Mabel M. Smeltzer

She was born in Richardton ND, March 14, 1930. Her parents were Phillip and Cunagunda Fix. Growing up, the family moved to Missouri. Here, she met her future husband, Ernie Smeltzer, while working in a movie theater.

They moved to Ketchikan, where they began their family. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Seattle for a couple of years, where Ernie worked for Boeing. Back in Ketchikan, she began her life as a pioneer, although Ernie had to teach her how to cook--especially things like clams, halibut and shrimp--which she loved!

While raising six children, she found time for volunteering: the community center, the Pioneers, Hospice, the Senior Center, and AARP. She always had a smile for everyone, and somehow came through challenging situations with gentle graciousness.

Mabel returned to the work force in the early 1960's--started at the hospital as an office employee. After that she worked for the Forest Service. She then took a job with the Coast Guard. Her final job was with the state court system. In this journey, while gaining skills, she enjoyed her work, collecting many friends along the way. She retired several years after Ernie. They enjoyed traveling--the interior of Alaska with their children, visiting relatives in the Midwest. They also ventured to Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia, and Nova Scotia. They welcomed many friends and family to their home near the beach. After Ernie died, Mabel sold their house and moved to town, where she appreciated the proximity to her friends, and the independence of living in a community which she loved for 60 years! She moved to Seattle in April 2011, closer to her children and grandsons. She continued to bring her graciousness to all she met.

She is preceded in death by her son Matthew, and by her husband Ernie. She herself was the remaining of eight children.

Mabel is survived by five children: Steve Smeltzer, Salem OR, Theresa Smeltzer (Darryll Nestor), Sequim WA, Jan Segebrecht (Robert- "CB"), Marysville WA, Ralph Smeltzer, Auburn WA, and Mark Smeltzer (Joelle), Auburn WA. She has two grandsons, Matthew 15, and Jeremy 13.

A celebration of Mabel's life will be held at the Holy Name Catholic Church in Ketchikan sometime in August.