A Life Well Lived: Remembering Eleanor E. Sortor

Eleanor Esther Sortor passed away peacefully June 25, 2025, at the age of 101. Born in Ridgefield, Wash., and raised in Woodland, Eleanor lived a long, full life rooted in family, faith, hard work and joy. 

She was the daughter of Andrew and Katherine (Thoeni) Weissenfluh and the youngest of four children, joining her beloved brothers, Bert, Ernie and Walter.

Eleanor graduated from Woodland High School in 1941 and married the love of her life, Norman L. Sortor, in 1946. Together they raised two daughters, Shirley and Cathy Jo, and built a life filled with laughter, adventure and love.

Eleanor was a lifelong member of the V.F.W., the American Legion Auxiliary and proudly served as Past President of the Ladies of Elks. Her community involvement reflected her deep sense of service and dedication to those around her. 

But perhaps what defined Eleanor most was her legendary work ethic. Her first job was helping a neighbor with laundry, earning 5 cents an hour — something she loved to tell people with a sparkle in her eye. From waitressing and baking pies to housing schoolteachers while raising her family, Eleanor never shied away from a challenge. She even sold cemetery plots door-to-door, which she proudly declared was her favorite job — because, as she said, "I was good at it!" 

She would go on to own Basin Cemetery Marker Service for over 53 years, finally retiring at the age of 87. She also owned and managed A-1 Mini Storage and Broadway Rentals — a true businesswoman with grit and grace. 

Eleanor loved to cook (and was very good at it), but her passions extended far beyond the kitchen. She lived to dance, enjoy a good glass of wine, play pinochle and — most of all — spend time with her family. Her travels took her across the Caribbean — St. Thomas, Aruba, Jamaica and more and many times to Maui with her daughter, Shirley. A true highlight was a month-long tour through Europe, where she visited Hasliberg, Switzerland — the birthplace of her parents — and met cousins she never knew she had. 

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, her parents, Andrew and Katherine, her brothers, Bert, Ernie and Walter, and her beloved daughter, Cathy Jo Glaesemann. 

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Wheeler, grandchildren Scott (Jennifer) Wheeler and their children, Jordan and Luke, Nate Wheeler and Amanda (Andrew) Ogilve. She was also deeply loved and cared for by her grandchildren, Shane Glaesemann and his daughter, Samantha, Kelsey Bradshaw and her daughters, Alexys (Devon) Hartman, Morgan, Cadence and Piper, along with her great-great-grandchildren, Sydney, Josie, Elsie, Oakley and Porter.

Eleanor adored her family and cherished every moment with them — right up to her very last days. She was always put together, always classy and never short on sass. Her quick wit and "You never know what she's going to say next." humor made her the life of every room she entered. Weekly card games were a staple — she always won, or so she insisted. Whether she did or not didn't matter; if she wasn't winning most of the time, she'd make sure the next game went her way. Her playful snicker when she was crowned the winner will never be forgotten.

She often said, with a wink and a grin, "Guess what? I won!" And when you replied, she'd flash that smile and say, "What's new?"

With gratitude 

Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible caregivers and professionals who helped Eleanor live her best life until the very end: 

To Monroe House, thank you for loving her like family, for tucking her in each night, and for welcoming all of us over the years with open arms. 

To Aida and the staff at Golden Years Home Care, thank you for your tireless care during her final weeks-you brought peace, comfort, and dignity during a sacred time.  

To Dr. Pimentel Jahns, thank you for 11 years of compassionate care. She always looked forward to her appointments just to see you. 

And to Hospice, thank you for your gentle support, communication and the comfort you gave not only to her — but to all of us.  

A legacy of love 

Eleanor was a once-in-a-lifetime woman — fierce, funny, wise and warm. She organized everything, beat everyone at cards and loved deeply. She taught us how to work hard, laugh often and live fully. 

She will be laid to rest next to her husband and parents at Lincoln Memorial Mausoleum in Portland, Ore. 

We will carry her sass, her stories and her strength with us always. 

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/EESORTOR. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.