Nixie Van Selus | Obituary

Nixie Van Selus

September 8, 1926 – October 9, 2025

Nixie Van Selus, born September 8, 1926, passed away on the morning of October 9th, 2025 at the age of 99. Throughout her life she was a keystone both for her family and her community without ever wanting to be recognized for it. She always saw the good around her, and when something didn’t go right, she could turn it into a funny story. But she could also set her jaw and refuse to simply accept something she didn’t think was right. She made everyone she met feel loved and supported, family, friends, and strangers alike. She helped others in a way that suggested if she could have made all of Auburn her family, she might have. She and her husband of 70 years, Van, were a perfect match in that way, generously giving both time and money. She served as a deacon in the White River Presbyterian Church, volunteered at the food bank, and volunteered with students at West Auburn, inviting them into her home for over 30 years. She also supported a scholarship at Green River to help students who needed financial assistance to get a degree. But Nixie never wanted others to focus on her. In spite of being in constant pain due to having scoliosis from when she was young, she never wanted anyone to know she was in discomfort. Once she moved into a retirement community, she still worked to take care of the people around her, even when she was older than they were. She loved to brighten the days of those around her, whether through her wonderful garden, knitting baby hats, or baking for others. Even in the last year of her life, she spent much of her time planning how to bring a smile to others, donating items to the raffle for the foodbank from bed and keeping a steady supply of chocolates for everyone. She is survived by her daughter Karen Carlson, son-in-law Richard Carlson, son Wayne Van Selus, daughter-in-law Sue Van Selus, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 27th from 1-4 pm at Green River Community College Salish Room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Auburn Food Bank or Green River College Foundation.