Obituary Archive
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May 2010 through March 2011
Louise Joyce Geist
Louise Joyce Geist, 74, passed away at her home in Shelton on Monday, March 28, 2011. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on March 27, 1938 to John and Elsie (White) Whetham.
On January 11, 1957 she married James Geist in Shelton, WA. Louise worked as a para-pro with the Shelton School District for 22 years. She was a member of Westwood Baptist Church in Olympia and enjoyed sewing and quilting.
Louise is survived by her husband, James Geist of Shelton, WA; son Kevin Geist of China; daughter Annette Simmons (Bill) of Union, WA; sister Lucille Mercer of Olympia, WA; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial Service will be held at Westwood Baptist Church in Olympia, WA on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 12:00 noon. Online condolences – www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Frank Wokojance
Frank lived his early years in Ohio and a lot of his boyhood in Craig, Colorado, riding horses, climbing, hunting and fishing.
Before he was drafted, Frank was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad in Encina, New Mexico. Sometime after his army discharge, he moved to Shelton, working for Simpson Timber and Rainier Mills. When jobs became scarce, Frank moved his wife and their three young daughters to the Tri-Cities where he became employed with the Walula Pulp Mill. After five years, the family returned to Shelton where Frank had been hired to work for The WA State Dept. of Corrections as an engineer. He studied hard and later became Superintendent of the Power Plant at the corrections center where he remained until he retired.
Frank was a wild game hunter and fisherman, oftentimes taking his family along with him. He also enjoyed teaching some of his nephews the finer points of the hunt. Though he gave up hunting, he continued to fish for trout, salmon, smelt, whatever and he made the best smoked salmon ever! He really loved to go smelt fishing with his buddy, Barry Ulrich of Olympia and even after he became ill he worried about getting the nets ready for smelt season. Dad enjoyed growing tomatoes (always hopeful that he’d be able to grow the ultimate beefsteak) and strawberries in his garden, tending to the fruit trees and raspberry bushes while mom tended to her flowers.
Frank and Eloise also enjoyed bringing their dog Tasha with them in the motorhome when they stayed at the ocean, but were always happy to be home with all of their other pets. Every year, they tried to make it a point to Celebrate the with the Squaxin Island Tribe.
As a Dad and PaPa – Frank was strict, loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandsons. They were his pride and joy. He took care of them and protected them, worried when they were sick, laughed with them, told them stories, taught them, kept them warm and safe.
Husband - Eloise was the love of his life. When she left us, he was grief stricken.
Now, Frank & Eloise, Mom & Dad, PaPa & Grams are reunited together, again at last, for eternity.
To God we give Praise and Thanks for giving them to us.
To them we give our Eternal Love.
Peggy Johnson
Former State Legislator Margaret “Peggy” Johnson, 80, passed away at her home in the Skokomish Valley, March 26, 2011. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Wesley Johnson, her children Kathleen (Bruce) Arnold of South Hadley, MA, Gary (Linda) Johnson of Edmonds, WA, Wesley (Kathryn) Johnson of Everett, WA, and Richard (Alyson) Johnson of Matlock, WA, her sisters Jackie (Morgan) West of Seattle, Julia (Jerry) Joaquin of Allyn, WA, brother Edward K. Wright, Jr. of Hemet California, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Coralee Wright, and her beloved grandson, Jeremy Johnson. She is the grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of five. Peggy was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her family, and her community.
Peggy was born April 25, 1930 in Seattle, to Edward and Margaret Orvis Wright. She graduated from Tolt High School in Carnation, WA, and Seattle Pacific College. In addition to serving as a wife and mother, she worked as a substitute school teacher. For many years she taught Good News Bible Clubs, children’s church and Sunday school. She served as interim director of Child Evangelism Fellowship of Snohomish County, and as superintendent of the Sunday school and chair of the Christian Education Board of Esperance Baptist Church in Edmonds. She recruited, trained and mentored countless teachers through Child Evangelism Fellowship, her church ministries and through the International Center for Learning, the training arm of Gospel Light Publications. She later served as chair of the Education Committee of the Washington State House of Representatives and was honored by Governor Gary Locke in his 1997 State of the State address for her work on education reform.
Peggy loved campaigning for numerous causes. After moving to Shelton in 1982, she helped her husband run for State Representative from the 35th District, and after two unsuccessful bids, ran herself and was elected three times. She served on the Mason County Hospital District, fire and library districts. She was instrumental in organizing Shelton’s Festival of Hope and spearheaded the founding of an organization dedicated to teen abstinence. She and her husband were honored by the Mason County Republican Women for their 25 years of service to the community.
In her retirement years Peggy enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s school and athletic events. She loved to host parties for family and friends, including campaign hay rides; once hosting over 100 people at her home for a campaign chili feed. She helped many people through her health-related business. Peggy and Wes were members of the Skokomish Valley Community Church and First Baptist Church of Shelton where she continued to teach children.
The family gives sincere thanks to Peggy’s in-home care-givers, Debbie Brown and Jennifer Shipley, and the nurses and hospice workers of Providence Health Care. Your labors of love gave Peggy comfort and all of her family peace of mind. The family is ever grateful.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Skokomish Valley Community Church and Shelton First Baptist Church. Visitation at McComb Funeral Home, Shelton, WA, Friday, April 1st, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A private family graveside will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a public memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the Pavilion at Sentry Park, 190 West Sentry Drive, Shelton, WA 98584-8045.
Margaret Lorraine Matson June 1, 1920 - March 11,2011
Margaret Matson passed away with family at her bedside on Friday March 11, 2011. Born in Sumner Washington, Margaret was the ninth child of William and Maggie Harrison.
Margaret graduated from Kapowsin High School in 1938. She served as a Navy Wave during World War II . She married Olaf Matson in 1948 and together they owned an operated a drive in restaurant named ” Oles” and a 2nd Hand & Antiques Store in Centralia. They moved to Olympia in 1969 where she worked for the Department of Licencing. Margaret retired at the age of 68 from the Washington State Patrol. In 2000 she moved to Shelton to live with her family.
Margaret loved her family, her church, and the friendliness of the Shelton community. She will be remembered for her unselfish commitment to her family, patriotism, and her contagious exuberance for living.
She is survived by her daughter Olene Steele, son-in-law, George Steele and Grandson Chris Richter.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Shelton. Margaret’s request is that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St. Edwards Catholic Church for the benefit of the building fund.
Pete Earl Bloomfield
Pete Earl Bloomfield passed away suddenly at the age of 87. He had resided in Shelton his entire life, being raised with his eleven siblings at the family homestead on Bloomfield Road in Kamilche.
Pete married Maxine (Clark) in 1942 and then went off to serve honorably in WWII. After military service in Europe he returned to Shelton where he started a logging company that supported his family for nearly 40 years. In his retirement, he drove a bus for the Shelton School District.
Pete was an avid aviator and owned a Maule M-4 Rocket which he flew to Alaska several times. He was also an accomplished puzzle solver, an avid hunter and fisherman, a master blackberry picker, an amateur bowler, a talented baseball player, a talented storyteller and a wonderful husband and father.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Maxine; his son Jerry (Tue), daughters Darlene Stott (Jim), Peg Bloomfield, Susan Giffin-Huey (Jim); 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter; and a sister, Dolly O'Malley (Bill) of Oregon City, OR.
A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Friday, March 18th at 4 pm at the Shelton Civic Center. Remembrances can be made to the Pete Bloomfield Foundation for Little League Baseball.
David Michael Robecker
David Michael Robecker, 39, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2011 in Seattle, WA. He was born on December 15, 1971 to Steve Robecker and Barbara (Pullar) Robecker in Aberdeen, WA. Dave graduated from Montesano High School in 1990 and on July 27, 1991 he married Tracey Selleg in Montesano, WA. He was a sixteen year resident of Shelton, WA.
Dave had a giving heart and a ready smile. His children and his family were his life. He loved to laugh and was known for playing practical jokes. Dave made friends wherever he went. Next to his family, his job was his passion and he loved his co-workers as a family. He found his greatest joy in being outdoors. Dave loved the Lord with all of his heart. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 302 since 1990 and was employed by Manson Construction as a Deck Engineer. Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his children and working on cars. He was a member of Shelton First Baptist Church.
Dave is survived by his wife, Tracey Robecker of Shelton, WA; children, Taylor and Chase Robecker of Shelton, WA; father, Steve Robecker (Norma) of Montesano, WA; mother, Barbara Robecker of Shelton, WA; brothers, Mark Robecker (Kari) of Montesano, WA and Todd Robecker of Montesano, WA; grandmother, Mae Pullar of Aberdeen, WA. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Rellias Pullar; grandmother, Ardith Heacox and grandfather, Charles Heacox. Dave will also be remembered by his extended family and many special friends.
There will be a celebration of Life at the Pavilion at Sentry Park in Shelton on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to Make-a-Wish, 811 First Ave, Suite 520, Seattle, WA 98104. Online condolences can be sent to www.mccombfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of McComb Funeral Home.
JaNean M. “Ginger” Brown
A very loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family was her world; her grandchildren were her main hobby. She was always interested in everyone’s activities, and was always willing to help.
JaNean M. “Ginger” Brown, 69, passed away the evening of Monday, March 7, 2011 in Olympia, Washington after a battle with cancer. She was born January, 24, 1942 in Spokane, Washington to Vernon Wolfrum and Bernadine “Bunny” (Johnston) Wolfrum. She was raised in Wilbur, Washington and graduated from Wilbur High School 1960.
In 1961 she met her husband Donald R. Brown while they both were attending Western Washington University. The following year on May 26, 1962 they married in Wilbur. While raising her family, Ginger went to work as a secretary for Don’s insurance company, Brown & Associates. She then spent the next twenty years working within the Shelton School District, mainly working as a secretary for the Special Service Department. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially their yearly trips to Ocean Shores. She also enjoyed attending lunches, dinners, and barbeques with family and friends, and shopping with her girls. Ginger had a contagious laugh-- even once being sent to the principal’s office for laughing too loudly in class.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Monty “Skip” Wolfrum. She is survived by her brother, John (Bev) Wolfrum of Denver, Colorado; her husband Don Brown and their children; Lisa (Grant) Fox, Scott (Julie) Brown, Jeffrey (Lorie) Brown, and Rick Brown, all of Shelton. Also surviving Ginger are her grandchildren: Kathleen (Graham) Haak, Kristina (Michael) Johnson; Kairee, Hollie, Cindee, and Donald Brown; Duncan Brown; Sean and Sarah Brown; and one great-granddaughter, Emma Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Send donations to Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection Street, Shelton, WA 98584. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of McComb Funeral Home.
June E. McDougall
June Elvira McDougall, 78, of Grapeview, WA passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2011 surrounded by her family. June was born on June 7, 1932 to Swedish immigrants Erick and Mina (Haglund) Hofstedt in Stewart, BC, Canada. She graduated from John Oliver High School in 1952, in Vancouver and attended some college classes. In May of 1958, she married Stafford McDougall.
June was a devoted and dedicated wife and mother to her husband and three sons. She was very much involved with the boys, their activities and their soccer growing up. Known as a “soccer mom” she once coordinated the mothers in her basement to make 18 matching coats for a Canadian Exchange Soccer Tournament that was held in Vancouver, BC. Her sons expressed that she was the “best stay at home mom ever”.
The family’s summer home was on Mason Lake and she and her husband retired there nearly 20 years ago. June enjoyed the lake very much and living in the United States although her heart and respect was always in her motherland of Canada.
Mrs. McDougall was a member of the 40 et 8 LeFemmes, the Elks and the Eagles. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking and traveling. She and her husband were snowbirds traveling to Indio, CA every winter. Lately, she enjoyed crossword puzzles. She kept a lovely home, enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren on the lake and with neighbors and friends of the lake.
She is survived by her husband Stafford of Grapeview; sons, Shawn McDougall, Bremerton, Stafford McDougall, Grapeview, and Stuart McDougall (Kelley), Renton; granddaughters, Maura and Mkari McDougall, Renton; sister, Pearl McDonald (Lester) Ladysmith, BC and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents. A celebration of her life will be held at the 40 et 8 Club, 123 W. Cota in Shelton, WA on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:30 pm. McComb Funeral Home was honored to serve this family.
Frances J. Smith
Frances Jean Smith, 85, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at Fir Lane Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton. Frances was born on January 18, 1926 in Sequim, WA to John and Hattie (Shannon) Bell. She married Gordon Smith in Sequim in June of 1952.
Frances was a homemaker, raising four daughters. She was also co-owner of Coast to Coast Hardware in Shelton from 1977 to 1983. She also was in the silk flower business for a short time and an office manager for Shelton Computing Service in 1983 until her retirement in 2000. Frances was a member of the Shelton United Methodist Church. She was an avid gardener and a very talented oil painting artist as well as a gifted home decorator. Frances was an avid reader and did much volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, a literacy tutor, and the United Methodist Ladies Circle.
Frances is survived by her husband Gordon, Shelton; daughters, Lorna Smith, St. Paul, MN, Julie Smith, Los Angeles, CA, Carol Padovan, Concord, CA and Bonnie Smith, Shelton; brother Claude Bell, Tacoma, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Orrin Bell and sister Dorothy Harkleroad. Services will be held at the Shelton United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Donations can be made to the Shelton United Methodist Church, 1900 King St. Shelton, WA 98584. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Jean Stanley Kimbel
Jean Stanley Kimbel, 86, passed away on Saturday February 26, 2011 at his home in Shelton, WA. He was born on January 21, 1925 in Rainier, WA to Carl and Eula “Sally” (Ferguson) Hubbard. After his mother and father divorced, his mother married Roy Kimbel who adopted Jean in 1945.
Jean graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in 1943 and graduated from the University of Washington in Pharmacy. He served in the Coast Guard part of the Aleutian Island Campaign during WWII as a Pharmacist Mate. Jean skied down to the post Office to register for the draft. On July 10, 1948 he married June Jordan his high school sweetheart in Shelton. He was a pharmacist from 1952 to 1992 and a private contractor for ten years. Jean was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Shelton in the 1940’s, a member of the Order of DeMolay, the Masonic Lodge, Potentate of Afifi Temple Shrine Club in 1992, Commodore of Shelton Yacht Club in 1974.
He loved the water and Puget Sound, was an avid yachtsman, enjoyed fishing and loved big band music. He especially loved his family and his dog Duke.
Jean was preceded in death by his wife, June Kimbel; father, Carl Hubbard; parents, Roy and Sally Kimbel; and brothers Bob, Jack Bill and Ken Kimbel. He is survived by his daughter Shelby Conklin (Jef) of Shelton, WA; grandson, Andy Conklin of Shelton, WA; granddaughter Krisy Henry of Pt. Angeles, WA; daughter, Randi McLean of Phoenix, AZ; grandson, Ryan McLean of Seattle, WA, granddaughter Kati De Celles of Great Falls, MT; aunt, Dean Osterberg of Shelton, WA; sister-in-law, Ruth Jordan of Olympia, WA; son-in-law, Ron McLean of Seattle, WA; four great grandsons, three great granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations can be sent to Shrine Hospitals (www.shrinershq.org).
A memorial service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 5, 2011at 1:00 pm. Online condolences – www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Marianne Cross, 74, died in Shelton, WA on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. She was born August 25, 1936 in Kansas City, MO. She was a housekeeping supervisor at Harborview Medical Center for 30 years. She is survived by her two sons: David McCormick of Evanston, WY and Gary McCormick of Buckley, Wa. No services were held. Arrangements under the direction of McComb Funeral Home Shelton, WA.
Justin Eugene Taylor
Justin Eugene Taylor, 90, of Olympia, WA passed away Monday, February 21, 2011, at Capital Medical Center. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, optimistic and tireless shellfish farmer and a good man.
Justin was born in Shelton, WA on February 16, 1921 to Eugene and Florence (Waldrip) Taylor. He and his older brother Edwin grew up in Kamilche. Justin served on the USS Texas during World War II where he fought in 5 major invasions and was called back to military service for 18 months during the Korean War. Justin met Carol Hunter soon after leaving the military and they were married on August 20, 1954. After their marriage, Justin and Carol made their first home at a logging camp in Northern California for two seasons where Justin fell timber. In 1955, the couple settled permanently at their home on Oyster Bay where Justin followed the family tradition of shellfish farming.
Justin was one of the great men of the Shellfish industry. He dedicated his life to the improvement of the water quality of Puget Sound. He served on various community boards and Shellfish industry committees. Justin continued throughout his life advancing shellfish farming with many innovative practices. He was a great thinker, leader and cornerstone of the industry.
Justin was a long time member of Hidden Creek Community Church in Olympia, where he served in various positions.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Hunter Taylor, his three children and nine grandchildren; William (wife Betsy; children Diani and Malindi Taylor and Becca Ellen), Paul (wife Gail, children Brittany, Marcelle and Nyle Taylor) and Janet Pearson (husband Jeff, children Brooke, Lynnea and Jada Pearson).
Memorial services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Westwood Baptist Church, 333 Kaiser Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Puget Sound Restoration Fund, 590 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 or to the Union Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111-0202.
McComb Funeral Home was honored to serve this family.
George Trenton Twidwell
George Trenton Twidwell, 72, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Raymond, WA on July 7, 1938 to Walter Ernest and Alice May (Lloyd) Twidwell. George served in the US Army in Korea. He married Leora Burgess, they later were divorced.
George was a mill worker for Simpson Timber Co., retiring in 1996. He had worked there for 38 years. George enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling to Wyoming to hunt and fish, and watching sports. He was a member of the Eagles and IWA.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Alice Twidwell Smith; father, Walter Twidwell; and sister, Leonora Twidwell. George is survived by his son, Fred Twidwell (Jodi) of Shelton, WA; daughters, Teresa Todd (Rick) of Ferndale, WA, Becky Hall of Vancouver, WA; brothers, Walter J. Twidwell of Brooklyn, WA, Jerry Twidwell (Ileene) of Shelton, WA, Mike Twidwell of Chehalis, WA; sister, Ada Clemons of Shelton, WA; five grandchildren, eight nephews and six nieces.
Memorial service will be held Saturday February 26, 2011, 1:00pm at Hope Chapel 421 West “E” St. Shelton, WA
Steven D. Herendeen
Steven D. Herendeen, 57, of Shelton, WA passed away on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Mason General Hospital. Steven was born on June 20, 1953 in Hermiston, OR to Roger and Lena (Shelley) Herendeen. He attended high school in Salem, OR and Oregon State College where he majored in History. He married Marjorie Lee Bisson in October of 2000 in Elbe, WA.
Mr. Herendeen was a long haul truck driver for Systems Transport. His hobbies included boat building, sailing, woodworking, camping, gardening, and doing crossword puzzles. He enjoyed the History channel and had a remarkable memory. He also owned 13 parrots.
Steven is survived by wife, Marjorie, Shelton; daughter, Anita Mounce, Shelton; son, Ward McNeely, Kodiak, AK; father, Roger Herendeen, Brinnon, WA; sister, Susan Prince (Greg), Brinnon; brothers, Roger Herendeen and Fred Shelley (Lily), both of Arizona; grandchildren, Eric Mounce and Holly McNeely; one niece, one nephew and on great nephew.
Steven Edward Strand
Steven Edward Strand, 55, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 as the result of a motorcycle accident in Lacey, WA. He was born on April 11, 1955 in Puyallup, WA to Donald and Betty (McHenry) Strand. Steven graduated from Olympia High School in 1973 and on July 26 1986 he married Lou Ann Corbin in Tacoma, WA.
Steven was a lifelong carpenter and a member of the Carpenter Union #1148. His hobbies included woodworking, photography, hiking in the Olympics, and sailing on his boat. He enjoyed baseball and was an avid supporter of his son’s games. His family shared that he was also an avid reader, enjoyed the history channel and was good at baking bread.
Steven was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his, wife Lou Ann Strand of Shelton; sons, Donald Strand, Martin Strand, Joe Strand, Tom Strand all of Shelton and Kevin Strand of Olympia; mother, Betty Strand of Shelton; sisters, Patty Strand of San Jose, CA, Kriss Strand of Olympia, Connie Hendricks of Boise, ID; brothers, Dan Strand and David Strand of Laughlin, NV, Eric Strand of Kirkland, WA, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Winnie M. Redler
Winnie M. Redler 77, passed away Wednesday, February 3rd in Phoenix, AZ. She was born January 29, 1933, in Butte, Montana to Juanita and Edward Romey, the youngest of three children. She married Ralph Lee Worthem, with whom she had three children; Connie, Danny and Bobby. Moving to the Seattle area. She eventually divorced and married James W. Baldwin with whom she had two children, Eddie and Mickey.
In the early 1970’s, Winnie and Bill divorced. In the late 1970’s Winnie met Richard Redler with whom she married and spent the remainder of her life with.Winnie loved sports. She coached and sponsored both boys and girls baseball for 30+ years then became an avid fan of the Mariners keeping a score book of every game. She was one of the founders of the 5 Star Athletic Clubs which sponsors boys and girls sports to this day. She loved knitting and crocheting blankets for seniors at the V.A. or anyone in need. Winnie loved hunting down garage sales, auctions or flea markets, to find unique pieces or things that she thought someone in her life would enjoy.
Winnie always remembered anything someone told her they needed or wanted even if she eventually found it five years later. When visiting, no one left her house without a special “something” in hand. Winifred was quite the entrepreneur. She started off as a carhop, moved up into dining food establishments which led her to becoming owner of the Cuckoo Inn in Renton, Later she moved the tavern to Kent and renamed it the Plaza Bar and Grill which was named after the Plaza Hotel in Butte, where her father had started the first cab company there. Eventually becoming the No Name Bar and Grill. Before retiring she relocated to Harstine Island with her husband and resided there for about 15 years before moving to Arizona with Rich and her son Bob.
She is survived by her husband Richard Redler, sister Wanda Knuckey, daughter Connie Baldwin-McCall and sons Dan, Bob, Ed and Mickey Baldwin. She is also survived by Cheryl Keeler, Bill and Rick Redler, Terry and Jay Redler (deceased). She left behind grandchildren Kelly and Korey Baldwin, Charley McCall, Joshua, Krystina and Katlyn Baldwin.
Her memorial service will be held Saturday, February 26th 2011 at 3pm. It will be at Bethany Baptist Church in Puyallup, WA. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
Mary Cathryne (Kay) Lincoln Edler
Mary Cathryne (Kay) Lincoln Edler passed away Sunday, 2/6/2011, at Mason General Hospital in Shelton, Washington, from natural causes and the complications of Alzheimer's. She was almost 89 years old. She happily lived much of her life at Bayshore.
Known as Kay, she was born in Seattle, Washington, on March 11, 1922, to Warren Lincoln and Blanche (Willey) Lincoln. She lived with her parents at Potlatch where her father Warren Lincoln and her grandfather Ben Willey farmed and operated a saw mill. At age 5, she moved with her parents and her sister, Barbara (age 2) to the family property known as Bayshore on Oakland Bay 3 miles north of Shelton. Before Washington was a state, Kay's great-grandfather Enoch Willey had bought 153 acres there in 1868, and eventually additional acreage. Her grandfather Ben Willey had built a dam on John's Creek around 1926 to furnish electricity for the Bayshore Store which he had built and for other houses and cabins. In 1930 Bayshore, Inc. was formed and her father and grandfather began the construction of the Bayshore Golf Course. The old club house was the home she grew up in. Kay fondly remembered selling cheese and pumping gas as a young girl at the old Bayshore Store.
Kay graduated from the Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton in 1939. She was interested in drawing and painting and also in drama, acting in the high school plays. She attended the College of Puget Sound in Tacoma for two years 1939 to 1941 where she was an art major. With the start of World War II Kay switched to advertizing art at the Edison Vocational School in Seattle, graduating in 1943. From there she went to Boeing to help with the war effort, working as a draftsman in the engineering department. There she met her future husband, Henry (Hank) Edler. He was from Chicago with a masters degree in Engineering from Northwestern University.
Kay and Hank married September 4, 1944, in Seattle. In 1945 when the war ended they moved to Chicago where Hank worked at the City Hall and Kay enjoyed painting classes at the Art Institute. Eventually Kay and her growing family with 4 children moved to several homes in California, including Azusa, Pomona, Culver City and Manhattan Beach. In 1961 the family moved to Arlington, Virginia, where Hank worked in Washington, D.C. on the National Aeronautics and Space Council headed by Vice President Johnson. In 1965 Kay was very excited to attend President Johnson's inauguration ball and watch the inaugural parade.
Later Kay returned to Washington, living in Tacoma, Vancouver, and Olympia, before finally returning to Bayshore in 1980 to live in the home built for her parents in 1956. She and her sister Barbara Stroud managed their family business which included rentals, the Bayshore Store, the gravel pit, additional timberland, and expanded to include condos in Manzanillo, Mexico.
Kay enjoyed traveling abroad to Europe, the British Isles, Russia, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and the Caribbean, as well as around the U.S., yet she always preferred being home at Bayshore with her family – gardening, painting and cooking (her casseroles and homemade apple pies were legendary).
Kay firmly believed in the value of education and was very proud of her pioneer roots. She joined PEO, the women's educational and philanthropic organization, in 1972. She served as president of Chapter DE in Tacoma before moving to Chapter B in Shelton in 1981. In the 1970's Kay joined the Shelton chapter of the Daughters of the Pioneers. She served as president and held a state office. Kay was very interested in family history and genealogy. On her mother's side, her 2 great-grandfathers were pioneers. James Ready crossed the plains from Missouri in a covered wagon in 1857. Enoch Willey traveled from Maine by sailing ship in 1857, crossing the Isthmus of Panama by ox cart and continued on to Port Gamble by ship. On her father's side, Kay was a distant cousin to President Abraham Lincoln and traced her ancestry back to the Mayflower pilgrims.
Kay was preceded in death by her father Warren Lincoln (3/3/75), her mother Blanche Willey Lincoln (11/5/66), and her husband Henry (Hank) G. Edler (2/26/93). She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Barbara Jean Stroud Anderson of Shelton, WA. She is also survived by her 4 children: her son Henry (Steve) Edler of Los Angeles, CA; her son Christopher (Chris) Edler of Port Hadlock, WA; her son Peter Edler of Saratoga, CA; and her daughter Kathryn (Kathy) Edler Cowley of Shelton, WA. She is also survived by her 2 grandchildren: Brigette Edler of Los Angeles, CA; and Brian Cowley of Shelton, WA. She is also survived by 4 nieces and nephews: Carol Hardin of Shelton, WA; Michael Hardin of Shelton, WA; Eric Stroud of Santa Rosa, CA; and Mark Stroud of Vancouver, WA.
Memorial donations to her favorite charities can be sent to: PEO – B President Myrna Bennett, PO Box 2509, Shelton, WA 98584 or Mason County Historical Society, PO Box 1366, Shelton, WA 98584.
A memorial service celebrating Kay's life will be held on Sunday, 2/20/11, at 2:00 pm at Hope Chapel, located at 421 W. E Street in Shelton, across from the Shelton Cemetery. Inurnment will be at Shelton Memorial Park. Arrangements by McComb Funeral Home (360-426-4803) www.mccombfh.com
Ronald Lee Ahlf
Ronald Lee Ahlf, 73, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA. He was born in Reardan, WA on January 16, 1938 to Herman and Sylvia (Rogers) Ahlf. On September 13, 1958 he married Phyllis Meyer at Central Lutheran Church in Spokane, WA. They had been married 52 years. Ron graduated from Reardan High School in 1956 and from Washington State University in 1961 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Ron’s greatest pleasure was coaching his children, teaching them to fish and enjoy the outdoors. He was an avid Cougar fan and proudly attended WSU events with his wife Phyllis, his children, grandchildren and brother, Ken and his wife Marilyn.
Ron and his family moved to Kwajalein Marshall Island, in 1968, where Ron worked as an engineer for Global Associates, the support contractor for the Kwajalein Missile Range. Upon their return in 1972, Ron became Resident Engineer at ITT Rayonier and supervised the operations of the fiscal plant in Shelton and oversaw the construction of the new research laboratories in Jessup, GA, until his retirement in 1997.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, sons, Reid (Terri), and Troy (Kim), and daughter, Pam (Steve Teglovic); six grandchildren, Kyle (Heather) Morgan, Colton, Garrick, Matthew and Kelsey, and brother, Ken Ahlf (Marilyn).
A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection Street, Shelton, WA 98584 on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Memorial donations can be sent to Faith Lutheran Church or the American Lung Association, 2625 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121. Online condolences can be sent to the family on www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Michael K. Ryder
Michael Kirby Ryder, 64, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at his home at Lake Cushman in Hoodsport, WA. Michael was born on June 14, 1946 in Santa Cruz, CA to Richard and Dorothy (Kranick) Ryder. He graduated in 1964 from Santa Cruz High School.
After high school he joined the National Guard and married Bonita Tesi in September of 1976 in Nevada City. Mr. Ryder went to work as a truck driver for United Van Lines and then as a plumber in Santa Cruz. He eventually took a job in Kitsap County as an operator of a wastewater treatment plant for 16 years retiring in 2006.
Michael loved the Lake Cushman area and golfing. He was a member of the Lake Cushman’s Men Club, enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, boating and water skiing. He was a baseball coach for many years and very involved with his children. His family described him as a simple man who enjoyed country music, spending time with his family and loving his grandbabies immensely.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughter, Stacy Mills (Luther), Kingston, WA; son, Christopher Ryder, Suquamish, WA; mother, Dorothy Ryder, Santa Cruz, CA; brothers, Chuck Ryder and Bill Ryder (Susan), Santa Cruz, CA; grandchildren, Luther Mills IV and Kayona Mills and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and infant daughter, Jennifer Lee. A family gathering will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made to the SIDS Foundation, 528 Raven Way, Naples, FL. 34110 or the American Lung Association 2625 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-1200.
 Edna Catherine Phillips Edna Catherine Phillips, 90, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation in Shelton. She was born to Martin and Catherine (Mikkelson) Mikkelson on January 17, 2011 in Renton, WA. She married MF “Buzz” Phillips in Shelton, WA and was a long time Mason County resident. Edna cared for her husband who had a stroke and lung cancer. She was a very awesome caregiver and had a terrific personality and had many friends. Edna had worked at JC Penny, Mac’s Corner and Bob’s Tavern. She was a fabulous seamstress, a cook, baker (Martha Stewart of the 40’s and 59’s). She would take in every stray animal that showed up at her home. She especially loved cats. Edna was preceded in death by her husband, MF “Buzz”, Phillips; sister, Helen Knudsen; brothers, Rob, Norm, Pete, Max Mikkelson; and her son, Allan R. Deach. She is survived by her daughters, Donna Wolden (Gary) of Shelton, WA and Cindy Allen (Ronald) of Saco, MT; grandchildren, Stephanie Michaelis of Shelton, WA, Robert Keyzers of Shelton, WA, Jessica Lefdahl of Saco, MT, Timothy Allen of Morgantown, WV; and ten great grandchildren. Services will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2:00.
Alan R. Steehler Richard M. Bolling
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Sharon I. Buechel
Violet Ruth Sibley
Glory June Johns
Ann L. “Nancy” Morris
Ann Louise “Nancy” Morris, 74, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2011 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA. Ann was born on March 15, 1936 in Spokane, WA to Harry and Ruth (McKibben) Smith. She married Raymond Morris in 1952 and graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton in 1966.
Ann and her husband owned and operated Beacon Point Resort near Lilliwaup (a resort that had been previously owned and operated by her parents). Nancy attended Brinnon Community Church. Her hobbies included painting, reading, gardening, indoor and outdoor, and spending time with family and grandchildren. She was a very social person who always opened her door to friends and family. Her family shared she had an unbelievable memory for the events of her life and those of others. Nancy had many fond memories of life on the Canal where she and Ray lived nearly all their married life.
She is survived by her husband Raymond; daughter, Susan Parrington (Tad), of Kingston; son, Steve Morris, of Shelton; brother, Wallace Smith (Leatha), of Port Hadlock; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Please contact McComb Funeral Home for service information, 360-426-4803.
Kristin Lea Roy
Kristin Lea Roy, 40, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 as a result of an automobile accident. She was born in Bellevue, WA on May 1, 1970 to James and Judy (Dye) McClendon. Kristin spent her childhood years in Tenino, WA and then later moved to Olympia where she attended Capital High School and then graduated from Tumwater High School.
On March 17, 1990 she married Charles E Roy. She and Chuck lived in McMinnville, OR for two years and then moved back to her old hometown of Tenino. In 1994 she and her family moved to Shelton.
Kristin worked in the medical office field for fifteen years and was currently employed with Northwest Surgical Group in Olympia. Kristin attended Shelton First Baptist Church where she was baptized and became a member in 1997. She volunteered with the youth ministry there. She later was a leader in the Mason County 4H Club working with kids showing llamas and goats (a true passion of Kristin’s). Kristin also enjoyed camping, Dutch oven cooking, scrap booking, reading, the beach, horseback riding, her animals and most of all, her family.
She was loved dearly by many and will be missed. Kristin is survived by her husband, Charles E. Roy of Shelton, WA; her children, Alan C. Roy and Katrina A. Roy both of Shelton; brothers, Matthew V. McClendon and family of Oregon, and Michael J. McClendon and family of Washington; father, James D. McClendon of Idaho; and her mother, Judy L. Sanders of Oregon. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home, 360-426-4803.
Ann I. Cole
Ann Isabell Cole, 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Providence Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia, WA. Ann was born on December 13, 1918 in Olympia, WA to Daniel and Mary (Forbes) Hurley. She attended Olympia High School.
She met and married Floyd C. Cole in January of 1937 and moved to Shelton to raise their family. Ann was a homemaker and also was employed by the Washington State Patrol and Mason General Hospital as a cook. Mrs. Cole was raised a Catholic and she was very active in the Shelton Kiwanis Club. She was the first woman president of her Kiwanis chapter. Ann was very active in many charitable events and political activities. Her family shared she was a terrific baker and cook also. One of her greatest achievements was winning the regional bakeoff by Better Homes and Gardens for a quick bread. She enjoyed entertaining, was very social, family oriented and a lover of animals.
Survivors include her son, Bruce Cole, Portland, OR; daughters, Fran Myers (Tom), Shelton and Carol Rust (Dave) of Olympia, WA; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by husbands, Floyd Cole and Dick Palumbo, one brother and seven sisters. A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Shelton Kiwanis, P.O. Box 477, Shelton, WA 98584. McComb Funeral Home was privileged to serve the family.
Pau
l Richard Matthews
Paul Richard Matthews, 56, passed away at Mason General Hospital in Shelton, WA on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. He was born in Aberdeen, WA on January 2, 1954 to Donald and Faith (Bayha) Matthews. On September 9, 1996 he married Kathy Nachtneble in Shelton, WA.
Paul served in the US Marines during the Vietnam War. He played football and wrestled at Aberdeen High School and later from 1994-1995 he coached wrestling (free style) at Shelton High School. From 1987-1989 Paul coached soccer at Shelton High School. Paul worked in the dump truck business with his brother in the early 1970’s, was a police officer in Aberdeen, WA from late 1970’s until the early 1980’s, worked at the Dept. of Corrections, in Shelton, WA, from 1985-1990, was an EMT (District 5) in Shelton, WA from 1990-1997 and then worked at the Emergency Room at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, WA from 1997-1999.
Paul enjoyed fishing, hunting, family, writing poetry, golfing and gardening. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, John Matthews and his parents, Don and Faith Matthews.
Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy (Stevens) Matthews of Shelton, WA; daughters, Lorra Bradford and Marie Montejo both of Shelton, WA; son, John St. Pierre of Olympia, WA; brother, Donald Matthews of Seattle, WA; sister, Beth Bugher; stepdaughters, Amy Stevens of Shelton, WA, Brenda Merritt (Tim) of Shelton, WA, Magen Houle (Jason) of Lacey, WA; stepson, John Stevens of Shelton, WA; twelve grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Agate Grange on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, 1280 S. Parker Rd., Denver, CO 80231 or the American Diabetes Association, 1730 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA 98109-1024. The family would like to thank the good Samaritans who stopped to help and administer CPR to our loved one. We would also like to thank the staff at Mason General Hospital and District 5 Fire Dept. for their care, compassion and support. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to service the family, 360-426-4803.
Virginia Lee Stewart
Virginia L. Stewart, 90, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 27, 2010 with family at her side. Virginia was born on November 8, 1920 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Leon and Vene (Garrfield Stone) Haman.
She graduated from high school in Cape Girardeau and obtained her teaching degree from the Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. On October 10, 1941, she married Nelson Albert Stewart in Mexico, MO. Virginia was a teacher at Western High in Anaheim, CA where she taught music, art and math. She retired in 1980.
Mrs. Stewart was a member of the Timberland Chapel of Grapeview and a former member of the St. Edward’s Catholic Church of Shelton. Her hobbies included art, music, sewing, cooking, baking, and candy making at Christmas. She enjoyed trips on Discovery Tours and playing cards and spending time with her girlfriends. She enjoyed her family and grandchildren. She was a great nurturer and spent many days with her daughter running a horse rescue center. She loved taking care of sick or wounded animals and was very compassionate about them. She was very fond of her fox terrier “Spike”.
Virginia is survived by her daughters, Patsy Stogdill, Grapeview and Ginger Kral (Kim), Colorado; sons, Nelson Stewart II (Carlene), Olympia, Robert Nelson (Yolanda), Louisiana, Leon Stewart (Kim), Kansas, and John Stewart (Annette), Lacey, WA; 30 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She is preceded in death by husband Nelson; son, Jim Stewart and son in law, Mark Stogdill.
A memorial will be held at the Timberland Chapel, 460 E. Mason Benson Rd. Grapeview, WA on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 11:00 am. Donations can be made to Foster Children Community and Family Services, P.O. Box 1459, Pt. Orchard, WA 98366 attn: “Lake Days” or The North Mason Humane Society, P.O. Box 168, Belfair, WA 98528 (360) 275-9310. McComb Funeral Home was privileged to serve this family, 360-426-4803.
Kimberly L. Abele
Kimberly Lynne Abele, 50, of SeaTac, Washington, died on Friday, December 24, 2010 at her parent’s home in Shelton.
A funeral memorial will be held at noon on Monday, January 3, 2011, at Hope Chapel in Shelton with Deacon William Batstone of St Edwards Catholic Church, officiating.
Kimberly is the daughter of Sharon and Clifford Hall of Shelton and Larry Abele of Cul de Sac, Idaho.
Kim was a member of the 1978 graduating class of Kentridge High School in Kent, Washington. She enjoyed all the simple pleasures that life offered. Most of all she enjoyed time spent with her family and with her three best friends/sisters Denise, Angie, and LeAnn.
Much of her adult life was spent caring for others and giving of herself. Her selflessness was immeasurable.
She will be greatly missed by her family, numerous friends, co-workers and acquaintances.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her aunt and godmother, Kathy Ann McMurray
Survivors include her Mother and Step-father, Sharon and Clifford Hall, her Father, Larry Abele, her sisters, Denise Kathryn Abele of Seattle, Angela Joan Vickers of Federal Way and LeAnn Rose Saner of SeaTac. Nieces and Nephews, Anna Patricia Ott, Steven Michael Saner, Katherine Lynne Rose Vickers, Joel Jerome Saner and Benjamin Lawrence Edward Vickers. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home, 360-426-4803.
Eugene P. Carlson
Eugene Phillip Carlson, 90, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2010 at his home at Alpine Way Retirement Center. Gene was born on December 1, 1920 in Julesburg, CO to Carl and Lydia (Lauck) Carlson. He graduated from Edgewater High School, Edgewater, CO in 1938 and joined the US Marine Corps after graduation to serve in WWII. After serving for seven years he attended Balboa University and obtained his law degree.
He married Mona Drew on May 11, 1943. Mr. Carlson was an assistant business manager for the San Diego School District until his retirement in 1976.
Gene was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Shelton. He and his wife traveled extensively and he was especially fond of Austria.
He enjoyed gardening and growing orchids. Gene was an avid reader and Bridge player. His family shared that he was a wonderful host and entertainer, cooking for dinner parties for his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Mona, of the family home; sisters, Helen (Walter) Yuhl, California and Pat (Joe) Pearson, Colorado; brother, Chester Carlson, Colorado; nieces, Phyllis Brown, Arizona and Valerie Brace of Oregon and nephew, Tom Brace of Minnesota.
A memorial will be held at the Shelton Presbyterian Church on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2:00. Memorial donations can be made to the Shelton Presbyterian Church, 1430 Springs Rd, Shelton, WA. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home, 360-426-4803.
Fred Geiger
Fred Geiger passed away peacefully on December 22, 2010, in Bremerton, WA. Fred was born in Tacoma, WA to parents Frederick (Fritz) M. Geiger, and Kathryn Billings on July 19, 1924. He was a graduate of Stadium High School in Tacoma. Fred served in the US Marine Corp from March 1943-March 1946.
Fred married the love of his life, Frances Parrish, in June, 1946.
Fred had a passion for teaching and later became an administrator in the Centralia School District from 1950 until 1970.
Fred continued his love of teaching at the North Mason School District for ten years. While living at Rustlewood, Fred and Fran were instrumental in organizing the Rustlewood Homeowners Association. Fred served as the President for three consecutive terms, from 1974-1979. After his retirement from teaching Fred would fill his days by working part-time for the Bremerton Sun as their handyman.
Fred was a resident of Rustlewood for nearly 40 years. He had a wonderful spirit and outlook on life. Fred loved his breakfasts at the Fire Hall, and game nights at the Rustlewood Cabana.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Geiger and his daughter Michelle Geiger.
He is survived by his son, Randy Geiger ( Rojean Paschal) of Silverdale, WA; daughter, Christine Alonzo (Tim) of San Carlos, CA;
Brother, William Geiger (JoAnne) of Everett, WA; three grandchildren, Sarah Gargani of CA, Tim Geiger of New Jersey, Tracey Donovan of Florida; two step-grandchildren, Scott Alonso and Erik Alonso of California; one great grandchild, Emma Gargani of California; one niece, Kim Yale of California; one nephew, Kyle Geiger of California
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at the Rustlewood Cabana on Sunday, Jan 9, 2011 at 11:30 am. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PAWS of Bainbridge & North Kitsap County. www.pawsbainbridge.org , or 888-558-PAWS. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home,360-426-4803.
Ruth Marian Clement
April 4, 1925 – December 17, 2010
Ruth Marian Clement, 85, a resident of Shelton for 18 years, died Friday, December 17, 2010, after a brief illness in Shelton. She passed away just six weeks following the death of her husband, Paul. She had fought a valiant battle with cancer in recent years and was in remission, but other health concerns led to her final passing.
She was born April 4, 1925, in Albion, Mich., to Lynn C. and Ada M. Spittler, the third of three children. After completing elementary schools and graduating from high school in Albion, Ruth attended Albion College, majoring in music. Ruth began playing the violin in the fourth grade and continued to play for several years.
Ruth met her husband, Paul, when he was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. They were married August 13, 1944, in Livingston, Mont. and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last August. They lived in Northfield, Minn. while her husband attended college and in Minneapolis, Minn., where he attended seminary. After his graduation, they moved to Mukwonago, Wis., which was the first of several parsonages for the newly ordained Lutheran minister and his young wife. The Clements also lived in Webster City, Iowa; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Lafayette, Ind. and Elkhart, Ind. before moving to Shelton in 1992. They were active members of Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton where they made many wonderful friends
In addition to being a homemaker and mother of four children, Ruth wore many hats throughout the years as a pastor’s wife, supporting her husband’s work in the church. She was active in the church as secretary, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher, occasional piano and organ player, choir director, and as a member of the choir, she had one of the most beautiful voices in the choir. She was also a member of many church organizations. Ruth played the violin in orchestras in Cheyenne, Wyo., and in Lafayette, Ind., where she played a solo with the great Benny Goodman. . She was also a member of the Faith’s church bell choir. Her other hobbies included sewing, embroidery, knitting and crocheting, furniture refinishing and collecting glassware. Ruth was a seamstress, a fairy godmother with a sewing machine, creating everything from costumes to draperies to formal gowns for her daughters. She enjoyed bowling, golf (she had at least 2 hole-in-ones), and camping. She and husband Paul were members of Tramper Sam’s RV club in Shelton.
Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Ruth Elaine Sanders (Mickey Mooney) of McCleary and Beth Noll (Dwight) of Rainier; grandsons Paul Sanders (Jodi) of Boring, Ore., and Lyle Cable (Kelly) of Indianapolis, Ind.; great-grandchildren Jennifer, Ashlyn and Riley Sanders of Oregon.
Her husband, Paul, her two sons, Stephen and Timothy Clement, her sister Jean Nichols of Michigan and her brother Karl Spittler of Iowa preceded her in death.
The family suggests donations may be made to either Faith Lutheran Church Child Care Center or the music program at the church.
A graveside service for friends and family will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 23, 2010, at Shelton Memorial Park with a memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 4 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection St., Shelton, WA 98584. Funeral arrangements are by McComb Funeral Home in Shelton.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com
Mary Helen Anderson
Mary Helen Anderson, 95, passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at the Maple Glen Senior Living facility in Shelton. She was born on December 25, 1914 in Aberdeen, WA to Axel and Jean (Forrest) Anderson. Mary Helen had been a Mason County resident for all but sixteen years of her life. She graduated from Lincoln School in 1929 and from Irene S. Reed High School in 1933. Mary Helen married George “Andy” Anderson in Seattle. Mary Helen’s family were pioneers in Mason County. Her great uncle, Joseph Carstairs, homesteaded in Matlock in 1883. In 1884, her great grandparents, David and Isabella Carstairs and her grandparents James and Helen Carstairs, came from Scotland with five children – Isabella “Aunt Izzie”, David, James, Kate, and Jean. They settled in Matlock as with her Uncle John Small and his son, Robert Small, who were Helen Carstairs brother and nephew. Mary Helen’s grandfather worked for Simpson Timber Co. in the 1880’s and 1890’s as an engineer on the original Tollie and seven other “Lokies” (locomotives). He voted for Washington’s statehood in 1889 and was elected Mason County Sheriff in 1904. He passed away shortly after leaving office and her grandmother was left to raise the six young Forrests. “Grannie Forrest” took care of the Masonic Temple and the Masons for about 30 years, and was police Matron under five sheriffs, starting with Bill Tucker. Mary Helen’s father, Axel Anderson, married Jean Forrest. He was the Captain of a 4-masted lumber schooner, the “Robert Louers”. Her mother taught school at the old Oak Bay School to get enough money to become a nurse, which she did by graduating from St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma.
Mary Helen lived mainly with her Grandmother Forrest and Uncle Joe Forrest as her mother did a lot of work in private care situations. She had been employed at Mel Chevrolet 1933-1937,Graham’s Theater 1930-1937, Forrest Flowers 1937-1940, in 1940-1946 she went to Washington DC to work at the Bureau of Engraving for the Federal Government. She was unable to return home because of the outbreak of WWII, unless she went onto transportation or communications, so she went to work at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co. She transferred to Pacific Bell in 1946 returning to Seattle and then went on to work for Kelloggs, three florists and a finance company over the next several years.
During this time she met her husband George Anderson and had her daughter Merridee in 1951. They moved back to Shelton on New Years Day 1956 and she went to work again at Forrest Flowers. From 1960 to 1979 she worked at Darigold, as a nurse’s aid at Shelton Manor (now Fir Lane), as a cook at Exceptional foresters, nursery manager at Harvey’s in Shelton, for four years she, her husband and friends Bob and Ev Eliot owned Holiday House Florists and after that she went to work for Lumberman’s as the nursery manager, retiring in 1979. Mary Helen started volunteering at a young age with her Grannie Forrest. Her earliest remembrance was selling the Buddy Poppies at the corner of the old “L.M.”, with Mamie Earl and Eula Martin. She did work for the March of Dimes and often volunteered for her daughter’s school and extra curricular activities. After her husband died in 1981 she became a “Professional Volunteer”. She was in the first class of Hospice volunteers by Providence Sound Home Health and Hospice. She also volunteered at Mason General Hospital for over seven years in the 1980’s, ten years with the Senior Center for fourteen years with the 40&8/Journal Christmas Food and Toy Fund, sixteen years with the Mason County Fair, nine years at the Tollie Visitor Information Center with the Chamber of Commerce and Historical Society, ten years with RSVP, four years at the Safeway Reading Corner and three years at the United Way Office.
Mary Helen has also served on several boards and committees: 1990-1996 MCDAP Board of Directors, 1991-1998 Mason County Housing Authority Commissioner, 1988-1999 Mason County Shelter Board, 1997-2004 Mason Transit Authority Advisory Board, 1982-1987 and 1988-2004 Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board, 1998 Civic Center Bond Committee. Mary Helen’s special moments have included: 1986 – Governor’s Award for Volunteerism (she was one of fifty individuals in the state, Gov. Booth Gardner, 1992 – Citizen of the Year, Chamber of Commerce, 1995 – Red Cross Award for work with seniors, 1996 – United Way Gold Award, 1999 – Grand Marshal, Shelton Christmas Parade, 1999 – RSVP, Volunteer of the Week, 1999 – Voting 50 years Certificate, 2001 – Forest Festival Parade Grand Marshal.
Mary Helen is survived by her daughter, Merridee Anderson of Shelton, WA; stepdaughter, Carol Dee Cummins of Seattle, WA; stepson, Gary Anderson of Kalispell, MT; foster daughter, Cleda Miller of Lacey, WA; granddaughter, Jessica Gibbs of Shelton, WA; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. A memorial service at the 40 et 8 on Sunday, January 2, 2011 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Memorial donations can be sent to the Mary Helen Anderson Memorial Fund at Peninsula Community Credit Union in Shelton, WA and online condolences can be sent to www.mccombfh.com.
Rosemarie McDonald
Rosemarie McDonald, 82, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at Alpine Way Retirement Center in Shelton.
She is survived by husband, William L. McDonald, Shelton and daughter, Patricia (Bruce) Overman, Des Moines, WA,and three grandchildren.
A service will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at noon.
Donations can be made to benefit the needy in the hometowns of the donor's choice. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.360-426-4803.
Gloria M. Callesen
Gloria May Callesen, 85, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2010 at Fir Lane Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton, WA. Gloria was born on September 15, 1925 to George and Clara (Boley) Miller in Columbus, ND. She married Adolph Stalicky, who passed away in July of 1973. She remarried in March of 1975 to Irving H. “Mick” Callesen in Elma, WA.
Gloria was a homemaker and also worked as a nurse’s aid at the Oakhurst Nursing Home for 10 years. Her hobbies included bowling, reading Westerns, knitting, crocheting, sewing and traveling to North Dakota and Oklahoma.
She is survived by sons, Larry (Mary) Stalicky, Shelton, Allen (Kandee) Stalicky, Elma; daughters, Jan (Dale) Enget, Powers Lake, ND, Kathleen (Ru) Drisi, Forks; sister, Luella Wick, Stanley, ND; brothers, Kenneth and Dale (Edna) Miller, both of Tioga, ND; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at Hope Chapel, 421 W. “E” St, Shelton, WA on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 12:00 noon. Memorial donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home, 360-426-4803.
Toby Joseph Brownfield
Toby Joseph Brownfield, 33, passed away from injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident on Steamboat Island Road. He was born in Olympia, WA on April 30, 1977 to Mike and Sally (Selvidge) Brownfield.
Toby resided in Kamilche most of his life and was an enrolled member of the Squaxin Island Tribe. As a youngster Toby had a joy for life. He was a cub scout, played little league baseball, took honors in science fairs and was the county hoops shoot champ when he was ten. Along with his love of family and friends, he was passionate about riding, building, and fixing motorcycles. Toby worked several years at Cycle Mart and most recently at Olympia Motor Sports as well as working on and building motorcycles in his own shop. When he wasn’t working on motorcycles, he was helping a friend, fishing or camping on Squaxin Island. Every year he looked forward to helping the Squaxin Elders at Oyster Fest. He’d done that since he was five years old. Toby enjoyed strong traditional influences by several uncles who mentored him as he learned how to hunt and fish, spending his last week with his uncle in Eastern Washington.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mike Brownfield, grandparents Sally (Brown) and Kenny Selvidge, Pearl (Clark) and Keith Satterthwaite and Paul Martin Brownfield. Toby is survived by his mother, Sally Brownfield and his brother Jess Brownfield both of Kamilche. Toys for Tots, as he rode in the Olympia motorcycle toy run every year he could.
Dell M. Ab
elein
Dell M. Abelein, 75, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at his home at Alpine Way Retirement Center. Dell was born on September 5, 1935 in Bismarck, ND to Guy and Hattie (Moxness) Abelein. The family moved to a number of small North Dakota towns including Anamoose (an Indian word for dog) and St. Thomas.
Dell’s mother was a nurse and his dad worked for the postal service on a run from Flaxton, ND to Whitetail, MT, and a 170 mile train trip. Dell got to go on some of these trips with his father as a young boy. After his father’s death in 1946, Dell and his mother moved to Bellingham, WA, to escape the harsh North Dakota climate and be near her sisters. She liked the northwest and worked for St. Joseph’s Hospital. Dell, however, wasn’t sure at first how he was going to like Washington. He said he enjoyed the changing of the seasons which is a very definite thing in North Dakota. He remembers getting off the train in Everett on a gray, foggy day and hearing “the dreary noise that seagulls make” which he had never heard before. He did adjust and went to college at Western Washington University where he majored in education. After graduation, he decided to get his military service out of the way so he enlisted in the Army. Most of his service was spent as a clerk/typist at Fort Harrison, IN.
After discharge from the Army, Dell was offered a teaching job by Rudy Oltman, the superintendent of Shelton Schools. He taught seventh and eighth grade. His teaching career lasted just short of thirty years. Dell was very active in the Shelton United Methodist Church. He was the head usher for twenty five years, head of the prayer chain, a member of a Bible study group and involved with the church food bank for many years. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and a lifetime member of the Shelton Kiwanis Club and spent a lot of time volunteering as a reading and math tutor. Dell had an uncanny ability to remember numbers. He enjoyed photography and walking. During his student days at Western, Dell saw an advertisement from Yellowstone National Park for college students who were interested in summer work. Dell had picked beans during previous summers and Yellowstone sounded a lot better than bean picking so he applied and was hired as a soda fountain clerk (“soda jerk.”) at the West Thumb Store. He liked the experience and returned ten years later as an adult. Dell worked summers at the Canyon Valley Store and Old Faithful for over thirty-five years.
Dell is survived by a many cousins and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Shelton at 11:00 am.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Shelton Kiwanis Club Foundation, P.O. Box 477, Shelton, WA 98584 or the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 1900 King St. Shelton, WA 98584. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Lavinia Gladys LeRiche, 97, passed away ant Northcliff Place Adult Family Home in Shelton, WA on November 19, 2010. She was born in Seattle, WA on May 26, 1913 to Charles and Lavinia (Parsons) LeRiche. Lavinia graduated from West Seattle High School in 1931 and was employed as a retail pharmacy clerk in Seattle.
She enjoyed taking pictures, flowers, sing in the church choir and her many friends. Lavinia was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Raymond E. LeRiche.
She is survived by her nephew, Edward LeRiche and his wife Sylvia of Tumwater, WA. A memorial service will be held at Northcliff Adult Family Home, on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm with a private burial at Shelton Memorial Park.
Richard “Dick” A. Durward
Dick A. Durward, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Tumwater, WA on Saturday, November 13, 2010. Dick was born on October 31, 1920 to Linus and Virginia (Malone) Durward in Olympia, WA. He was raised in Olympia and graduated from Olympia High School.
After high school, Dick worked at many occupations beginning with plowing land to working at a car dealership, at the Shipyard, in Tacoma as a machinist, a welder, and logging in Alaska where he built a float house and moved his family for a time. When he returned to Olympia, he owned and operated the Chainsaw Shop at Steamboat Island.
In 1962, he answered an ad to become a franchise operator for Honda and opened Capital Honda Motorcycle dealership in Olympia for 23 years, retiring in 1985. On February 14, 1972 he married Audree (De Koter) Singer.
Dick was a member of the National Rifle Association. His hobbies included traveling. He and Audree took many trips, including a month on the motorcycle traveling through Canada, to New York and back. They were snowbirds and headed south every winter. He loved hunting, camping, shrimping, gambling, card playing and cribbage. He was an avid reader. Dick was a people person with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed people and was quick to make friends and strike up a conversation with just about anyone with his smile and storytelling abilities. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be very missed by the ones whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his wife Audree, Tumwater; son, Richard Durward (Gay) Olympia; daughter, Lynda Mehrer (Vern), Finley, WA; stepdaughters, Brenda Cruickshank (Tom), Palmer, AK and Pam Reeves (Mike), Aberdeen,WA; stepson, Ron Singer (Gail), Shelton, WA; brothers, Max Durward (Nina), Gig Harbor, WA and Bill Durward (Vi) of Tumwater, WA; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at Mills and Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park on Friday November 19, 2010 at noon followed by a Celebration of Life at the Prosperity Grange on Steamboat Island Rd. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 2120 1st Ave N. Seattle, WA 98109. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Geraldine E. Anderson
Geraldine Elaine Anderson, 91, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Fir Lane Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton, WA. Geraldine was born on October 7, 1919 to Antoine and Louise (Francisco) Berrard in Bemidji, MN. She was married to Robert Anderson in Shelton, WA.
Geraldine was a secretary most of her life and was a member of the Eagles and VFW. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, crafting, painting, drawing, cleaning, cooking, crossword puzzles, playing cards, traveling, motorcycles, dancing, singing and yodeling. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Her family described her as a very loving Mother, who has always there for them and their friends. She was a hard working mother with a big heart.
Survivors include her son, Dan (Susan) Kirk, Castle Rock, WA; daughters, Charlotte (Robert) Hesher, Shelton, WA and Noretta Mitchell, Lacey, WA; sister Carol Seymour, Shelton, WA; 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by both husbands and sister Neoma Frisken and Virginia Fuller. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 2120 1st Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109. A family gathering will be held at a later date. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Russell Everett Tuckness
Russell Everett Tuckness passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Fir Lane Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton, WA. He was 88 years of age. He was born on November 24, 1921 in Ekalaka, MT to Jess and Ester (Fowler)Tuckness.
While living in Mill Iron, MT in his youth, he and his siblings rode a big white horse, named Snowball, three miles to a one room school house. In 1934 the family moved to Melba, ID where he graduated from high school in 1940.
Following graduation he moved to Tracyton, WA and worked digging wells. He then worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for two years before joining the US Navy. While in the Navy he served on the USS Paeble throughout the South Pacific during WWII. In 1945 he was on the Paeble’s final voyage to Norfolk, VA where it was to be scrapped. The ship had been built in 1921…the year Russell was born.
Also in 1945, Russell married Marjorie Kirk in Berkley, CA. They moved to Malone, WA in 1946. During 1946 and 1947 he and his father Jess operated a blacksmith shop in Elma, WA. He went to work for Simpson Timber at the McCleary Plywood plant in 1947 and in 1948 he began working at Camp Grisdale as a mechanic. In 1953 Russell transferred to Camp Govey, helping to build some of this new logging camp. This is where he worked until his retirement in 1982. In 1964 Russell, Margie and their sons Emmett and Donald moved to the Skokomish Valley near Shelton, WA. Russell was a Skokomish Valley Fire Dept. 9 volunteer for 25 years, from 1968 to 1993. He taught Fire Arm Safety classes for many years and was an active member of the Early Day Gas Engine Association (Branch 20).
Russell was very talented at woodworking and enjoyed restoring tractors and stationary engines, attending tractor pulls and shows with his sons, fishing, hunting and he liked animals, especially dogs. During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s he and Margie had fun going to dances and playing cards with friends. Over the years he really enjoyed attending gatherings at the Brooks family cabin on Mason Lake for excellent food and visiting.
Russell is survived by his sons, Emmett of Shelton, WA and Donald of Belfair, WA; grandsons, Donnie, Robert, Johnathon and Daniel; a great granddaughter, Sierra; brothers, Bob Tuckness of Tracyton, WA, Floyd Tuckness (Marilynn) of Winlock, WA; and sister, Margie Brooks (Marvin) of Bremerton, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margie, a sister, and brother-on-law, Janet and Vernon Peterson and sister-in-law, Gloria Tuckness. The funeral service was held at Hope Chapel in Shelton and a reception was held at Skokomish Valley Grange on Saturday, November 13, 2010 starting at 11:00 am. Memorial donation may be made to the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-255-5505, Skokomish Valley fire Dept., 2320 W. Skokomish Valley Rd, Shelton, WA 98584 of Skokomish Valley Grange, % 6581 W. Skokomish Valley Rd, Shelton, WA 98584. Online condolences can be sent to www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Thomas A. Neher
Thomas Alan Neher, 62, passed away at his home in Union, WA on Friday, November 5, 2010. Thomas was born on May 12, 1948 in Tacoma, WA to Kenneth and Florence (Fonville) Neher. Thomas graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1966 and attended some classes at Tacoma Community College.
His marriage toMarjorie Ann Brown in 1972 ended in divorce. Thomas eventually settled in Oklahoma and recently moved back to Shelton to be closer to his father after the recent death of his brother Michael.
Mr. Neher was employed by a variety of employers, starting out in the banking industry as a teller to a sales representative for SK Tools (northern California region), ABC Transmissions, Snap-On Tools, eventually going into inventory systems in retail sales.
Thomas was a member of the Baptist Church. His main hobbies were cars and racing. He enjoyed older models of cars, especially a 1955 Chevrolet and a 67 Dodge Dart that he once owned. He also enjoyed hydroplane racing.
Thomas was a very likeable guy with a great sense of humor and many good friends. He is survived by his son, Max (Jennifer) Neher, Auburn, WA; father, Kenneth Neher, Union, WA; sister, Ann Neher, Tacoma, WA; one niece, one nephew, one great niece and one great nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother and brother Michael Neher. A family gathering will be held at a later date. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Jessie D. Tupper
Jessie Davies Tupper, 96, died peacefully Sunday, November 7, 2010 in Shelton, of natural causes.
She was born on December 13, 1913 in Maywood, Illinois to Frank and Nora (Sullivan) Davies.
She graduated from Proviso Township High School (Maywood) in 1930, at the age of 16. She wanted to be a teacher but an art teacher in the high school encouraged her to enter Ray School of Fashion Art in Chicago. She had to wait until she was 17 so she took some bookkeeping courses to keep herself busy.
She married Ellis (Al) Tupper on June 20, 1941 in Maywood, IL. They remained there for a few years, moving to Wisconsin, then driving cross country to California in 1951, where she worked as a bookkeeper finally ending up at Lake Nahwatzel where they opened Tupper’s Resort in 1962 (where the restaurant is at this time). At that time it was a hopping place with cabins rented year round, a country store with a tavern and a gas station. Tupper’s rented boats to fishermen, sold supplies to hunters making a name as “the place to go”.
After her divorce in 1967, Jessie moved to Edmonds to be closer to her daughter. She worked as a bookkeeper in a travel agency and for contractors. She moved to Lynnwood and then to Everett, finally settling in Shelton in 2007 to be closer to her sons.
Jessie had a very special love of life-every day was a gift. She was a very talented woman, spending her time painting (charcoal, watercolors, oil), crafting, making greeting cards with dried flowers. Jessie took classes on painting plates and each child and grandchild could hardly wait for the next “personally drawn and painted” gift from her. In her spare time she took classes in genealogy. She wrote a book on the first 38 years of her life, added many pictures, and had it printed and bound for her children and grandchildren, and had begun the next book. Jessie loved to travel taking trips from Alaska to Scotland. She bowled until she was in her 80’s winning trophies and ribbons.
Jessie is survived by her daughter Sandra (John) Sommerfeld, Everett, WA; sons John (Jan) Tupper and Alan (Patti) Tupper, Shelton; stepson Richard (Terri) Tupper, Medical Lake, WA; 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A private family service will be held Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Shelton Yacht Club. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Ralph W. Seabloom
Ralph William Seabloom, 88, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton, WA.
Ralph was born on January 10, 1922 in Darrington, WA to William and Lydia (Koskinen) Seabloom. He attended school in Aberdeen and graduated from the Weatherwax High School, Aberdeen in 1940. He served in WWII in the US Army Infantry #104. On March 20, 1943 he married Virginia Schweitzer in Vancouver, WA. They have been married for 67 years.
Ralph worked as an electrician for various electrical companies retiring from Strand Electric, Tacoma, WA in 1986.
Ralph enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, reading and traveling. He was a motorcycle enthusiast also. Mr. Seabloom was a member of the Aberdeen Elks.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, Shelton, WA, daughter Janice (James) Braislin, Houston, TX and granddaughter Stephanie Braislin of Dallas, TX. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Reverend Wallace E. Lanchester
The Reverend Wallace E. Lanchester was a long time resident of Seattle and a frequent visitor to family and friends in the Shelton area. Wally was born December 7, 1924 to Robert and Nellie (Jones) Lanchester in Turlock, CA and died November 5, 2010 in Seattle, WA.
Wally tried to join the army in 1941, but was sent home to gain 20 pounds. Instead, he went to Chicago to attend North Park Seminary School. While in Chicago, Pastor Wally started his 66 years of ministry as a circuit minister in Lower Michigan serving four communities every Sunday. He left Chicago in 1942, and came to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific College. His next service was the First Covenant Church in Monroe, WA where he established a strong, vibrant congregation.
In 1973, Pastor Wally served Metropolitan Community Church of Seattle. While serving in Seattle he also helped establish churches and missions in Portland, Olympia, Tacoma, Everett, Mt. Vernon, Bellingham, Vancouver, BC, and Spokane. He was a true leader in the advancement of minorities and served on the Governor’s Committee of Civil Rights. He also served three terms as MCC district coordinator, eleven years on the board of the United Council of Churches – Seattle, and President of the Dorian Business Group.
He also loved politics, serving as precinct committeeman for over 20 years. While never running for office himself, he served on many successful campaigns.
Wally’s second great love was travel. He was proud that he had been in every state, most of Canada and a great deal of Mexico. His passport shows stamps to Israel, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England and France.
Wally was also a partner in B and W Antiques for 35 years, doing antique shows up and down the west coast. He also had a shop in the Seattle area most of that time.
He also worked for Group Health Cooperative in the bond department for 12 years and retired in 1994.
He is survived by his life partner of 37 years, Bob Leeds of Seattle, WA, his sister, Rose Stamper (Harlen) of Turlock, CA, and three nieces, Muriel, Toleda and Mary Jo, great nieces and nephews, many great nieces and the Leeds family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nellie, sister, Thelma and Mary, and nephew Arley.
The funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will be at McComb Funeral Home on Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Grace M. Liles Elmlund
Grace Marie Liles Elmlund, 97 of Shelton, WA passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center. Grace was born on December 3, 1912 in Alba, Rains County, Texas to Wiley P. and Lou Ellen (Martin) Deen.
She was the youngest of eight children. She attended school until the 8th grade in Post, Texas and began picking cotton at about age five along with her father and siblings.
As a young woman, she worked as a weaver at the Postex Cotton Mill in Post, TX and in WWII, as a carpenter’s helper at the Kaiser Shipyards in Vancouver, WA. After the war Grace was the Executive Housekeeper at Alderbrook Inn in Union, WA for ten years and then was a housekeeper at Mason General Hospital in Shelton for eight years.
She married Lloyd D. “Red” Liles in 1933 in Post, Texas. Red passed away in 1968. She then was married to Harry Elmlund in 1972 until Harry passed away in 1984.
Grace attended the Church of the Nazarene in Post, TX and received pins for three years of perfect attendance. She enjoyed growing and canning fruits and vegetables and was active in the Mason County Senior Center where she enjoyed oil painting classes and Friday potluck lunches, and she volunteered many hours in the kitchen and dining room.
Until she was well into her 80’s, she enjoyed daily walks with her friend and neighbor, Lee Parker; the two ladies usually walked four miles a day. She also enjoyed the company and friendship of Roy Baker, her dear friend until his passing in1996.
Survivors are sons, Wayne (Verna) Liles, Shelton, Don Liles, Shelton; daughter, Jean (David) Williams, Shelton; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, all of her brothers and sisters, both husbands, grandson Tony Liles and friend Roy Baker. Burial will take place at Shelton Memorial Park on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 12:15 followed by a service at Hope Chapel, 421 West E. St. Shelton at 1:00 pm. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Kahil Marie Marshall
Kahil M. Marshall, 39 passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in a car accident. She was born October 2, 1971 in Sacramento, CA to rick and Janet (Holt) marshal.
Kahil graduated in Corvallis, OR in 1988 and was an entrepreneur who worked as a caretaker in the home health care profession. Most recently, she was a cashier in the food service industry.
Kahil’s biggest joy in life was her children. She enjoyed making blankets, sewing and reading. She was very good at technology and spent many an hour on her computer. Her daughters described her as a very social person with a wonderful sense of humor, strong willed, confident, resourceful and a real go-getter that always, always, looked out for the best interest of her family. Kahil was an optimist that did not dwell in the past, but always looked forward no matter what the circumstances. She had two dogs she also adored, Nikki and Guthrie.
Survivors include her Father, Rick Marshall, Shelton; Mother, Janet Holt, Nebraska; Brothers, Randy Armstrong, Shelton, Cody Marshall, Longview, Aaron Kessler, Las Vegas, Mathias Kessler, Medford, OR., Jesse Marshall, Texas; daughters, Brittani Marshall, Rainier, WA, Brianna Marshall-Chandler, Shelton, Kyesha Marshall-Pringle, Tacoma, and Jessa and Jazmyn Marshall, Shelton; Significant Other, Nathan Wright; two grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A viewing will be held at McComb funeral home on Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 12 to 5 and Thursday, Nov. 4 from 5 to 7 pm. The service will be Friday, Nov. 5 at Moriah Christian center, 910 e. Dearborn St. Shelton at 11:00 am. The family was served by McCcomb funeral home. Online condolences may be made to www.mccombfh.com.
Eloise Mae Wokojance
Eloise Mae Wokojance passed away on Monday, October 11, 2010 at the SW Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. She was 80. Eloise was born on April 27, 1930 in Doty, WA to Howard and Ruth (Miller) Fuller. She attended the Oyster Bay School and graduated from Irene S. Reed in 1948. Eloise married Frank Wokojance in Bremerton on April 16, 1948 and has resided in Mason County for 70 years.
Mrs. Wokojance was employed at various jobs including the Mason County Treasurer’s office and Mason County PUD #3 as a switchboard operator, dispatcher and customer service rep. retiring in 1987. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi (Tri-City area). Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, and reading. She loved animals and caring for injured animals. Eloise was very family oriented and she took good care of her husband and kids. She is survived by husband Frank; daughters, Carma (Scott) Anderson, Olympia, Cathy (Rex) McNish, Shelton, and Cindy (Loren) Fassett, Fox Island, WA; brother, Dennis (Ruby) Fuller, Shelton; sisters, Joan (Jim) Hunter, Shelton, Beverly Wallace, Walla Walla, and Gail (Robert) Brewer, Shelton; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Shelton, on Saturday, October 23 at 11:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life at Little Creek Casino, Grand Ballroom, from 12 to 4. Donations can be made to Shelton Veterinary Hospital (Kitten Rescue) 104 East J St, Shelton or Adopt-A-Pet, 940 East Jensen Rd, Shelton. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Sydney O. Anderson
On October 9, 2010, a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away at his home in Shelton.
Sydney O. Anderson was born on February 4, 1925 in Whitlash, MT to Henry Edwin and Cressie Bessie (Blevins) Anderson. When Syd was five years old his family moved to Coutts, Alberta, Canada. When he was seven years old, they moved back to Shelby, then to Kalispell, and then to Cutbank, MT where his father worked in the oil business.
In 1941, his family moved to Tacoma, WA where his father worked in the shipyards. In 1942, Syd entered the US Air Force spending time in Biloxi, MS, Denver, CO and England. He transferred to the 9th Armored and three days after D-Day he was sent to France, then onto Germany and Czechoslovakia. On March 7, 1945, the 9th Armored established the first allied beach head over the Rhine River into Germany.
After being honorably discharged in October 1945, he moved to Lake Cushman where he married the love of his life – Ann Barger and raised his daughter and two sons. Syd worked for the City of Tacoma at Cushman for 22 years and then became the Lake Cushman Co. Maintenance Manager. He supervised the building of the Lake Cushman Golf Course, working for them for 20 years. In 1975 Syd and four other friends established the Hood Canal State Bank where he served as Chairman of the Board for ten years before retiring to their home on Hood Canal. Syd and Ann later move to Shelton.
He and Ann spend over thirty-one winters in Mexico with their friends and family. Syd will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by Ann Anderson, his wife of sixty-three years; daughter, Sherrie Black; sons, Richard and Dale Anderson; three granddaughters, six grandsons and six great grandsons. A graveside service will be held at Shelton Memorial Park on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:00 am. The family request that memorial donations be sent to Friends of William G. Reed Public Library, 710 W Alder St., Shelton, WA 98584. Online condolences can be sent to www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Alexander Mathew Radchenko, 47, passed away St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA on Friday, October 1, 2010. He was born in San Francisco, CA on July 3, 1963 to Mathew Alexander and Irene (Kushel) Radchenko. He was raised in Burlingame, CA and moved to Seattle during his junior year of high school. Alexander was owner/operator of his own landscape business. He was raised a Russian Orthodox. He enjoyed volunteering at his children’s school, wood-carving, decoupage, restoring old cars, animals (had two dogs and a cat), fishing, camping, hiking, mushroom picking, brush picking, horticulture, cooking – especially stir fry and milkshakes – and he was a fan of Star Trek and the Simpsons. Alex is survived by his mother, Irene Melikoff of Shelton, WA; daughters, KeAndra, Tessie and Emily Radchenko all of Shelton, WA; life partner, Jeanne Baker of Shelton, WA; sisters, Lucy Brown and Marina Kolchex both of CA; brothers, George Radchenko and Larry Radchenko also both of CA; stepbrother Andre Melikoff of Seattle, WA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Michael Douglas Brehmeyer, 60, passed away at home in Matlock on September 26, 2010.
He was born on July 10, 1950 to Herbert and Dorothy (Peterson) Brehmeyer, one of nine children. He attended Mary M. Knight High School, graduating in 1968 as Salutatorian of his class. He married Cynthia Iverson in Montesano, Washington in 1968. The couple celebrated their nuptials at the Matlock Grange.
He worked for the Simpson Timber Company from 1968 – 1984. When Gisdale shut down, he went to work for various small logging companies and cut timber, did road construction and loaded logs. He worked for fish enhancement projects for the state of Washington until becoming disabled.
His hobbies included small farming, raising and harvesting hay and raising horses and cows for beef.
He loved his nieces and nephews dearly and enjoyed their visits during their summer vacation. He loved to have an annual party at his farm in Matlock, as it gave his large family a chance to be together even if only once a year. Per his request, the tradition would continue after his death. The next party is being planned for July 9, 2011.
Michael is survived by his wife Cyndy Brehmeyer, sons William (Debbie) Brehmeyer of Onalaska, David (Michelle) Brehmeyer of Kingman, Arizona. James (Maria) Brehmeyer of Bonnie Lake. Daughter, Jackie Brehmeyer and Mike Haupert of Olympia.
Four grandchildren, Arien Hames, Ashley Balthis, Brenden Brehmeyer, Eric Brehmeyer. Three sisters, Phylis Lyman, Dot (Walter) Breckenridge, Mae (Paul) Johnston. One brother, Brian (Suzanne) Brehmeyer, and numerous nieces and nephews all over the northwest area.
A memorial will be at the Matlock Grange on Saturday, October 9 at 11:00 A.M. Please bring pictures and stories to share if you have any.
Services will be performed by Rick Breckenridge. If you have any questions, please call (360) 426-4093 and leave a message.The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Terry Orin Olson passed away at the age of 60 years on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tacoma, WA. He was born on July 31, 1950 in Bremerton, WA to Harley Orin and Mary Louise (Dunham) Olson. He graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle in 1968. On December 3, 1988 he married Susan Summers in Seattle, WA. Terry co-owned a beauty salon with his sister for over 20 years working as a stylist. He always loved construction so it was only natural when he started up his own business in home inspection. He did a lot of remodeling and beautiful construction work all over the Mason Lake and Canal areas. Mr. Olson was a member of the Skookum Rotary, the Mason Benson /club (former president for two years), a member of the Mason County Association of Realtors (was an affiliate of the year), and the Yesteryear Car club. His hobbies included the restoration and love of his classic 1962 Thunderbird, gardening, restoration of furniture and the building of furniture, remodeling, bowling, softball, water sports, snow skiing, country western dancing, and his newest hobby of winemaking with good friends Evan and John. He was a devoted Husky fan and enjoyed all the Seattle sports teams. Terry was preceded in death by his father Harley. He is survived by his bride, Susan Summers of Grapeview, WA; son, Bret Olson of Marysville, WA; mother, Mary Louise Stai of Ballard, WA; sisters, Barbara Gebow (Kris) of Des Moines, WA, Holly Carey (John) of Mukilteo, WA; brothers, Mark Olson (JoAnn) of Mukilteo, WA, Daniel Olson of Ballard, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of life will be held at the Shelton Civic Center on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 2:00 pm. Donations can be made to the Terry Olson Memorial, Skookum Rotary Foundation, PO Box 729, Shelton, WA 98584. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Tony Roland DeBardi passed away at Everett Providence Hospital on August 25, 2010 at the age of 95 years. He was born in Masontown, WV on June 16, 1915 to Francesco and Lucia (DeVirgia) DeBardi. Tony attended and graduated from school in Masontown where he played high school football. Tony served in the US Navy and married Mary Parker. He was employed as a Safety Administrator for Boeing Company for 27 years, retiring in 1980. Tony’s passion was for gardening, especially roses and rhododendrons. He loved his little dog “Sophie” very much and spent much time singing and humming to her. Tony was a very compassionate man that loved people and also enjoyed reading his bible. He will be missed by all his friends at the Cascadian Retirement Center and especially by his dog. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 1992. Tony is survived by his daughters, Donna DeBardi-Reesner (Bob) of California, Mary Lou Lewis (Max), and Janis DeBardi both of Washington; sons, Larry DeBardi (Lori), Joe DeBardi (Sue), and Mike DeBardi (Jeanne) all of Washington; brothers, Nicholas DeBardi (Clara) of Washington and Dan DeBardi of California; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Joann Alice Tupper of Shelton, WA passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at Mason General Hospital. She was 77. Joann was born on August 26, 1932 to William and Mary (Krajcsics) Chrisman in Los Angeles, CA. Mrs. Tupper moved to Wilmar, CA at a young age because her parents longed to live in the country. They bought some acreage and started a chicken farm, where they sold chicken and eggs to restaurants, and grew a large garden. Joann married Richard Preston Tupper on November 10, 1956 and the two of them purchased Lake Nahwatzel Resort along with Dick’s parents in May of 1962 and ran it until 1965. They then purchased acreage in Matlock and started Willow Creek Game Farm, where they raised pheasants, seafowl, quail, grouse, and many other varieties of fowl for Point Defiance Zoo and the Game Farm in Oregon. Mrs. Tupper also worked for the Mary M. Knight School District as a secretary and served on the school board too. She also worked as a bookkeeper in the insurance profession in Elma and in Shelton. For 10 years prior to her stroke, she was a shining smile as a Wal-Mart greeter.
Joann was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church and of Harmony House in Shelton. Her hobbies included painting (in many mediums), drawing, reading, gardening, cooking, baking, canning and growing flowers. She enjoyed sewing and playing “Canasta” and “Cribbage”. Mrs. Tupper enjoyed traveling on casino trips with her friend Chloris as well as the yearly “Oyster picnic” with the Tupper and Clevenger families on the Canal. Her family shared that she was a very loving, caring woman with a wonderful sense of humor, who always remembered with cards, everyone’s birthday. She adored her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter Susan LaMont (Russ); grandchildren, Kyle Chaplin (Kristina); Renee’ Chaplin; great-grandchildren, Kollin Sowles and Brionna Asche; and brother Theodore Chrisman (Beatrice). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at noon at the St. Edwards Catholic Church in Shelton. Condolences may be sent to www.mccombfh.com.
Arthur Oscar Biehl Jr., 86, passed at Puget Sound Healthcare Center in Olympia, WA on Friday, August 6, 2010. He was born in Lincoln, NE on April 4, 1924 to Arthur O. and Elizabeth C. (Lunsford) Biehl Sr. Arthur graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in 1942 and attended Eastern Washington College of Education and Northwestern University in Illinois earning a Masters Degree in music. He served in the US Navy Sea-Bees and on August 9, 1947 he married Mary Abigail Robinson in Edmonds, WA. Mr. Biehl taught in Spokane at Central Valley High School as an assistant band director. He also worked part time as an instructor of woodwinds. Arthur earned his Masters Degree at Northwestern University and then went on to teach at Eastern Washington University until his retirement in 1979, Professor Emeritus. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, VFW and a former member of the Cheney Grange. He was a member of the Spokane Symphony for 25 years and played with the Olympia Symphony for five years also. Arthur enjoyed repairing woodwind instruments, carpentry, fishing, hiking and reading Louis A L’Moure novels. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail in 2008; brothers, Ivan and Marvin; and sister, Doris Dronen. Arthur is survived by his daughter Carolyn Gray (Charles) of Tumwater, WA; sons, Alan Biehl (Cheryl) of Liberty Lake, WA, Carl Biehl (Melinda) of San Antonio, TX; ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Magdalena Jenkins, 96, passed away at Evergreen Nursing Home in Olympia, WA on Friday, August 6, 2010. She was born in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota on August 22, 1913 to Anton and Elizabeth (Muller) Gutenberg. Magdalena graduated from Great Falls High School in Great Falls, MT in 1930 and on February 10, 1935 she married Marvin E. Jenkins in Great Falls. They were married for sixty-four years. She loved to travel with her husband and spent two years in Vietnam before the war. The two of them went around the world, spending time in Europe. Magdalena loved to read, and wrote letters every week. She liked the activities where ever she lived. Magdalena is remembered by her family as being loving, sweet, and funny and how much she loved to be with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin E. Jenkins; her twin sister, Matilda Sabol; plus eleven other brothers and sister. Magdalena is survived by her daughter, Donna Vermillion (Jerry) of Union, WA; grandchildren, Scarlette Gilster (Paul) of Rohnert Park, CA, Scott Vermillion (Carmen) of Centralia, WA, Mark Vermillion of Lacey, WA, Mia Harrison (Todd) of Anacortes, WA, Carol Cooke; great grandchildren, Jared, Matt and Steven Gilster, Heidi Schultz, Nichole and Marylin Vermillion, Cody, Shilee and Carissa Vermillion, Graham, Reanne and Anna Harrison, and Chandler Cooke; great great grandchildren, Grace and Gavin Schultz; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Shelton, WA on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 12:00 noon. The family asks that memorial donations be sent to St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 601 W “C” Street, Shelton, WA 98584. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Madelyn M. Mackey, 85, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at her home in Shelton, WA. Madelyn was born in Shelley, Idaho on March 28, 1925 to Roy and Anna Marie Christensen. Born and raised in Shelley, Idaho, she married Jack Mackey. After her marriage to Jack, the two of them resided on Delaware St. in Portland, Oregon for 54 years. Madelyn was a sixth grade teacher for nearly 20 years at George Middle School. Madelyn was an avid gardener and loved life. In her younger days, she enjoyed bowling and swimming. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was very caring and giving and enjoyed giving her son a bad time. Mrs. Mackey was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend and will be missed terribly by all. She lived in Shelton, WA for 3 years and is survived by her her son and daughter-in-law, Jon and LaVina Mackey, brother Neal Christensen; sister and brother-in-law, Lila and Lynn Blatter, and numerous nieces. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
Lewis Oliver Taylor, 94 years old and a 65 year resident of Shelton, WA passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Alpine Way Retirement Apartments. He was born in Spring Valley, WI on July 10, 1916 to Louis Adolph and Elizabeth (Hanson). Lewis attended grammar school in Spring Valley and then worked on his father’s farm and became a tractor mechanic. He served in the US Navy from March 1937 to April 1945, serving on the USS Arizona and the USS Mackinac. Lewis then entered flight school and became a chief aviation pilot. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Lewis worked at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard from 1945 until 1957. On June 8, 1946 he married Martha Ruby Sheppard in Shelton, WA. He then worked for the Shelton School District 309 and was the Superintendent of Transportation until his retirement in 1974. Lewis was born and raised a Lutheran and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Shelton Flying Club, the Civil Air Patrol, the Machinist’s Union and very active in the Senior Center. Lewis and his wife were also involved with the Good Sam’s Travel Club. He loved to fix things and had a passion for airplanes and restoring old tractors. His family shared that he often had two or three older airplanes in his garage where he would combine parts to restore a plane. Lewis would fly the whole family to Wisconsin to visit family during the summer, often picking up a school bus, loading up the family, and driving it back to Shelton for the school district. He enjoyed reading newspapers, as many as five or so a day, mainly the classifieds including Agricultural and “Trade a Plane” papers. He was always a teacher to his sons. Lewis was preceded in death by his son, Lewis Jr.; and sisters, Edna and Sylvia and he was survived by his wife, Martha Taylor of Shelton, WA; Sons, Cliff Taylor (Vanesssa) of Heath, OH, Mike Taylor (Debbie) of Noble, OK; grandchildren, Chris Taylor (Emily), Karen Middleton (Justin), David Taylor (Rachel), Jeana Schultz, Kimberly Butts (John), Clifford Taylor Jr., Andrea Taylor and eleven great grandchildren. A viewing will be held at McComb Funeral Home on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 8 to 5. A service will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010 at Hope Chapel, 421 W. “E” St. Shelton, WA. Online condolences may be sent to www.mccombfh.com
Frances Marie Luhm was born in Shelton, Washington on March 24, 1929 to Edward and Mary Buchanan and passed away on July 25, 2010 in Olympia, WA. She lived her entire life in the Mason and Thurston County area graduating from Irene S. Reed High School in the class of 1947. She married John L. Luhm on August 1, 1947. Frances worked as a bookeeper for ITT Rayonier for 35 years retiring in 1989. She enjoyed reading, her family, and puttering in the garden.
She is survived by her son, John Michael Luhm; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Herb Munson; grandchildren, Matt & Laura Munson, Tom and Leslie Munson, John Lewis and Jennifer Luhm; 3 great-grandchildren, Azura, Reece, and Evan; her sisters Elsie Drebis, Hazel Smith, Betty Johnson, and Sandra Minor; and her brothers Henry Buchanan and John Buchanan.
At her request there will be a family gathering instead of funeral services. Frances and John, who preceded her in death last month, will be inurned at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Joan Rose Towhey
September 8, 1917 – July 17, 2010
Joan Rose Towhey passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at her home on Saturday, July 17, 2010.
Joan was born in Sanish, North Dakota on September 8, 1917 to Edward and Eva (Lindberg) King. Joan was married on Sunday, November 7, 1954 to Robert I. Towhey and celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard King. Joan is survived by her husband Robert I. Towhey, son Bruce (Gay Lynn) Towhey and daughter Leslie (Terry) Peterson all of Shelton and foster son Bryan (Mami) Patterson of Arlington. She is also survived by her much-loved grandchildren: Talon and Teagan Towhey and Trevor and Jonathan Peterson.
Joan adored her grandchildren and they have fond memories of Grandma scaring them on Halloween with all of the decorations and her witch costume. She also enjoyed hosting the annual Easter egg hunt in her back yard.
Joan’s life was extremely rich in all the things that truly count. She was a kind and gentle individual who loved her family unconditionally. Joan was a devoted wife and caring mother and she will be remembered as a loving, caring, ever-patient and thoughtful individual who enjoyed sharing these values with others. Joan had many friends who will agree that the world is an emptier place without her in it. However, a close friend to Joan stated, “She is now in Heaven and looking good.” Joan touched many people during her life and she will be greatly missed, but will continue to live in our hearts.
Her professional passion was selling real estate; she worked for a number of years as Realtor and Broker for Century 21 in Shelton.
Joan also devoted much of her time volunteering for several organizations. She was chairman of the local chapter of the Washington Human Life organization, a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a supporter of Feline Friends, a member of Mason County Hospital Guild, a member of the Bayshore Ladies Golf Club, Republican Women’s, and the St. Edward’s Catholic Church Alter Society.
Joan loved animals and never hesitated to feed a stray cat or dog and seek a home for them. Foxy, her black-and-white kitty misses her too.
A Rosary will be held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 601 West C Street, on Thursday, July 29 at 7:00pm and a Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 30 at 11:00am. A reception will follow the Funeral Mass.
McComb Funeral Home provided arrangements for the family.
Virginia Mae Fuller
Virginia Mae Fuller, 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at her home in Shelton, WA. She was born on December 3, 1924 to Carl and Cynthia Louise (Francisco) Swedburg in Shelton, WA. Virginia attended Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton and on March 22, 1947, she married Floyd Fuller in Aberdeen, WA. Virginia and Floyd met in the old bleachers at Loop Field while they were attending Irene S. Reed High School. She was the business manager of her husband’s construction company, Floyd Fuller Construction, and was a homemaker. Virginia was a former member of the Lady of the Moose. She enjoyed bowling and volunteering and had volunteered at the clothing bank at the Shelton School District and at her daughter’s store. Virginia loved reading cookbooks and recipes, cooking full course meals for the family she loved so much. She also loved her birds and “getting out”. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; daughter, Marcee Post; and sister, Neoma Frisken and she is survived by her daughters, Barbara Skillman (Larry) of Shelton, WA, Connie Wright of Belfair, WA, Lorraine Logston of Olympia, WA; special friend, Bill Schuffenhauer of Belfair, WA; sisters, Carol Seymour and Geraldine Anderson both of Shelton, WA; grandchildren, Shannon Skillman, Heath Nacht, Zhan Orr, Shane Lane and Karl Duncan; great grandchildren, Nicole, JD, Amanda, Cody, Seth, Samantha and Todd; and great great grandchild, Dylan.
Louise Bennett
Louise Bennett, 50, of Shelton, WA died Saturday 7/10/2010 in Olympia, WA. She was born 10/19/1959 to Marvin Akerman and Betty Hodges. She graduated from Quilecene High School. She lived in the Quilecene and Brinnon area most of her life. She married Steve Bennett in Mt. Vernon, WA on 9/28/1990. Louise was a self employed Quilter in the Shelton area for the past five years and has been quilting for many years prior. She was affiliated with several quilting guilds around the Jefferson and Mason county areas (Brinnon and Shelton). She enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, camping, traveling with their camper to Montana, Utah and California and visiting friends. She enjoyed reading her bible and had a strong faith. She is survived by her husband Steve Bennett of Shelton, daughter: Chandra Frank of Kalispell, MT, son: Corey Bennett of Shelton, three sisters: Lori Clevenger of Shelton, Kelli Larson of Shelton, Lori Piccini of Redding, CA, five brothers: Scout Piccini of Port Townsend, Christian Piccini of Renton, David Akerman of Vancouver, Wa, John Akerman of Renton, Jimmie Akerman of Quilecene, father: Marvin Akerman of Shelton, mother: Betty Hodges of Naches, WA, stepfather Pete Piccini of Nikiski, AK and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on the family property on the Dosewallips River Saturday July 31, 2010 from 2-4pm. Arrangements under the direction of McComb Funeral Home.
Nicodemus Frank “Nick” Heinz
Nicodemus Frank “Nick” Heinz passed away at Harstine Island Adult Family Home in Shelton, WA on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the age of 87 years. He was born in Dickinson, ND on February 13, 1923 to Mike and Catherine (Maul) Heinz. Nick and his family moved to Yakima when he was 13 years old. In 1940 Nick joined the CCC Co. #932 (Civilian Conservation Corp) in Naches, WA. In 1942 he married Shirley Durham, she preceded him in death in 1944. He was then married to Loretta Liles White, they were later divorced and in 1970 he married Marie (Selbach) Roether. Mr. Heinz worked for Gilbert Moen, Boeing for 23 years. He was in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 serving in Guam. In 1948 he lived in Tukwila where he was a volunteer firefighter and later became chief and also the Tukwila City Marshall. In 1961, his next adventure took him to Sappho, WA where he ran the Heinz Lake Pleasant Campground before moving to Ellensburg and working at Central Washington State College as a maintenance man of the Arts Department until his retirement in 1985. In 2007 he moved to Shelton to be closer to his daughter. Nick was raised a Catholic. He loved to tinker and work in his workshop and was an amazingly talented carpenter, building anything from homes, boathouses, gazebos, to birdhouses. He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. Nick was a lover of animals, especially dogs. Because of his German heritage he was a fantastic dancer and enjoying the Polka, etc. Nick was known to be a jokester and a tease with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family very much. Nick was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley; brothers, Louis and Earnest; sister, Maggie; and brother-in-law Harry Schwindt. He is survived by his wife, Marie Heinz of Texas; daughter, Deborah Courtin of Shelton, WA; step-daughter Pam Cramer (John) of Texas; step-brothers, Ed White (Jane), Dan White (Cathy) of Minnesota, Mike Roether (Joann) of Arizona; brothers Henry Heinz (Ann) of Seattle, WA, Leo Heinz of Walla Walla, WA; grandson, Tim Reed (Patty) of Tukwila, WA.; nieces, nephews and several step grandchildren. A memorial mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church Day Chapel in Shelton. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
John Luhm
John Leonard Luhm was born on March 4, 1927 in Lewistown, Montana to Joseph and Irene Luhm and passed away in Olympia on June 29, 2010. He moved with his family from Montana to Shelton in the mid-1930s and served in the Navy during the waning years of WWII. On August 1, 1947 he married Frances M. Buchanan and together they lived in Shelton and the Mason and Thurston County area throughout their marriage. He spent 38 years working as a welder/millwright for ITT Rayonier.
John was an active member of the 40 et 8 Voiture 135 and American Legion Post 31, serving as 40 et 8 Grand Correspondent for more than 25 years. He developed treasured friendships through these organizations and enjoyed participating in veterans’ activities for more than 50 years.
He was a hard working man who loved his farm, his family, and chasing a bargain at heavy equipment auctions.
John is survived by his wife, Frances; son, John Michael Luhm; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy & Herb Munson; grandchildren Matt & Laura Munson, Tom & Leslie Munson, John Lewis & Jennifer Luhm; and 3 great-grandchildren, Azura, Reece & Evan.
The family wants to thank Puget Sound Healthcare for taking gentle care of him during the last 5 months. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity.
There will be a memorial service for John on Thursday, July 8 at the Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA beginning at 1 p.m. McComb Funeral Home is coordinating arrangements; online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com.
Jovita Jean Cole
Jovita Jean Cole passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2010 at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 81 years. She was born on February 7, 2010 in Shelton, WA to Louis and Margaret (Simpson) Durand. Jovita graduated in 1946 from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton, WA. On July 30, 1947 she married Drew Cole in Tenino, WA. She worked for many years at the Mason County Health Department. Jovita enjoyed gardening and was an avid race car fan. She loved and enjoyed her family very much and was a member of the Mason County Historical Society. Jovita was preceded in death by her husband Drew and her grandson Brandon Buckley both in 1998. She is survived by her daughters, Jo Ann Buckley (Terry) of Shelton, WA, Toni LeHew (Jim) of Olympia, WA, Dee Depoe (Wayne) of Shelton, WA; son, Jay Cole of Shelton, WA; sisters, Donna Jarvis (Lowell) of Hoodsport, WA, Carlita Durand of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Jennifer, Cori, Nikki, Kody, Michelle, Jamie, Stacy, Rose, Amber and Kaiti; great grandchildren, Colton, Drew, Trenton, Nora, Spencer, Brandon, Samantha, Page, Taylor, Xan, Destry and Andrew; and grand dog, Little Foot. A memorial service will be held at Hope Chapel in Shelton, WA on Tuesday, June 6, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Shelton Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be sent to Mason County Afterschool 4H, 303 N. 4th St., Shelton, WA 98584 or Mason County Historical Society, 427 W Railroad Ave., Shelton, WA 98584. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of McComb Funeral Home.
Helen Marie Stansbury
Helen M. Stansbury passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at the Harstine Island Adult Family Home in Shelton. She was 93. Helen was born on June 23, 1916 in Hoag, Nebraska to Murrell and Neva (Wilson) Sparks. She married Ira Stansbury on May 30, 1934. Helen was a homemaker and her hobbies included knitting and crocheting. She also enjoyed word search puzzles and playing cards. Helen played the accordion and piano at family gatherings and for dances at the grange. She also enjoyed cooking and reading autobiographies. Mrs. Stansbury was a member of the Methodist Church, Mason’s Eastern Star, AARP, the Grange at Pamona and Agate, the Little Skookum Ladies Club and the Senior Center. She is survived by her son Walter (Clara) Stansbury of Tenino; daughter Barbara Gregory of Shelton; eight grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren and brother Leonard (Helen) Sparks, Greely, CO. She was preceded in death by husband Ira and brothers Melvin, Millard, Robert, Darrell and Marvin. Mrs. Stansbury’s memorial will be held at Hope Chapel, 421 W. “E” St. Shelton, WA on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 1:00 followed by a family gathering at the home of granddaughter Kim and Sebert Auseths, 110 E. Dayspring Rd, Shelton, WA. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Rusty Joe Bushnell
Rusty J. Bushnell passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, May 22, 2010. He was 54. Rusty was born on March 16, 2010 in Puyallup, WA to Ivan and Margie (Turner) Bushnell. Rusty was raised in Bonney Lake and Eatonville, WA. He traveled for years and lived in Grayland until the passing of his stepmother, then moving to Shelton. On March 16, 2010 he married Erin Rebecca Tinney. Rusty had been employed in various occupations ranging from carnival worker, mechanic, and file clerk but he was truly a lifelong learner and was currently attending Olympic College pursuing a degree in Social work to become an advocate for the disabled. Mr. Bushnell attended the First Baptist Church and was baptized on Easter of this year. His hobbies included collecting (stamps, coins, and antique bottles). Rusty loved to tinker, repair things and work with his hands. He enjoyed food, hunting, fishing, boating and was a movie critic. Even though he was confined to a wheelchair, it never held him back from being adventuresome and fearless. Rusty competed in the Special Olympics. He had a huge heart and was very giving. Survivors include his wife Erin Tinney, Shelton; Mother Margie Turner, Sumner; father Ivan “Bud” Bushnell, Grayland; Sisters Louise Brewer, Graham; Judy Arbuckle, Shelton; Half brother Robert Bushnell, Spanaway, Stepbrother Fritz Bushnell, Eatonville and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded by stepmother Muriel Bushnell, Sister Ivy Bushnell and grandparents Madeline and Columbus McCoy. A Celebration of his life will be held at the Civic Center on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 4:00. Formal attire is suggested.
Elsie Hanna Hunter
Elsie Hanna Hunter, 76, passed away at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation on Saturday, June 5, 2010. She was born in Lockanok, AK on February 5, 2010 to Alfred and Lucille (Sawyer) Anderson. Elsie graduated from Lincoln high School in Seattle, WA and attended the University of Washington. On March 23, 1955 she married Dewey Hunter in Seattle, WA. Elsie had worked as a dental hygienist and as a waitress in Seattle and as a caregiver in Alabama. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Puyallup, WA and on a bowling Kenmore, WA. She enjoyed bowling, pitching for softball games, loved her family, visiting, reading and traveling. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Dewey in 2003, her parents, Alfred and Lucille Anderson and her adoptive parents, Rev. Howard and Lulu Plummer. She is survived by her son, Dewey Grady Hunter Jr. of Granite Falls, WA; daughter, Marty Rogers (John) of Shelton, WA; sisters Viola Hall, Karen Guy of Lake Stevens, WA; four grandchildren, Sean Rogers and Dylan Rogers of Shelton, WA, Alta Hunter of Everett, WA and Kelsey Hunter of Granite Falls, WA. The family was served by McComb Funeral Home.
Rolland Bradford (Sonny) Lowe
Rolland Bradford (Sonny) Lowe of Shelton, age 84, died Wednesday, June 2.He was born June 28th, 1925 in Armel, Colorado to Oscar Lowe and Hester (Piper) Lowe.
He grew up in Wolbach, Nebraska graduating from Wolbach High in 1943. Sonny was the salutatory speaker of his graduating class. He received his B.A. degree in education from the University of Nebraska in 1948 where he lettered in both baseball and football.
After graduation he moved to Shelton where he married Vera (Rowe) Lowe at Shelton’s First Methodist Church. Sonny worked for the Kitsap-Mason Dairy in Shelton until it closed in 1971. Sonny then worked for Simpson in accounting until he retired in 1985.
Sonny was a star athlete and enjoyed all sports. He is a member of the Shelton-Mason County Sports Hall of Fame. Sonny was nearly unhitable as he threw the first windmill delivery seen in Mason County in the 1950’s , 16-time Bayshore Golf Club Champion and held a high average in bowling.
Sonny was a member of the United Methodist Church, Shelton’s “Active Club” as well as the Bayshore Golf Club. He was on the Simpson Credit Union – Board of Directors.
Sonny was preceded in death by his mother and father and his daughter in-law Pam Lowe. He is survived by his wife Vera; sister Phyllis Watson of Nacogdoches, Texas; by his sons Thomas R. Lowe (Cindy) of Shelton; Bradford Roy Lowe of Shelton; six grandchildren Thomas R. Lowe Jr., Casey A. Lowe, Bryan R. Lowe, Derek M. Lowe all of Olympia and Kyle J. Lowe and Cassandra L. Lowe both of Shelton as well as eight great grandchildren.
Charles Vernon Buhl
Charles Vernon Buhl, 91, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at his home in Shelton, WA. Charles was born on October 16, 1918 in Great Falls, MT to Charles H. and Sadie (Brooks) Buhl. He graduated from Highline High School in Seattle, WA and on November 15, 1951 he married Reda Daniels in Seattle, WA. Charles worked at Todd Shipyard in Seattle until Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was then attached and served in the Naval Reserve at a Pearl Harbor Shipyard as a ship fitter. Charles was then discharged from the Navy and drafted into the Army and was sent to Osano Shipyard in occupied Japan. After the war he returned to Seattle and was employed by Almetco Mfg. Co. in 1951. Charles was sent to Vancouver BC to set up an aluminum sash manufacturing plant and worked there for eight years. He moved to Ellensburg and bought the Lighthouse Motel, and then moved to Shelton where he lived for 30 years. Charles was a member of the Ellensburg Church of Christ where he served as an elder for many years and was also a member of the Church of Christ in Shelton. He had been a member of the Rotary Club, VFW, and Chamber of Commerce and served on the Washington State Good Roads Commission. He was an avid fisherman and fished the Humptulips, Queets, Bogachiel, Hoh, and Quinault Rivers. Charles also enjoyed gardening. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Lenore and Iris; brothers, Wilford, Douglas, Elmer and Clifford; granddaughter, Jennifer Buhl and is survived by his wife Reda Buhl of Shelton, WA; sons, Bob Buhl (Laurie) of Shelton, WA, tom Buhl of Lacey, WA; and granddaughter, Amber Buhl of Fort Collins, CO.
The Memorial Service will take place at the Church of Christ. 740 West Dayton Airport Road. Friday 11am.
Melanie May Hermann
Melanie May Hermann was stillborn on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Mason General Hospital in Shelton, WA. She is survived by her parents, Joshua J. and Chasity Ann (Cagey) Hermann, brother, Joseph Hermann, sisters, Monique, Chelsea, twin sister, Madeline, half-sister, Destiny Hermann all of Shelton, WA; paternal grandparent, Joanne Hermann of Shelton, WA; maternal grandparents, Kevin and Norma Cagey, Cheryl Ann Jones of Shelton, WA; and great maternal grandparents, George Cagey of Bellingham, WA and William Jones of Kingston, WA. Melanie is preceded in death by her grandparent, Harmon Sparr; step grandfather, John Hermann; and great grandmother, Lillian Blacketer. A graveside service will be held at Shelton Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 1:00 pm with Rita Andrews from the Indian Shaker Church, which was started in 1910, will be officiating. Following the service a dinner will be held at the Skokomish Tribal Center with Patti LeClair as head cook.
Shirley Ann DeRoche Durkin
Shirley Ann DeRoche Durkin died on Monday, May 24th, at Mason General Hospital in Shelton. She was 79 years old.
She was born on February 15, 1931 in Roseau, Minnesota to Emil and Minnie (Johnson) Wistrand.
She grew up in Hallock, Minnesota, where she met and married Bertzelle F. DeRoche on July 9, 1946. They moved to Shelton in 1948. He preceded her in death on September 28, 1983.
Shirley worked for a time at DNR, Mason General Hospital, Shelton Safeway and Washington State Patrol. She also worked as a dialysis technician, but her chosen career was as a housewife and mother. She was a long-time volunteer at Care Net Pregnancy Center and a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church for 60 years.
She married Lawrence Durkin on March 11, 1988. The made their home at Spencer Lake.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, an infant son, husband Bert DeRoche, grandson Jared Lee and grandaughter Suni Mathews. She is survived by husband Larry Durkin of Shelton, son Jerry DeRoche and wife Janette of Allyn, son Billy DeRoche and wife Alison of Shelton, daughter Bonnie Aldrich and husband Ralph of Shelton, daughter Deborah Patterson and husband Nick of Shelton, and twin sister Betty Parish of Selah, Washington. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren with another due in July, and one great-great grandaughter.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 28, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Shelton.
Memorial donations may be made to Care Net, PO Box 1581, Shelton, WA 98584.
Dianna “Faith” Davenport
Dianna “Faith” Davenport passed away at her home in Shelton, WA on Saturday, May 22, 2010. She was born in Eugene, OR on July 24, 1959 to Marshall B. and Janet R. (Harris) Jeffries. Faith graduated from Creston High School, Creston, WA in 1977 and from Spokane Community College in 1979. On June 21, 1980 she married Jim Davenport in Creston, WA. Faith lived, worked and raised her family in Shelton, WA since 1992. She was a medical receptionist for Oakland Bay Pediatrics for eight years, an office assistant for Mercer Insurance for three years and an office assistant for Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce
for three years. Faith enjoyed traveling in the USA, bargain hunting and spending time with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Brad and Janet Jeffries and is survived by her husband, Jim Davenport of Shelton, WA; sons, B.J. Davenport of Lacey, WA, Chad Davenport of Hampton, VA, Sean Davenport of Shelton, WA; brother, Rod Jeffries of Snohomish, WA; sisters, Marsha Childers of Prosser, WA, Anita Rustemeyer of Sprague, WA, Annette Jonas of Selah, WA; and a large extended family from all parts of the country. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Chapel, 421 W “E” St., Shelton, WA on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow. Donations may be sent to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, PO Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98106 or American Cancer Society, 2120 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombfh.com. McComb Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.
