Ethelyn Ruth Williamson

(Ethie) passed away July 17, 2017 at her home on Bainbridge Island.She was fiercely independent and remained that way even as she got older. She was a gifted artist and for decades championed local arts causes and advocated for Bainbridge artists. She was born October 13, 1938 in Longview, WA and grew up in nearby Kalama. She graduated with a degree in fine art from the University of Washington in 1960, married Ron Williamson in 1962 and lived and worked in Seattle. They moved to Bainbridge Island in 1969 about which she said, "It was the best idea we ever had with a great location, great schools and great friends."She owned and operated The Gingerbread, an art supply store in Winslow, and went on to manage Bainbridge Arts and Crafts for many years. Recently reflecting on her life she wrote, "The thing I am most proud of apart from our children is my book Baker's Clay published in New York in 1976. I also had work featured in several national magazines, but some felt I was too avant-garde." In more recent years, she loved to travel especially to Mexico where even cobblestones couldn't slow her wheelchair.She is survived by her children Jennifer and David Williamson, her son-in-law David Forster, grandchildren, Grant and Lauren, and preceded in death by her husband Ron and daughter Emily.A memorial service and "crab feed" will be held at Seabold Hall on August 5, 2017 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, bring a salad or make a donation to Island Volunteer Caregivers, ivcbainbridge.org. Please sign the online guest book for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.