Arlyn Conly's Obituary
Arlyn ConlyÂ"It is here I feel the energy and mystique of water, space, and shadow; where I feel the touch of Northwest history and tug of Indian legends; where waves and winds echo shipwrecks and tempests, whale songs and dip of canoe paddles and flutter of canvas sailsÂ"It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our precious and beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Arlyn Conly. Born in Napa, Idaho on August 25, 1908, Arlyn passed away peacefully on February 5, 2003. She is survived by her daughter, Lidona (James) Shelley of Sequim, WA; 2 grandsons, Michael Bridges of Port Orchard and David (Lori) Bridges of Federal Way; 10 Great-Grandchildren, and nieces and nephews and cousins. Arlyn graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a B.A. in Education. She attended Oregon State University, completing requirements for a Home Ec. Degree from UPS. After a few years of teaching, she accepted a position at Neah Bay High School on the Makah Indian Reservation, where she also served as Director of Home Ec; and Advisor to the GirlÂ's Club and Freshman Class and in the English Department. She also received an honorary membership in the Makah Tribe. After leaving Neah Bay, she taught in the Clover Park School District. Arlyn was an accomplished author and poet, with two of her essays being published; Â"Scene on Ocean PrairiesÂ" in SageWoman Magazine in 1988, and Â"Halloween SequenceÂ" in Cross Currents Review, UPS 1984-1985. Arlyn won second place in the National Story Writing League contest in 1989 with Â"The Nest in the Spanish Sombrero,Â" and two of her poems, Â"SooesÂ" and Â"ContractÂ" were published in the American Poetry Anthology in 1987. She was a member of the Washington State Historical Society; UPS WomenÂ's League; Delta Alpha Gamma Sorority, Chi Omega; and the DAR, Mary Ball Chapter of Tacoma. In 1999, ArlynÂ's journal of her years on the Makah Reservation from 1954-1959, Â"Never Trust a White ManÂ" depicting her life experiences on the Reservation, was published by Red Apple Publishing. Arlyn leaves many friends who will miss her dearly, and will remember her gentleness and loving nature. She was predeceased by her cherished Mother, Elda Blake Conly, and brothers Eugene and William Blake Conly. The family thanks all those who helped care for Arlyn in her time of need, with special gratefulness to Lori Bridges and Tina Monroe for their love and devotion during her last years.MomÂ...you can now run with the angels. WeÂ'll be seeing youÂ...A celebration of her Life will be held on Wednesday February 19, 2003 at Mt. View Garden Chapel at 1 PM, Tacoma, WA.In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arlyn Conly Scholarship Fund in Neah Bay
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