Ilene Tuttle Adams was born November 23, 1910, in Asotin Washington and passed away peacefully on August 11, 2010 at Panorama Convalescent Center in Lacey, Washington.
A gifted teacher, Ilene taught in a number of Alaska villages, beginning in 1931. Most of her Alaska teaching was in Ninilchik, where she also homesteaded. She also taught in Washington State, primarily in Anatone and Richland. An adventurous woman, she also operated a cattle and wheat ranch, welded in a shipyard during World War II, fished commercially, and coached basketball.
Ilene enjoyed children and young people, travel, dancing, gardening and playing pinochle. As a former basketball player and coach, she loved to watch games, and was particularly supportive of the teams from Ninilchik, Alaska, and Eastern Oregon University. Most of all, she enjoyed being with and cooking for family and friends.
Ilene is survived by daughter Margaret Vonheeder and husband Ellis of Olympia, son Larry Matson and wife Cheryl of Ninilchik, Alaska, grandchildren Stacy Cruz, Shannon McElwee and husband Sjan, John Matson, Amanda Matson, and great granddaughters Jessica McElwee and Marissa Cruz. Also surviving are stepsons David M. Adams, William Boettcher and family, and Richard Boettcher, as well as many friends from around the globe. Ilene was preceded in death by husbands Van Puette, Lawrence Matson, Bernard Boettcher, and David J. Adams.
A celebration of her life will be on Monday, August 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Mills and Mills Funeral Home Chapel, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Olympia, WA. A reception will follow.
If you wish, donations may be made to "Habitat for Humanity" or a charity of your choice.
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