Obituary of Geraldine Rae Eken

Gerry Eken passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 21, 2016. She was born on December 26, 1926 in Bellingham, WA to William Henry Woodward and Mabel Alice Erlandson-Woodward. She graduated from Olympia High School and earned a teaching degree from Western Washington College of Education (now Western Washington University). She taught elementary school for thirty eight years, sixteen of those in Shelton. In addition to teaching and church activities, Gerry enjoyed singing in the church choir for seventy years and dancing to big band music. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and traveled to Norway twice. She was married to Robert “Bob” Albin Eken for forty nine years, and loved spending time with family and friends. She was a light in our lives with her energetic enthusiasm, calm and steady faith, ever present cheerfulness and sense of humor. Gerry is survived by her son Drew Eken, daughter Janna Wood, grandson Jason Wolden, great great nephew David Woodward, who she helped raise and adored, and numerous beloved extended family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease research or Faith Lutheran Church. A celebration of life will be held on March 19, 2016 at 2:00pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton, WA.