Delores Robb, 87, of Arlington, Wash., passed away peacefully in Arlington on Tuesday evening, Dec. 8, 2009.
Delores was born July 3, 1922 in Webster, South Dakota to Ella and Elmer Spiering. She shared her childhood with her sisters Margaret and Florence and her brother Fred. During her youth Delores’ family moved often, ultimately settling in Darrington, Wash. where Delores attended Darrington High School, graduating in 1940.
Fulfilling a personal dream she attended Providence School of Nursing in Everett and in 1944 became a Registered Nurse. Her first job was as a surgical nurse and then she moved on to Arlington Hospital and the city that became her home.
In 1947, while working for Dr. Otho Kesling, Delores met Harley Robb. After dating for two years they married in 1949. Delores and Harley built a home overlooking the Stillaguamish River Valley and welcomed daughters Janis and Lynn.
Throughout her life Delores was dedicated to caring for others. This was clear in her nursing, as well as in her commitment to her family, church and community.
Once a mother, Delores worked as a private duty nurse. She also provided care as beloved “Nurse Dee” at Camp Fire Girls Day Camp. Her volunteer efforts encompassed leading Blood and Cancer Drives, many years as an election worker, and ten years as a Camp Fire Girls Group Leader.
In Arlington Delores was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Here, too, she also gave generously of her time. She attended Bible Study, made lefse for Smorgasbords, supervised Vacation Bible School, served coffee and cookies countless times, and added her lovely alto to the choir on Sunday mornings.
At home she was a caring wife, kind mother and loving grandmother. She cooked beautiful meals and delicious cookies. Each year she canned fruits and vegetables from her garden. She was a creative and very accomplished seamstress. Always tremendously thoughtful, she remembered loved ones with heartfelt notes and gifts.
Delores took pleasure in family trips to British Columbia and superb sunsets at Maple Grove, Camano Island. For many years she enjoyed the friendships of league bowling, often averaging 200+. Delores and Harley were active in the Rural Letter Carriers’ Association and Auxiliary where they made numerous friends while attending conventions across the nation.
What most distinguished Delores in every aspect of her life were her lovely smile, easy laugh, and open, loving spirit. She shared genuine warmth spontaneously with family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers – always ready with kind words and a firm hug. Her generous heart touched many souls. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Delores is survived by her husband Harley Robb; daughter Janis (Robb) Tidwell and husband Terran Tidwell, daughter Lynn Robb and husband Patrick Seeholzer, grandchildren Julia Seeholzer and Charles Seeholzer, sister Florence Carey, and many nieces and nephews. Delores is pre-deceased by her brother Fred Spiering and sister, Margaret (Spiering) Peterson.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 15 in Arlington.
Donations may be made in Delores Robb’s memory to the following: Alzheimer’s Association of America, Western and Central Washington State Chapter, Attn. Development Dept., Alzheimer’s Association, 100 West Harrison St., North Tower – Ste. 200, Seattle, WA 98119, 206-363-5500
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 615 Highland Dr., Arlington, WA 98223, 360-435-8921
Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum, 20722 67th Ave NE, Arlington WA 98223, 360-435-728.
