Della Mae McGuire Obituary (1932

Della Mae Summarell McGuire passed peacefully at her home on January 10, 2025, at the age of 92, in Poulsbo, Washington. Della was born on September 3, 1932, in Ogden, Utah, daughter to "the best parents ever." She was preceded in death by: her parents, James William Summarell, Sr. and Verilillian Mae Boren Summarell; her brothers, Bill, Chane and Jimmy Summarell; her first husband, Vernon Martinson; and her husband, Ervin R. "Mickey" McGuire. When Della was in the third grade, her family moved from Utah to Washington. It was hard for her to leave Granny (her grandma), but she grew to love Washington and never wanted to live anywhere else. Della enjoyed being a member of 4-H. She joined 4-H at age 9 and was a member through her high school years. When she was 15 years old, she won first place in a sewing and judging competition. She became very skilled in sewing. On August 6, 1949, just before her senior year of high school started, she married her high school sweet-heart, Vernon Martinson. They had four children: Steve, Jean, Judy, and Brad. They were married for 15 years. After they divorced, she began her first full-time job doing alterations at Poulsbo Laundry. This job only lasted a few months because she found her dream job working as the office manager and secretary at Poulsbo Junior High where she worked for 27 years. Della loved her years working there. After her retirement she stayed in close contact with several of her dear friends from the office. They would often get together for "retirement" lunches. On June 26, 1968, Della married Ervin R. "Mickey" McGuire. With her four children and Mickey's three sons, they had seven teenagers living at home. They enjoyed traveling to Navy ship reunions, and visiting their children and grandchildren. Della treasured family traditions which included Christmas Eve at her home, Memorial Day weekend at Pacific Beach, Labor Day camping at Dosewallips, and hosting a family reunion every July. Della loved to go to yard sales and bazaars. Della was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was the organist for the congregation for many years (starting at age 12). She played the piano or organ for many weddings and funerals at church and for the community. Della enjoyed singing and often sang in church choirs and at funerals. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and being a part of the Relief Society. She shared many stories of hours spent baking bread to raise money to go to Salt Lake City, Utah with the Singing Mother's Choir to perform in the Salt Lake City Tabernacle on Temple Square, of picking blackberries to raise money for the church building fund in Poulsbo and candling eggs for the Bishops Store House for families who needed them. Della is survived by her four adult children (from her first marriage to Vernon Martinson): Steve Martinson (Marilyn) of Ferndale, Washington; Jean Rose-Weilert (Tom) of Graham, Washington; Judy Cline (Jim) of Lacey, Washington; Brad Martinson (Teresa) of Culdesac, Idaho; and three adult sons (from her marriage to Mickey McGuire): Thomas McGuire (Nancy) of Roy, Washington; Richard McGuire (Earlene) of Yelm, Washington; and Robert (Melodie, deceased) of Poulsbo, Washington. Della is also survived by: her sister, Carol Summarell of Poulsbo, Washington, and her brother Ted Summarell (Yvonne) of Suquamish, Washington; and sister-in-law, Tanya York of Yuma, Arizona. She is also survived by 27 grandkids, over 50 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In Della's own words, "I am so very thankful for all the blessings I have. I am thankful for all those who make up our family. I was blessed with the best grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends possible. I have no idea where the years of my life have gone. I still feel like I did when I was a teenager in so many ways. My life has been and is very good. I thank Heavenly Father for that, and for all He does for me and each member of my family." Special thanks to those who spent so many months and hours caring for Della, particularly to her daughters, Jean and Judy; her sister, Carol; her dear friend and neighbor, Robin; and her special caregivers from Visiting Angels. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 am with a viewing at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building (2138 NE Mesford Road, Poulsbo, Washington). A graveside service for family and close friends will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to North Kitsap Fishline. https://northkitsapfishline.givingfuel.com/neighbors-helping-neighbors Della was loved by all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed. Della was a friend to everyone she met. We will love and cherish her forever. Arrangements entrusted to The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo, Washington.