Maretta Elenor Azeltine, 85, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning.
Maretta was born on March 15, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to David E. Holmes and Louisa E. Scobee. She was one of 11 children. At a young age, her family boarded a train to head west and settled in Raymond, Washington. After graduating from Raymond High School, she began working for the phone company as a telephone operator.
While attending high school, she met the love of her life, Earl Lee Azeltine. After three years of dating, they married on June 14, 1958, and moved to Seattle, Washington, so Earl could finish his education at the University of Washington. After college, they moved several times before settling in Chehalis, Washington.
Once in Chehalis, Maretta immersed herself in the community. She became involved in anything that had to do with her children and family. She was involved in the schools’ PTA, Little League organizations, softball, grange and 4-H. She began working for the Chehalis School District as a cook. She is remembered by many as the “Lunch Lady” or as “Mom.” Others remember her in the stands at school events or sporting events. supporting not only her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, but all the kids participating. She welcomed everyone into her home and family. She was a constant cheerleader and supporter.
Maretta loved to be outside working in her garden or sitting on her porch waving at anyone who passed by. She also loved to sew, knit, crochet and read. She valued her 50-plus years of membership in the Newaukum Grange and Rebekah’s Lodge. Later in life, she began painting ceramics, where she formed a special friendship that continued to her last day.
Maretta is survived by her children, Earl (Sari) Azeltine, Steven (Patty) Azeltine, Terri (Tyler) Solt, Tonya (Bradley) Todd and Brandi Holmes. She had 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and numerous nieces and nephews who share in this loss.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Earl, her parents, three brothers, two sisters and a grandson.
A visitation will be held at Newell-Hoerlings Mortuary from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, with graveside service at Claquato Cemetery at 2 p.m. The family invites you to a celebration of life service and reception at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Newaukum Grange Hall.
