Foundation Receives $500,000 Gift from Former Edmonds Resident
The Foundation for Edmonds School District is pleased to announce that it has received a $500,000 gift from the Elizabeth Ruth Wallace Living Trust. The gift was made in memory of Elizabeth’s parents, Emil and Katie Stadler, and her former neighbor, Emil Lichtenstein, to establish a board endowed fund.
Elizabeth (Bette), a 1942 graduate of Edmonds High School, passed away at her home in Mountain View, California on December 4, 2016. She was 92 years old. Elizabeth moved from Montana to Alderwood Manor in 1928 with her parents, Emil and Katie Stadler and five siblings. Two more children were born in Alderwood Manor. All eight Stadler children attended Alderwood Grade School and graduated from Edmonds High; Emil ’36, Agnes ’37, Fred ’39, Margaret ’40, Elizabeth ’42, Clara ’45, Dorothy ’47, and Karl ’51. Fifteen Stadler family nieces and nephews also attended Edmonds School District schools, graduating from Mountlake Terrace, Meadowdale, and Lynnwood High Schools.
Emil Lichtenstein lived next door to the Stadler family on North Trunk Road (36th Ave W. Lynnwood) were he operated a chicken farm. Mr. Lichtenstein served as a member the Edmonds School District Board between 1932 and 1941. He was part of the group that was instrumental in bringing better bus service to the students of the district.
After graduation, Elizabeth worked as a civilian for the United States Army in Seattle, and also in Haines, Alaska, and Tokyo, Japan. In 1949, she returned to the United States moving to San Francisco to live with her sister Agnes. She was married to Bryan Wallace in 1950 and they made their home in Mountain View. Bryan was a 1939 graduate of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. They opened and operated Bryan’s Drugs until 1974 followed by Elizabeth operating travel agencies. She traveled the world for many years well into her 80s.
Elizbeth’s niece, Cheri Ryan, serves as her trustee. “My aunt was always proud of being an Edmonds High School graduate. Said Ryan. The school district educated many members of the Stadler family and this is a way we can recognize and honor her memory and the education we received.”
“We are so thankful for the gift from the Elizabeth Wallace Living Trust and what it means for the long-term sustainability of our Foundation.” Said Troy Rector, Board President, “This gift will have a significant, lasting impact in supporting the students and teachers of the Edmonds School District”.