Ellena Alta Retzlaff Obituary (1927

Ellena Alta Retzlaff, 89, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on April 17, 2017 in Sequim, WA. Ellena was born in Wapato, WA on October 1, 1927 to Frank and Marie (Daniels) Morgan. She moved to Bremerton, WA at an early age with her family and graduated from Bremerton High School. Ellena married her sweetheart Melvin Retzlaff on February 14, 1946 and enjoyed 69 years of marriage. Ellena first worked at the Bremerton Credit Union. She and Melvin then moved to Hoquiam, WA for a few years, where she worked at the hospital as a bookkeeper. They moved back to Bremerton where they remained for many years. Ellena worked as a bookkeeper at a car dealership a few years before taking a bookkeeping position at the Bremerton Navy Yard until her retirement. Ellena was active with the Business and Professional Womens' Association during her working years. She was a member of a Bremerton Presbyterian Church which she attended regularly. Ellena was a co-leader with Melvin of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets and became lifelong friends with a few. She played the steel guitar and accompanied Melvin on the organ. She was a member of the Bremerton Community Theater and the Theater Organ Society which met at her home and she was hostess for many years. She and Melvin enjoyed many trips in their small plane for several years, then began traveling with a camping club in their motor home. Ellena was an avid reader whenever she could find time. She was also hostess to large family holiday dinners for many years. Ellena was proceeded in death by her husband and parents; sister Niona (David) Cherpeske; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; great nephew Lee V Spradling. She is survived by brother Clinton E. Morgan; niece Y. Lynn Spradling; nephew David F (Dorothy)Cherpeske; great nephews Patrick M Spradling Sr and Jeff L Cherpeske; niece of Melvin, Cheryl (Retzlaff) Brown and cousins.