MaryEllen Swenson

MaryEllen died Oct. 4, 2010, at age 70.

She had a beautiful sweet spirit and was a lifelong follower of Christ. Her beautiful smile was a joy to behold to all who knew her.

MaryEllen was born Sept. 19, 1940, to Ralph Simpson and Eva Hodgson Simpson in Pengilly, Minn.

She was preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Joyce Olson and Kathleen (Blitz) Kennedy; brothers, Loren, Ralph (Lad), and Keith and Leroy Simpson.

MaryEllen is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Jim; daughter, Julie (Jeff) Stang; sons, Andrew Halvorsen, Jon Swenson and David Eddy. She is also survived by sisters, Eva Hobbs and Dolores McClure; brother, Joe (Lois) Simpson; and sisters-in-law, Doris and Marge Simpson, Judy (Roger) Hutchinson and Karen Tayerle.

She moved with her parents to Shelton, Wash., in 1951. She moved with her family to Petersburg in 1960 and stayed in Alaska for 40 years until retirement to Thousand Palms, Calif. seven years ago. She worked in the grocery business in Petersburg, for the city of Cordova and as a clerk for the Alaska court system. She was senior regent at the Palmer Moose Family Center and earned her cap and gown there.

There was a celebration of life Oct 9 in the Clubhouse at Tri Palm Estates. There will be a memorial service in Shelton, Wash., in the near future.