Stella Sorboe Mills Jacklin

11/16/1912 - 01/11/2011

JACKLIN, Stella (Sorboe) (Mills)
November 16, 1912~January 11, 2011

Stella Sorboe Mills Jacklin passed away peacefully on January 11, 2011 at the age of 98 in Spokane, Washington. Born in a log cabin on Engineer Creek outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, to Olav and Ingeborg Sorboe, Norwegian immigrants to America, she attended primary and secondary schools in Tacoma, Washington. Stella graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1931, and Washington State University in 1935. At WSU, she majored in journalism and mathematics, was an editor of the student newspaper, "The Evergreen," and had her own radio show, "Co-eds on the Air."

Following graduation from WSU, she took a teaching position at Riverside High School, Washington, marrying the principal in 1936, G. Wallace Mills. Because of Depression era regulations, she was required to forfeit her teaching position as a married woman. Stella had two sons, Geoff Mills and Tom Mills, seven grandchildren, and 10 great grand children. She was a great support to her husband, Wally Mills, during his times as principal at several schools in eastern Washington, including 25 years at West Valley High School. Following the death of Wally Mills in 1973, she married Arden Jacklin in 1977. Stella embraced her role as stepmother to Arden's children, Ardith Jacklin Bryan, Doyle Jacklin, Don Jacklin and Duane Jacklin. Stella and Arden enjoyed worldwide travel, bridge with friends, and relaxing with family at scenic Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. Arden Jacklin died in 1994.

Stella became a librarian at North Central High School in 1965, retiring in 1977. She continued cataloging books at First Presbyterian Church in Spokane for several years beyond her retirement. In 1962-63, she was the State of Washington president of P.E.O. She was fond of collecting Asian furniture and antiques. Stella was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage, visiting family there on two occasions. She was a loyal supporter of P.E.O, First Presbyterian Church of Spokane, Washington State University and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

She will be remembered for her spunky personality, nice smile, devotion to family and eagerness to face change.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, February 28, at Rockwood Manor, 2903 East 25th Avenue, Spokane, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Stella Jacklin's memory to the Endowed Scholarship Fund, Cottey College, 1000 West Austin, Nevada, Missouri 64772.