Ola Sibley

Klipsan Beach resident Ola E. Sibley, 93, died peacefully November 9, 2007 in Ilwaco surrounded by her family. One of four children born to Claud and Bytha (Neal) Bruce, she was born March 5, 1914 in Izard County, Arkansas. She grew up in rural Arkansas where she received her schooling. Ola began her working career at an early age, including operating a restaurant. While employed as a waitress she met Arthur Sibley and they were married February 21, 1942 in El Dorado, Missouri. When Art completed his duty in the US Army at the end of World War II, Ola moved with him to Wichita, Kansas. There she was a devoted wife and mother and also began working as a wiring specialist at Boeing Aircraft. In 1957 she and Art were transferred to Boeing's Seattle operation where Ola continued her employment until retirement. Her residence was in Federal Way. Once moving to the Northwest, Ola and Art soon discovered the Long Beach Peninsula which they visited often. Seven years ago they moved here permanently, residing in Ocean Park. Following Art's death last October Ola moved to Klipsan Beach where she resided at Golden Sands. Ola was a long time member of the Church of Christ, most recently attending in Astoria. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, was an avid quilter, and among other activities made sock monkeys for all her grandchildren. She was devoted to her entire family and had help raise other children as well. Just this past September she traveled back to her birthplace in Arkansas to attend a family reunion. Ola is survived by children LaRoyce Harniss of Monroe, WA, Joyce Alexander of Payton, CO, Vivian Wattum of Ocean Park, WA, Pat Porter of Mercer Island, WA, Claud Sibley of Siletz, OR; 14 grand-children and 24 great-grandchildren. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, a sister and 2 granddaughters. Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 15, 2007, 10:00 AM at the Chapel of Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac, WA. Graveside service follows at Washington Memorial Park. The family requests memorials in her name to Ocean Beach Hospital Foundation in care of Penttila's Chapel, PO Box 417, Long beach, WA 98631. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.