Ruth Ellen “Tootie” Syltebo died April 15 at Sunrise View in Everett. She was born April 9, 1929, in Tacoma to Cliff and Clara Iversen of Poulsbo, Washington.

Tootie graduated from North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo. She then married the love of her life, Ralph, on June 21, 1947. They made Everett the home. Tootie was a great homemaker, wife and mother as well as a motherly friend to neighbors Michelle Carter, Robin Tucker and Jordan “Billie” Lee. Tootie also realized her dream to work with flowers at Russell’s Florist in the B&M shopping center and in Lynnwood. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church when she lived in Pinehurst district of Everett and attended Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek.

After Ralph retired from Scott Paper Company, they moved to Mill Creek in 1991 and very much enjoyed their new friends and activities. Although Ralph and Tootie had been Providence Hospice office volunteers, now under the auspices of Mill Creek Seniors, Tootie cofounded and managed a gown and pillow sewing group for Providence Hospice that operated for 15 years even though she couldn’t sew herself.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph after 60 wonderful years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter L.K. Syltebo “Sylte” of Everett, her son Larry (Ginny) Syltebo of Washington DC, her brother Ray (Margaret) Iversen of Poulsbo, her niece and goddaughter, Becky Syltebo of Bellevue and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her cousin Dessa Lagerstrom of Boise, Idaho, was continuously vital to Tootie’s care. Ray Iversen did a faithful respite care. We wish to thank Corinne Sweeney and Rosemary Mills of Group Health Hospice for their fine and loving care of Tootie as well as the excellent staff at Sunrise View especially Christine and Sally.

There will be no service per Tootie’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Hospice & Home Care of Snohomish County where Ralph and Tootie volunteered for 20 years and are Hospice Angel #11.