Agnes “Nessie” Elizabeth Aarhaus was born March 31, 1928, in Aberdeen to Helen and “Scotty” Boyd. She grew up in Elma, graduating from Elma High School in 1945. In teen years she worked in the Valley Cleaners, a family owned business.
On April 5, 1947, Nessie married Ray Aarhaus. They first lived in Aberdeen but soon moved to Central Park. In 2007 they moved to Montesano.
From 1947 to 1951 Nessie was employed by the Washington State Welfare Office. She was a homemaker from 1951 until 1963, when she took employment at the Weatherwax High School library. In 1967, she transferred from Weatherwax to Alexander Young Elementary School where she served as secretary until retirement in 1986. Nessie actively worked to establish a union for classified employees in the schools and served as their first president. Following retirement, she volunteered for Hospice, various other organizations and individuals.
Her interests were children, family, friends and flowers. She enjoyed sharing her expertise in gardening with others. Her home and garden were always her hobby and pride.
She died in her home July 18, 2015, with family at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray last month. Nessie is survived by her daughter Kathryn Wenderski of Colorado Springs, son John Aarhaus of Aberdeen, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
At her request, there will be no funeral. A private gathering of family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers she would have wanted friends to remember any child with needs.