In the picturesque neighborhood of Maplewild Ave SW in Burien, a soon-to-be 80-year-old resident, Patty Dills, has become a beloved figure, not just for her longevity, but for her creative and heartwarming tradition of displaying a large Halloween skeleton named Stella.
Living in the neighborhood for over 52 years, Patty has turned Stella into a local celebrity, drawing smiles and sparking conversations year-round from drivers and walkers.
Stella, who lounges on a chair on a shared roof above Patty’s garage, has become a seasonal spectacle, adorned with festive decorations corresponding to the season or upcoming holidays. This charming practice began as a simple Halloween decoration but quickly transformed into a beloved year-round community tradition, especially with help from several enthusiastic, creative kids from the neighborhood.
“People stop on the road and comment on Stella all the time,” Patty said with a smile. “They take pictures and share them. It’s a wonderful way to connect with our neighbors.”
But it’s not just passersby who are enchanted by Stella. As I witnessed when I interviewed Patty, neighbor kids excitedly explained who Stella is, as well as her design style, purpose and fun ideas they have for her future. Patty often takes them on outings to the Dollar Store and other places to pick out accessories and outfits, turning the decorating process into a joyful, collaborative event.
Stella’s current costume consists of a summer outfit made of leis, a bikini, green hair made from a skirt, cool sunglasses, all framed by a colorful arch around her head. They change her costumes for every season as well as for holidays.
“The kids love thinking up how to decorate Stella next,” Patty shared. “It’s become a fun tradition for us, and it’s a gift to the community.”
The tradition has roots in Halloween 2022 when the neighbor kids – who moved next door to Patty from Chicago – asked if they could place their skeleton on Patty’s garage roof. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Patty decided to extend the decorations into the Christmas season. Since then, Stella has sported a variety of looks, from a patriotic ensemble for the Fourth of July to a leprechaun outfit for St. Patrick’s Day. “Chief Decorator” Margaret – who’s about to enter sixth grade – told me that for Halloween, they might create a ghostly scene for Stella.
“Seeing Stella dressed up brings joy to everyone who passes by,” said a neighbor. “Patty’s creativity and the kids’ participation have turned Stella into a beloved symbol of our community spirit.”
As Patty approaches her 80th birthday this August, Stella’s year-round transformations stand as a visible testament to her enduring creativity and the strong sense of community she fosters.
So next time you’re driving or walking by, be sure to wave to Stella and thank her – as well as Patty and the sweet, lively neighbor kids Margaret (11), Max (9), Mae (6) and Ayla (9) – for their important service of entertaining the community!