Obituary of Filis L Otto

Filis L. Otto (Judge, Retired) Filis Lucretia Otto, born on May 28, 1924, in Roy, Pierce County, Washington, to Lenora A. Doherty Otto and Floyd L. Otto, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 22, 2006. Filis was a life-long resident of Pierce County, living the last 42 years at her home in Dash Point. Her father, who was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad, briefly moved the family to Miles City, Montana, where Filis attended pre-school and first grade. Upon returning to Tacoma she attended Horace Mann and Visitation grade schools and graduated salutatorian St. Leo’s High School in 1940. Under scholarship, Filis entered Seattle University and later the University of Washington, graduating with a Law Degree. Because she was not yet 21 years of age, she could not be admitted to practice law. She accepted an appointment as a law clerk for the Washington State Supreme Court, Olympia. In 1945 she was admitted to the Washington State Bar and remained an active member for 60 years until 2005. Filis entered private practice in Tacoma, being one of only a few women attorneys in the area. She soon joined and became a full partner in the law firm of Ruff, Otto, Potter and Masters. Because she recognized the need, she later opened the first woman law firm in Tacoma with attorney Virginia Riley Renwick. During her career in private practice she represented and defended hundreds of persons and corporations in both civil and criminal cases in the State and Federal Courts throughout the Northwest. Determined to apply her experience and better serve the people, and pioneering in the way of Justice of the Peace Blanche Funk Miller and Justice Court Judge Elizabeth Shackleford, she became a candidate for public office. In 1966 she was elected Justice Court Judge. During her term the State Legislature renamed it District Court and she became the first woman elected District Court Judge. She served on the Bench for 28 years, through 1994, being elected 7 consecutive terms. Ensuring justice to all under the letter of the law was her life-long commitment and passion. During her 81 years with us she seized upon every opportunity to promote change and speak her mind. As a Judge she was known to be strong, independent, fair and effective. She shared her life with thousands, enriching each with her wisdom, knowledge, understanding, compassion and advice. Filis was a consummate defender of the rights of all – be they individuals or animals – and always without a need for self-recognition or concern about personal reward. Filis will be remembered with respect, humor and as somewhat a legend. Throughout her distinguished career, Filis was a member of numerous groups and organizations and earned many distinguishing accolades for her accomplishments. In addition to the Tacoma-Pierce County and Washington State Bar Associations, she served as a member of the American Bar Association; National and Washington State Trial Lawyers Associations; America Judges Association; American Judicature Society; National Council on Crime and Delinquency; Phi Alpha Delta, a legal honorary society; Washington State Magistrates Association; Elected Women of Washington State; Women in Government; Association of Washington Generals; Tacoma-Pierce County Safety Council; Tacoma-Pierce County Consumer Credit Counseling; Tacoma Young Women’s Christian Association; Pierce County Anti-Poverty Program Board; Tacoma Area Urban Coalition; Pierce County Advisory Board on Social Services; Disable Veterans Commanders Club; Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #969. Many individuals benefited from her anonymous financial assistance. Filis was also a benefactor and contributor to many charitable and varied causes and organizations, including but not limited to: Benedictine Sisters, St. Placid Priory, Lacey, WA; Dominican Sisters of Hope; Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate; Nativity House; Tacoma-Pierce County Food Connection; Franciscan Hospice Foundation; Three Cedars Hospice House, Tacoma; Easter Seals; Good Samaritan Foundation; Coalition of Police & Sheriffs; Paralyzed Veterans of America; UNICEF; American Civil Liberties Union; National Organization of Women; Citizens Action Washington; KCTS Public Network TV; Lighthouse for the Blind; Mothers Against Drunk Drivers; Points Northeast Historical Society; World Wildlife Foundation; Fund for Animals; and Humane Society of the United States. Filis was preceded in death by her father Floyd L. Otto, 1946; mother Lenora “Nora” Doherty Otto, 1957; and long-time dear friend and companion John Davis Macdonald on March 31, 2005. Her loving sister-in-law and dear friend Barbara Jacobson, Gig Harbor, and long-time friend John Hanson, Olympia/Palm Springs, CA, who she thought of as a son, survive her. Filis will be greatly missed by her cherished and loved friends and neighbors, so many of whom she thought of as family, and constant companion, her cat Daljit. A very special and heartfelt thanks is extended to all, including the many volunteers, at the Franciscan Hospice House for their compassion, spiritual comfort and devoted, quality care. Their loving, thoughtful and complete dedication were truly Heavenly like. Memorial services in celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 22 at 2:00 P.M., at St. Leo Church, 710 S 13th (13th and Yakima), Tacoma - Father Bill Bichsel presiding. Reception to follow in St. Leo hospitality room. Cremation preceded, with private inurnment beside her mother at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St W, Tacoma, Washington. Arrangements through Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Sumner, WA, (253) 863-2800. In lieu of flowers and cards, it is requested that memorials be made to either Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, WA 98466-4614 or charity of choice.