Opal L Solberg

Lavina Solberg, 92, of Ellensburg, Washington, passed away on January 20, 2014 at Royal Vista Care Center.Opal was born July 1, 1921, in Yankton, SD, to Harry and Opal (Brande) Christopherson. She graduated as valedictorian from Irene High School in 1939 and received an RN degree from Fairview Nursing School in Minneapolis in 1943. On July 18, 1944, she married Kristen B. Solberg who was serving in the Navy in Corpus Christi, Texas. After the war, they returned to Centerville, South Dakota, then later moved to Laramie, WY, and eventually settled in Tacoma, Washington. Opal worked as an obstetrical nurse at McChord AFB and Madigan Army Hospital, as a clinic nurse at Pacific Lutheran University, and later as a psychiatric nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma. Upon retirement Kris and Opal moved to Ellensburg, Washington, where they engaged in a private practice, Valley Psychological Services, for 15 years. After their final retirement, they enjoyed traveling and spending the winters in Arizona. Opal was active in the Lutheran Church wherever they lived, always singing in the church choir. She was committed to volunteer work including managing a food bank, Beta Sigma Phi, PEO, and hospice visitation. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, crocheting, sewing, baking, and preparing traditional Norwegian delicacies at Christmas time. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls, and the endless supply of chocolate chip cookies in the ceramic hen in the kitchen. Opal was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, adopted children, family, and friends. Her hands were rarely at rest, filled with daily tasks of love and service to her community, her church and her family. She touched many lives both professionally and personally. She was a loving wife, mother, friend, nurse, mentor, advisor, encourager, and a shining model to follow. Know Mother, that your life was well lived, and trust your love will shine on in all those you leave behind. May your next journey be gentle and swift, and like your life, in the grace of God.Opal is survived by her two sons, Ken and his wife Jacque of Minnetonka, MN, Don and his wife Joy, of Ellensburg, WA, and a daughter, Ona of Ellensburg, WA; her brother Kenneth Christopherson (Polly) of Tacoma, WA; her sister-in law Anne Christopherson, her sister Borgie Bonthuis (Dave) of Anoka, MN; four grandchildren, Jessica Solberg of Kirkland, WA, Kristin Solberg-McClelland of Chugiak, AK, Kevin Ehrman-Solberg of Minnetonka, MN, and Bridget Ehrman-Solberg of Los Angeles, CA; and step-grandchildren Raffy and Jacob Wilson. She also is survived by many adopted sons and daughters. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry, her mother Opal, her stepmother Clara, her brother Gerry, and her beloved husband Kris. A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, February 16th at First Lutheran Church, 512 N. Ruby St., Ellensburg, WA, 98926. Internment will occur at a later date at the Bang Cemetery, in rural Freeman, SD. To leave a message for the family and to view photos of Opal, go to the CaringBridge website and search for Opal Solberg (or go directly to www.caringbridge.org/visit/opalsolberg ).