Aberdeen native Linda E. Rovella West died on Oct. 8, 2022, just 17 days short of her 105th birthday.
Linda was born in Aberdeen, Washington on Oct. 25, 1917, to Michele and Rosaria (Cundari) Rovella. She attended St. Marys Catholic School, Miller Junior High and graduated from Weatherwax High School, class of 1937.
On Nov. 6, 1937, Linda married Gerald M. West in Montesano, Washington. While Gerald was in the Army Air Corps she accompanied him to the different bases he was stationed at.
During Linda’s career, she worked in retail at several women’s apparel shops including Mode-O-Day, Rubinstein’s and Wolff’s. When Wolff’s closed their doors, she retired.
Linda enjoyed many cruises to the Eastern and Western sides of the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as a treasured trip to Italy. Her nieces Jane Henderson and Judy Berkey accompanied her along with acquaintances from Aberdeen.
Linda enjoyed watching golf tournaments on television while crocheting afghans, going to the casino with friends, cooking, baking, and maintaining a beautiful yard. She canned tuna until she was in her late 90s. Many visitors traveling along Sumner Avenue would stop to admire her Magnolia tree when it was in full bloom.
Shortly after Gerald’s death in 1988, Linda started volunteering at Grays Harbor Community Hospital working behind the scenes organizing charts, assisting the staff and working in the gift shop. She volunteered countless hours and maintained an active presence until her late 90s. Many felt she was an inspiration and role model of how to grow older. She often brought them treats including her famous biscotti, homemade apple strudel and chocolate chip cookies.
Linda is survived by her son Gerald and his wife JoAnn of Sun City, Arizona; three granddaughters: Christina (Mark) Henning of Aberdeen, Terry (David) Cox of Hoquiam and Tracy (Raymond) Elders of Hoquiam. Linda was blessed with nine great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Grandma Linda was the center of attention at all of the family gatherings. She was loved and adored by her large family which is still growing. She was able to reside in the family home until she was 102 when she went to a nursing home for full-time care.
As her great-grandson stated, “She created so many memories for our family, a lot of good laughs, as well as a lot of ‘Oh God, Oh God’ moments.”
Linda is preceded in death by her parents; five sisters: Esther DePaoli, Theresa Rogers, Clarinda Heinrick, Aurelia Miner and Cecila Short; and two brothers Dundee and Sibbie Rovella.
We will surely cherish and miss all of the great memories we shared with her.
A graveside service officiated by Bill Elders will be held at Fern Hill Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of Linda’s amazing life will follow the service at the Aberdeen Elks Club
Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.
