Elsie Ruth Sullivan, 86, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2009 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley.

Elsie was born on September 17, 1922 in Choteau, Montana, the daughter of Robert & Frieda Bremer Thorn. She was raised and attended school in Choteau and after graduating from high school she moved to the Bay area of California, residing in Oakland.

There she met Robert Sullivan and on May 29, 1948 they were united in marriage. Together they made their home in Choteau, MT, then moved to Shelby, MT where they raised their family until separating in the early 1960’s. Elsie then moved to Cut Bank, MT where she worked as a beauty operator for a few years.
In 1967 Elsie moved to Sedro-Woolley and in 1968 she got a job at United General Hospital working in Central Services sterilizing and preparing instruments for surgery. She retired in 1985.
Elsie enjoyed playing bingo and was an avid pinochle player at the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center where she would organize the events.

Elsie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia & Dale Brooks of Sedro-Woolley and her son and daughter-in-law, Vincent & Carla Sullivan of Cut Bank, Montana. One sister, Ann Kronberg of Bend, OR; a brother-in-law, Bob Mainard of Sedro-Woolley; three grandchildren, Jennifer Brooks of Sedro-Woolley and Jason & Camron Sullivan of Cut Bank, MT, six great grand children and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mabel Mainard; two brothers, Harry & John Thorn; a granddaughter, Stephanie Brooks and her former husband, Bob Sullivan.

A Graveside Inurnment Service will be on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley. Memorials in Elsie’s memory are suggested to a charity of your choice. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.