Gwen Suzanne Ellingson

Gwen (Cope) Ellingson was born in Lakewood, WA on December 4th, 1961, and passed away peacefully on May 28th, 2024, in the home that she was born and raised in. She was a lifelong resident of Orting, WA, where she graduated with the honors of Salutatorian of the Class of 1980. She also represented Orting High School as Daffodil Princess, Homecoming Queen and often found on the sidelines of high school sporting events cheering on the Cardinals. When not representing the Red and White, she was typically busy behind the counter at Cope’s Pharmacy. After graduation, Gwen followed in her family’s footsteps and attended Washington State University, as well as University of Puget Sound.

After school, Gwen pursued her passion of travel with a 20+ year career at Alaska Airlines, where she would help frequent flyers check off destinations from their bucket list. At Alaska, Gwen worked her way up to becoming the Network Supervisor of Reservations.

When not working, she spent most of her time chasing her children and grandchildren to all school and sporting events. The many miles, hours, cheers, and foam fingers soon became her greatest achievement.

Gwen is survived by her children Kalesha Auckland, Megan (Rusty) Lurz, Amanda (Chad) Goode, Josh (Hallie) Ellingson and her 3 grandchildren; Mason, Drake, and Savannah. Also, stepmother, Shirley Cope, and her siblings; Tom (Rose) Cope, Roxanne (Tim) Sternod, Cheryl (Scott) Chappell, Christy (Jamie) Simpson, Lanette Wilkins, Boone (Kristine) Borden. She was predeceased by her father, William Cope, mother, Diane Cope, and her late husband, Steve Ellingson.

There will be a graveside service held Thursday June 13th at 12pm at the Orting Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the McMillan Grange on Saturday June 15th at 1pm.