Irene Amelia Sooter

Irene Amelia Sooter (Turner), age 90, passed away at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, Washington, on May 23rd 2011, after a struggle with ALS. Born in Shageluk, Alaska, on June 23rd 1920 to George and Elia (Dutchman) Turner, Irene was a native Athabaskan and one of twelve children. Irene moved from Alaska at the age of ten to Whatcom County where she resided until her death; spending her last years living with her granddaughter and family in Lynden. Irene graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1939. Always a hard-worker, she was employed at the Kratzig Meat Company, owned and operated the Meridian Mercantile and the Hilltop restaurant and spent 28 years working at the Axton Northwest Market before retiring at the age of 89. Irene was a selfless and caring woman who was always there to offer her aid. She was everyone's mother or grandmother and had a natural touch with children. Known as a wonderful cook, Irene made indisputably the best potato salad. Irene is survived by her children, George Russell (Nancy) of Bellingham, Beverly Swope (Clifford) of Ferndale, and Patty Holz (James) of Bellingham; her brothers Frank Turner (Mary Jo) of Anchorage, Bernard Turner of Anchorage, and sister-in-law Roseanne Turner of Lynnwood; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Larry Russell. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, June 3rd 2011 at 11 a.m. at Laurel Baptist Church in Bellingham. A private interment will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association or Whatcom Hospice Foundation. You may share your memories of Irene in the online guestbook at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Greenacres Funeral Home, Memorial Park, and On-site Crematory