Adalaide Earline Van Duser

Born in Eugene, Oregon, to Earl Arnhold and Adalaide Hinton, Earline was the youngest of three children and carried the strong yet gentle spirit of her family throughout her life. During her teenage years, her mother remarried Ruben Nelson who was nurturing and caring father to her. She graduated from Ballard High School and soon after, fate stepped in—she met the love of her life, Ross Van Duser, at a USO dance in Seattle. They married on December 3, 1954, beginning a journey of over six decades filled with devotion, laughter, and adventure.

Earline’s early working years were spent waitressing while raising her young children, but her professional path evolved as the family moved. In Duluth, Minnesota, she found a new role at Bagley’s Jewelry and China Store in 1971. Later, in 1976, the family settled in Everett, Washington, where she worked for The Bon Marché until retiring in the late 1990's.

Though she worked hard, Earline never let life get too serious. Her sense of humor was legendary—whether it was crafting a dress out of newspaper comics for a costume party (and becoming the hit of the night), or planning unforgettable surprises like an unforgettable birthday cake from Seattle’s Erotic Cake Bakery. Earline could find the fun in any moment, often delighting those around her with her wit and joyful mischief.

Holidays, especially Halloween, brought out her creative side, with costumes that brought smiles and laughter year after year. She also loved taking her children on long car rides, each one a little adventure, and had a special fondness for Nevada, where she spent cherished time with her Uncle Jo and Aunt Florence during her younger years.

After retirement, she and Ross enjoyed traveling and taking in live theatre—two passions that brought them closer and filled their days with culture and connection. Earline also delighted in the comfort of home and was known for her one-of-a-kind “baked” beans recipe—so hearty and filled with meat, it could stand alone as a full meal. That dish is still lovingly made by her family today, a warm reminder of her love and care.

One of the family’s favorite stories sums up her humor perfectly: when she and Ross offered to sell their Mukilteo home, the family debated. Months later, with a Walgreens being built nearby, her daughter-in-law joked over the phone, “Mom, I think it’s time you got rid of the house. The neighborhood’s going downhill—there’s a drug house on the corner.” After a long pause, Earline burst out laughing once she realized it was just a Walgreens. Her laugh was unforgettable—pure, hearty, and contagious.

Earline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ross Van Duser, and her brother Everett (“Arnie”) Arnhold. She is survived by her loving children: John (“Jack”) Van Duser (Ilona) of Mukilteo, Stacy Hopkins (Jim) of Bothell, Trudy Rivers of Mill Creek, and Keith Van Duser of Marysville; her brother Ray of Tacoma; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who carry on her legacy of strength, love, and laughter.

Earline lived a full life rich with humor, family, resilience, and the kind of kindness that never fades. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.