Ethel C. Swanson

Ethel’s long and full life came to a close on June 18, 2011 in Issaquah, WA. She was born in Renton on February 17, 1922 to Arvid and Christine Swanson. Ethel lived in the family home in Renton all of her life until moving to Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre in 2007. Ethel graduated from Renton High School in 1940. After graduation, she attended a business school in Seattle. Ethel worked as a bookkeeper for Custer Hardware store in Renton as a young woman. Later, she worked as a temporary employee at the Bartell Drug Company in Seattle. Ethel was eventually hired on as a full time employee doing clerical work in the main office. Ethel was a long time member of the Vasa Lodge in Renton as well as the Rebekah Columbine Lodge. Ethel was very active in these clubs for many years. Ethel loved to travel and made several trips to Sweden over the years. She also traveled to many places in the United States and Canada. Thanks to reasonably good health and care, Ethel was able to enjoy going to lunch with classmates, shop, attend Vasa meetings and participate in activities at Merrill Gardens until recent days. Ethel was a happy lady, always smiling and friendly to all. She loved animals, especially cats. Ethel shared 47 years of her life with her dear friend, Harold Anderson. He passed away in 2007. A half-brother and a half-sister also preceded her in death. Ethel is survived by extended family here as well as in Sweden. A celebration of Ethel’s life will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. An online guest book is available at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ethel’s name may be made to a favorite charity of your choice or to the Renton Historical Society.