Agnes C. Rytkonen's Obituary
Agnes C. Rytkonen, age 94, died on September 8, 2018, in Federal Way, Washington.
Agnes was born on August 22, 1924, in Tacoma, Washington, to Hollis J. Blandin and Beulah Beekman Blandin. Her father died in 1938. Her mother married V. R. Selle in 1942. He was a great stepfather for over forty years.
Agnes graduated from Lincoln High School, class of '42. She was a three-year Lincoln Letter Lassie, worked on the school paper, and enjoyed being a member of Thakola. She worked in the payroll department of the Todd shipyards until September of 1943, when she married U. S. Army Captain Leo S. Rytkonen of Marquette, Michigan. Captain Rytkonen was stationed at McChord Air Base with an anti-aircraft unit. They were married for sixty-four years before Leo died in 2008.
As a young wife, Agnes enjoyed travelling with her Army husband. Their daughter Patricia arrived in September, 1944, followed two years later by son Bruce.
As a young mother, she was active in pre-school and PTA, Cub Scouts, Brownies, all school activities, Rainbow Mothers' Club, and DeMolay Mothers' Club.
Agnes enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts, gardening, and rock-hounding throughout Washington and Oregon. She belonged to the Evergreen Depression Era Glass Club and enjoyed going to glass shows, flea markets, and glass sales hunting for the elusive piece to add to her collection. As thirty-year members of the Puyallup Valley Gem and Mineral Club, Leo and Agnes were presented with lifetime memberships for their many years of service.
Survivors include daughter Patricia and her husband Bill Karn of Bellevue, son Bruce and his wife Sheryl of Tacoma, granddaughters BonnieJean (Isaac Thomas) and Karlene (Emilio Garza), and great grandchildren Kira, Blandin, Makai, and Shaeden Thomas.
A family gathering will be held following cremation and internment at Mt. View Memorial Park.
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