ELINOR JANE VARNER
Elinor Jane Varner, longtime Clinton resident, age 87, passed into the arms of Jesus her Savior of two days on January 15, 2012.
Elinor was born on July 29, 1924, in Seattle, to Van and Fay Plant. Elinor graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle. She was married on October 10, 1942 to Charles (Bob) Varner, the love of her life. The first time he saw her, he told a friend, “I am going to marry that girl.”
Ellie is survived by her husband of 69 years, Bob; sons Steve (Patty) and David (Lilly-Anne), both of Leavenworth and Doug (Vitalia) of Bellevue; grandchildren, Jennifer, Denise and D.J.; great-grandchildren, Dylan and McKenna; sisters, Maxine and Phyllis; numerous nieces and nephews; also, her childhood friend Dorie Lyen.
Ellie loved her little log home that she helped Bob and their sons build. Being a fantastic cook and baker, Mom was the “go-to” person for family and friends for any recipe, many of them her own. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, bird watching and quilting. Elinor worked for many years at Langley Drug.
A very special thanks to Mom’s many caring neighbors and friends who have been so kind, especially over the past two years. A big thanks to the staff at Careage of Whidbey, Whidbey General Hospital and Senior Services of Island County, who have given Mom such loving care in recent weeks. A celebration of Ellie’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Senior Services of Island County, 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and memories at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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