Alberta Skillen

Alberta A. Skillen, beloved mother and grandmother, a 92 year old Scott Valley native, passed away on August 12, 2011. Alice Alberta Alford was born on October 9, 1918 in Oro Fino, CA to Albert and Alice (Callihan) Alford. She was a descendant of the Great Shasta Indian Chief “Tyee John” and was proud of her Shasta Indian heritage. Her father Albert passed away during an influenza epidemic when Alberta was just 2 years old. Her mother Alice passed away when Alberta was only 12 years old, leaving her an orphan. This tragedy forced her to support herself at a tender age. She persevered and overcame her trials. She went on to graduate with honors from Greenview Elementary school soon after her mother’s untimely passing. She graduated from Etna High School and married Joe Skillen in 1936 at the age of 17. Joe and Alberta had 4 children. She was fond of saying “that when her children were just babies that she would forgo cleaning the house in order to have time to play with her beloved children”. The family settled in Etna in 1942. Joe passed away on September 21, 1986, shortly after the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Alberta worked for over 20 years with Dr. Ashcraft at the Etna clinic, helping to deliver many, many babies in Scott Valley. Alberta had the “Gift of Hospitality” and would spend countless hours cooking and canning yummy delights from her garden for others. She was always fixing meals for someone in need, be it a family with a new baby, or someone who had lost a loved one. She would always have a lovely dinner ready. Her mincemeat pies were legendary... as were the applesauce and apple pie filling that she made every year. She was a proud member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW) and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of the LDS Church in Etna and was a charter member of the Valley Oaks Club. Alberta is survived by four children, John Skillen of Eutawville, S.C., James Skillen of Crescent City, CA, Alice Thompson of Klamath Falls, OR. and Karol Purcell of Etna, CA ; 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her 2 sisters, a brother and 1 grandson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the Etna LDS Church. Memorial donations may be made to the NDGW Childrens Foundation, 543 Baker Street, San Francisco, CA 94117-1405 or to the Scott Valley Scholarships, PO Box 352, Etna, CA 96027. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Alberta Skillen

October 9, 1918 - August 12, 2011