Obituary: Ellen Louise Schirmer, 80

Ellen Louise Schirmer, 80, passed away July 11, 2012 after a long illness.

Ellen was born in Burns, Ore. on November 2, 1931 to Henry and Julia Geer. She graduated from Eastern Oregon College in 1951 and married Dan Crump shortly thereafter. Her only child, Julie Ann was born in 1957.

Ellen and Dan divorced in 1966 and she married Bill Schirmer in 1967 and then moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ellen worked in the Kootenai County Courthouse as Chief Deputy Clerk of the Court until 1975 when Bill retired.

Ellen and Bill then embarked on the biggest journey of their lives by packing up everything and moving to Wrangell where they opened Schirmer’s Jewelry and built their dream home on the ocean. Ellen worked for General Telephone of Alaska during their fifteen years in Wrangell.

In 1990 Ellen and Bill left Wrangell and bought a winter home in Green Valley, Ariz. and a “Summer” Fifth Wheel in which they lived while hosting in many of the Washington State Parks. During this time, they made many friends and enjoyed their retirement years. In 2006, Ellen and Bill moved into an apartment they designed in daughter Julie’s home where they both lived until their deaths.

Ellen attended many Gonzaga basketball games with her daughter Julie where she enthusiastically cheered on her beloved Zags. Ellen also became an accomplished writer and participated in a writing class for many years. Many friendships developed due to Ellen’s zest and enthusiasm, her sense of humor, her active imagination and her sincere compassion for others. Ellen also was very active in Eastern Star during her life and was a past Worthy Matron.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2008.

Ellen is survived by her daughter Julie; brother Thad Geer and his wife Joyce of Burns; brother Don Geer and his wife Helene of Mitchell, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Ellen’s kitties Callie and Charlie.

A celebration of life will be held on July 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. Ellen will be laid to rest with Bill at the Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to SCRAPS Animal Shelter, 2521 N Flora Road, Spokane, WA 99216.