It is with heavy hearts and much sadness, that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, GiGi, Aunt and best friend, LuAnne Alton. She passed in peace and comfort in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Dale Zimbelman, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Mom was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Arthur Meyer and Bernadine (Buskager) Meyer on, December 3, 1935. Two years later, her sister, Wilam was born. In the early 1940’s they moved to Washington state, where they lived on a small farm. As a teen, Mom met the love of her life, Russell Alton. They were married on April 27, 1953. Dad was called to service in the Army, so they moved to Alaska, where their daughter, Julie was born. Four years later, after coming back to Washington to be with family, their son, Russell Jr. was born. There were several BIG picnics at Birch Bay and later, picnics were replaced with “poker” nights in Blaine.

Mom was a great baker, cook and seamstress. She loved to be with our family for every occasion. When Dad passed away in 1999, she became a member of Cornwall Church, where she helped count offerings on Monday with a group of ladies. She joined the Red Hat Society and Daughters of Norway. She loved making lefse and aprons with this group of “Swedes.”

She was also an excellent quilter, making several for family and friends. We were all thrilled to receive at least one!

When Mom’s health started failing she changed her place of worship to a smaller church, Laurel Baptist. She made many friends here also, always volunteering where her body would allow her to.

Mom, we will always love and miss you, but we know you’ve passed over to a better place, free of pain, in the arms of Jesus.

Preceded in death by her parents, sister Wilma, Mom’s husband Russell, mother & father-in-law, Lola and Evans Olson, grandson Neil Zimbelman, nephew Jimmy and several other relatives.

Survived by, Julie and Dale Zimbelman, Russ Alton Jr., granddaughters, Kelli and Mandy Zimbelman, great granddaughters Tegan Jones and Haylee Colton and nieces, Sue Mahoney and Brenda Higgins-Moberg.

Mom’s request was to have no service.

Special thanks to Diane Hayes, Char and Sherry Hansen and Pam Means for always being there for Mom…she loved you all. To the nurses and staff at Whatcom Hospice, you’re wonderful!