Mabel Smylie

Mabel Ruth Smylie, of Bainbridge Island, died on July 22. She was 91.

She was born in Severy, Kan., on Aug. 2, 1916, four years before women could vote.

She was a gifted student who graduated from high school at age 15 and began teaching following her graduation from Lewiston Normal School at age 17.

She continued her love of teaching and helping others throughout the years, acting as a tutor and mentor to immigrants coming to the area.

She was later honored as a longtime volunteer at Helpline House, where some of her best times were spent helping Kay Nakao and others make soup for Tuesday night dinners for those in need.

She loved politics, books, quilting and taking care of her family. She was a “mom” to many and always ready to help in her quiet but insightful ways.

She loved her children’s friends as her own and enjoyed a multitude of treks to the beach, always with an idea of teaching about sea life and preservation of our environment.

She was never critical, always positive and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Finchum; her four siblings, Lily, Thena, Dayton, and Jean; and her former spouses, George Hunter Smylie and Gene Earl Smylie.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tarry and Jim Decker; her three grandchildren, Anne Decker Wangthamkua, George Dayton Decker and Mary Hunter Decker; her three great-grandchildren, Kathryn Smylie Wangthamkua, Benjamin James Wangthamkua, and Ruth Irene Covert Decker; and by her son George Hunter Smylie II.

The family wishes to thank her long-time physician, Gregory Keyes, and also Frances Fladoos at Island Bay Adult Family Home for their outstanding care and support.

A gathering in honor or Mabel’s life will be held from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 2 at the home of Tarry and Jim Decker. For directions, email annedw91@msn.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Bainbridge Island Fire Department or to Helpline House.

An online Guest Book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.