Anne Theresa Hytinen

Anne Theresa (Minkoff) Hytinen passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, surrounded by her son William Ralph Hytinen Jr. and his wife Kathy Hytinen in Apache Junction, AZ, at the age of 100. She was born to George and Dora Minkoff, the fourth of their five children, on June 26, 1923, in Burnstad, ND. Her siblings included Mary Minkoff, Doris Groskoph, Frances Cornell, and Mike Minkoff. When still a young girl, her family moved to Oregon to farm their land in the small town of Clatskanie, where she attended both elementary and high school. Anne met the love of her life in Clatskanie, William (Bill) Hytinen. They married in 1942 and began their married life in Gearheart, OR, and from there moved to Richland, WA. Bill Seniors job took he and Annie, and their family of four children - Ronald Jan Hytinen, Susan Mary Hytinen, Joni Elizabeth Nelson, and William Ralph Hytinen Jr. - to Denver, CO where they lived until another work-related move took them to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1973. They returned to Denver for several years, after which they made homes in Edmonds, WA, La Conner, WA, and Lincoln City, OR. Wherever they lived, their home was a warm and welcoming place for their children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends to visit often.

After her children were grown, Anne attended beauty school in Denver, embarking on a career as a hairstylist during their time living in Canada. Anne was a remarkable lady with a brilliant mind and a loving heart. She was known for her adventurous spirit - not only did she and Bill travel to Europe, China, Russia, Australia, and South America, and the beach towns of both Oregon and Washington - they were out most weekends either ice-fishing, or salmon fishing in the Puget Sound waters, and made many extended trips to hunt and fish in Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska, and Canada. Anne had captivating stories to tell about every chapter of her family history, the travels she and Bill enjoyed, and their life together. Her clear memories of family history and all her adventures were outstanding, the telling of which gave her family a deep sense of ancestry, belonging, and joy. As well as traveling, Anne loved to garden, and always immersed herself in crafts that required patience and skill - beading jewelry, knitting, and crocheting. She was an excellent card player, another skill she developed over the years when she and Bill played pair partners in monthly bridge games with friends. She took up running in her 40s, completing several 5k, 10k, and 12k races well into her 70's, showcasing her determination and zest for life.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband William Ralph Hytinen, her eldest son, Ronald Jan Hytinen, her brother Mike Minkoff and her sisters Mary Minkoff and Frances Cornell. She is survived by her daughters, Joni Elizabeth Nelson and Susan Mary Hytinen, her son, William Ralph Hytinen Jr and her treasured grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, as well as her nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 25th, at 2:00 pm at Hudson Cemetery, located at 75900 Larson Rd, Rainier, OR 97048. The family kindly requests attendees to park by the Grange, as her site is in Hudson Cemetery Row 3 Gravesite 22. Woodbine Cemetery at 75900 Larson Rd, Rainier, OR 97048, is assisting with the funeral arrangements. Anne's legacy of love, strength, and creativity will forever be cherished by her family and friends. We will love her, miss her and be grateful for her always. May she rest in peace.