Sharyn Sue (Neely) Olander, age 77, a longtime Sedro-Woolley, WA resident, passed away at home on June 24, 2022.  She was born October 20, 1944, to Virgil and Thelma (Wilson) Neely.  Sue grew up on the family’s dairy farm, in Allen, and spent much of her summers at the family cabin on Samish Island. She graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1962 and enjoyed attending many of their class reunions to catch up with old classmates…she was a true Tiger at heart!

Sue met Del Olander at a dance, in Alger, and they married in 1964. Two years later, they welcomed daughter, Kim, and two years later, another daughter, Tammy. For the first several years, Del and Sue raised their family in the house Del was born in, on the Olander family homestead in Hoogdal. They built a new house, on the homestead, where they hosted many BBQs, parties and various gatherings. Their door was always open for a good visit over a homebrew, cup of coffee or tall glass of iced tea.

Sue attended Skagit Valley College, after high school, and became an LPN.  She began working at Everett General Hospital, which kicked off her nursing career. She was a nurse at United General and Skagit Valley hospitals, and various other care facilities in Skagit County.  Her “retirement” years included subbing for nurses in the Sedro-Woolley School District.

As a child, Sue was active in Methodist Youth Fellowship and Campfire, she then went on to be a Campfire Leader, as well as Camp Counselor and Camp Director for the Campfire Day Camp held each summer at Bayview State Park.

Sue was a member of the Allen United Methodist Church (77 years), Samish Valley Grange (55 years), Hoogdal Community Club (57 years) and the Foresters (49 years). In their later years, Del and Sue joined the Old Time Fiddlers, then started their own band, The Renegades.

Sue is survived by her daughters, Kim Olander Mayer (Bill) and Tammy Olander (Will Growney); granddaughters, Kailey Nye (Jeff), Ashton Growney (Jon) and Danica Faussett (David); greatgrandchildren, Paisley and Paxton Nye; brothers-in-law, Hank Olander and Hal Olander (Kathy, also a dear friend since grade school); special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She also had a few “3^rd daughters”, “sons” and was “Grandma Sue” to several other children.  Sue also left behind her dog, Nellie, who gave her a lot of comfort, hugs, kisses and companionship during the last year and a half of her life.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law; husband, Del; brothers, Gene and Dan Neely; sister, Evelyn Roose; sisters-in-law, Marlys Neely, Mildred Evans Gerard and Gladys Olander; brothers-in-law, Giles Evans and Floyd Gerard; beloved aunts, Rosie Wilson and Beverly Fricker; nephews, Brent Olander and Brad Evans; and many cherished friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Allen United Methodist Church on July 15, 2022 at 2:00pm. Masks highly encouraged and to allow for personal distancing, please bring a chair, if possible, and dress accordingly, as the refreshment hour will be outdoors.

Sue will be laid to rest, with Del, at Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley at a later date. Some of Sue and Del’s ashes will also join her family at Bayview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Hoogdal Community Club, 22180 Grip Road, SW 98284 or Samish Valley Grange, 609 Sterling Street, SW 98284. Share your memories of Sue and sign the online guest register.