Beverly Jean Elvebak

Bev Elvebak, 84, longtime Oak Harbor resident, passed away at Life Care Center in Sedro-Woolley on Dec. 22, 2010. She was born July 6, 1926, in Bellingham to Fred and Ruby Rothenbuhler.

Bev’s family was living in Saxon, Wash., until 1935 before moving to Sedro- Woolley, where she graduated from high school.

In 1948 Bev met and married Harold Elvebak. In 1950 they and their young family moved to Whidbey Island, first living in the house on the pier at San de Fuca. In 1956 they moved into Oak Harbor.

Bev enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, watching all sports and most of all, the Washington State Cougars. She loved spending time on Guemes, walking the beach and collecting agates, and being surrounded by family and friends.

In 1971 Beverly and Harold bought Island Paint & Glass from the Cuthbertsons. Bev was the driving force behind the business. In 1973 her son, Mel, started working with her after his graduation from Washington State University. Together they worked and grew the business until her retirement in January of 1990.

Bev was a charter member of Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor as well as past president; she was a member of the Lutheran Church, a former member of the Yacht Club and American Legion and, in her younger years, spent most of her free time watching her sons Mel and Tom play sports. She was definitely their biggest fan.

Bev is survived by her son, Mel, with wife, Deanna, of Oak Harbor and daughter, Pam, with husband, Glenn Smith, of Coupeville. She has four grandchildren: Renee West of Baltimore, Vicki West and fiancé, Brett Biggs, of Niceville Fla., Ariane and husband, Darren Justus, of Seattle, and Ryan Elvebak of Oak Harbor. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her son, Tom, her two brothers, Fred and Mel, and a sister, Arlene. She has numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom, you meant the world to your children and your grandchildren. Not only did you show us unconditional love, you taught us how to love and respect others. We all have wonderful memories of you and will be forever grateful to have been able to call you our Mother and our Grandmother. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

The family suggests memorials be made to Heart of a Woman or the Mammogram Fund at Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor, P.O. Box 893, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Services were held Dec. 28 at Burley Funeral Chapel with burial at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories for the family.