Politician, NK resident Ellen Craswell dies

Published 9:52 am Saturday, April 26, 2008

POULSBO — Longtime Kitsap resident and politician Ellen Craswell died April 5.

Best known as a state legislator who held family values high, Craswell passed away in Martha & Mary’s rehabilitation wing after losing her third battle with cancer.

She was 75.

Craswell served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1976-1980. From 1980-1992 she served in the state Senate. For some of this term, she was the state’s first woman president pro-tem, presiding over the Senate part-time.

It was during her run for a

She was also known as “Senator No” on the subject of taxes, and led a strong, highly visible pro-life stance.

Craswell served on the education committee throughout her entire state government career.

Larry Stickney, executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, released a written statement Tuesday that told of the life-changing impact Craswell’s friendship and faith had on him. He called her a “champion of Washington state families.”

“Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Ellen will never forget her grace and dignity,” he wrote. “Her character, love of life, and sense of humor is the stuff of legends. It never mattered to Ellen where you had come from, she cared only about where you were going. She is a role model for the ages.”

Craswell was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer while serving in the Senate in 1982. After losing a bid for governor against Gary Locke in November 1996, she was diagnosed once more, that time with sarcoma in her right leg. From both of these diagnoses she returned to full health after being treated.

Last November, Craswell was again diagnosed with cancer. Even after moving to Martha & Mary, she continued to attend chapel, sing favorite hymns, engage in conversation with friends and loved ones, write and even keep an on eye on politics.

“I am saddened by the passing of Ellen Craswell after her dignified and courageous battle with cancer,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire in a statement Monday. “Ellen was a true Washingtonian whose deep devotion to her family and to public service will long be remembered. A soft-spoken, gracious and straightforward woman, she will be missed by many.”

Craswell, along with her husband, Bruce, moved to Poulsbo in 1991. They previously lived in Silverdale for 33 years.

For the past eight years, Croswell was active in Breidablik Baptist Church, where she enjoyed many activities, including teaching Sunday school

For 10 years she held weekly prayer meetings with her grandchildren, during which they would also enjoy tea parties.

Craswell was born to William and Ruth Howe in Bothel on May 25, 1932. They moved to Silverdale when she was three. She graduated from the Central Kitsap school system in 1950, where she was voted “outstanding senior girl” of her class, and later become a certified medical technologist at the University of Washington. She and Bruce were married Nov. 25, 1953. They were married 54 years. Together the two reached the summits of mounts Rainier, Baker, Adams, Constance and pre-eruption St. Helens. Craswell continued to hike Olympic Mountain trails, and last hiked from Lake Ozette to the Pacific Ocean at Cape Alava last September.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce, and their four children, Dick (Laura), Jim (Denise), Patty (Glenn), Jill, and 14 grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers and two sisters.

A public memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. April 16 at Christ Memorial Church. A reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall.