Ellen Joyce (Bryant) Duren passed away on Wednesday night, June 13th, 2018, after a lengthy stay at Landmark Care Rehab. facility in Yakima. She was born on August 13th, 1928 to Ethel Belle & George Bryant. She met husband to be, Thomas Duren, while he was delivering groceries, back in the 40’s. They got married in 1948 and were married for 56 years, before husband Tom passed away, in 2004. Back in the 60’s she worked at a lab in the Scott Paper Company, in Everett, and later at the Singer Sewing Machine company in Everett and JJ Newberrry Co.
They bought a small home in South Everett, expanding it later, and raised three children. Later on, they both spent time working for Whitney Fidalgo Seafoods up in Alaska, before retirement. They retired and moved to a cabin, the family helped build, near the Chiwawa River around 1972, close to Lake Wenatchee. Tom started making wooden toys (Woodies) and they went to trade shows to sell them. Ellen used to help make all 18 wheels for the semi-truck toys. They stayed there until they moved to Mesa, AZ in 1990. During the summers they traveled back to Washington State to visit the kids, grandkids, and in 2003 got to spend time with a new great grandson. She is survived by son Thomas Duren/wife Ramona, granddaughter Rayna Garibay/husband Carlos, great-grandson Carlos Ikaika Garibay; great-granddaughters Emmie and Gracie; son Larry Duren/wife Mary and grandsons Chris/wife Sarah and Kyle/wife Michelle Duren, great-granddaughter Claire; daughter Debra Berger, granddaughter Shadee Berger, and grandson Adam Granzer.
Ellen enjoyed much of her free time the past several years, playing bingo, bunco, pinochle, get-togethers with the New-Comers group, and traveling on group outings. She was also preceded in death by her parents Ethel & George Bryant and sister’s Pat Noland & Ethel Belle Smith. Ellen was loved by many people and will be missed greatly.
There will be a private family graveside service and at her request no formal services are planned.