Search Archived Marriage Records
Milhacea, Bob
Thursday, 20 Apr 2006 Islands Sounder Eastsound, WA
It is always difficult to verbally express oneself after the passing of a loved one; however, if we are to remain true to ourselves, I feel it's imperative to convey to others how we honestly feel inside and allow our innermost feelings to come out. It's what makes us who we are. We men have a tendency to hold back our feelings at times in an attempt to show strength. But by being compassionate to others in need, it not only makes us stronger, it builds character, and the very fiber of our morality.
I was deeply touched by a photo of Bob taken shortly before his passing, head in hands, being embraced by his father. Both were obviously in a state of despair, and yet I could see how their love transcended the hopelessness. It was both sad as well as beautiful, not to mention heart-wrenching. There was also a photo of Bob with his new-born daughter. And although it was the most difficult time of his life, I could see the joy in his eyes knowing that God's own grace had blessed him and his entire family, Darby and her entire family, and all of us that were fortunate enough to have known and loved him as well.
In closing, I would like to submit this poem I wrote a few years ago which is simply my realization that the trials and tribulations we experience in life somehow seem to melt away with the birth of a child. It's entitled "A Look Inside."
As I gazed through the window of my soul, the image of a stranger stood alone in the distance. She comes to me when I'm lonely. I know her but I can't see her face anymore. I reach for her hand but it isn't there. Fading dreams of a life that could have been. Missing pages in the chapter of a lifetime, like splinters from a tall ship, scattered on vacant beaches in a sea of despair. What once had flourished reduced to just a memory. And yet a single seed of desire will sprout a new generation of hope for the uncertain future of all.
Farewell Bob, and may God be with you, my friend.
Moffitt, Donald Roy
Monday, 10 Apr 2006 Islands Sounder Eastsound, WA
Donald Roy Moffitt, 85, of Lopez Island, was born in Hersey Township, Michigan on April 30, 1920. He died in Friday Harbor April 10, 2006 while in the Island Convalescent Center.
Donald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ernestine “Ernie, ” of Lopez; daughter, Cindy Moffitt, of Lopez; three sons and daughters-in-law, Bert and Karla Moffitt, of Newberg, Ore., Glen Moffitt, of Lake Stevens, and Colin and Kathy Jenkins, of Friday Harbor.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2006 at Center Church on Lopez, with a reception immediately following at the Lopez Grange. Private family interment will be held at Lopez Union cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Lopez Hospice, Lopez EMTs, or the Lutheran Church in the San Juans. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes and San Juan Islands.
Magnuson, Mabel Isabel Nichols "Nickee"
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2007 Islands Sounder Eastsound, WA
Mabel Isabel Nichols “Nickee” Magnuson of Bellingham, Wash. was called home to her Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007. She had been a resident of St. Francis Extended Care in Bellingham for the last seven years. She was 85, born in Barnard, VT, on May 23, 1921, to Hattie (Harlow) and Clarence W. Nichols. Her Harlow family roots can be traced back to the Mayflower.
She graduated from Oliver Ames High School in Brockton, Mass. in 1938. Nickee received her LPN from Booth Memorial Hospital in Boston, Mass.
She worked there and at the Poly Clinic Hospital in New York City until her marriage to Alton Magnuson in 1952. She and Al moved to Bellingham in 1957. Rather than continue in nursing, she worked alongside her husband as they established several newspapers. In 1964, they began the paper that turned into “The Islands’ Sounder.”
They moved to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands in 1974. Nickee was very well known for her work behind the scenes, as bookkeeper, head typesetter, and mail room worker. She often added long columns of figures in her head to check the accuracy of the adding machine. They sold the paper in 1985, and began the “Mt. Baker Experience” and the “Foothills Experience” newspapers in 1987, which they sold in 1999.
Nickee was a woman who served God from her early youth. She learned to play the trumpet as a teenager so she could play in the Salvation Army Band, and later played piano and sang in many choirs. While they lived on Orcas Island, she was active in the Orcas Island Community Church. Until her illness, she was an active member of the Northside Alliance Church. Her sincere love of God shone through much of what she did. She was a true woman of valor (Proverbs 31), and is extolled by her family for her loving spirit.
Nickee was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Magnuson, in September of 2002. She is survived by her sons, Earl (Deborah) Magnuson and Joseph Magnuson; 3 granddaughters: Christine, Sara and Hannah; great-grandson Michael; brothers: Earl (Beth) Nichols, Paul Nichols, and Russell (Patricia) Nichols; sisters: Ruth Ball, and Priscilla (Bart) Wheeler; and many nieces and nephews. The family especially wishes to thank the staff of St. Francis Extended Care Center for their wonderful care over the years.
COOPER, DAVID
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2007 Islands Sounder Eastsound, WA Photo of COOPER, DAVID
David Grant Porter Cooper, 17, of Chattanooga, TN, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007. He was a former resident of Orcas.
David was a sophomore at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. Prior to McCallie, he attended the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX. He also attended Orcas Christian School and Orcas Island High School. He attended primary school in Orinda, CA.
David was a kind and thoughtful young man whose gentle spirit touched all who knew him. A gifted artist, he aspired to one day become an architect. He was also a focused competitor who participated on the McCallie crew and wrestling teams and was also an Eagle Scout. While a resident of Orcas, David participated for three years in Destination ImagiNation, an international problem-solving competition, and helped take his team twice to the World Finals.
Survivors include his parents, Diane Odom Cooper and Michael Edward Cooper; his twin brother, Reid; older brother, Chase; younger sister, Brett; and beloved dog, Daisy. He was preceded in death by his father, Don Edward Porter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of David Cooper to The McCallie School, 500 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404.
BOYER, DORIS ALBERTA DEPUE
Friday, 09 Feb 2007 Islands Sounder Eastsound, WA Photo of BOYER, DORIS ALBERTA DEPUE
Born in East Helena Montana, to John Burton DePue and Madora Florinda Burns DePue, Doris was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Lucile Willis; her daughter, Ellen Boyer Keller and Son-in-Law Gordon Keller; her niece, Mary Fox; her son-in-law Pat Collison (Julie); and her great nephew Erik Lundquist. She is survived by her son, James Burton Boyer (Patsy), 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and wonderful nieces and nephews.
Doris grew up traveling the country during the "roaring twenties" with her father who was a traveling insurance salesman. She lived in Chicago during the days of prohibition and gangster shootouts. One of her favorite stories was how as a very young child, she and her family happened to be seated next to Buffalo Bill Cody on a train. He had long hair pinned up with bobbie pins that fascinated Doris so much, she began to pull out the bobbie pins. Her mother was horrified, but Bill was gracious and laughed it off.
Doris first came to Orcas in the early 30's to visit her sister Lucile who had married
a homesteader by the name of Culver Willis and settled in the Obstruction Pass area. Doris fell in love with the island and soon met, fell in love with, and married
an island man, Harold Boyer. They had two children, Ellen and Jim. When Ellen was a teenager and Jim a young boy, Harold moved away to California. Doris and the children followed. But Doris had fallen in love with Orcas and moved back without Harold. She enjoyed the quiet island life, and had traveled so much with her parents that she wanted to stay put. She raised her children as a single mother, selling Fuller Brush products door to door, and never remarried
.
Doris was a strong, intelligent woman with a good sense of humor and a lot of practical advice. She took care of her home in Olga, maintaining it on her own. Behind the house is an apple tree that's been there for at least 60 years. She made many wonderful pies and applesauce with the apples, plus shared them with friends who made great tasting apple cider. She was an artist and enjoyed painting the beautiful scenery she had come to love on the Island. She was a spiritual being, an avid listener of Paul Harvey and talk radio. She also enjoyed reading, baking bread and garage sales.
There will be a graveside service for Doris this Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m., with a potluck reception following at the Olga Community Club. Please come out to say good bye to one of the Island's Old Timers!
Written by her granddaughter, Julie Collison
Caroline Carol Rangel
1950-2009
Carolina “Carol” Rangel, 58, of Moses Lake, formerly of Othello, died Wednesday, March 18, 2009, in Othello, with her family and friends by her side.
Carol was born on June 23, 1950, in Charleston, Iowa, to Florentino and Juanita Estraca Rodriquez. She was raised in Texas and settled in Washington state in 1964.
She married
John Rangel on May 14, 1966, settling in Othello in 1977.
After all five children were in school, she started to work for the Washington State Migrant Council in Othello, a job she held for 21 years. During these years as a preschool teacher, Carol touched the hearts of many students and their parents. She completed her associate’s degree in early childhood education and retired in 2001 to spend quality time with her family and friends.
Carol’s passion was her family. Everything evolved around them, but she also loved traveling with her husband John, music, dancing, crafts and cooking.
Carol was preceded in death by her father Florentino; a brother Jesus; three sisters Celia, Hermania and Maria Guadalupe; a brother Joe Rene; and a grandson David Robert.
She is survived by her mother Juanita Rodriquez, of Moses Lake; her husband John, of Moses Lake; her sons John Jr. (Christine), of Moses Lake, Larry (Yvette), of Pasco, Joe, of Othello, and David (Jessica), of Moses Lake; her daughter Angel Marie (David) Acosta, of Warden; three brothers Domingo and Jessi Rodriquez, both of Moses Lake, and Luke “Rudy” Madeline, of Florida; a sister Josephine R. Stevens, of Ephrata; 16 grandchildren John Ray, Jessica Lynn, Joey, Jasmine, Christopher, Vincent, Jenifer, Justyne, Lexa, Elena, Kyrie, Alex, Brianne, Celeste, David Jr. and Brenna; three great-grandchildren Valerie, Valck and Julian; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carol will be remembered for her smile, kind heart, love of life and her great cooking.
A time for final visitation was held at Stevens Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 23. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 24. Interment followed at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens.
Ismael “Junior” Garcia
1990-2009
Ismael Garcia, also known as “Junior, ” passed away March 18, 2009, in Othello. He was born on Feb. 22, 1990, in Greeley, Colo., to Ramona E. Martinez and Ismael Garcia. At the age of 10, he moved to Othello from Colorado.
He loved to play basketball, listen to music and hang out with family and friends. Ismael was known as a quiet person and really laid back. We love and miss you. You are gone but never forgotten.
Ismael was preceded in death by his sister Vicenta Cruz Garcia. He leaves behind his mother Ramona Martinez, father Ismael Garcia, sister Monica Martinez, brother Enest Martinez, nine nieces and nephews, girlfriend Adelly Gonzalez (known as “Nene”) and his unborn child.
A final viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, March 26, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Queen Of All Saints Catholic Church, Warden. On Friday, March 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Othello, a viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10. Concluding services and burial will follow at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens, Othello.
Please leave a note for the family and view the obituary at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com
Ismael’s family asked Carver Family Funeral Home, Othello, to care for the arrangements.
Dorothy Ruth Olmstead McLean Schaffer
Dorothy Ruth Olmstead McLean Schaffer, 71, passed away at Columbia Crest Care and Rehabilitation of Moses Lake. She went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday morning, March 20, 2009.
Dorothy was born in Black Duck, Minn., to Charles Victor Olmstead and Olive Geneva Wentworth Olmstead.
When she was 2-1/2 years old, she was sent to be raised by her brother after her parents were deceased. She was raised by Carl and Rose Smith.
She grew up and graduated high school in Missoula, Mont.
She met her husband in high school and married
, as expected in those days, right after high school on June 15, 1955.
She moved to Othello to start a new life and raised five children.
She was injured in a car accident in 1968, then divorced in 1970.
She had the fortitude to raise her five children and graduate from Big Bend Community College with highest honors.
While in treatment in Spokane, she met the love of her life Calvin Schaffer. They were married
on May 27, 1978, at the Othello Church of the Nazarene.
Dorothy worked as an instructor at Big Bend Community College for 32 years.
She spent her retirement years being heavily involved in many activities and services at the Othello Church of the Nazarene.
She was a strong lady, having battled health problems for many years, and was looking forward to the new glorious body God promised.
Dorothy’s highest priority was her family and as she stated in her will “I love you ALL BEST.”
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Calvin Schaffer.
She is survived by four brothers Victor (Norma) Smith, David (Joyce) Smith, Sydney (Micheal Jean) Smith and Micheal (Sheila) Smith; two sisters Mariann Zweingman and Carla (Harold) Sites; her five children Bill (Valerie) McLean, of Othello, Stan (Wendi) McLean, of Newman Lake, Robin (J) Maxwell, of Newman Lake, Deborah (Howard) Davis, of Kennewick, and Joni (Terry) Cox, of Roanoke, Va.; Calvin’s son Mike (Robin) Schaffer; 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 28, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Othello Church of the Nazarene.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that any donations you wish to give be made to Dorothy’s favorite cause, the Othello Church of the Nazarene building fund.
Ronald William “Ron” Olson
1943-2009
Ronald William “Ron” Olson, 65, of Othello, died unexpectedly Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Leavenworth with his wife and friends by his side.
Ron was born on June 10, 1943, in Seattle to George and Beulah Overturf Olson. He graduated from high school in Kelso.
After high school, he joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Ranger in Vietnam. Upon his discharge, he moved to Coos Bay, Ore., then back to the Longview-Kelso area where he worked as a mechanic for International Paper and then Kalama Chemical. There, he met Frances “Frankie” Jabusch Robinson, fell in love and entered into marriage on Dec. 22, 1972.
In 1985, Ron moved to Othello where he opened “Ron’s Repair, ” an automobile shop he operated until 1994. After leaving the shop, he worked for Western States Caterpillar until 1997. He then operated a mechanic shop at Othello Auto Wrecking until 2001. During the past year, he spent many happy days stocking shelves and swapping stories with numerous friends at Car Quest.
Ron loved cars all his life. As a younger man, he raced his 1964 Chevelle “Baby” at the Portland International Raceway. He rebuilt Baby numerous times and nurtured her along until his death. He was a charter member of the Othello All City Classics Car Club and one of the initiators of the Othello Spud Run Car Show. He was a lifetime member of the ASA Umpire Association and umpired and coached women’s softball in the Basin for many years. He and his wife Frankie co-authored a book on women’s softball.
Ron lost Frankie on March 21, 1989.
He was active in the Othello Church of the Nazarene, where to this day “Ron’s Chair” is designated at the church. His friendship with Cheryl Neskey Case deepened into an undying love. They married
on Feb. 12, 1993.
Ron was a cancer survivor and became active in the initial “Heart of the Basin Relay for Life” serving as Mr. Relay for the “Folks with Spokes” team. Ron was introduced to Sudoku and from that moment on was hooked on the number game, playing it whenever he was able.
He will be remembered for his quick smile, his giving and helping heart and his smart aleck come backs.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother, his wife Frankie, his brother-in-law Lyle and three grandchildren Sean, Ryan and Joshalyn. He is survived by his father George, of Kelso; his wife Cheryl, of Othello; his daughter Anna Marie (James) Hash, of Moses Lake; and step-children Lori Ann (Danny) Nelson, of Ridgefield, Gordon “Scott” (Sherry) Robinson, of Moses Lake, Kristi Lynn (Andy) Bateman, of Moses Lake, and Kelly Kristine (Fuli) Chavez, of Nampa, Idaho; his four adopted children Laura (Ron) Gressett, Rose (Steve) Younker, Troy Olson and Rick Olson; a sister Juanita “Nita” Stephenson, of Longview; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Ron’s life was held at the Othello Church of the Nazarene on Friday, March 20. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society “Relay for Life.”
Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Chapel.
Robert J. Matter, 1959 – 2009
Robert J. Matter passed to eternal life on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, with his loving partner and best friend Gwen Diamond by his side.
Robert was born near Pittsburgh, Pa., June 26, 1959, to Gottfried and Johnetta Hilmes Matter.
He moved to California in 1978 where he lived for a short time and then settled in Moses Lake.
