FUNERAL HOME

Northwood Park Funeral Home, Cemetery & Mausoleum

16407 North East 15th Avenue

Ridgefield, Washington

Doril Ellertson Obituary


DORIL ELLERTSON
January 25, 1929 ˜ October 13, 2021

Surrounded by her family, Doril Ellertson passed away Oct. 13, 2021, at the age of 92. Doril was the beloved wife of 67 years to Don Ellertson; the mother of three children, Jeff Ellertson (Lori), Jennifer Kraemer (Pat), and Nancy Aarsvold (Stephanie); the grandmother of seven; and the great-grandmother of four. She was also a beloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend to many.
The seventh of eleven children, Doril was born in Rosholt, SD, Jan. 25, 1929, to Emma and Albin Lance. In the early 1930s, the family moved to Ellensburg, WA, where Doril grew up and attended school. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for the City of Ellensburg for five years, before continuing her education at Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle. Then, she moved to Vancouver, WA, taking a position as a parish worker at St. Paul Lutheran where she met her future husband Don, with a little help from Don’s Aunt Inez. They married in 1954 and raised three children in Battle Ground, WA. Doril was a stay-at-home mom for several years, but later worked as a playground monitor at Lewisville School and a secretary at Battle Ground High School.
Doril’s faith played a central role in her life. A member of Bethel Lutheran church for 60 years, Doril volunteered with good cheer and great energy in many different roles. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, led the opening for the children, and served as the Sunday School Coordinator. She was also active in the small group ministry, women’s circles, and the church choir.
Doril was a very active person with many interests. Her greatest love was music, and she enjoyed singing in the “Touch of Class” community choir, yodeling with her brother, and attending concerts of all sorts. Even at the end of her life, she still sang folk songs and hymns with gusto, remembering the words to all the stanzas even when others could not. Music also inspired her enthusiasm for dancing. She took tap dancing lessons as a 60-year-old, volunteered to be the audience hula dancing participant in Hawaii, and danced with her walker at the Glenwood Place music evenings. When spending time with family, Doril enjoyed playing card games of all kinds and loved to kid everyone. Even just a few months ago, she was playing cards with the family and telling Don that he had better play a little faster. In the kitchen, Doril had some specialties that her kids and grandkids loved, such as canned peaches, apple crisp, angel food cake, and strawberry jam. On April Fools’ Day, she liked to surprise her family by putting cardboard in the pancakes or gluing the silverware to the table. Outdoors, Doril was fearless when riding bikes, roller blading, and skiing. In the pool, Doril was in a class of her own, whether doing beautiful swan dives or giant cannon balls. She also liked to demonstrate her graceful swimming strokes as well as the moves she learned in synchronized swimming. Last but not least, Doril enjoyed traveling the world with Don, especially visiting relatives in Sweden and Norway. Doril brought home both fond memories and new friends from her many trips abroad.
Family was the most important part of Doril’s life. She enjoyed spending time with her Lance relatives in Seattle, her family in Sweden, and the Ellertson relatives in Vancouver. She was a loving and involved mother for her three children, as well as an active and fun grandparent for her grandkids and great-grandkids. Don was the love of her life, and their bond was evident to everyone who met them. The highlight of each year was the annual family trip to Cannon Beach, OR, where the extended family had time to walk on the beach, play in the sand, and just be together. During the last years of her life, the caregivers at Home Instead and Glenwood Place became like family for Doril and Don and their children. The family is grateful to them for the wonderful care they provided for Doril.
There will be a public viewing on Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 10:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Northwood Park Funeral Home (16407 N.E. 15th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 / near the Clark County fairgrounds). Because of the pandemic, there will be a private burial service at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie and a memorial service for family and friends next summer.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Oct. 20, 2021.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Doril Ellertson

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Our deepest sympathies to your whole family on Doril's passing. She was such a bright light in your family and loved by everyone. She will be deeply missed.

Debbie and Hal Heffner

October 24, 2021

She was an amazing woman with so much spirit, such an honor to work beside her as an student aide in school. I am so sorry for your loss Don.

Lynne Morgan

School

October 22, 2021

God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in Him (and Doril did and does) shall not perish but has eternal life.

Gary Lindbo

Friend

October 21, 2021

I will always remember her as a great lady with a great heart.

Calvin Russell

Other

October 21, 2021

She was a spark that will be missed. Prayers for her family and all who knew her. May her life continue to inspire.

Karen Thompson

Other

October 21, 2021

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Doril Ellertson's name

Memorial Events
for Doril Ellertson

Oct

21

Viewing

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Northwood Park Funeral Home

16407 N.E. 15th Ave, Ridgefield, WA

Funeral services provided by:

Northwood Park Funeral Home, Cemetery & Mausoleum

16407 North East 15th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642

How to support Doril's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Doril Ellertson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more