Ethel Cordelia Albers of Yakima WA, passed away in Spokane WA, on Saturday September 11, 2021 at the age of 96. She is survived by her son Martin Albers (Dia) of Seattle, daughters Lorna Smith (Britt) of Olympia, and Katherine Beaulaurier (Mark) of Spokane and preceded in death by her son Fred and husband James, both of Yakima. The family wishes to express deep and sincere appreciation to the staff of Riverview Retirement for their kind attention and care.
Ethel Cordelia Martinson was born in Birch Bay Washington in 1924 to Edward and Martha Martinson. She spent her child hood playing on the shores of birch bay. She attended Western Washington College, originally pursuing an acting career, but after some very wise advice from a mentor chose a teaching degree. During her first year of teaching, in Centralia WA, she met her future husband James (Jim) Albers. Ethel taught school in Cordova AK, for a year before returning to the lower 48 and to teach school as Jim also earned a teaching degree. The two were married in 1950 and moved to Omak to teach school where their 1st son Fred was born. A year later they moved to Yakima WA where they lived for over 60 years and had three more children. She continued to teach school focusing on 3rd and 4" grade. As Fred was born developmentally disabled Ethel spent untold time and energy advocating for resources for disabled people which had a positive cascading effect.
Ethel has always been an adventurous person, enjoying outdoor activities. As anyone who knew Ethel knows she was an avid Huckleberry picker, and loved fishing, clam digging and just getting out in the mountains. She was also a passionate pinochle player, gardener and square dancer. Ethel was a member of the 1° Presbyterian church for over 65 years and participated in many women's groups and guilds. Ethel spent her whole life putting the needs of her family first. She was a loving, caring and fun spirited self-proclaimed character, who truly enjoyed life. She and Jim moved to Spokane to be near family, where she lived the last 7 years of her life. Ethel touched many people's lives, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Albers family.
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