Mary Ellen Littke, age 88, longtime Oak Harbor resident, died at her home on Wednesday, Feb. 10.
Littke was born in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 23, 1921, to Randolf Reece Anderson and Mildred (Lloyd) Anderson. Mary Ellen’s family were pioneers in the region, having settled in Clark County as early as 1840. She was raised in Deer Island, Ore., and attended schools in St. Helens, Ore., where she also graduated from high school. Mary Ellen met Milton Henry Littke in 1939, and the couple became engaged. Milton joined the U.S. Navy and went off to serve his country during World War II. When he became a Prisoner of War of the Japanese in the Philippines, Mary Ellen waited anxiously for him to return. He did, and the couple were united in marriage on Oct. 12, 1945, one day after his return. They lived in Tillamook, Ore., Guam and then Deer Island for several years before moving to this area.
In 1950, the Littkes bought property on Whidbey Island, and Milton began to build the family a home. They moved permanently to their new quarters in Oak Harbor in 1955. Mary Ellen was a life-long member of the Order of Eastern Star Order of Amaranth, Tula Chapter 26; the Daughters of the American Revolution Island Chapter; and was associated with the American Ex-Prisoner of War organization. She was active as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts Pack 59 and supported Boy Scouts Troop 59, and was also active in Camp Fire Girls. She enjoyed weaving and was a member of the Weaver’s Guild, enjoyed making ceramics, was an ardent doll maker and was a rock hound.
Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Milton H. Littke, of Oak Harbor; four children, Richard H. Littke (Marie) of Oak Harbor, Willis R. Littke (Jennifer) of Fall City, John F. Littke of Poulsbo and Marilou A. Littke of Birch Bay; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Anderson (Marie), of Deer Island; one sister, Liz Smith (Von), of Warren, Ore.; also, numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Welch, in 2009 and by an infant brother, Billy Anderson.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Whidbey Memorial Chapel. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m. at Cross Point Community Church, located at Oak Harbor Christian School, Pastor Thomas Meyer officiating. A Graveside Committal Service and Fraternal Rites will take place Monday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. at Hudson Cemetery, Rainier, Ore. Memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest register at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
