Alvina M. Simpson

Alvina Mary Schalock was born June 26, 1927, in Waukon, to Gilbert and Bernice Schalock and went to meet her Lord and Savior April 7, 2012, at her home in Cathlamet.

She attended grade school and high school in Edwall. After graduation, she married her hometown sweetheart, Robert "Bob" Simpson October 7, 1945. Bob and Alvina lived on a ranch in Edwall for 44 years, raising grain and cattle. They also raised five children, Robert Jr. (Judy) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Steven (Susan) of Spokane, Colleen (Mike) Schmidt of Medical Lake, Wash., Mary (Tony) Simpson-Moonen of Cathlamet and Tracy Ward of Edwall. Alvina is survived by 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; a special sister-in-law, Bettie Bundy; a sister-in-law, Margaret Simpson; a cousin, Bonnie Kieffer; and many other extended family members and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Donna Bucher; a great-granddaughter, Keoka Howes; and Bob, her husband of 56 years.

During her lifetime, Alvina was a member of Sefalo Club, Edwall United Methodist Church, Edwall Grain Growers, a senior citizens group, Waukon Grange, Edwall Chemical Company, Edwall Bridge Club, Washington Wheat Growers Association and a delegate for the Washington Democratic Party. After 78 years of living within a seven mile radius of where she was born, Alvina moved to Cathlamet where she immediately involved herself in various community activities such as Monday Art Group, Wednesday Widows, a senior’s group, Cathlamet Congregational United Church of Christ and most recently, attended Lower Columbia College.

Alvina enjoyed entertaining, cooking and special art projects. She especially loved being "G.G." to her great-grandchildren. Alvina’s life was full of joy and she could always find a rainbow in a cloudy day.

Our family chain has been broken and nothing seems the same, but God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Memorial services are planned for 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Cathlamet Congregational United Church of Christ and 2 p.m. April 22 at the Davenport-Edwall United Methodist Church in Edwall.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are by Dowling Funeral Home.