Elaine Marie Phillips, age 91, died Nov. 15, 2014, at Regency, Oak Harbor. She was born Sept. 14, 1923, in Seattle to Elmo and Florence Phillips. She was raised in the Magnolia and Queen Anne area.
Elaine’s parents owned property in the Greenbank area, and she enjoyed time on Whidbey Island. She was married shortly after graduation from high school and remained in Seattle. Following the death of her first husband, Elaine moved to Whidbey. She remarried and worked for a time at the Captain Whidbey as a housekeeper and waitress.
Elaine then began work as a rural postal carrier. Delivering mail to the Markettown area, she met Ralph Bailey and eventually they were married. Elaine was very much in love. She loved to travel, and she and Ralph made several trips to Hawaii, one of her favorite places to visit. Ralph died very suddenly, and again, Elaine was alone.
Elaine married Roy Stavig, who died in a tragic accident, and she worked for a time as an office nurse for Dr. Mark Gabrielson.
Elaine was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the church choir, one of her favorite activities, and she also enjoyed playing the piano. She was also a very active member of the Oak Harbor Garden Club. She loved her dogs and cats and enjoyed gardening. In the last few years she was caring for 26 feral cats. Three years ago, she moved into Regency. Elaine is survived by her guardian, Debbie McAninch, her lifelong friend Jane Faber and many other loving friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Wallin Funeral Home with Chaplain David Lura, USN (Ret.) officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, where she will be laid to rest near her father. The family wishes to thank Regency for the excellent care they provided to Elaine.
Memorials may be made to N.O.A.H. (Northwest Organization of Animal Help), 31300 Brandstrom Road, Stanwood, WA 98292.
Please visit Elaine’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC.
