her son Lynn, her daughter Ollie, and her son-in-law Robert Kenneth "Ken" Burbank. She is survived by her daughter Jean Burbank of Yreka, her granddaughter Lisa and husband Mike McGoffin of Medford, Oregon, granddaughter Shana Burbank of Eagle Point, Oregon, great granddaughter Lily McGoffin and great grandson Liam McGoffin of Medford, Oregon. Edna will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 1-3 PM at the Masonic Lodge, 101 Third Street in Yreka. In remembrance of Edna, please consider donations to Madrone Hospice House, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097.