Eva Heaton Hagen passed away Nov. 3, 2008. She was 95 years young. The woman raised children, (how we turned out is not her fault), had a career with the federal government and enjoyed the heck out of retirement.

She was quite a walker, participating in many Volksmarches. At 91, she walked 84 miles across England, along Hadrian’s Wall. We don’t know if she would consider this her crowning achievement, but she enjoyed herself (and the pubs) immensely.

Born in Ponca, Neb. in 1913, she moved with her family to Cumberland, Wisc. and graduated from high school there. In the 1930’s she moved to Everett, Wash.

She remained in the northwest, married her hometown sweetheart and except for the travel bug that hit her in her 50s, she remained in Seattle, Issaquah and Arlington until her death.

She came to Arlington in 1995 to be near her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She was an inveterate volunteer: Red Cross, Arlington Museum and Issaquah Salmon Days and Chamber of Commerce. She liked to say that everything in the Arlington Museum was younger than she was.

She remembered the first auto, airplane, radio and television. She lived through six wars and 16 presidents. She was the oldest of seven and outlived six brothers and sisters.

She had a passion for needlework of any kind, but especially quilting. And beautiful quilts they are. Her special friends are members of the Issaquah and Arlington Quilt guilds. She leaves behind many friends and family and touched so many with her beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15, 2008, at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N. MacLeod Ave., Arlington, with an open house at her daughter’s house, following the short service. Please, no flowers. Memorial donations may be made to the animal shelter of your choice.