Nita King Clothier

Nita King Clothier, a descendant of Washing pioneers, was born in Elma to Victor B. King and Dorothy (Stevens) King. She grew up in the logging camps and fire lookouts of the Olympic Peninsula. With forests, lakes, rivers, and high train trestles as playgrounds, Nita, her brother Vic, and sister Lois (aka Puz) had great adventures. When one site was logged off, their house was put on a train and moved to the next camp. In the two-room school house Nita excelledher family annually recites her 4th grade poem about George Washington and the cherry tree. Nita graduated from high school in Shelton, WA. She married Milt Clothier in 1945 during his quick leave from the Navy. While Milt was serving in WWII, Nita completed her degree in English Education at Western Washington State College. She and Milt settled in Bellingham to raise their daughters, Kim Schwartzman (Paul) and Laurie Clothier (Eric Jensen). Nita taught English, Humanities, and Liberal Studies at WWSC, but her fondest and proudest memories were of developing the Western in Greece program. Nita shepherded many students around Greece as they learned its history, art and culture. Later, Nita guided tours of retirees to Greece and Turkey. Nita loved the classics and philosophy and was active in various book and discussion groups. For years she met with a group of friends interested in the writings of Karl Jung (as well as good food, great books, conversation and friendship). In addition to her daughters, Nita is survived by her granddaughters, Allison Schwartzman (Scott Price) and their children Sophia and Eva, and Adrienne Gallimore (Frank) and their children Opal and Ezra as well as her sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, long time friends, and her best kitty, Wiley. As part of the Greatest Generation, Nita saw the world change dramatically, yet she always cherished her pioneer and logging heritage. She loved antiquities, yet she lived fully in her time and enjoyed the evolving world around her. The story goes that Nita's grandmother greeted Princess Angeline on the streets of Seattle with a Chinook phrase meaning both hello and goodbye. We'll say it once more: Klahowya, Nita. You'll be missed. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Whatcom County. Thanks also to the staff at Orchard Park for their care and support.