She was born on Feb. 19, 1918 to Rosa and Joseph Suter in Mineral, Wash., the 11th of 13 children. Rosa Mueller and Joseph Suter had emigrated from Switzerland in 1903 and 1904 respectfully, met and were married in Mineral in 1906.
After Rosa died in 1920 at age 39 and Emma was 2 years old. Emma and all but her two oldest brothers who stayed with their father, went to live in a Catholic orphanage in Orting, Wash. Emma’s father, Joseph, was able to visit as often as he was able to make the arduous 30-mile journey. However, Joseph died when he was 60 years old and Emma was 12 years old and still in the orphanage. The family members remained a close and loving family their entire lifetimes as they each left the orphanage and made their way in life. Emma was placed in the home of Mrs. Marie Balmer of Orting during her high school years and had wonderful memories of her time spent there.
Emma met Ishmael Maurice Docken in Tacoma, Wash. They were married in 1938 and had six children. They were lovingly together for 44 years until Ishmael passed away in 1982 while they were living in Boardman.
Emma was 55 years old when she added a new passion to her life, golf. She excelled in the sport, first at the Willow’s Run Golf Course in Boardman and then with the ladies group at the Umatilla Golf Course (now Big River Golf Course).
She certainly enjoyed her notoriety on the golf course and the awards she won. She especially enjoyed the many friendships she gained through golf.
Emma spent the last 3 years of her life at the Summit Springs Memory Care Unit in Condon. She brought with her the same positive, bright attitude with which she lived her entire life. She was treated as an honored member of their family. Their special care and support provided a wonderful place for her final home.
All of Emma’s siblings passed away before her but she is lovingly remembered and survived by her six children, Eric Docken, Maureen Redenbaugh, Leta Cavens, Ilona McCracken, Lee Docken and Mark Docken, plus their spouses and families. She leaves 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Emma will be held at the Swiss Hall at Bonney Lake, Wash., in early 2015.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
