Search Archived Marriage Records
Mike (“Redeye”) Redifer
Mike Redifer (“Redeye”) passed away on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital after a sudden illness.
Mike was born Dec. 6, 1960, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Thomas and Shirley Redifer and lived on the Harbor all his life. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1979. He married
Calleen Cherry on Feb. 25, 1989. Mike drove log truck for over 25 years, the last 8 years for Dave Williams Logging.
Mike was best known by his friends and family for his big heart and beautiful blue eyes. He enjoyed fishing, clam digging and watching NASCAR and local racing.
His father Thomas Eugene preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Calleen of Aberdeen; his mother, Shirley of Olympia; his two brothers, Roger of Port Ludlow and Ryan of Montrose, Colo.; two sisters, Janet Bissell of Tacoma and Lisa Fairbairn of Olympia; his uncle, Rich Redifer, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
No formal service is planned, however, there will be a remembrance gathering planned for Mike’s friends at Rick’s Saloon on Sunday, Dec. 14, starting at 11 a.m.
Kathy Jacobson
Kathryn Elizabeth Belgum Jacobson, age 74, died suddenly in Olympia, on Dec. 16. Anyone who knew her determination and strength would not be surprised that she finished performing in a concert before succumbing to a major heart attack at home.
Kathy was born in Spokane on July 22, 1940, to Rev. Henrik Belgum and Helen Glenn Belgum (both deceased). The oldest of three girls (sisters Margaret Probstfield and Carolyn Pendle), she excelled at playing the piano and school, graduating from Pacific Lutheran University at the top of her class. She began her teaching career and eventually completed a Master’s degree from Bemidji State University, near the beloved lake cabin.
Kathy married
a fellow Lute, Orville Jacobson, and they have two daughters, Elizabeth Kammers (Thad) of Omak, and Mary Eklund (Jeremy) of Port Orchard; as well as four grandchildren: Todd and Katelyn Kammers, and Owen and Hailey Eklund. They moved to Ocean Shores in 1971. Eventually they divorced.
Always active and independent, Kathy loved to water ski, kayak, play softball, bowl, camp and travel. She took her 11- and 14-year-old daughters and her mother on a long excursion in 1980, exploring Great Britain and driving on the left side of the road. Then she drove Norway’s mountainous roads so they could explore their Norwegian heritage. One year, she and a friend built a house themselves. Kathy made three trips to Europe and many excursions to Hawaii and Mexico for sun and water fun. She was proud that on her 70th birthday — what she called a perfect day for her — she completed a personal challenge to hike, swim, kayak and bike around a lake in Eastern Washington.
After she retired from teaching in North Beach schools, Kathy became more involved with the North Beach Singers and became director of the community choir in 2007. In 2012, Kathy and her partner, Sandee Denn, moved to Jubilee in Olympia. Kathy deeply embraced the community and new friends, and delighted in singing, playing the piano, and ringing bells with the Jubilaires. She also shared these talents at St. Mark Lutheran Church. In November 2013, Kathy and Sandee married
, a joyful, loving union.
Though startled by Kathy’s sudden death, her family and friends take comfort in her strong faith. A celebration of her life will be planned and announced. The family suggests memorials go to causes Kathy supported, such as education or global health.
Mercedes P. Ackley
Mercedes P. Ackley, 82 years of age and a longtime Montesano, Wash. area resident, died on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Wash. She was born on May 27, 1932, in Chicago, Ill. to Bernard and Julia (Nocek) Palos and was one of nine children born to her parents.
Mercedes was raised in Mexico but moved back to Chicago in 1954. In 1960, she returned to Mexico for one year and then again moved back to the states in 1961. In 1962, Mercedes Palos met Richard Ackley and they were married
in 1963 in Chicago, Ill. In 1966, the family moved to Seattle where they lived until 1969 when they moved to Montesano where she had since resided.
Mercedes Ackley worked at the Rayonier Pulp Mill in Hoquiam for five years, and then she worked as a juvenile detention officer for Grays Harbor County in Junction City. She retired from there in 1994.
The couple were snowbirds to Arizona from the mid-1990s to 2005. She enjoyed the scenic drives they took into the local forest area. She took great pleasure in spending time with her kids and grandkids, especially their summer camping at Riffe Lake and Alta Lake near Pateros.
Mercedes was very artistic and made a replica of Camp Grisdale that is still on display at the Mason County Historical Society in Shelton, Wash. She was very proficient at turning common items into works of art for all to enjoy.
Mercedes Ackley is survived by her sons, Alex Ackley of Federal Way, Ed Ackley of Elma, Dan Ackley of Rainier and Vic Ackley of Montesano; her brothers, Bernard “Junior” Palos, Gilbert “Sonny” Palos of Los Angeles, Calif., Robert Palos and Gorge “George” Palos of Monterrey, Mexico; her sisters, Julia and Marcela; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by a 12-year-old son, Victor Gomez and a daughter, Maria DeRosio Takahashia who died in 1995. Her husband, Richard Ackley, died in 2007.
A celebration of her life is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at the KM RV Park in Elma at 2 p.m. All are welcome.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Janet M. La Wall
Ocean Shores resident Janet Marie La Wall died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. She was 68.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.
Barbara L. Wood
MONTESANO — Montesano resident Barbara Louise Wood died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at her home. She was 80.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.
Terry D. Whitlock
SEATTLE — Lifelong Aberdeen resident Terry Dianne Whitlock died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. She was 65.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Ocosta Recreation Hall.
A more complete obituary will appear later in The Daily World.
Arrangements are by Cascade Memorial in Federal Way.
Gene Zelepuza Sr.
Gene R. Zelepuza Sr., an Aberdeen resident for many years, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014. He was 65.
He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1967.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, 1816 East Hoquiam Road.
Arrangements are by Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
Neil Mickelson
NEILTON — Neil E. Mickelson died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at his home in Neilton. He was 84.
He had worked as a logger and as an orchardist, owning an apple orchard in Brewster.
A funeral mass will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 16, at Our Lady of Good Help Catholic Church in Hoquiam.
An interment service will be at the Quinault cemetery at 2 p.m. that same day, followed by a reception at Our Lady of the Olympics in Amanda Park..
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Donald Frederick Furth Sr.
Donald (Don) Frederick Furth Sr., Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa passed from this life to rejoin his very large family in the next life on Christmas Day at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash. with many of his family members by his side.
Don was born in Rochester, Minn. on Dec. 31, 1923, the 10th of 13 children to Emil and Phyllis Furth.
At a young age, Don and his family moved to Chicago, Ill. where they lived until Don was 12 years old. Then Emil and Phyllis packed up all the younger children and moved to Aberdeen, Wash., where they settled. Shortly after arriving in Aberdeen, Don’s dad Emil passed away. The following years were hard and upon completing 8th grade, Don quit school to get a job to help support the family.
When the United States entered WWII, Don was drafted into the service and was assigned to the U.S.S. Navy (things were different then). After boot camp, he was ordered to the U.S.S. California which had been towed from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to Bremerton Naval Shipyard for repairs. Don served his entire Navy service aboard the California seeing extensive action in the Pacific theater as a gun captain on a set of quad 40mm antiaircraft guns. During an attack, the California was hit by a suicide plane just opposite of Don’s gun mount. At the end of the war, Don helped bring the California back to the East Coast, where he left the Navy and rode the train home, with thousands of other veterans. Don was very proud of his service in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed sharing stories about his time in the Navy and photos from the U.S.S. California BB44 Cruise Book with his kids and grandchildren..
On June 29, 1946 he married
his war-time sweetheart and love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) A. Grun. After 54 years of marriage, she passed away on July 11, 2000.
Don worked all of his adult life on the Harbor. Early on as “Sander Boss” at the West Coast Plywood in Hoquiam and then at Independent Bottling Works in Aberdeen as a driver-salesman until retirement in 1985.
After retirement, before Betty passed away, they enjoyed traveling in their RV “down south” but always had to be back by Christmas to spend with their kids and grandkids. Don and Betty attended several U.S.S. California BB44 ships reunions throughout the U.S..
Don was a life member of the VFW. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus in which he was very active, holding many offices in the local No. 1449 Council.
Don was one of the founders and promoters of the “Furth Family Reunion” every year at Columbus Park in Olympia, Wash. Between 150 and 200 family member usually attended.
Don and Betty always had a soft spot for their dogs or “Fur Persons” — Cocoa then Lucky and at Dad’s passing, Snickers, where he lived with his son Steve in Wishkah Valley on Steve’s property.
Don is survived by his sons Don Jr. (Barbara) Cosmopolis, Wash., Steven (Holly) Aberdeen, Wash. and daughter Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Moody (James-deceased) Vacaville, Calif. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; Tammy, Christina, Douglas, Richard, Shaun, Jeffrey, Samantha, Jody, Tammy, Michael, James Jr., Jennifer and 18 great-grandchildren. Out of his 13 siblings, one sister Betty May of Duluth, Minn., also survives.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Betty, parents Emil and Phyllis, 11 siblings; Dorothy, Vera, Marge, Mary Lorrine, Geraldine, Raymond, Carl, Fabian, Gerald, William and Don’s sons Richard and Thomas and a grandson Bradley Moody.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 9 at Whiteside’s Chapel, 109 E. 2nd St., Aberdeen. Inurnment to follow at Fern Hill cemetery, Aberdeen; with a reception to follow at Lion’s Club in Cosmopolis.
Arrangements entrusted to Whiteside Family Mortuaries, 109 E. 2nd St., Aberdeen, Wash.
Jaen P. Henry
Ocean Shores resident Jaen P. Henry, passed away on Jan. 7, 2015. He was born April 16, 1931, to John and Pearl Connell in Dubuque, Iowa. At the age of 10 months he was placed in an orphanage due to his mother’s ill health. She passed away four months later and the family was separated. In 1934, the Rev. and Mrs. Arthur Henry adopted him and he was renamed for his mother’s father, Joseph Norman Pegram.
Jaen attended public schools in Iowa and graduated from Prescott, Iowa High School in 1949. He and his surviving classmates kept in touch by e-mail and met often to celebrate class reunions in Prescott. After high school he entered college and majored in geology. He received a master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Iowa in 1957.
In 1952, Jaen was drafted during the Korean Conflict and served in the Philippines and Korea with the 29th Engineers Base Topo Survey Battalion. He helped establish a 3rd order survey net through the interior of Mindanao and was one of the first “white men” the native people had ever seen. Later, he was deployed to South Korea to reoccupy a 1st order survey net the Japanese had established in the early 1900s and found to have an error during the conflict.
In 1957 he was employed by the Defense Mapping Agency in St. Louis, Mo., working there until retiring in 1986. During his career he helped map the moon in preparation for the Apollo lunar landings that occurred in the late ’60s. Many far reaching advances in precise positioning were accomplished during his career in support of the U.S. Air Force’s world-wide responsibilities during the Cold War. The Global Positioning System (GPS) in use today was developed during his employment.
In 1979 he was found by his siblings and learned that he was the youngest of six children. Jaen was able to meet and get to know his three brothers and two sisters before they preceded him in death. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews residing in Iowa and Missouri.
His wife Marjorie survives in Ocean Shores at the family home. She was his best friend and provided him with the greatest years of his life.
He enjoyed the outdoors, especially, the wonders of nature and playing golf with his wife. He was a charter member of the North Beach Booster Club and served with that organization for 18 years. Jaen made the original Booster Club boards that hung in the High School gym for many years. During this time Jaen helped raise thousands of dollars for the middle and high school students of North Beach. For 24 years he and his wife tutored young students helping them develop their reading skills. His wife still tutors at the Ocean Shores Elementary School. He and his wife enjoyed attending all school events. One of his joys was following the younger students as they developed their various skills. An avid school sports fan who rarely missed any event in the North Beach School District, Jaen kept time at all home track meets for 20 years missing only one meet due to illness. He also started the Distinguished Alumnus Award honoring a graduate of North Beach High School.
Jaen was named the Ocean Shores Elks Citizen of the Year in 1996 and, at that time, stated “It has been a most rewarding retirement helping young people to achieve their goals.” People would ask him what did he get out of it? He would respond by saying “For me, it’s that smile when one of the students you have helped recognizes you and thanks you.”
He received many honors during his working years but the one that meant the most to Jaen was awarded at the graduation of the Class of 2011 when he and his wife were presented with a plaque declaring them to be “Mr. and Mrs. Hyak forever and ever for their dedication, inspiration and support of North Beach High School.”
He was a firm believer in the American Spirit of being the best you can be and helping the less fortunate. “Always stand for what is right and you can’t go too far wrong” was Jaen’s code of life.
Jaen enjoyed history and was a great admirer of both Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan. He appreciated President Truman for taking a stand and making tough decisions that, though not always popular, proved ultimately to be right. He liked President Reagan for helping to restore the American Spirit that made this country great and for ending the “Cold War.”
His parting thought to all would be, “Life is a journey, it doesn’t matter how fast one gets there, but what one does along the way”.
A memorial service for Jaen will be held at the North Beach High School Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the North Beach School District, PO Box 159, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 to a scholarship in Jaen’s name.
Joanne (Nisbet) Coker
Mary Joanne (Nisbet) Coker of Montesano, Wash. was reassigned to care for the babies in heaven while surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. She was 77. Joanne was born Jan. 2, 1938, in Port Townsend, Wash. to John and Blanche (Myers) Nisbet and was raised in Edmonds and Port Angeles. Joanne graduated from Peninsula High School in Port Angeles in 1956 and went to college for two years at WSU.
On July 5, 1958, Joanne married
James Boyd Coker III in Port Angeles. They shared 56 years together and raised four daughters and one son, and numerous foster children throughout the years.
Joanne was employed in her early years at Seattle Parks and Recreation as a field house director and at Fort Warden as an activities director for juvenile delinquents. She was a local leader of the La Leche League and Secretary for the N.W. Region (OR, ID, WA, AK) for 25 years; NRA Patron Member; GOP State Committee Woman for multiple years; she attended the Montesano Assembly of God Church for 25 years; G.H. County Fair volunteer for 50 years (Snoopy House); Director of Heart & Hands Pregnancy Center in Aberdeen 16 plus years.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 56 years James Boyd Coker III of the family home, her daughters Jill Warne (Ron), Julie Swalander (Roger) and Jennifer Coker (Terry Maestas) all of Elma, and Janet Burkey (Rick) of Athol, Idaho, her son; Jay Coker (Tina) of North River, 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, one sister Penny Bugni (Michael) of Bellevue, Wash. and one brother Charles D. Nisbet (Judy) of Chimacum, Wash.
Joanne loved her family, hunting and beach combing. Serving people and saving babies were her passions.
Memorials may be made to the Timberland Bank (any branch) payable to James B. Coker or Jennifer Coker in Joanne’s memory.
A celebration of her life is set for 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 at the Montesano Assembly of God Church, located at 125 Sylvia Street in Montesano. A private graveside service will take place at Wynooche cemetery in Montesano.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.
Cherie Y. Narrance
OLYMPIA — Elma resident Cherie Yvonne Narrance died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. She was 62.
A service is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are by the Whiteside Family Mortuary of Elma.
