Passed in her home, age 91, January 22, 2018. Born to Fritz J. Gehri and Kathleen Dorothea (Phair) Gehri Swanson of Tacoma, WA. She was a bell captain at the Olympic Hotel, an employee at the Kress five and dime, and a Rosie the Riveter 1941-45 at Sand Point Naval Air Station.
As homemaker and mother, Elaine tended her beautiful gardens and home. She was always doing something for her many friends and she doted on the birds in her yard and many family dogs. She was an active member of the Victory Heights Community Council. The Dept. of Wildlife recognized her in 1991 under their Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program. In 2000 the Humane Society valued her for her passion and love of animals. In 2002 she attended a Rosie Reunion, and her name was entered into the Nat’l WWII Registry of Remembrances 2004.
She is survived by her four children--Kathy Titus, Karen Lambers, Bonnie Ecker (Dan), Gary Lambers; two grandsons--Alan and Robert; two great grandchildren--Justin and Ethan.
Laid to rest at Acacia Memorial Park. Guestbook provided at dignitymemorial.com/acacia-funeral-home.
The Tacoma News Tribune, posted 2/11/18
The Seattle Times, posted 2/11/18
