Obituary of Delores Sjoboen White Shull

Delores “Del” Sjoboen White Shull Del passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on December 9, 2011. Throughout her illness, Mom often expressed her gratitude for a wonderful life. “I have been blessed,” she smiled. Delores Mildred was born in Olympia to Theresa Bridget O’Hare and Edward Orlando Sjoboen on June 13, 1925. During her early years, they lived in several Washington towns where her father managed large road construction projects. After the Depression, the family returned to Olympia where her dad based his businesses. Del graduated from Olympia High School in 1943 and attended the University of Washington. She pledged Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority where she formed lasting friendships. In 1947, she married Barrett J. White, originally of Okanogan, Washington. They were charter members of Olympia Ski Club. In 1950, they moved to Seattle for the University of Washington School of Law and returned to Olympia in 1955 where they built their home and life with their four children. Mom thrived as a wife, mother, homemaker and community volunteer. She was active in St. Michael Catholic Church, Children’s Orthopedic Hospital Guild, the PTAs and activities of her children’s schools, St. Peter Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers, Triads, League of Women Voters, charitable fundraisers and bridge groups. She and Barrett enjoyed the Olympia Country & Golf Club and the Jade Club (formal dance club). In addition to family vacations and visits to Barrett’s parents in Okanogan, they took a few getaways to California, Washington State Bar conventions, and a memorable trip to Hawaii. Active in her children’s development, Mom encouraged enrichment classes, school events, and scouting and sports activities. She enjoyed extended family outings with her parents and often her sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Duane Sturges. Mom loved special holiday foods and décor, such as cherry pie on George Washington Day and pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. She was a neighborhood favorite as the witch who stirred the cauldron of treats on Halloween. Delores kept the books for her father’s businesses until he retired. Later, she attended the new Evergreen State College, obtained her real estate license and earned the certifications necessary to be an appraiser for the Thurston County Assessor’s Office. She loved exploring the county and its various environments and structures, eventually retiring in 1982 to enjoy traveling with her husband. Del White met Larry Shull (Olympia) at a Parents Without Partners event and they married a few years later in 1979. They remained constant caring companions and best friends until her death. Together they toured in China and Russia and cruised the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Panama Canal (from both east and west), Alaska’s Inside Passage and more. Mom always loved the water! For many years they took winter vacations on Maui and for several years spent one week each season on Hood Canal. For 20 years, their adventures included countless motor home excursions—always accompanied by a beloved canine companion. These ranged from frequent trips to the coast to a caravan to Mexico as far as the Baja. They also enjoyed train, boat and road trips from New England to the Mississippi to the Pacific Northwest. Mom also enjoyed traveling with—or to visit—her children and grandchild and the delightful adventures that she shared with them on these occasions: Leavenworth festivals, Rick Steves European tour, Orcas Island Christmas, St. Thomas adventure, reminiscent Washington coastal tour, and many, many more. Among Del’s other adventures were panning for gold, photography, playing bridge and cribbage, dancing—and more dancing, attending the theater and concerts, boating, fashion and decorating, entertaining, Olympia Wine League, playing piano and accordion, a hot air balloon ride and so much more! Proud to be a Gemini, she was a founding member of the informal Gemini Club, which was known for its annual birthday celebration. She loved to laugh and was quick with a quip or joke. But most of all, she loved her family and friends and never forgot a birthday. Delores is survived by her loving companion, C. Larry Shull (Olympia); daughters, Kathleen White (Olympia) and Laurel White (Seattle); son, Timothy White (Orcas Island); and granddaughter, Rachel Thomson (Marin, CA). In November 2009, she was predeceased by her son Ward (Barrett) White (Leavenworth). In October 2011, she was predeceased by stepson, Scott White (Seattle). Mom’s long-time and treasured pet, Maurice, died two weeks prior to Del. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the health care givers, Hospice care givers and dear friends who helped Delores—and all of us—along her final journey. Friends and family are invited to attend the Memorial Mass to be celebrated for Delores at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1055 Boundary St. SE, Olympia, on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 12:00 noon, followed by a light lunch in the gathering space. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Providence Hospital Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, or a local organization that benefits companion, service and farm animals. Please leave memories of Del or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.