INEZ ELLINGSON

Inez (Yeager) Ellingson December 22, 1926 - May 11, 2014 Inez (Yeager) Ellingson was born December 22, 1926 on Waller Road or "Swede Hill" to parents Alfred and Hilda. Though she never moved further away than University Place, Inez spent a lifetime writing letters that would span the globe. Eventually these letters would follow her grandchildren as they left home to pursue college and careers all over the place. The letters would always include the latest family news, some photos, and a clipping from the TNT. Nicknamed "Little Bakka," she was the family glue, host of innumerable holidays, and our loving matriarch. Mother of four boys, it was easy to see how Inez didn't really get to relax and enjoy life until she became a grandmother. As cousins, what we remember most about "Lil B" is cinnamon rolls, costumes, treasure hunts, and never leaving her house empty-handed. Lil B had several phrases oft repeated: 1) you are always welcome to stay with us, 2) let's go shopping, and 3) I love you very much. Inez led a very active social life and was involved in many organizations. She was a Daffodil chaperone for many years, escorting the daughters she always wanted and never had. She was in a bridge club, a garden club, antique club, and a glass club. She was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church for over 60 years. Whenever a family loses such a strong and influential member, it's easy to worry that things will fall apart, but in the case of Little Bakka, her strength was a love so pure that it replenished and multiplied in those around her. On her last day, the house was full of family, friends, food and flowers - and Little Bakka hadn't lifted a finger. She finally got to rest and enjoy the view. How appropriate that it was Mother's Day: her legacy of love lives on. Inez is survived by her husband of 67 years, Byron Ellingson, four sons and their wives, Paul and Linda, Bruce, Rick and Betsy, and Craig and Tami, 11 grandkids, Jeff, Amy, David, Erin, Chad, Lucas, Eric, Anna, Hank, Amy, and Suzie, and 7 great-grandchildren, Luca, Ella Inez, June, Andrew, Rose, Claire, and MacKelly. She was preceded in death by sisters Dorothy Johnson and Genevieve Wray. In lieu of flowers, our family would be grateful if you would send donations to NW Furniture Bank www.nwfurniturebank.org The family would like give a special thanks to Mom's caretakers Char Hays and Kathy McCarthy. A memorial service will be held in her honor Sunday, May 18th, 2014 at Tacoma Country and Golf Club at 4pm.