Kathlyn “Elaine” Shintaffer, age 95, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017 in Bellingham. She was born on Oct. 10, 1921 in Bellingham to Emil and Irene Sundback.
While attending Western Washington College, she met her future husband, Dale Shintaffer, and they married on Sept. 19, 1942. After a stint as a teacher, she and Dale founded Sound Beverage Distributors in 1950. At Sound, she was always known as “The Boss” and she kept a close watch on the office during her some 50 years there. Her neighbors at Lake Whatcom most remember the frequent fishing ventures she and Dale would do after work. The folks at Sound Beverage learned to hide when they saw more trout coming in to be given away. Many winters were spent in Indio, California, joining many other lifelong friends.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Dale in 2011, son Alan Shintaffer, grandson Gary Shintaffer, brother Edgar and sister Thelma.
She is survived by her sons Dean Shintaffer (Joyce) and John Shintaffer (Belinda); grandchildren Mark Shintaffer (Amy) and their daughters Grace and Kate, Kurt Shintaffer (Kylee) and their daughter Macy, Gary’s sons Noah and Liam and their mother Bernadette; sister Shirley Barrett; and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Highland Care Center staff for the excellent care provided Elaine during her stay there.
A family gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made in Elaine’s memory to the Shintaffer Family Scholarship Endowment, Western Washington University Foundation, 516 High St., MS9034, Bellingham, WA 98225, or online at http://www.wwu.edu/give; or to a favorite charity.
You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
