Ada H. Grimstead

Ada H. Grimstead, 97, beloved mother and grandmother, passed peacefully away at the home of her daughter Nancy, on February 6th, in Ephrata. Born on December 1, 1915 she had a wonderful childhood in Seattle as the only child of James and Harriet McBurney. Ada’s father was a stockbroker with the firm of “Logan and Bryan” and she traveled with both her parents to New York, Chicago, and Canada where her father had offices. Ada always stated she was so very grateful to have such devoted parents and a life that was rich and full of adventure. She graduated from Garfield High School in 1934, and though she lived blocks away from the University of Washington, she chose to attend school at Washington State College. Her children were happy for that decision as it was at WSC that she met the love of her life Robert S Grimstead. Ada belonged to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and Bob was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and a talented football player. From the start, they were a beautiful couple and remained dedicated sweethearts and were married for 64 years. Ada and Bob were lifelong “Coug” football fans and traveled to Pullman to watch their team up until the time of Bob’s death in 2004. Bob and Ada were married in 1940 and made their home on the west side of the state where Bob worked for the Washington State Patrol and Ada was a homemaker and mother. In 1956, Bob was promoted to Sergeant and the family relocated to Ephrata. The first year was difficult for Ada as it was very hot, dry, and dusty compared to the lush, cool climate she was accustomed to in Seattle. Once she adjusted to her new environment, she embraced her community and became active in many organizations. With five children to raise, Ada went to work for the Ephrata School District in the kitchen where she enjoyed many years with “the girls” and formed lifelong friendships. After their retirement in 1976, Bob and Ada traveled to Europe on several occasions and spent winters going to Arizona to join other “snowbirds”. Ada was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, a Past Matron and life member of Oasis Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, and a life member of The sons of Norway. She volunteered teaching children to read through the H.O.S.T.S. program and served for more than 20 fulfilling years. Her passion for reading was passed down to her children and grandchildren, and they have fond memories of her and her Louis L’Amour books. Ada remained active in her later years enjoying her club activities, riding the bus to the Senior Center to have lunch with her friends and being blessed with a loving and supportive family. She was especially grateful that her grandson, Kyle Zeigler, and granddaughter, Kristen Peterson, were able to live with her, offering companionship and assistance when her health began to fail. The family would also like to express a special thank you to Dar, Jen, and Jennifer who were “Ada’s Angels” in her time of need. The family would also like to express their grateful appreciation for the wonderful care provided by Assured Hospice. Ada is survived by her son Rick and his wife Kay of Bow, daughter Harriet Ann of Moses Lake, daughter Christine and her husband Dan of Burien, her daughter Nancy and husband Pete of Ephrata and son-in-law Wesley, of Olympia. Ada had 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her infant son Stephen and daughter Gail Ellen “Gee Gee” Zeigler. Her memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1012 C Street, Ephrata, WA; at 12pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013. If desired, memorials may be made to a charity of the giver’s choice. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family and view the online tribute video at nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata.

Tributes

Ada H. Grimstead

December 1, 1915 - February 6, 2013