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Bonnie J. Callahan
Bonnie J. Callahan, 92 years of age, died on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Providence Saint Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash. She was the loving wife of M. H. “Bill Callahan (Sept. 12, 1922 - Nov. 24, 2012), and a devoted mother to John Callahan and Peggy Callahan (Fanning).
She is survived by her two children; her daughter-in-law, Normandie Callahan; four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and other relatives.
Bonnie was born on March 23, 1923, in Salem, Ore. to John and Velma Bayer, but lived in Hoquiam for essentially her entire life.
Shortly after graduating from Hoquiam High School she entered the labor force, employed by Rayonier ITT / the Grays Harbor Paper Company for over 40 years. As a member of the “Greatest Generation” she became part of an early trend, joining the minority group of working mother. She, like many working mothers at that time, bore the guilt of being a working mother. This sense of guilt drove her to put in long days and much effort to be successful in her main career - Motherhood.
Even with a demanding schedule she was able to get involved with the Cootiettes and, later, the Emblem Club. She donated many hours to the local food bank, until she became physically unable to do so.
She enjoyed golfing with her late husband and bowled in several leagues. She thoroughly enjoyed their cabin at Summit Lake, which was built by her late husband and friends. The family would go to their cabin in the evenings, weekends, and nearly every Labor Day. This idyllic cabin is still enjoyed by her children and grandchildren today.
After moving to the Channel Point Village in Hoquiam, she looked forward to the weekly bingo events, and occasional trips to the casino at Ocean Shores.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, George Bayer; her husband, “Bill” and her son-in-law, Frank Fanning.
Her children and their families are comforted in that she is now in a better place, joining her husband who she missed greatly.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Catherine H. Lauver
Catherine H. Lauver was born Aug. 12, 1932 and passed away on Dec. 21, 2015 from natural causes.
A memorial will be held on Sunday, Jan. 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Galway Bay in Ocean Shores.
Rick A. Pullar
MONTESANO — Rick Allen Pullar of Montesano died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at his home in Montesano. He was 61.
A graveside service is being planned and will be announced later.
Arrangements are by the Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.
Earl Smith
Aberdeen resident Earl Smith died Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 in Aberdeen. He was 70.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hoquiam VFW.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.
Robert B. Bissell
MONTESANO — Robert Bruce Bissell of Ocean Shores died Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at Montesano Health &Rehab Center.
He was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in action in the Philippines in WW II.
There will be a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Tahoma National cemetery in Kent with full military honors.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
James D. Parks
James Dalton Parks, 78, Aberdeen resident and former Newspaperman, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, 2016 at his home.
James was born on April 8, 1937 in Elyria, Ohio to Harold Wilbur and Iva Caroline (Oliver) Parks. He graduated from Elyria High School and then joined the Navy in 1955. He was Honorably Discharged in 1958.
He returned to Elyria and married
Delores, they later divorced. He went to work for a number of newspapers in Ohio and also in New Jersey as Distribution Supervisor. In 1989, he owned and operated the Supperette in Fostoria, Ohio. He retired in 1999 and moved to Port Angeles, Wash. In 2002, he moved to Sequim, Wash. and married
Margaret Kinney in 2003. She resides at the family home.
James went to work at Port Angeles Care Center as a Nurse’s Aide in 2004 and retired in 2006. He and Margaret then traveled the North America in a 5th Wheel until 2011 when they settled in Aberdeen.
James enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and was an avid reader.
James is survived by his wife Margaret Parks of Aberdeen; sons: Jeffrey (Chris) Parks and Raymond (Cindy) Parks all of Ohio; step-sons: John Elmer of McMinnville, Ore. and Brian (Kim) Hochhalter of Texas; a step-daughters, Linda (Donnie) Bergseng of Portland, Ore., and Gerri; a sister Sally (Vinnie) Howard of Marion, Ohio; many grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren.
Per James request, there will be no services.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Wash.
Edward J. McCarroll
Edward Jay (Ed) McCarroll passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Dec. 9, 2015, at his home in Central Park. Ed was 70-years-old and was born on Oct. 13, 1945, to Edward (Red) and Mabel Collett (Babe) McCarroll in Aberdeen, Wash. He graduated from Montesano High School in 1964. He married
Enid Wouters in Montesano in 1967 and they were later divorced. Ed coached little league and loved working with the kids, and was also a member of the Army Reserves, based out of Fort Lewis.
He worked at Safeway in Montesano and Chehalis and then began a career with Darigold, as a delivery truck driver, that spanned more than 20 years. He then worked at the Summit Lake Grocery Store for many years and also lived at Summit Lake for over two decades until he moved to Central Park in 2005. His biggest passion and enjoyment in life, besides his family, was golfing and he spent almost all of his spare time on the golf course, so it was a natural fit for him to end his working years as an employee at Oaksridge Golf Course for a few years before retiring completely.
Ed leaves behind a half-brother Ray (Skip) Chapman of Castle Rock, a sister-in-law Barb Chapman of Montesano, and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews who were the joys of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Red and Babe McCarroll and a half-brother, Dave Chapman of Montesano. As per Ed’s request there will be no services and in lieu of flowers his charity of choice is the Montesano Senior Center, P.O. Box 524, Montesano, WA 98563.
Richard L. Kowalsky
Richard Leonard Kowalsky, 80, lifetime resident of Cosmopolis and former Maintenance person at Weyerhaeuser’s Cosi Pulp Mill, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, Wash.
Richard was born in Aberdeen on May 13, 1935 to Leonard Wilton and Dorothy (Phillips) Kowalsky.
He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1954 and on Aug. 20, 1955, Richard married
Joan Adele Wells at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen. She resides at the family home.
Richard from the age of 16, worked with his dad at the P&K Service Station in Cosi. He worked there until 1970 when he went to work at Weyerhaeuser’s Cosi Pulp Mill. He retired in 1993.
Richard was a 33 year member of the Cosmopolis Volunteer Fire Dept. and a member of the Aberdeen Eagles and the Midnight Cruisers Car Club. He enjoyed water skiing, boating and car shows. But by far, he enjoyed his summers away at his cabin on Spencer Lake in Shelton.
Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Kowalsky of Cosmopolis; three sons: Leonard (Cathy) of Bothell, Richard (Darlene) of Marysville and David (Donna) of Cosmopolis; a daughter, Kathleen (Dave) Barnett of University Place; step-brother, William (Orpha) McLaughlin, Shelton; Nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
There will be a gathering of friends and family on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 1-3 p.m. at the Cosmopolis Elementary School. He will be inurned at Forest Hill cemetery, Cosmopolis.
Donations can be made to Cosmopolis Firefighters Assoc., P.O. Box 2011, Cosmopolis, WA 98537.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
Dorothy Sue Kotula
Dorothy Sue Kotula, a longtime Frances resident, died Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Sharon Care Center in Centralia, Wash. Dorothy was born June 4, 1930 in Chillicothe, Mo. to Gordon and Sadie (Runyon) Gilbert.
In 1949 Dorothy graduated from Hoquiam High School and later that year married
Martcil E. Kotula in Hoquiam Aug. 13, 1949. She worked for the Seahurst Clinic as a doctor’s assistant for 8 years and as a bookkeeper at Coast Oyster. She enjoyed spending her free time gardening, snow skiing, sailing, hiking, traveling and doing church activities. She was a member of the Holy Family Altar Society and choir. Dorothy was also a member of the Boeing Ski Club, and she enjoyed volunteering at the Pe Ell Food Bank.
She is survived by a son Peter R. Kotula of Raymond; two daughters, Jane E. Galloway of Vancouver, Jil M. Muller of Pe Ell, and her sister Ann Hazelquist of Olympia. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Martcil E. Kotula in 2013, an infant daughter, a son Martcil C. Kotula, and a daughter Dixie S. Kotula. Dorothy was also preceded in death by three brothers; Donald, Robert and Richard Gilbert, and her sister Dixie Gilbert.
Rosary services will be held at 10:00 a.m. with funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11th, 2015 at the Holy Family Catholic Church and cemetery in Frances next to her husband, Marty. A gathering will be held at the Swiss Park in Frances following services. Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the Holy Family Catholic Church at P.O. Box 235, Pe Ell, WA 98572.
Arrangements were in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond.
Fawn L. Barber
Fawn Laniece Barber died at the age of 47 from organ failure at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia on Jan. 5, 2016.
Fawn graduated from Montesano High School in 1987, her passion was playing softball where she was a standout player for the Shakers and later played on an all-world team. Fawn graduated with a degree from Centralia College to pursue a career in the legal field where she became a paralegal. Fawn left the legal field to stay at home and raise her children, Austin, Bo and Lacey. Her children meant the world to her.
Fawn is survived by her husband, Guy; her children, Austin, Bo and Lacey; mother, Bonnie Riggs; brothers, Chatter, Lanny and Rob; sisters, Missy and Autum.
Fawn will be truly missed by all who knew her. Please join us for a celebration of life gathering at the Montesano City Hall Saturday Jan. 23, 2016, from 1 till 4 p.m. on the second floor.
Keith W. Bray
Keith William Bray, 85, of Montesano, Wash., beloved husband, father and grandfather, died of natural causes on Jan. 2, 2016, in Olympia, Wash.
Born to Willabell Atkins (Fox) and Herbert Bray, Keith attended Weatherwax High School before joining the U.S. Army in 1953. He served as a corporal in the 212th Military Police Corps during the Korean War.
After returning home he began a 39-year career with Grays Harbor Paper Co., retiring in 1990. He was a 51 year member of the Aberdeen VFW, also active in the Olympia Street Rod Association and Midnight Cruisers car clubs.
After retirement Keith could be found working in his yard, taking a drive in the country, cooking up a storm for company and pouring attention over his beloved pets while cheering on the Seattle Seahawks. He was a renowned storyteller and was known for ability to “shoot the breeze” and share a witty joke or sometimes off color story. He loved to make people laugh.
Keith is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jessie Bray (Spoon), his brother Herb Bray, children Tim Randich, Shannon Bray, Shelly Bristow (Bray), Shawn Bray, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A celebration of life is planned for Feb. 13, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Country Estates Clubhouse located at 57 Clemons Road, Montesano, Wash.
Martha Ridge
Martha Ridge of Copalis Beach, Wash. passed away Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at the age of 85. Martha was an extraordinary woman who had a life most novels are made of, from meeting Woody Guthrie at the boarding house her mother ran by the railroad tracks, to being invited to sit by Ray Charles as he practiced while she warmed up during her times as a homeless teenager in Seattle; and from her amazing intellect allowing her to pass all the entrance exams at age 15 for the University of Washington with only a 6th grade education, to becoming a member of Mensa. She could recite many poems, one of her favorites being “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service.
Martha discovered her artistic abilities in her 40s and successfully sold many of her paintings as part of the Art League in Grays Harbor. She also incorporated her artistic talents to wonderful handmade baby quilts that she passed out with joy to those she loved.
She felt most at home in the woods among the trees and wildlife, often rescuing injured wildlife, hunting mushrooms and bringing home “conks” to paint on. Her yard was her canvas as she incorporated native plants into her landscape, spending hours humming and singing to herself, bringing joy to herself and anyone who happened upon her garden.
Hours were spent walking the mouth of the Copalis River and Damon Point, and bringing home treasures. You could often find her sitting on the floor, flashlight and books out, studying her polished rocks, identifying and sharing everything she learned about them. Her agate collection was the size of any beachcomber’s dreams.
Martha also served as a Mother and Mentor to many, having deep conversations with anyone who crossed her path. She had a love of music, art, science and animals that she passed on to her children. Martha also developed a wonderful relationship with Jehovah God that was evident in her conversations as she kept the promise of a paradise in her forefront. We all will rejoice at her resurrection, where she can walk the woods, the beach and mountains, interacting with animals and spending the rest of her life learning about all of Jehovah’s creation both animal and mineral.
Martha is survived by her sons, Norman Ridge of Bellingham, Daniel and wife Tracy Ridge of Lacey, Frank Ridge of Elma; daughter and caregiver, Sarah and her husband Tom Rhoads of Lacey. She also was an integral part of her grandson Josh Ridges’s life. Additional grandchildren are Carissa Hudson, Kali Hudson and their children. She was preceded in death by her sons, Marvin Hudson and Mark Hudson.
There will be a private family gathering. Condolences may be mailed to the Ridge Family at 4417 19th Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
Catherine Nelson
Catherine Nelson, age 88, passed away Dec. 16, 2015, at Country Care in Othello, Wash. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Wash., until her parents, Maude and Floyed Ruggles, moved to Ocosta, Wash., in 1939 where she started the eighth grade. She graduated from Ocosta High School, and always spoke fondly of the friends she made their. In 1945 she attended college in Bellingham for a year then later she moved to Aberdeen, where she worked at Pacific North Bell in 1946.
In October 1947 she married
the love of her life, Chester Nelson, who was a submarine sailor during WWII. Together they had four beautiful children. During most of her life her family moved around a lot, including Grays Harbor and Carson, making lots of friends and meeting wonderful people. She was involved with the VFW, and reack. She enjoyed gardening, painting, and swimming at the YMCA, but most of all she loved spending time with her friends and family. She will be dearly missed.
She was survived by her children: John (Ellen) Nelson of Dayton, Texas, Mike (Bonnie) Nelson of Pasco, Wash., Cathy (Richard) Rydman of Othello, Wash., and her brother, Floyd Ruggles of Ocosta, Wash., she is also survived by numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Chester, and her daughter Sue Nelson, her siblings; Arta Wade, Uncle Bill Wade, and Claudia Poole.
Memorial Contributions are suggested in Catherine’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
A private family gathering with family and friends will be held at a later date.
Michael J. Cooper
Michael John Cooper passed away at the age of 60 on Jan. 12, 2016. Mike resided in Aberdeen, Wash., with his wife, Tami, and passed away after a long battle with cancer at Providence St Peter in Olympia.
He is survived by his wife Tami, his sisters, Rebecca Cooper and Karen Pugh, and his children, Shawn, Jami, Zach and Steven.
Mike was passionately dedicated to his relationship with God and enjoyed teaching those around him about scripture and helping those in need.
His other favorite pastimes were fishing and cooking. He spent many hours enjoying the peacefulness of nature with his coffee in one hand and his fishing pole in the other patiently waiting to “rip that fish’s stinkin’ lips off.” When he caught the big one, he’d make the perfect smoked salmon and partner it with his smoked cheese.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Oscar Roberts
Oscar Roberts, a resident of Raymond, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. He was 81.
He worked as a truck driver and a logger in Raymond. He had owned his own cedar mill and his own gyppo logging company.
There will be a private family gathering later.
Cremation arrangements were by the Coleman Mortuary of Hoquiam.
Merle Moody
Aberdeen resident Merle A. Moody died at his home on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016. He was 66.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.
Jeffrey A. Newton
Aberdeen resident Jeffrey Allen Newton died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 at his home. He was 46.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
