Etta Mae Singleton

Etta Mae was born on August 16, 1928 in Monroe, Louisiana. She used to paddle her way to school in the bayou at 5 years old, alligators and all. She loved telling that story just to share how much grit she had.

In 1944, she moved to Seattle with her family. At 16 years old she faked her age and got a job at Boeing placing screws in war planes, working there until the end of World War 2.

She had three children, Tommy, Linda and Ron, and in 1968, she moved to Kodiak, Alaska with her husband, Ed Singleton. It was there that she worked on the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard bases as a civilian, using her gift and love language of cooking to feed those serving in the United States Military. She then worked for a Native non profit, where she learned quantity cooking. This led her to becoming head cook at the Mecca, where she retired after 15 years.

Etta loved helping her community, and she served in many capacities including the American Legion, where she served as President for the Kodiak branch for several years. She also served in the Pioneer’s club, where she offered support to those who lived in Kodiak. She served in the Eastern Stars for many years, and she loved cooking for veteran charity dinners, as well.

After 47 years living in Alaska, Etta moved back to Seattle in 2015, where most of her family lived. While she missed Kodiak and the people there, she was able to see her family daily, which she loved. On August 16, 2018 Etta Mae celebrated her 90th Birthday in Seattle, where members of the family and many close friends threw her a huge party. Etta said, “It was the best party of my life!”

Etta Mae was an extrovert who loved meeting new people. She made everyone feel special, always wooing strangers with her sense of humor and her ability to make people feel seen, including the nurses who took care of her up until the end. When she was hospitalized in October, she said to concerned family members, “I’m not going anywhere, yet!” She still had that grit.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Singleton, her granddaughter, André Battles, and her son, Ron Singleton. She leaves behind her children Tom and Linda Battles, seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Etta was very loved and she will be greatly missed by all.