ETHEL OH SPURLIN February 6, 1922 - October 16, 2014 Ethel Soon Nae Oh Spurlin, our favorite aunt, would have been 93 years old today February 6, 2015, but decided instead to let nature take its course after receiving a diagnosis of liver cancer five weeks before her passing October 16, 2014, in her home in Mililani. She chose hospice care and died peacefully with her beloved Teddy and Suzy at her feet and surrounded by her family. Daughter of Kuk Young Oh, who emigrated from Pyongyang, Korea, and Mary Kim, Ethel outlived her four siblings, Peter Oh, Elaine Yap Kalilimoku, Charles Oh and Rachel Shiley Wade. Four major surgeries including open heart surgery, numerous minor procedures and at least half a dozen chronic conditions didn't prevent her from being engaging and vivacious throughout life. She was feisty to the end. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1940 but like many of her generation, didn't continue college due to war and instead accepted a clerical job at Hickam. While working at Bellows Field in the Quarter Master's Office she met future husband Steve Arthur Spurlin, a navy officer. They were married in 1943 by the chaplain of St. Louis College which at the time was being used as a military hospital. Ethel lived and raised children in Guam for many years in connection with her husband's work as a construction superintendent for the government in the Pacific area. Back in Honolulu she obtained work with Sears, Roebuck, located first on Young and Beretania Streets and later headquartered in the Ala Moana Center. She rose in the ranks to become the only Executive Secretary to the Regional Buyer attached to the LA Regional Buying Office, a position she held until her retirement in 1985. She also raised, trained and showed dogs. Her cairn terrier Angus McDuff was the only dog in Hawaii to achieve the highest certification of Utility Dog Obedience. She was an African Violet fancier and an active member and officer of the African Violet Society of Hawaii, traveling often to conventions. And with her husband she raised, collected and exhibited orchids, succulents, and shells. Ethel is survived by three sons Steve Arthur Spurlin Jr. (Ann), Peter Don Spurlin (Eden) and Edward Robert Spurlin (Dawn); grandchildren Michael Frierson, Hali A. Miller and Maile A.Spurlin; and great grandchildren Luke Frierson and Tristan and Caleb Miller. Also surviving are nieces Carolyn Ballou and Sandra Gonsalves and nephew Hiram Oh and grand niece Becky Oh, who were close to her and provided much of the assistance she needed toward the end. Other nieces and nephews, the children of her siblings survive her. No services were held at her request. Donations in her memory may be made to the Hawaiian Humane Society or St, Francis Hospice.
ETHEL OH SPURLIN February 6, 1922 - October 16, 2014 Ethel Soon Nae Oh Spurlin, our favorite aunt, would have been 93 years old today February 6, 2015, but decided instead to let nature take its course after receiving a diagnosis of liver cancer five weeks before her passing October 16, 2014, in her home in Mililani. She chose hospice care and died peacefully with her beloved Teddy and Suzy at her feet and surrounded by her family. Daughter of Kuk Young Oh, who emigrated from Pyongyang, Korea, and Mary Kim, Ethel outlived her four siblings, Peter Oh, Elaine Yap Kalilimoku, Charles Oh and Rachel Shiley Wade. Four major surgeries including open heart surgery, numerous minor procedures and at least half a dozen chronic conditions didn't prevent her from being engaging and vivacious throughout life. She was feisty to the end. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1940 but like many of her generation, didn't continue college due to war and instead accepted a clerical job at Hickam. While working at Bellows Field in the Quarter Master's Office she met future husband Steve Arthur Spurlin, a navy officer. They were married in 1943 by the chaplain of St. Louis College which at the time was being used as a military hospital. Ethel lived and raised children in Guam for many years in connection with her husband's work as a construction superintendent for the government in the Pacific area. Back in Honolulu she obtained work with Sears, Roebuck, located first on Young and Beretania Streets and later headquartered in the Ala Moana Center. She rose in the ranks to become the only Executive Secretary to the Regional Buyer attached to the LA Regional Buying Office, a position she held until her retirement in 1985. She also raised, trained and showed dogs. Her cairn terrier Angus McDuff was the only dog in Hawaii to achieve the highest certification of Utility Dog Obedience. She was an African Violet fancier and an active member and officer of the African Violet Society of Hawaii, traveling often to conventions. And with her husband she raised, collected and exhibited orchids, succulents, and shells. Ethel is survived by three sons Steve Arthur Spurlin Jr. (Ann), Peter Don Spurlin (Eden) and Edward Robert Spurlin (Dawn); grandchildren Michael Frierson, Hali A. Miller and Maile A.Spurlin; and great grandchildren Luke Frierson and Tristan and Caleb Miller. Also surviving are nieces Carolyn Ballou and Sandra Gonsalves and nephew Hiram Oh and grand niece Becky Oh, who were close to her and provided much of the assistance she needed toward the end. Other nieces and nephews, the children of her siblings survive her. No services were held at her request. Donations in her memory may be made to the Hawaiian Humane Society or St, Francis Hospice.Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
