Long-time Montesano resident Louise Simmelink passed away on Nov. 9, at the age of 95 (and eight months.)
She was born in Deer Park, Washington on Feb. 26, 1927, to Joseph and Leonora House. She grew up on a ranch outside of Springdale, Washington, with her older brother, Joseph, and her two sisters, Leveryle and Gale. She enjoyed so many things about the ranch — from riding horses to climbing trees and hiding away to read.
Louise graduated from Springdale High School, and briefly attended Whitworth College. On May 20, 1946, she married Russ Simmelink, whom she had known since she was six years old. In their earliest years together, Russ and Louise lived in Spokane, Wenatchee and Yakima.
They moved to Montesano in 1951. During their many years in Grays Harbor they were steadfast members of the Montesano Presbyterian Church. Louise sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, and was the church’s Wedding Director.
Louise had a passion for music. She played guitar, violin, accordion, mandolin and piano. With Russ on the guitar, she played her mandolin, and they sang at local events and church services. She and Russ also square danced with the Harbor Haylofters for many years. An expert seamstress, she made her daughters’ school clothes, play clothes, prom dresses and eventually, wedding dresses. As time went on — and right up to her last few months — she knitted or crocheted countless baby booties, shawls and blankets.
Louise loved to cook — for her family, her friends, special events, and the folks at the Union Gospel Mission. She had a smile that lit up the room and a singing voice that soothed. She loved holidays and decorated everything in sight, especially at Christmas time. Her green thumb with house plants was legendary.
Louise is survived by her daughters Sharon Slothower, Janet Simmelink (Russ Pasic) Jean Nevills (David) and Joan Kittrell (Ken), 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, as well as her sister, Gale Philpott and many nieces and nephews.
Louise was preceded in death by Russ Simmelink, the love of her life and her husband for 74 years, as well as her beloved daughter, Lisa Rae Neal, and her siblings Leveryle and Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor can be made to Christian Cable Ministries, P.O. Box 690, Aberdeen, WA 98520.
