Orvin Edward Artas

Orvin Artas passed from this earth on February 24, 2015 at the age of 92. He was born February 1, 1923 in Ellsworth, Kansas, to Edward and Rosalina (Burmeister) Artas. Orvin attended grade school and high school in Ellsworth and began studies at the Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1941 Orvin joined the U.S. Coast Guard and spent most of his service in the South Pacific aboard an LST (Landing Stationary Tank). After his discharge he started his own business.

In 1948 he married Edith Erhardt of Ellsworth, Kansas and went to work at the Dodge Plymouth dealership. In 1951 he joined the Boeing Company in Wichita, Kansas and began a 28 year career as a manufacturing engineer which prompted his family's move to Everett, Washington in 1967. Orvin married Lois Barnaby from Lacey, Washington on February 18, 2012. Orvin enjoyed woodworking and wood carving, volunteered at the Olympia Senior Center and always had a story to tell.

He is survived by his wife, Lois of Lacey, Washington; adopted son, Sam Etter of Missouri; sister, Myrene Wimer of Olathe, Kansas; nephew, Jonathan Wimer, niece, Renae (Ron) Ruoff and grandnieces, Emily and Allie Ruoff; two step-sons, Glen (Cathy) Adler of San Pedro, California and Brad (Lori) Adler of Olympia, Washington; six step-grandchildren and ten step-great grandchildren. Orvin was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Edith, his son, Alan, his parents, and sister Vada (Elkman).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4th at 9:00 am at the Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater. Services will follow at 10:00 am with burial at Mills & Mills Memorial Park.