Evelyn May Arusell, 87, former administrator of Harbor Healthcare Center in South Aberdeen, died at her home in Ocean Shores, Monday, August 26, 2013, following a 25 years struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born in Cordova, Alaska, August 11, 1926, the daughter of Alexander and Edith (Michelson) Sigurdson. The family moved to Oregon, then Nahcotta, WA before coming to Aberdeen in 1934.
She attended Stevens Elementary and Miller Jr. High Schools, graduating from Weatherwax High School in 1944. She then graduated as a registered nurse from the Virginia Mason School of Nursing in Seattle in 1947.
Evelyn was married to Gerald A. “Gerry” Arusell at Trinity Lutheran Church in Aberdeen on September 11, 1950. She was working at Virginia Mason Hospital, then returning to Aberdeen in 1950, nursing at Grays Harbor Community Hospital until 1967. She then was the director of nursing services at Park Lane, Resthaven and Harbor Healthcare, becoming nursing home administrator at Harbor Healthcare until she retired in 1983.
Family relationships were of a keen interest to her and she would mentor young families. After her retirement she volunteered in the literacy program at Grays Harbor College until 1989.
Evelyn was a member of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church and later a member of Galilean Lutheran Church near her home in Ocean Shores. She was always involved in the reunions of the Weatherwax Class of 1944.
Besides Gerry, her husband of 63 years, Evelyn is survived by three sons: Paul G. (KyungJa), Las Vegas, NV, Ralph (Ann), West Richland, WA, and Russ, Ocean Shores; a daughter: Janet Farnham, Kent, WA; a sister: Nancy Hall, Shoreline, WA; and four grandchildren. A son, John, preceded her in death in 1987.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Noon Saturday, October 12th in the chapel at Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen. Reverend Bob Hoem, pastor of the Galilean Lutheran Church, Ocean Shores, will officiate. A luncheon reception will follow in the Dorothy Mann Reception Room at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, 192 Nickerson St., Ste. 100, Seattle, WA 98109-1632.
A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.

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