My dear friend Elletta Kennison passed away last spring, but so many memories live on! She would have celebrated her 90th birthday on February 28, and I was privileged to know her for over forty of those years. My post offers a kaleidoscope of our experiences together.
A FAVORITE COLLEAGUE
We met at the Seattle Pacific School of Education, as both relatively new faculty members. Soon we found ourselves on the same committees and discovered a 
mutual interest in literacy and early childhood education. We taught courses and gave presentations at national conferences together, enjoyed social occasions with favorite colleagues, donned
our robes for graduation ceremonies, and even retired at the same time in 2000!
ELLETTA & JIM AS HOSTS
One of Tim’s and my favorite destinations was the oceanfront home of Elletta and Jim in Newport,Oregon. 
We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries there for many years, with beach walks, restaurant dining, shopping, gallery visits, parties, and memorable Happy Hours at sunset.
ELLETTA & JIM AS GUESTS
Usually in autumn, Elletta and Jim would visit our mountain home in Ponderosa near Leavenworth. We enjoyed hikes with our Golden Retriever “Lacey”, visited Tim’s horse “Tia”, dined at 
local restaurants and resorts, and relaxed between building and gardening projects.
TRAVELS TOGETHER
The four of us enjoyed theatre in Ashland, clowning around in Jacksonville, and even a trip to Maui to celebrate the Kennison’s 25th anniversary!
Tim & I cherish our memories of Elletta, a lady who was adventurous, funny, exuberant, warm, brilliant . . . and knew how to relax and be wherever she was.
Lorilie,
What a beautiful tribute to my mother. She always looked forward to those times together with you and
Tim. I particularly loved the photos you chose to share as many of them I had never seen! She instilled that love of discovery that will live on.
Grateful for all you gave to her.
Ronda
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful memories and pictures of Ellettas professional and personal life.
She and I enjoyed so many happy and fun years with you and Tim. Your creative birthday tribute will be a constant
reminder of a beautiful lady living a beautiful life.
Jim
Mom always loved time spent with you, Lorelei. Thank you for sharing these memories and photos.
Karen
Wonderful tribute to your friend! So many happy memories.
This is beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity to appreciate your dear friend and wonderful memories,