Ada Spencer was born on Nov. 25, 1927, in Grandview, Washington, to Earl and Una Dwinell. She and her two sisters, Ruth and Dorothy, were raised on the family farm in Sunnyside. Ada was the tomboy of the family and enjoyed riding and herding animals with her father and their ranch hands. Her father would pay her 50 cents per horse to exercise the horses they would race at Longacres.

She was also an excellent shot with a rifle and earned an expert badge in marksmanship. Ada was a talented musician. She played the clarinet and piano and was involved in Rainbow band and orchestra in junior high and high school.

Ada was a classical music major at Central Washington State University where she met her future husband, Donald Spencer. They were married in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and started their family while Don finished college. After short stops at Goldendale, Meridian and Ferndale, they moved to Hoquiam where they would live the rest of their lives.

Ada worked at Lamb Grays Harbor for 25 years. After she retired she traveled the world visiting countries in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. She especially loved her trips to the Holy Land. In 2000, she joined her sister, Dorothy, and cousin, Helen, in her sister’s motorhome to travel throughout the United States.

One of her biggest joys was the arrival of her grandchildren, Hannah and Alex. She was very involved in their lives and loved attending their music and sporting events. Ada was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Hoquiam and a life member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was involved in numerous community organizations and projects.

A very special thank you to the folks at Gulke Manor in Montesano for the loving care and support they provided her later in life.

Ada was preceded in death by her husband Don, her daughter Cathy, and sons Bruce and Roger. She is survived by her daughter Donna (Jim) Bower, her daughter Toni (Bob) Houbregs, grandchildren Hannah and Alex, our special family friend, Andrew Mail, and many nieces and nephews.

Please join the family for a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hoquiam at 520 5th Street.

Remembrances can be made to the United Methodist Church of Hoquiam or the charity of your choice.