Ann Dolores (Fureby) Detlefs

Ann Dolores Detlefs was born to Pedar and Anna Fureby in Seattle WA on February 18, 1932. She was the youngest of 5 siblings and grew up in the rich Scandinavian culture of Ballard. Graduating from Ballard High School in 1950, she attended the University of Washington and went on to work at the Rainier Brewery in Georgetown. She enjoyed a beer on her lunch breaks and always playfully referred to how much weight she gained while she worked there. 

On a ski holiday to Mt. Hood, she met Darwin W. Detlefs while enjoying Après-ski at The Timberline Lodge. They married in 1953.

Dar and Ann raised their family, Darwin Jr., Melinda and Molly in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and on “The Morningside Farm” in Stanwood. They eventually built their last home together in Everett and later, in 2008, Ann moved to West Seattle just shortly before Dar passed away in 2009. Their homes had workshops and sewing rooms as life revolved around building, creating, refinishing furniture and homemaking.

Ann served as the librarian at the Silvana Library and when that location was closed, she went on to work at the Stanwood Library for the Sno-Isle Regional Libraries for many years. She was an avid reader and loved all types of books, continually following book reviews looking for her next read.

She had a passion for cooking and baking – everything from scratch — and was very accomplished with both old and new recipes. Ann was a talented seamstress, sewing fashionable clothing and the last 20 years, an avid quilter. On the farm, her garden and fruit trees were plentiful and she canned and froze the harvest to keep the family well fed the rest of the year. She loved flowers and always had an affinity for birds and bird watching – especially Hummingbirds. 

Ann and Dar had a long-standing group of friends they played bridge with and Ann continued playing at the Senior Center in West Seattle. Holiday meals were shared with her family and always a grand affair. Birthdays were anticipated for the cake Ann would bake, with Italian Cream Cake the most requested favorite of her 5 grandkids.

Ann met Robert Gaines (Bob) at Peace Lutheran Church in West Seattle. For the last decade they were constant companions. Together they shared their time attending church, going to car shows, enjoying day trips and sharing meals. Bob was Ann’s rock and is loved and appreciated by her family.

Ann is survived by her partner Bob, daughters Melinda and Molly, and grandchildren Nathan, Nick, Reo, Mori and Olivia. She was preceded in death by her son Dar Jr and her husband Dar.

To share your condolences and memories of Ann, please visit her Tribute Wall, located above. 

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -

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