Eva M. Aiken, age 95, a longtime resident of Hoquiam, died on June 17, 2018, at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam. She was born on April 27, 1923, the fourth of five children of Finnish immigrants Oscar and Fanny Marie (Tuomola) Peltola. Her father died when she was three years old. Her mother struggled but successfully kept the young family together. Eva was a song queen (cheerleader) at Hoquiam High School and graduated in 1941.

On June 3, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert L. Aiken. The couple settled in Hoquiam. Bob started an accounting firm, and Eva gave birth to four children in a ten-year period. Being a mother was her full-time job, and she was good at it.

Eva loved to entertain family and friends both in her home and at their cabin on Puget Sound. The Aiken family Thanksgiving dinner parties were a classic tradition.

After the children were raised, Bob and Eva built a beautiful home in Ocean Shores. Eva’s design elements were incorporated throughout including a unique roofline. The couple later returned to Hoquiam to live out their years. Bob passed away in 2006.

Bob and Eva traveled the world, both as a couple and with groups of friends. They especially loved Maui. They were fans of the Mariners, Seahawks, Huskies, and of course Hoquiam High School.

Eva was known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her baked breads and chocolate chip cookies.

She had been a member of the Presbyterian Church of Hoquiam and the PEO, Chapter T.

Eva was preceded in death by her brother Eino Peltola and sisters, Esther Ford, Elvie Sanders and Edna Nelson.

Surviving relatives include three sons and their wives, Jack and Shirley A. Aiken of Milton, Kim Aiken of Pacific Beach and Steve and Shirley J. Aiken of Lake Stevens; a daughter, Kathy and Jim Noren of Raymond; five grandchildren, Andy Aiken, Kristin Aiken, Andrea House, Matthew Noren and Stephani Eang; and nine great-grandchildren, Ryann Keller, Abby Aiken, Brantley Noren, Kynsley Noren, Camden Noren, Paxton Eang, Everly Eang, Quinn House and Piper House.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the Coleman Mortuary Chapel in Hoquiam. A reception will follow at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.