Mary Ellen Puck

Mary Ellen Puck, 83, died peacefully April 27, 2008, at HomePlace in Oak Harbor.

Born July 22, 1924, in Chelan, Wash., Mary Ellen was the youngest of three children born to Ethel and Memmett (Mike) Ryan.

Mary Ellen met her future husband, Edwin Puck, in Seattle and they were married in August 1946. Together they raised their family in Chadron, Neb., and Marysville, Wash., where they lived until 1979 when they built a home and retired on the west side of Whidbey Island.

Mary Ellen was passionate about her role as wife for 61 years and as a mother and homemaker. She also loved her flowers and beautiful view of the water and Olympics. She was a longtime volunteer docent at the Island County Historical Society Museum in Coupeville.

Mary Ellen is survived by daughter Diane Groeschell of Seattle, son Gary and daughter-in-law Pam Puck of Chelan, grandson Eric Puck of Marysville, brother William and sister-in-law Edity Ryan of Yakima, and sister Betty Melius of Reno, Nev. She was preceded in death by her husband Edwin and sons Russell and David.

Mary Ellen’s family would like to express their sincerest thanks and gratitude for the loving and compassionate care provided to her by the staff at Homeplace. The last chapter of her life was made so much better because of them. Per request, there will be no memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Ellen’s family requests that contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association for research, the Island County Historical Society, or to your favorite charity.