Edna "Ninjagrandma" Desselle

Edna Journey Desselle (aka Ninjagrandma to her 3.5k Facebook Friends), born in Liverpool, England, to Alfred and Martha, passed away peacefully July 26th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, strength, sharp wit and unwavering love for her family.

Growing up during the tumultuous times of World War II in England, Edna’s early life was marked by both challenges and the enduring spirit that would come to define her. It was in Liverpool that she met her first husband, Ervin "Tony" Journey, an airman in the United States Air Force. After Ervin's discharge from the service, he brought his young English bride across the pond to Elm Creek, Nebraska, where they welcomed their first two sons. Before the birth of their third child, the family relocated to Southern California.

Tragedy struck in 1970 with the untimely death of Ervin, leaving Edna with 5 young children, no job, and no driver’s license. But as the saying goes, women are like tea bags—you never know their strength until you drop them in hot water. Edna proved to be the strongest cup of tea you will ever have. She put herself through cosmetology school, opened her own beauty shop, and bought a house for her family in Burbank, California.

A few years later, Edna discovered a passion for fishing. Frequent trips to the Eastern Sierra left her hooked, leading her to sell her home in Southern California and move her family to Mammoth Lakes CA. On any given day during fishing season, you could always find Edna at her favorite fishin’ hole near the Sheriff’s substation.  In Mammoth, Edna worked various jobs while raising her family, but she found the most joy during her years at the Sierra Nevada Inn. There, she befriended Jerry Buss, the owner of the LA Lakers and the Sierra Nevada Inn, and had the opportunity to meet many celebrities and international guests and formed lifelong friendships.

Edna cherished conversations with fellow Brit’s and Liverpudlians that she would meet at the Sierra Nevada Inn and discussing her beloved Queen Elizabeth. Despite her deep love for her homeland, she embraced the United States, becoming a proud U.S. citizen and even participating in a presidential campaign.

Edna always found time for friends and fun in between working and raising kids. She loved music, especially the Beatles and Elvis, you would often hear her singing along to her vinyl’s.  She played softball, and went square dancing, and she and Bob were in the archery club. She volunteered for many years at the local thrift shop and she loved to play the slots (mostly because she always won). And if you ever had the opportunity to enjoy a home cooked meal by Edna, you were truly blessed. Edna enjoyed traveling around California and Oregon coast in their RV. She had a quick wit and a big heart and made conversation and friends wherever she went. 

Upon retiring with her second husband, Bob Desselle, Edna moved to southern Nevada, where she spent the last 20 years of her life. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Ervin Journey, her second husband, Robert Desselle, her eldest son, Dean Anthony, and her parents and siblings in the UK. Edna is survived by her children, Craig Journey, Linda & husband Jeff Pasley (Mammoth Lakes), Deana Monitello (Ohio), Kristina Journey Culley (Arkansas), Edward Wehmeyer IV (Camarillo CA) her 6 Grandchildren, Robert Journey, Karl Journey, Heather Hensler Dungy, Hanna Hensler Thompson, Russell Allen, Doran Wehmeyer, 4 Great Grandchildren numerous nieces and nephews and her little doggie Snoopy. Edna Journey Desselle will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, her dedication to her family, and her ability to turn life's challenges into triumphs and a song. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. And to all that loved her, please know that she Loved You More!