Ellen LaVerne Rassilyer (Ramsden), age 98, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2020 in Federal Way Washington. Born on August 30, 1921 in Filmore, North Dakota to James Leroy Ramsden and Ellen Smith, she was the youngest of six children, including Clarence, Lloyd James (Red), Everett Glen (Rusty) and twin brother who passed at birth, June, and Marvin Lee. After her mother passed when Ellen was less than a year old, Ada Ruth Hicks married her father and raised her as her own. During the depression and Ellen’s younger years, the Ramsden family travelled west, working in various fruit orchards along the way until settling in California. During high school she travelled to Washington State and lived with one of her closest friends, Dorthy Mae Dennis, and godmother to her son Robert. She graduated from Lincoln High School, and remained in the area for the duration of her life.
Working as a nurse’s aide at the Providence Seattle Medical Center, Ellen met her husband Claude Rassilyer whom she married October 25, 1941. Together they raised Ronald, Robert, Sharon, Celeste, and MaryAnn. With the children grown, Ellen worked at Sears Roebuck Company, supporting their order and shipping department. A Seahawks fan from the inception, Ellen and Claude were inaugural season ticket holders and bonded over their love of the sport. Both Ellen and Claude were known for their warm and welcoming spirit, hosting family and friends with openness and generosity. Lovingly known as Gigi with the onslaught of great-grand children, Ellen is best remembered as a matriarch who had the resilience and love that led several generations.
Ellen is survived by her eldest son Ronald Rassilyer, her son Robert Rassilyer (Ada), daughter Sharon Elverum (Dave), daughter Celeste Halford, and MaryAnn Haines (Bill). A very proud grandma, Ellen has 15 grandchildren including Renee (Shawn) Rassilyer-Bomers, Angela (Travis) Greenfield, Bryce (Cynthia) Rassilyer, Brigitte (Jeff) Krier, Brianna (Robert) Miller, Blake (Amanda) Rassilyer, Claudyne (Scott) Gardiner, Moria Vinther, Jayson (Katie) Cooper, Ryan Halford, LeAnn (Spence) Byrum, Jeff Haines, Angie (Bill) Fries, Julie (Pat) Caylor, and Patti (John) Kristmann. Ellen is also survived by 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, including Isabella Bomers, Shawn Bomers, Jr., Wyatt Bomers, Viviana Bomers, Brooklyn Greenfield, Logan Greenfield, Theodore Rassilyer, Olivia Rassilyer, Henry Rassilyer, Easton Krier, Charlotte Krier, Robert Miller, Richard Miller, Ramsden Miller, Anthony Rassilyer, Aidan Gardiner, Tianna Martin, Olivia Cooper, Mackenzie Cooper, Zach Byrum, Blake Byrum, Jake Berens, Joe Berens, Sarah Caylor, David Caylor, Luke Kristmann, Josh Kristmann, and great-great grandchildren Alexander and Douglas Martin.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm on Tuesday August 18, 2020, preceded by a viewing beginning at 12 noon at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Federal Way, Washington. The Final Committal will take place at 2:30pm at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery, 37600 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way. Due to Covid-19 restrictions to the mass and committal, in person participation will be by invitation only. You are welcome to attend the viewing, and for family and friends interested in streaming for the funeral ceremony, please contact Renee Rassilyer-Bomers at 206-228-3100.