George C. Getty, a resident of Shelton for 52 years, dropped dead at his home this morning [May 7, 1940], falling on the porch of his home while conversing with his wife as he started down town. He had worked the previous day and was in usual health, not complaining or speaking as he fell, and was pronounced dead when reached by a doctor called to the home. Funeral services will be held Friday at two o’clock from Witsiers Chapel.
George Getty was born in Paris, Ontario, August 4, 1880, and was brought to Shelton by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Getty, in 1888, a year following the coming of Mr. and Mrs. James Getty and their family from the same district. The two families were Shelton’s largest in its early days.
He was marred to Clara B. Wyatt; daughter of another of Shelton’s early families, June 22, 1907, who now survives him with their nine living children, Evelyn (Wilmot) Olympia; Leland, who returned home this week from North Bend, Oregon; Leonard, Thelma, Georgia, Eugene, Kenneth, Louise and Delbert. His surviving brothers and sisters are Grace (Newman), May (Cline), and Gyneth (Reid) of Port Orchard, Talma (Long) North Bend, Will Getty and Ethel (Cowling) of Olympia and three grandchildren.
George Getty had spent his entire life after coming in 1888 here in Shelton and was known to all as a quiet and unassuming citizen, who managed to keep his brood together through all the years and did his duty as a common worker wherever called.
Mason County Journal, May 7, 1940
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman