Arline K. Calkins

Arline K. Calkins, 97, longtime Ellensburg resident, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Pacifica Senior Living in Ellensburg. She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at the IOOF Cemetery at a later date.

Arline was born in Denver, Colorado on August 4, 1924, the only child of Arley & Kathryn (Scherting) Michelson. Her father worked for Safeway and the family moved often when Arline was a child, eventually planting roots in Glendive, Montana.  It was in Glendive that she met her high school sweetheart, Richard “Dick” Calkins, who would become her husband of 67 years.

After Dick was discharged from the Navy, the young couple moved to Ellensburg where they were married in 1946.  She worked part-time as a bookkeeper at Johnson’s Auto Glass but will mostly be remembered as a first class homemaker and an excellent cook, her paprikash beef stew and Christmas cookies being some family favorites.

Known as expert dancers, Arline and Dick enjoyed Saturday nights on the dance floor at the Elks or the Moose and were members of local dance club, Rigadoon, for many years.  Arline and her best girlfriends formed a bowling team and joined the local “housewives” bowling league, primarily as an excuse to get together often.  These were some of the friends to whom she remained closest throughout her life.

Arline is survived by her son Scott (Sandy) Calkins of Quincy; daughter Pam (Phil) Wilson of Ellensburg; grandchildren Lindsey (Dean) Hink, Tori (Kyle) Ackerlund and Jake Calkins as well as great-grandson Tate Hink.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick and many, many dear friends.

Memorial contributions in Arline’s honor are suggested to any local charity that benefits the residents of the Kittitas Valley.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Arline and her family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com