Elaine Dee Ferri

Elaine Dee Ferri (Spencer), born in Prosser, Washington, passed away on August 29, 2026 in Newcastle, Washington, after a courageous battle with cancer. She left this world surrounded by deep love, having lived a life defined by resilience, devotion to family, and an enduring curiosity about the world.

Elaine was raised in Yakima, Washington, where her close-knit family shaped her values of loyalty, hard work, and generosity. After graduating from Eisenhower high school, she attended business college and moved to Seattle, beginning a lifelong career as a skilled administrative professional. During those early years, she met and married David Gentry, lived and worked in Louisiana and California, and together welcomed three daughters. When their marriage ended, Elaine returned to Yakima to raise her young girls as a single mother (not very common or easy in the mid-70’s). With the unwavering support and love of her immediate and extended family, she built a home for her daughters filled with stability, creativity, and care.

Elaine married her soul-mate, Michael Ferri, in 1981. Their marriage brought Elaine great joy, companionship, and a new extended family who embraced her fully. Elaine always said she hit the jackpot when she met Mike and could not have chosen a better man to raise the girls with. She and Mike resided in Ellensburg and then ultimately in Marysville, as they followed his career as Postmaster, and shared thirty-nine happy years until his passing in 2019.

Professionally, Elaine took great pride in her work. She contributed to the nation’s early space program during her time at Boeing, supporting the team that built components for the Apollo missions, an accomplishment she spoke of often. She continued her career with dedication and excellence, ultimately retiring from Everett Community College in 2015. Elaine was known for her meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the kindness she brought to every workplace. She also devoted many years to community service through the Marysville Kiwanis Club, serving as both Secretary and President, and giving her time generously alongside Mike.

Elaine’s creativity was one of her defining gifts. She had a natural eye for interior design and delighted in painting, sewing, quilting, and needlework. Her home was always filled with handmade touches that reflected her artistic spirit. She loved traveling with Mike and her family, and she cherished their trip to Europe, visiting London, Paris, Venice, Rome, and Montecatini, the hometown of Mike’s family. Elaine was also a lifelong learner, endlessly curious about philosophy, metaphysics, politics, world cultures, and current events. She treasured quiet Sunday mornings spent reading the newspaper from front to back. As Elaine was approaching her final days, she looked forward to being reunited with her beloved Mike, whom she has greatly missed these past few years.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Adella Spencer, her brother Gary Spencer, her beloved husband Michael Ferri, and her son in law Christopher Wagenblast. She is survived by her sister Judith Bradford; her brother-in-laws John Ferri (Kathy), Tony Ferri (Brenda); her daughters Tracie Wurlitzer (Rick), Trina Wagenblast, and Tiffany Gentry; her grandchildren Chelsea Stanton (Joel), Braden Wurlitzer, Hannah Wagenblast, and Rachel Wagenblast; and her great grandchildren Zeppelin Stanton, Miller Stanton, and Morrison Stanton. She also leaves behind many extended family members whom she loved deeply.

A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held at a later date, where her family and friends will gather to honor her remarkable journey, her strength, and her legacy.