Jensen, Martin H. Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002
I count everything sheer loss, because all is far outweighed by the gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.....
Phil. 3:8
Martin H. Jensen passed away Dec. 18, 2002, at the age of 91. Jensen was born of Danish immigrant parents, Margaret Christiansen and Laurits Christian Jensen, on Nov. 23, 1911, in Ballard (Seattle), Wash. They moved to Clover Valley in 1919 and he graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1929.
As a young man, Jensen worked for six fishing seasons for Libby, McNeill & Libby company in Alaska and also attended the University of Washington. Five of those years were spent among the Tlinget people in Yakutat. Jensen also spent six years working in the lumber industry in Bordeaux and Raymond and was a founding organizer of Tacoma Cooperative Plywood.
In 1937, Harry married Roberta VandenHoek of Oak Harbor. They had three sons: Merle, Warren and Robert. (Roberta passed away in 1959).
In 1943, Jensen moved his family to Whatcom County where he was deeply involved in various farming activities. In 1953, he was named Conservation Farmer of the Year. In later years, he worked as office manager for Lynden Berry Growers and was a co-founder of Lynden Frosted Foods, managing that company from 1966 until his retirement in 1976. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Lynden where he was active for 39 years, serving as president of the club in 1966 and lieutenant governor in 1986-87.
Jensen is survived by Ruth (Swanson), his beloved wife of 41 years; sons Merle (Sharon) of Tucson, Ariz., Warren (Charlotte) of Oak Harbor and Robert (Mary) of Lynden; grandchildren Deborah (Tom Greene), Ingrid (Todd Bechtel), Matthew (Marlyn), Jon (Katharine), Sherra Grasser (Dean), Leah Van Beek (Craig), Doug, and Joe and seven great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are brothers Kenneth (Alice) and Stanley (Louise) of Oak Harbor, Elmer (Annabell) and Ray (and special friend Alice De) of Burlington, and sister Dorothy Cunningham of Arcadia, California; sisters- and brothers-in-law Gertrude VanderHoek (Jude), Cornelius Rientjes (Joan) of Lynden, Wilhelmina Roberts and Kathy Riksen (Oak Harbor), Roy Pittman (Seattle), Elsie Olson (Edmonton, Alberta), and countless nieces and nephews. Many cousins also survive in Denmark. Pre-deceasing him weree his parents, first wife Roberta VandenHoek, sister Anne Pittman (Roy) of Seattle, sisters-in-law Marie and Fritz Bernard and Sara Friberg of Lynden, Marie Goe of San Diego, Gladys Allen of Anacortes and brothers-in-law Cornelius VandenHoek (Marge) of Yakima and J. Lyle Cunningham of California.
Harry lived a full and joy-filled life, was true and dedicated to his Lord, and will be deeply missed by his large family and all who knew him. One of his greatest accomplishments, in the eyes of his family and a lasting legacy to us all, was to be able to set into word his life story. It is fitting to conclude as he concluded that work:
"We have no clue when the Lord will call us home. We do know that we have lived almost completely our lives here on planet Earth. We can say, like so many bumper stickers say here in Lynden, 'God is so Good'.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Dec. 22, from 1-4 p.m., Gillies Funeral Home, Front Street, Lynden. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 23, at Sunrise Baptist Church, West Badger Road, Custer.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Sunrise Baptist Church Youth Scholarship Fund or to the Hospice of Whatcom County.
Gruber, Eugene 'Jack' Monday, 16 Dec 2002
Eugene 'Jack' Gruber, loving husband, father, and grandfather, 78, passed away Dec. 16, 2002, at Manor Care in Wisconsin following an extended illness. He was a resident of Appleton, Wis.
He was born May 31, 1924, in Stanley, Wis., the son of the late John and Catherine (Theierl) Gruber. He married Margaret Armstrong in Florida. She passed away July 20, 1995, in Appleton. Jack served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and during World War II as a radioman. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer with distinction. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, but the greatest joy in his life were his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan Horning of Neenah, and Linda Gruber of Oak Harbor; three sons, William Gruber of Oak Harbor, Michael Gruber of Appleton, and Douglas Gruber of Alexandria, Va.; 13 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a sister Lucille (William) Hanson. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, and several brothers and sisters.
A funeral service was held Dec. 20 at the Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton, Wis., with Deacon Pete Reinl officiating. Interment
with military honors followed at Highland Memorial Park.
For the times we laughed,
For the times we cried,
For the lessons in life, and a hand to guide,
For the gentle kisses goodnight,
And the sweet kisses goodbye.
Arrangements were under the direction of Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton, Wis.
Crosley, Jess Monday, 16 Dec 2002
Jess M. Crosley, 83, died Dec. 16, 2002 at Whidbey General Hospital following and extended illness. He was born April 11, 1919 in Douglas, Wyoming to Charles H.B. Crosley and Katie Sinnema Crosley. He grew up in Wyoming where his family had a homestead. He was one of 10 children. All preceded him in death except for two sisters. Agnes May of Norwood, Mo. and Thelma Hurliman of McMinnville, Ore.
In the early 1940s, Mr. Crosley moved to Alaska where he served in the Army during World War 11. While in Alaska he met and married Patricia Cooper. After his discharge from the Army he worked for the city of Anchorage for a number of years as a welder. Years later he worked as a draftsman and supervisor for Chemico on the Kenai Peninsula.
In the early '70s, Mr. Crosley moved to Freeland. There he stared his own business, Equipment Services Co., operations of heavy equipment. He married Alaska Costlow in 1967, she precedes him in death in 1990.
Mr. Crosley is survived by two daughters, Barbara Cargill and husband Hugh of Oak Harbor and Janet O'Neal of Lansing, Mich.; five grandchildren, Ken and Elizabeth Cargill, Karen and Rob Seibel, Anna and Flindt Windom, Shelly and Barry Smith, Douglas and Diane O'Neal; six great-grandchildren; and his step- children Jack Costlow of Odessa, Ronald Costlow of Odessa, Donald Costlow of Chehalis, and Karen Jackson of Bellingham.
Mr. Crosley wa a life member of Local 360, life member of the Pacific International Trapshooting Association, member of Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club and member of the Eagles. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many hobbies. He was accomplished in woodcarving specializing in carving gunstocks.
A memorial gathering will be held in his honor at Freeland Cafe in Freeland Saturday, Dec. 21, from 2-4 p.m. Arrangements and cremation were entrusted to Visser Funeral Chapel of Langley.
Montgomery, William James Sunday, 15 Dec 2002
William James Montgomery, 67, died Dec. 15, 2002, at Careage of Whidbey following an extended illness. He was born July 15, 1935, in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to Arthur and Florence Montgomery.
Mr. Montgomery worked as a Longshoreman with the B.C.M.E.A. and served in the Canadian Air Force.
He is survived by his two sons, Mark and Rick Montgomery, both of Canada; one brother, Bud Montgomery; and one sister, Pat Spicer and her husband, Gordy, all of Canada. His very special friend Donna Metcalfe of Oak Harbor also survives.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Mr. Montgomery's caregivers and the support of the VFW and Lions Club. Words can not fully express our gratitude. Thank you all.
Cremation was entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.
Wesley, Frances Sunday, 15 Dec 2002
Frances Eileen Wesley, born Oct. 19, 1911, in Kansas City, Mo., passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2002, in Coupeville.
After graduation from East High School in Kansas City, she began working for Sears and Roebuck in sales and later as a teller for Home Savings.
Mrs. Wesley was a life long Christian and a former member of the Blue Ridge Christian Church and the Overland Park Christian Church. She participated in Bible studies and other fellowship activities until she moved to Washington state. She was a member of Coupeville United Methodist Church and Oak Harbor Senior Center.
Mrs. Wesley was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club and numerous bridge clubs while living in Kansas City. Oh, how she loved to play bridge and remained active in that pursuit up until her passing. Before moving to Oak Harbor, she resided at Overland Park, where she was active in crafts, travel and reading and, of course, bridge.
Mrs. Wesley is survived by one brother, William F. Coleman of Arlington, Texas; one daughter, Linda Wesley-Brown; stepsons, Morgan Wesley, James Wesley and Robert Wesley; and by nieces, Carol Armstrong and Judy Walden. Ten grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren also survive.
Two husbands, Dr. Ralph H. Miller (1955) and Morris C. Wesley (1977), preceded her in death.
A memorial service for Mrs. Wesley will be held at CamBey Apartments in Coupeville on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Mary Boyd of Coupeville United Methodist Church officiating.
Mrs. Wesley will be buried at Mount Mariah Cemetery South, Kansas City, Mo. A memorial service will be held at McGilley-Hoge Funeral Chapel, Overland Park, Kan., on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003.
Memorials for Mrs. Wesley may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice. This obituary may be seen on-line at http://burley.plan4ever.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
Finley, Irene Friday, 13 Dec 2002
Irene Ruth Finley died Dec. 13, 2002, in Coupeville surrounded by members of her family.
She was born Jan. 1, 1913, in Inavale, Neb., to Valley Clyde and Bessie Viola Mitchell.
Irene moved to Coupeville from Libby, Mont., in 1970. While in Libby,
she served as surgical nurse at Libby Memorial Hospital, as a nurse for Dr. Woodrow Nelson and directed the Lincoln County Nursing Home in Libby. She moved to Coupeville where she was hired as the operating room supervisor for the new Whidbey General Hospital. Irene was promoted to director of nursing in 1973 and held that position until 1978 when she retired after 40 years of nursing. She graduated from nurses training in 1937 in Sheridan, Wyo., and went on to graduate school at St. Mary's in Rodchester, Minn., where she became proficient in operating room procedures and techniques.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Harold Finley and her sister Nelda French.
She is survived by her five children, Bill Browne and wife Sylvia of Edmonds, Judi Kitchin and husband Dennis of Marysville, Sam Browne and wife Beverly of Mukilteo, Sue Nelson and husband Dennis of Coupeville and Terry Browne and wife Sue of Helena, Mont.; step-daughter Debbie Rothweiler of Bothell and step- sons Kenny Browne of Spokane and Gerald Finley of Yakima; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Nephew Bob Parsons of Libby and niece Ann Wright of Bull Lake also survive her.
Irene had many friends in Coupeville and Libby and will be dearly missed by all.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A memorial celebrating Irene's life will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m., at Coupeville Community Bible Church, 502 NE Otis St.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Coupeville Community Bible Church or Home Health Care of Whidbey Island.
Crabtree, Linda Thursday, 06 Mar 2003
Linda Diane Crabtree, 51, of Clinton, died March 6, 2003, at her home in Clinton.
She was born Dec. 5, 1951, in Kirkland to John and Evelyn Pearson and attended high school in Bothell. On July 11, 1980, she married Thomas Boyd Crabtree. They moved to Whidbey Island from Kent 20 years ago.
Linda was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Clinton. She was an avid bowler for many years, bowling in several leagues and winning many trophies. She drove a school bus for South Whidbey School District for 14 years. She enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was known to provide a loving environment for children that weren't her own.
She was a member of the Seattle Jeep Club for about 10 years. She was known as the life of the party and was always pulling a joke or prank.
She was preceded in death by her mother and siblings Bobbi Ariz, Tinki and Dori Pearson, Jerry Pearson and Joni Pearson, all of Cle Elum.
She is survived by her father, John Pearson of Cle Elum; her husband, Thomas Crabtree; seven children, Tom and April Crabtree of Sedro-Woolley, Denise Madsen of Greenbank, Cindy and Joel Sutherland of Black Diamond, Michell and Ruel Hipple of Kent, Darlene and Matthew Shorey of Ferndale, Malinda Hallett and Scott Maples of Greenbank, and Brucie Crabtree of Granite Falls; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Clinton. Friends may meet with the family at the church immediately following the service. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. at the Arlington Cemetery, Arlington.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Clinton.
Daugherty, Marilyn Tuesday, 04 Mar 2003
Funeral services for Marilyn Daugherty will be held Saturday, March 8, at the First Reformed Church. Marilyn died at her home in Oak Harbor on March 4, 2003. A complete obituary will follow in the March 8 issue of the Whidbey News-Times. Arrangements are by Burley Funeral Chapel.
Daugherty, Marilyn Tuesday, 04 Mar 2003
Marilyn Janece Daugherty, long time resident of Oak Harbor and retired master school teacher in Oak Harbor School District, passed away March 4, 2003, in the comfort of her home, where she was embraced by the love of her immediate family. Marilyn battled breast cancer very courageously and relentlessly for nearly five years. She never gave up hope in being victorious over this insidious disease and was so determined to beat it right up until the very end. Her hope was eternal. Her courage and fortitude to continue the fight was steadfast and strong. She was the apple of her family's eye and the very best friend any person could hope to have. She was loved unconditionally by her family and friends and she loved the Lord with all of her heart. She will live on in our hearts forevermore.
Marilyn was born on June 15, 1936, to Marion A. and J. Vydell Palmer in Yakima. She is survived by her lifetime soul mate, best friend and husband of nearly 44 years, Burdon R. "Duck" Daugherty at the family home in Oak Harbor. She is also survived by a son, Jeffrey Dean Daugherty and his wife Julie Daugherty, a daughter, Jill J. (Daugherty) Woods, and her two teenaged daughters, Jessica Janece and Jamesa Jane Woods. All children and grandchildren are living in Oak Harbor. She is survived by two brothers, J. Denton Palmer and spouse, Eva Palmer of Oak Harbor and John E. Palmer and spouse Carolyn Palmer of Grapeview. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Melissa Kay Daugherty.
Marilyn graduated from Selah High School in 1954 and attended Central Washington University where she earned her degree in psychology and education.
Her greatest professional joy in life was teaching kids who were engaged in the learning process. She encouraged her students to strive to achieve their personal best in all of their endeavors. She possessed a creative flair in her teaching style and her assignments or projects always had a creative twist to them. It isn't uncommon for former students to seek her out and correspond with her even to this day. A special tribute that she shared with her students as they each graduated from high school was to send them a graduation card and include a paper that the student had written in her creative writing class when they were a sixth grader. She has always been such a special teacher and mentor for so many kids over the years.
She taught at several schools during her teaching career beginning in Clarksville, Tenn., and then moved to Washington state where she taught at Whitney Elementary in Yakima, Washington Elementary in Kennewick, Olympic View Elementary in Oak Harbor and completed her teaching career at Oak Harbor Middle School in 1991. At retirement she had completed 19 of her 32 years of teaching in the Oak Harbor School District. In her retirement years, she has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours at local elementary schools in Oak Harbor, special reading programs and youth ministry programs. She loved working with kids of all ages and loved the profession of teaching.
Marilyn was a member of Oak Harbor First Reformed Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, The Christian Women's Group, the Oak Harbor Education Association, Washington Education Association and the National Education Association. She and Duck were very active member of the Whidbey Cruisers car club.
Marilyn's personal joys in life revolved around her family and extended families. Her husband, Duck of 44 years, was always a constant source of good humor and encouragement. Together, they built a great life filled with countless memories and have enjoyed participating in the lives of their children and their children's families. They made an awesome team together and were always thought us as the couple that had it all.
Marilyn was a very loving and devoted Nana to her two granddaughters Jessica and Jamesa. She loved being a "Nana" and took this role very much to heart. Her influence in their lives has been a cornerstone of their upbringing. She has helped shape them into the fine young ladies they are today. She was also a favorite Auntie to many nieces and nephews.
To her children, friends, and extended family she taught the importance of staying true to your values and commitments in life. She also taught us the importance of family ties. She loved holiday gatherings and especially loved Christmas. Being an avid snowman collector, she had an adorable snowman in every area of the house! She holds the record for baking the best gingersnaps and banana nut bread in the world, according to her kids and grandkids.
Although we all wish our time with her wasn't cut so short, we will reflect upon our time with her as being measured by quality rather than quantity. We are blessed with our many memories, Duck's videos, our close family ties and love in our hearts.
Memorials may be made to Whidbey Island Hospital Foundation in c/o the Medical Ambulatory Clinic (MAC) to benefit the Oncology Unit and/or to the Oak Harbor Education Foundation, Camp Moran fund to benefit the Outdoor Education program at Camp Moran for Oak Harbor students and teachers. Marilyn was one of the founders of this awesome outdoor education program, which has benefited thousands of students over the years. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 8, at First Reformed Church.
Waggoner, Martha Monday, 03 Mar 2003
Martha Peacock Waggoner died peacefully in her sleep March 3, 2003; she was 86. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Al, her brother Joe and sister Marge.'She is survived by her six children, Alan, Michael, David, John, Paul and Debbie McDonald and their spouses Tanya, Cindy, PJ, Janet, Linda and Sean, 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Martha was born March 1, 1917 in Chicago to Florence and Joseph Peacock. She was graduated from the University of Illinois where she met Al Waggoner and married him in 1939.' They moved to Richland in 1948 where they raised their family.'In 1981 they moved to Sierra on Whidbey Island. After a stroke in 1991, Al was Martha's loving caregiver until her needs grew beyond his strength and she moved to Careage where she was sustained by the caring staff and frequent family visits.
Martha was an active member of her churches in Richland and Coupeville.'She was a member of the bridge club. She loved to read history and mysteries and graded senior English papers. She knit many sweaters and mittens for her children and grandchildren and was active in their lives. She raised orchids, African violets, roses and painted.
A memorial service will be held at Coupeville United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 15, at 3 p.m. Memorials may be made to Careage Employee Council, PO Box 1140, Coupeville WA 98239 or United Methodist Women, PO Box 566, Coupeville WA 98239.
Webb, Eugene Monday, 03 Mar 2003
Eugene Clifford Webb died peacefully in his sleep March 3, 2003, with loved ones in attendance. He was born Jan. 16, 1916. He was preceded in death by a daughter, DeloraLee Rindall, his wife, Beryl M. (Miles), and his later wife Bertha M. (Pulley). He is survived by his fiance, Alice Hahn; a daughter, Carmel Chandler; a son, Mark Webb, Sr.; and his former wife and lifelong friend Lucille Hogenson. Also, he leaves 10 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. His many other relatives and dear friends will miss him and remember him. A memorial service will be held March 15, at 3 p.m. at Whidbey Island Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
An active member of his church, Cliff was also a civic volunteer during his working years and even more so in retirement. For more than 20 years he was a member of Auburn Noon Lions Club in Auburn. Former King Lion Cliff was a dedicated worker for Auburn Mental Health. He will be remembered in Auburn also as a prime mover behind the forming of a sister city relationship with Kasuga Cho, Japan. Having remarried after Beryl's passing, he moved to Bertha's home in Santa Barbera, Calif. There he was again an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as a volunteer at his favorite lunch spot, the seniors' Little House. His many friends who made a place for him in their lives invigorated his life.
Another move in residence, in what was to be his last year, was to Whidbey Island to be near his beloved Alice, whom he planned to marry next month. He lover her, she loved him and her wonderful family accepted him wholeheartedly. It was they who served him so lovingly in his last days. It was a great blessing for him to have so much love and so much meaning in his life right down to his last hour.
