Ethel Bayes Vahlbusch, a 52 year resident of Sedro-Woolley passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2004 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley at the age of 89 years.
She was born February 25, 1915 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Ernest and Marie Ordish Bayes. Ethel attended school in Bellingham, graduating from Bellingham High School in 1933 and then from Success Business College in 1934.
She was married to Roy W. Vahlbusch on November 28, 1934 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage until his passing in August of 2002.
She worked as a secretary for the Washington State Employment Security for many years retiring in July of 1980. She and Roy belonged to the Rock and Gem Club for many years as well as enjoying traveling in their travel trailer and hunting and fishing. In her later years, she enjoyed playing the organ, both at home and with the Organ Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, and 2 daughters, Sally Demorest in 1980 and Roylene Fagan in 2002. 2 granddaughters, Arlenia Turpin in 2001 and Cindy Haskins in 2002. Ethel is survived by her son-in-law, Allan Demorest of Olympia, WA and a granddaughter, Terri Young of North Pole, AK. A niece, Vanessa Randall and her husband Bill of Bellingham, and a nephew, Jan DeBoer and his wife Susan of Birdsview, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Also, Ethel’s caregiver, Jamie Klinger, many other friends and her beloved 15 year old Toy Fox Terrier ‘Cookie’.
At Ethel’s request there will be no services with cremation under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to Skagit Hospice in Ethel’s memory. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Ethel by signing our online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com.