Tammy Irene Wells

Tammy Irene Wells, 51, died March 18, 2012, at her home in Palmer from chronic illness.

She was born Feb. 17, 1961, in Olympia, Wash. She graduated from Tumwater High School as part of the class of 1980. She moved to Alaska in 1991 and lived in Anchorage for three years. Then she moved to Palmer, where she lived for 18 years. She worked at the State Theater and for the state of Washington in Olympia. She also had multiple entrepreneurial endeavors in Alaska.

She was a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. She was in the Golden Arrows Club and Future Business Leaders of America at Tumwater High School.

Her hobbies and interests included beading, artistry, crafts, rock hounding, camping and spending time with her family.

“Tammy was the best mother and wife anyone could ever be blessed with. She couldn’t help but brighten the world with her smiles and giggles,” the family wrote. “She was the angel of her husband’s life. With open arms and open heart, she would share her life with anyone. Her beautiful spirit will be with us always.”

Surviving are her spouse, Scott Wells; sons, Travis, Anthony and Bryan Wells; and father, Don Van Mechelen.

Preceding her in death was her mother, Rose (Sewell) Van Mechelen; sisters, Christine (Van Mechelen) Howell and Kathy Van Mechelen; brother, Tim Van Mechelen; three nieces, two nephews, a great-niece, a great-nephew and many children of the heart.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. This was Tammy and her mother’s favorite charity.

Her ashes will be placed at Mills and Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater, Wash., with her mother.

Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Chapel in Palmer cared for the family.