WA - Lita Jane Sheldon Mowrer was born in Everett, Washington to Thelma Townsend (Paiute, Fort Bidwell Reservation) and Charles Robert "Red" Sheldon (Snohomish, Tulalip Reservation). She spent her early childhood on the Tulalip Reservation before moving to Everett, where she attended school and graduated from Everett High School in 1970.

After high school, Lita attended the University of Washington, where she earned her Master's degree in Library Science and formed a lifelong friendship with Jean Henrikson. She put her education to work at Navajo Community College, where she worked in the library. It was there that she met her husband, Jack Mowrer, who taught welding.

Their daughter Rachel was born in 1981, followed by their son JD in 1984. In 1987, the family returned to Everett, purchased their home, and Lita began her long career with the Tulalip Tribes. Their youngest son, Max, was born in 1990.

A perpetual learner and passionate historian, Lita was an active member of several historical societies, including those in Marysville, Everett, and Snohomish County, and served for many years as a board member. Beginning in 1976, she dedicated herself to collecting and preserving Tulalip history. Her remarkable knowledge earned her the affectionate reputation of being a walking, talking "Tulalipedia."

Lita formed lasting connections throughout her life and shared a special camaraderie with fellow historians, as well as with fellow fans of Star Wars and Harry Potter, frequently attending conventions over the decades. She valued authenticity deeply and approached everything she did with curiosity, passion, and integrity. Lita was also an accomplished beadwork artist, creating an immense collection of remarkable pieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma Townsend and Charles Robert "Red" Sheldon; and her brother Byron Sheldon. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Jack; her children Rachel, JD, and Max Mowrer; her son-in-law Josh Gaswint; and her grandchildren Henry and Hayden Gaswint. She is also survived by her sisters Marlene Beltran and Karen Sheldon, her brother William "Sonny" Sheldon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life and display of Lita's personal historical collection will be held at Tulalip Resort Casino on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please RSVP if possible to TheLateLitaSheldon@gmail.com or contact Rachel Mowrer to help estimate seating.

In lieu of flowers, please support your local Mexican restaurant — or Tampico if you are in the North Everett area.