Ethel Vannice died Sept. 13, 2002, at her home in Oak Harbor after a brief illness.

She was born Dec. 4, 1924, in Mount Vernon to John R. (Jack) and Ethel Elizabeth (Barnes) Robertson. The family residence was at Lake McMurray where Ethel enjoyed her childhood with one sister and two brothers. Ethel attended the McMurray Grade School, a two room, two teacher institution, for eight years. She then attended Sedro-Woolley High School, graduating in 1943.

Ethel was employed for a time at Axelson’s grocery in Conway and later at the Everett Shipyard, as a welder. In July of 1945 she met James (Jim) Vannice who was stationed the Navy at Arlington. After a short romance, the couple was married on Nov. 24, 1945. A family followed with Jim Jr. born in August of 1946 and Jacqueline born in July of 1949.

Ethel was a dutiful Navy wife for 25 years. She was a stay at home mother and spent most of her time rearing her children in Oak Harbor. She was a wonderful cook and a most gracious hostess to all who entered her home. No one left her table hungry. She was a creative artist, painting with oils and acrylics. She enjoyed ceramics and doll making. Her painted bird houses were a delight to view. She enjoyed Celtic music, which was natural from her Scottish heritage.

Jim retired from the Navy in 1971 and the couple engaged in commercial fishing for salmon from Neah Bay and LaPush. This venture lasted until 1980 when they decided to sell and enjoy God’s gifts by traveling, hunting and fishing. Ethel was an avid hunter and fisherman, bagging her last deer near Kettle Falls, Wash. at the age of 75.

Ethel was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor and also in the church choir. She was also a member of the Tula Chapter No. 26, Order of Eastern Star, the Daughters of the Nile in Seattle and Oak Harbor Garden Club.

Ethel and Jim were blessed with nearly 57 years of marriage. Ethel is survived by her husband Jim, at the family home, Oak Harbor; by two children and their spouses, Jim Jr. and Christine of Winthrop and Jacqueline (Jackie) and her husband Marc Zahrt of Oak Harbor. She leaves five grandchildren, Jay and Anita Vannice of Norfolk, VA, Jamesa and Kevin Treadwell of Oak Harbor and Elizabeth Vannice Zahrt of Oak Harbor, Christopher Zahrt of Peachtree, Ga. and Jessica Zahrt of Atlanta, Ga.. Great-grandchildren Sophia and Cooper Treadwell and John Vannice were her pride and Joy. She is also survived by her dear friend and companion, Wilma Greer of Oak Harbor, by one brother, Archie Robertson of Lake McMurray, and by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Radich, one brother, Roderick Robertson, and by her parents.

Celebration of Life services for Ethel Vannice were held Wednesday, Sept.18, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor. The Rev. David Lura will officiate. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. A reception for family and friends will be held at Centennial Hall after the services.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, 1156 Broadway East, Seattle, WA 98102-4325, or the Bud Madsen Masonic Scholarship Fund at the Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 371, Coupeville, WA 98239-0371.