Glenna Jenkins

Glenna Jenkins of Oak Harbor died early in the morning on June 21.

She was 93 years old, sharp, witty and enjoying her life. The day before her death, she was surrounded by family sharing memories, laughter, a few tears and lots of love.

Glenna was born in Wenatchee on Jan. 3, 1922. She was the youngest of Elmer and Dora Brubaker’s seven children.

At age 23, she became a single mother raising two children. The family lived in Seattle, Portland and Montebello, Calif.

During these years, Glenna worked for Pacific Bell, where she soon became a supervisor. She was in charge of the payroll department for the Los Angeles Corporate Offices. She was the person the company chose, and trained, to program the “computer boards” as the company transitioned to computer accounting. She then trained her staff of over 40 people doing pencil and paper accounting, through punch cards and into a fully computerized accounting department.

In 1963, when the children were in college, Glenna returned to Washington and married Oscar Jenkins of Seattle.

Soon after, the couple moved to Whidbey Island, where they made many friends, practiced barbering and real estate, and built G & O Mini Storage north of Oak Harbor.

They worked until four days before Glenna’s death, and Oscar’s plans were to re-open the business on June 24.

Glenna is survived by her husband, Oscar Jenkins, son, Ray Jenkins, daughter, Sharon Gilbert, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. All love her dearly.

There will be no public service, as the family is planning a memorial reunion later in the summer.

Remembrance gifts may be donated to the Sturge-Weber Foundation, PO Box 418, Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970-0418. Glenna’s first grandchild was born with Sturge-Weber. For information, visit the Sturge-Weber Foundation website. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com