Maybelle Roessel Hotell, 93, a long-time resident of Coupeville and Langley, died Dec. 30, 2002, in Auburn.

Maybelle was born May 12, 1909, in Ferndale, the eldest child of Frederick Jacob Roessel Sr. and Amelia Reichert. She was the granddaughter of pioneer George Roessel Sr., who settled in Whatcom County in 1878. She graduated from Ferndale High School in 1927.

In September 1937 she married Winston Oren Hotell, known as W.O., in Ashland, Ore. They were married for nearly 50 years, until his death in June 1987.

While living on Whidbey in the 1970s and ’80s, she and W.O. were members of the Island County Historical Society, the rockhounds and the Homemakers Club. They were also active in Island County Democratic politics.

Mrs. Hotell was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Davin Glenn Hotell; and siblings Winifred and Glenn.

She is survived by a son, John C. Froelich, Kennewick; a brother, Frederick J. Roessel Jr., of Mount Vernon; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She will be buried privately in Enterprise Cemetery, Ferndale. Memorials may be made to the South Whidbey Historical Society, 314 Second St., Langley, WA 98260.