DEANNA L. MYERS
Deanna (Dee Dee) Lynn (Sweatt) Myers, a truly loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend was taken home to God’s house June 6, 2004, after a long fight with M.S.
Deedee was born in Indio, CA Oct. 20, 1959, to Jerry and Becky Sweatt. She moved to the Northwest in her teens. She met her husband here and was married in 1979.
Dee became a Christian at age 11 and has been committed to God since. Deedee is survived by her loving husband, George; and her special dog, Chile; her children, Charity, Corey, Chad and his special friend Amanda; her brother, David and wife Laura; her parents, Jerry and Becky Sweatt, all of Washington; special friends, Bill, Maureen, Bickey of Canada; and special grandchildren, Austin, Chasity, Alexis. "We Love you MiMi." She loved her family most of all. Where her kids were, you would find her.
She was a lover of camping, crafts and gardening. She will be missed by all who knew her. Her family will never let her go. She'll always be here in our hearts. Graveside services were 2 p.m., Thurs., June 10, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Stanwood.
The family would like to express their thanks for all the support given by friends and hospice, especially to you, Diana, she's with Homer now. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
VERA L. ROWE
Vera Lucille Hayden Rowe, age 87, formerly of One Crawford Parkway, Portsmouth, VA, died June 10, 2004, in Stanwood.
Vera, a native of Portsmouth for more than 85 years, was the daughter of the late John F. Hayden, Sr. (1881 - 1971) and Mary Elizabeth Croom Hayden (1883 - 1954).
Mrs. Rowe retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an administrative assistant after 28 years of U.S. government service in 1972. She was the widow of Woodrow Wilson Rowe (1915 - 1970) and was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by a son, Donald Leo Miller (1937 - 1944); her twin brother, USAAC Capt. Vernon "Buddy" Hayden (1917 - 1943); her sister, Eunice Hayden Pate (1904 -1981); and her youngest brother, John F. "Enos" Hayden (1920-2004).
Immediate family survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence D. Miller, Jr. and Betty Vaughan Miller of Camano Island; four grandchildren, Diane Miller Peterson of Kingston, WA, Daniel L. Miller of NYC, Brian W. Miller of Seattle, and Kevin V. Miller of San Diego, CA. In addition, her extended family includes a host of nieces and nephews too numerous to list here.
Vera was actually named Sarah at birth (in honor of her maternal grandmother) but was always called Vera. It wasn’t until well into her adult life that she discovered this when applying for a copy of her birth certificate. At that time, she had it formally changed to reflect the name she had understood to be her given name: Vera.
According to family legend, Vera and Vernon ("Buddy") were surprise twins, the shock of which reportedly hastened the death of their maternal grandmother, Sarah Peebles Croom, who was living in the Hayden household on Harrison St. at the time of their birth. Mrs. Croom passed away less than two weeks after their birth. Vera was devoted to Buddy. Together they shared a circle of friends that were an integral part of her entire life. His death, while flying a mission in Hawaii in WWII, was a profound loss. This, followed nine months later by the death of her 6-year-old son Donald and her subsequent divorce from her first husband Lawrence Miller, formed a crucible of emotional pain that haunted her entire life.
She went to business school and started a working career with the U.S. government during the war to support herself and her remaining child. Her second marriage to Wilson Rowe in 1946 (a wounded WWII Army combat veteran and childhood friend) was a very happy one.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt to her family. Generous to a fault, she gave unselfishly of herself and was privileged to consider many wonderful people as close friends. She is fondly loved and remembered by all and will be deeply missed.
A graveside funeral will be held Thurs., June 17 in Oak Grove Cemetery Portsmouth, V.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Restoration fund of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 518 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704.
RAE ANN MURRAY
Rae Ann "Dowie" Murray, 57, of Camano Island, passed away Sun., May 30, 2004 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on the same day in Spokane.
She was born Aug. 4, 1946, in Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Stanislaus and Christina (Streifel) Perius, before moving and growing up in Spokane at the age of eight years old.
Rae Ann was a faithful member of St. Mary Parish in Anacortes and looked forward to Mass every Sunday. She especially enjoyed the choir, singing in Latin and the traditional Roman Catholic songs.
Rae Ann had also been a longtime member of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Model T Ford Club of America and the Northwest Vintage Speedster Club. She enjoyed touring and competing in the old cars with her husband, Wayne.
Another love was collecting antiques to fill up her house.
Rae Ann was very devoted to Wayne and enjoyed making him happy in all things they did together. She also liked to quilt blankets and was quite accomplished in the art form.
Rae Ann is survived by her husband of 29 years, Wayne Edward at the family home on Camano Island; daughter, Stacey L’Rae Fritz of San Rafael, CA; son, Donovan of Snohomish; her father, Stan Perius of Spokane; and three grandchildren, Christina, Madeleine, and Andrew. Rae Ann’s granddaughter, Christina, nicknamed her "Dowie" when she was very young. Rae Ann had a special fondness for helpless babies who were victims of foul play and wanted to help in any way.
Memorials may be made to the "Enumclaw Baby Fund" through any Washington Mutual Bank or the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce at (360) 825-7666. A vigil service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thurs., June 10, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Anacortes, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Grand View Cemetery after Mass followed by a lunch reception in Fr. Auer Center at St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel, Anacortes. Paula Kidder Evans Funeral Chapel 1105 32nd Street Anacortes, WA 9822, 1(360) 293-3311.
DAYNA MARIE FURE
Dayna Marie Fure, age 18, of Stanwood, was tragically deprived of her dreams and goals May 24, 2004.
Dayna, a devoted daughter, sister, mentor and friend to everyone, had an infectious smile and heart of gold. Dayna loved life and lived each day fulfilling commitments and accomplishing goals, including a four-year letter and attendance winner in x-country, winner of several metals in karate (three bronze, one silver, and five gold) traveling to Mexico to provide the less fortunate with clean water and teaching English as a tutor, volunteering her time whenever needed, all while maintaining three part-time jobs and a G.P.A of 3.85.
Dayna’s goal to attend college studying pre-law and one day having her own practice in Family Law was cut short just after accepting a scholarship to attend Gonzaga University. In addition, several other community and academic scholarships contributed in fulfilling her dreams. Community, teachers, family and friends were all involved and were proud of her accomplishments.
Dayna is survived by a loving family, extended family and endless friends: parents, father Benny Fure and mother Melody Hafner/Cottrell and stepfather Pat Cottrell; brothers Michael and Darren; sisters Danielle and Destiny; grandmother Pam Hafner/Otterson; great-grandparents Gordon and Edith Opial; aunts and uncles John and Joyce Fure, Rocky and Evelyn Fure, Jeff Hafner, Larry Otterson, Jr., Sheri and Rod Cadman; cousins John, Jr., Janelle, Trista, Derek, Tia, Hans and Jens.
Graveside services will be at Anderson Cemetery Tues., June 1 at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at Stanwood High School gym at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice, or to the Dayna Fure Scholarship fund for future pre-law students at Northwest Plus Credit Union. Services under the direction of Gilbertson’s Funeral Home, Stanwood.
CLAUDIA BETTY ERICKSON
December 19, 1918 - May 15, 2004
RICHARD LEWIS ERICKSON
March 18, 1922 - May 16, 2004
God put his arm around both of you and said, "Come with me." Mom and Pop, we'll miss you!
Our folks are survived by nine children: Louis, Roger, Claudie, Susie, Marilyn, Bill, Kristine, Richard, and Cherie; 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. They were married for 42 years. Mom's first husband, Bert Touchette, her parents and one brother preceded her in death. Pop's first wife, Esther, his parents and several brothers and sisters preceded him in death.
Our folks had lived their last years on Camano Island where they received loving care and attention from our brother Bill, his wife Jan and a staff of wonderful caregivers. A memorial service and celebration of their lives will be held at a later date.
EVERETT A. OHLSON
Everett Adolph Ohlson was born in Chicago, IL July 5, 1909 to John A. Ohlson and Clara Lindgren Ohlson, and died peacefully from pneumonia May 23, 2004. A Ballard resident for 58 years, he and his wife lived the last four years at Merrill Gardens at Stanwood and the past year with his wife, daughter and son-in-law. A graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington School of Engineering, he worked for the WSDOT, private contractors, retiring from Boeing in 1970, and then worked at Delta Marine for several years.
Everett was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 101, and a member of the Seattle Movie Club. Spending time with family and friends at the cabin at Hermosa, fishing in Lil Putt Putt, digging clams, pulling crab pots and sitting around the big table to eat are times we'll all remember. He loved photography, moviemaking, woodcarving and generally "putting" around in his shop. At age 90, he embraced challenges of the computer, and until recently, was an avid communicator through email.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ella-Marie Brown Ohlson; son, John E. Ohlson, and daughter, Elaine Ohlson-Berg (Jeff); grandchildren, Jeannie Benedict, Julie Sage, Holly Fogarty (Jay), Brent Chapman, Heather Potts (John) and David Ohlson; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Lisanne, Matthew, Nicholas, Alex, Emily, Katherine, Natalie and Chloe; nephews, Don Vadset (Vesla), Jack Vadset (Linda), Bob Brown (Judy); nieces, Shirley Vadset Olson (Knud) and Nancy Brown; extended family, Brody Berg, Alyssa Hagen (Bret), Emelyn Berg, Jay and Mary Spalding, Dean Spalding, Pat Hendrix, Lonnie Sewell (Andrea) and family, Richard and Marie Little and family, Ed Chapman (Jan), Marv Hansen (Anita), Luverne J. Ohlson, and other friends and family.
A special thanks to Dad's caregiver Tina Hayes of Stanwood, for all the love, patience and caring for dad. A memorial service was held at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, Thurs., May 27, 10 a.m., with reception following. Private family graveside services. The family suggests remembrances to a charity of your choice.
RUTH M. WESLEY
Born on Aug. 1, 1929, in Taft, CA, Ruth was the only child of Sam and Ethel Hanks. She passed away May 23, 2004 at Skagit Valley Hospital. For many years, Ruth helped with the family farm and was a 4-H leader in Eastern Washington. After moving to Seattle, she managed a Tux Shop, owned and operated a Mode-O-Day store in South Center, managed a Gull gas station in Federal Way, finally retiring from the Gull gas station in Hoquiam.
Ruth had been a longtime resident at Josephine Sunset Home in Stanwood, where she made many friends and had a happy, full, enjoyable life. She was recently distinguished as Resident of the Month. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Don. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Lyman and Pamela Wesley of Camano Island, and Duane and Susan Wesley of Aberdeen, WA; grandchildren, Rick Wesley and Steve and Kendall Wesley, all of Camano Island; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle, Rachael, Stephanie, Taylor, Nicole, Madison, Gabriel, Winter Jade, and Sky. At the request of the family, services will be private. Memorials can be made to Josephine Sunset Home.
MARTHA M. ATKINSON
1913 - 2004
Martha Marie Atkinson went to be with her Lord the morning of May 21, 2004. Martha was born to Adam and Elizabeth Heckelsmiller July 24, 1913, at her family’s homestead near Ashley, ND. She was the youngest of nine children. She married Orville Johnson in 1932 and made a life for them in Aberdeen, SD, where they raised four sons until Orville’s death in 1948. Martha married Charles Atkinson in 1952 and had one daughter. Together, the family moved to Sioux Falls, where Charles died in 1966.
In 1968, after one particularly cold and snowy South Dakota winter, Martha moved out west to Snohomish, WA, where two of her sons were already living. In Snohomish, Martha was a member of the Episcopal church. She enjoyed gardening (especially her yellow roses), baking, home decorating, playing cards with friends, traveling and spending time with her children and their families. For many years, Martha cared for her grandchildren, family-friends’ children and neighbors’ children after school -- she was known by many as "Grandma Atkinson."
Martha later moved to Everett, where she was active in her condominium’s activities and enjoyed going for long walks. She moved to the Stanwood Senior Center in 2000 and then in 2001 to Josephine Sunset Home, where she enjoyed singing songs with the children who visited her.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; seven of her siblings; and two sons, Charles Johnson and Gerald Iseman. She is survived by one sister, Caroline Goodwin of Medford, OR; two sons and their spouses, Talton and Carol Johnson of Stanwood and Dennis and Arlys Johnson of New Albany, IN; her daughter, Donna Atkinson of Albuquerque, NM; and two daughters-in-law, Esther Johnson of Medford, OR, and Jackie Iseman of Bellevue. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and their spouses, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held 2 p.m., Sat., May 29, at the chapel at Josephine Sunset Home, 9901 272nd Pl. NW, Stanwood. Private interment will occur at Battle Mountain National Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD. Martha’s family would like to thank the staff at Josephine Sunset Home for their love and care for their mother and grandma. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
DONNA K. HERRANEN
Donna K. Herranen was born in Astoria, OR July 23, 1943 and ascended to Heaven May 9, 2004. She was the beloved wife of CDR Peter A. Herranen, USN (Ret); loving mother of two sons, Andy and Steve; daughter-in-law, Diana; four granddaughters, Sarah, Natalie, Andrea and Katri; sister, Linda and Charles Maki. Preceded in death by her father, CDR Harold Faulkner, and mother, Jean Faulker.
Donna loved her country and the Navy life while growing up with her family. She then followed her husband to numerous duty stations, performing as an exemplary Navy wife from Chicago, to Long Beach, to Yokosuka, Japan, to San Diego, to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Virginia Beach, to Napoli, Italy (as well as countless side trips to European and Mediterranean countries) and finally back to Naval Station Puget Sound (Sand Point) and into retirement.
She was the mainstay in "The Tax Place" helping her husband. Always a consummate traveler, she loved all people, all countries, but most of all her own United States. She will now guide her husband to the life hereafter when his deployment on earth, too, comes to an end. Please sign the online guest book at www.evergreen-washelli.com. Memorial services were held at 11:30 a.m., Wed., May 12, at Stanwood United Methodist Church, Stanwood. Arrangments by Evergreen-Washelli, Seattle.
