WILMA LEEILAH RODAHL

1920 - 2011

Wilma Leeilah Rodahl, 90, died January 25, 2011 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington. She was born to William and Goldie Curran in Bridgeport, Nebraska on July 29, 1920.

As a young child her family moved to Tacoma where she was raised and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938.

Wilma met Al Rodahl in 1938. While watching Wilma sing at a church service, Al nudged his buddy and said, "That's the girl I'm going to marry!" They were married on March 31, 1939. Two years later they had their daughter, LaVone Lee (Toni).

Wilma's first job was at the downtown Tacoma Metropolitan Variety Store at the candy counter. During war time she worked at the Naval Depot as a stenographer. Wilma had to look busy at all times so, when she did not have an order to type, she wrote Al love poems. She worked as a switchboard operator in the basement of the Bon Marche where she excelled at customer relations. This led to her advancement as the secretary to the Personnel Director for the new Northgate location. Later she was employed by Fidelity Savings and Loan and was even crowned "Miss Thrift" in 1954.

Wilma and Al spent many summer vacations and special occasions at her parent's home on Clear Lake, located near Eatonville. They loved to camp but, on their 25th anniversary they traveled to Hawaii and decided that was the place to be. Throughout the years they traveled to many wonderful destinations including revisiting their favorite, the Hawaiian Islands, a dozen more times thru the years.

In 1982 Wilma and Al moved to the Skagit Valley to be close to family. Wilma enjoyed being around her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wilma loved attending all of their school and sporting events, even suffering from a hard hit baseball down the third base line right in the shin. Ouch! She shared her love of baking by teaching her great-granddaughters how to bake Spritz cookies for Christmas. This is a tradition that will be passed on.

Wilma was involved in volunteer groups thru Salem Lutheran Church: Sewing for Others, Care Team and Food and Fellowship. She and Al enjoyed being greeters at church and made many lasting friendships through their church family.

She was an inspiration to everyone she met and a mentor to many. Her kind spirit, her beautiful heart and her devotion to her husband and family are qualities that made her so special. Her love for Al was obvious to all, holding hands to the very last.

Wilma is survived by her husband of 72 years, Alvin Rodahl; daughter Toni Hulbert of Mount Vernon; grandchildren: Krista (Jeff) Jewett of Sedro-Woolley, Kelli (Steve) Perry of Bow; great-grandchildren Cody and Audrey Jewett, Reed and Jenna Perry, along with a loving and supportive extended family.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Viola Gray.

Memorials can be made, in Wilma's honor, to Food and Fellowship of Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 North La Venture Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Skagit Valley Hospital who provided excellent care for Wilma this last week and over the last few years. Also, thank-you to the staff of Hawthorne Funeral Home for their comforting assistance during this time.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 29th, 11:00am at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 North La Venture Road, Mount Vernon, WA. Reception to follow.

Please share your thoughts of Wilma and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.