Obituaries

Death Notices

Marie Bishop

Marie Bishop passed away peacefully at 100 years of age at Alpine Way Monday, April 2, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank and son, Ernest.
Marie was born in Seattle, Washington on April 30th, 1917 to Clara (Carlson) and Heywood M. Bilderback. She was the youngest of the three children in the family. She married Frank Bishop, who called her “The Light of My Life,” on July 24, 1936. They had five children. In 2016, Marie and Frank were recognized as the longest married couple in Washington, with just under 80 years.
Marie and Frank met as children when their parents lived across the street from each other in Seattle. She was the greatest mother and had a heart of pure gold. Marie is survived by her daughters Susie and Sara, and sons Ralph and Brett. Family was her pride and joy which is evident by her 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Her favorite activities in life included being an avid reader, volunteering at various schools, traveling all over the world, especially Hawaii during the cold, dark winter months. She was the queen of fitness, walking in the family woods and putting in 10K steps a day at the retirement home up to a month prior to her passing.
Marie has been a resident of Shelton for the past forty years, and is known for her smiles, kind words and generosity. The people of Shelton embraced her as part of their family and were always watching out for her and will sorely miss her presence. We give many thanks to the Alpine Way staff and residents for their love and compassion towards Marie. 


Alan Everett Hall

Alan Everett Hall, 93, of Yuma, AZ passed away on April 1st. He was born in a logging camp to William (Bill) Hall and Esther (Lewis) Hall in Matlock, Washington. Alan was the third of four boys, all of whom are deceased.
Alan was a WWII veteran and served as a medic, with an honorable discharge. He worked 33 years for the Corps of Engineers and retired as Chief of Plant Section in 1979.
In 1952 Alan married Florence (Jean) Griggs, they had 5 children.
In 1977 he married Irene Jones and acquired 4 stepchildren.
Alan is survived by his wife Irene, his four children Kathy, Mark, Curtis, and Clay, Bruce being deceased. His four stepchildren Laura, Cindy, Scott, and Mike. Numerous grandchildren (Kelly and Meghann Hall being deceased), along with numerous great-grandchildren.
Alan loved fast cars, beer and card games. He had a terrific sense of humor, and was an avid hunter. He was outspoken and friendly. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
No memorial is planned, but there will be a potluck picnic for family and friends.


​Philip Emil Chitwood

Philip Emil Chitwood, 81, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. He was born on October 2, 1936 in Madison, WI. His family settled in Oregon in 1947 where after earning varsity letters in three sports in high school he attended Oregon State University (Go Beavers!) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. 
Phil moved to Juneau, Alaska in January, 1959, becoming an Alaskan as Alaska earned statehood. In addition to his successful career both with Alaska’s first Fish & Game division and the US Department of Fisheries he served on the Douglas City Council and as mayor of the City of Douglas. He survived the Juneau/Douglas consolidation and then served on the City & Borough of Juneau Assembly including a year as Deputy Mayor. Phil spent many summer weekends exploring all the glorious coves and bays that SE Alaska has to offer, feeding both body & soul off the bounty of the sea. A true Alaskan, he was hard-working, big-hearted and full of life.
Following his government fisheries career he was recruited by a Seattle based fisheries firm and spent nearly 10 years working in the trawling industry with connections in Russia, Japan and Alaska. For recreation he traded his Alaska boating lifestyle for a set of golf clubs, enjoying the sport itself as well as the many friends he met along the way.
Golf and community were a big part of Phil’s life in retirement. He was an active member of Alderbrook enjoying both the golf itself and the active social, family-like community. His years in charge of salmon BBQs and serving on various committees were the basis of many new friendships and many great stories. He and his adventurous black and orange golf cart were well known among the golf community even having the lake at the 18th green named for him.
Phil, a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Ginny, daughters Phyllis, BarBee, Lin, Karen and Dian; son-in-laws Wayne, Kerry, Vance and Marvin; grandchildren Matt, Jason, Chris, Phil, Sean, Kelsie, Ryan, Aaron, Katie and Pete; and great-grandchildren Ayla, Arianna, Alyssia, Austin, Aiden, Cole, Kendra, Alani and Christian. 
A gathering to celebrate his life and swap stories will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 2pm – 5pm at the clubhouse at Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club, E. 330 Country Club Dr., Union, WA. Please bring stories to share. Arrangements were made by McComb & Wagner (http://www.mccombwagner.com/obituaries/) where there is an online memorial for those unable to share memories in person. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Karen Hilburn Foundation or your favorite charity. 


Ronald (RJ) Johnson


We are having a celebration of life for Ronald (RJ) Johnson. Please join us at the home of his brother Steve Johnson on April 21st at 2:00pm. NE 701 Mission Creek Road, Belfair.
Cecil T. McLain, 89, went to be with the Lord on March 21st, 2018 at The Bend on Hood Canal Adult Family Home in Union, Washington. 
Born to Gus A. and Katie Belle (Harris) McLain in Geary, Oklahoma, June 12th, 1928. Cecil joined the Navy in 1945 where he served as a fireman 1st class. He came to Shelton the fall of 1947, where he met Betty Lemke, they later married in July of 1949. They had three Children. 
Cecil worked as a mill worker, log truck driver, City and County law enforcement officer, Search and Rescue and later in life a long haul truck driver. 
Cecil always had a love for animals, training horses and dogs to do a variety of tricks. He became a pilot after the service and loved to fly. He also trained dogs for law enforcement in the mid to late 60’s. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, clam digging, camping, road trips and just spending time on the water or in the woods. He loved spending time with his family watching it grow from three children to six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. 
He was preceded in death by both parents, brother Jack McLain and sister Iona Lane.  
He is survived by his wife of 68 ½ years: Betty McLain.  Daughter, Karlene (Paul) Fridenmaker of Puyallup.  Son, Bruce McLain and daughter Diane (Jerry) Norwood of Shelton. Grandchildren: Mathew (Cheri) Jacobs, Karissa (Tony) Jacobs, Denton (Kayla) and Kyle Norwood, Tyler (Michael) and Leah McLain. Great-grandchildren: Evanni Roberson, Treson Jacobs, Justin and Jaymison Jacobs, Kaylee and Margaret Norwood. Adopted grandchildren: Frank, James and Nathan Roush, Jeramy and Dale Obremski.  As well as numerous nieces and nephews. 
 A Celebration of Life will be held 11 am on Saturday April 28th, at Bridge Community Church: 500 E North Island Drive, Shelton, WA 98584. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Assured Hospice at 2102 Carriage Drive SW, Suite H, Olympia, WA. 98502. Bridge Community Church or any animal rescue or charity of your choice in his name.



​Tammy (Skagen) Mears

Tammy (Skagen) Mears age 59 passed away at her home in San Diego March 8, 2018 from brain cancer.  She was born April 9, 1958 in Shelton to Roy and Betty Jo Skagen. 
She grew up in Seattle before moving to Washington, DC her senior year in high school.  She graduated in 1981 from Washington State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and started work at Hewlett-Packard in San Diego.  She married Wade Mears in 1987 and together had three daughters.  Tammy was very outgoing and made friends easily.  
Although she retired as a Mechanical Engineer in 1992 to focus on raising her three daughters, she enjoyed tinkering with various invention ideas.  She is survived by her husband, Wade, a brother, Marsh, her father Roy, and step-father Jack Krause, and three daughters, Jessica, Lisa and Julia, and aunt Sybil and cousins Ann, Carol, Dick, Rick, Tom and Jim.   
Tammy always said how much she enjoyed her regular return trips to Shelton over the years always considering it her home town.  A memorial celebration for family and friends to reminisce was recently held in San Diego.
~ In loving memory of Nancy Rae Gustin Peterson  ~         
Nancy was born August 2, 1939 to James Dale and Lillian (Galbraith) Gustin in Okanogan, WA.  She passed away on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 in Shelton, WA with her sisters and children letting her know she is surrounded by love.  She will be missed.
Nancy grew up in the Methow Valley, first in Carlton on her parents’ farm attending grade school in Twisp and Carlton.  Her family moved to East Wenatchee when she was in 6th grade after the death of her father and stayed in this area until she graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1957 and obtained her AA from Wenatchee Valley College in 1959.  She moved to Spokane, WA in 1960 and worked at GMAC as a bookkeeper and retired in 1999 at the Bellevue, WA branch.   
She met her husband, Grant Peterson, soon after moving to Spokane and married in 1961. She took several years off work to be with her husband in Germany during the Vietnam War and stay home with her two babies, Renate Marie Peterson Parker born in 1966 and Dale James Peterson in 1970.  She divorced in 1994 and moved to live near her first grandchild, Anika Peterson Parker, after retiring in 1999 enabling her daughter to return to work by providing care.  She is remembered for her unconditional love and fun activities by all three of her grandchildren, Anika, Derek and Jack Parker.
She was a person who found meaning in helping others in her community.  She has been church secretary, participated in many groups raising funds, making food and collecting materials for others, teaching Sunday School and volunteering at local schools.  One of her favorite times in her life was volunteering at Evergreen Elementary in Shelton, WA with Mrs. Jaime, the art teacher, and working with the wonderful children there.
Her family and friends remember her as a kind, well-spoken and thoughtful person you could depend upon.  A memorial will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on April 21, 2018 at 2:00pm.



George Richert

George Richert, a former “valley boy”, grew up the youngest son of longtime Skokomish Valley residents Ted and Ethel Richert, the original owners of Skokomish Farms. Involved in 4H, track, and basketball.
George graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in 1957. He attended Olympic College in Bremerton, and served eight years in the Army Reserve.
In 1963 George married Darla (Darby) Jeanne Burkart, and together they welcomed daughter Linda Sue in 1965. Sadly, Darby died in 1969. As a young man, George worked with Richert & Sons in heavy construction and enjoyed dirt track car racing in his spare time.
In 1978 he married Theresa (Terri) Smith at the Skokomish Valley family home.
He was involved in import/export, logging and the Town & Country grocery store chain while living in Kirkland, Bainbridge Island and Kingston. He successfully participated in the Professional Poker Tour for several years, enjoyed cruise travel, remodeling homes, road trips in his antique car, and was an avid collector and restorer of Model A Ford automobiles. 
In 2015, George and Terri relocated to Depoe Bay, Oregon to enjoy ocean views, spot whales, and remodel a home to include a 4-car garage for his car collection. Following an extended illness, he died at home on Easter morning with family by his side.
George is survived by wife Terri, daughter Linda Sue (Roy) Evans, grandsons Burk and Caleb Johnston, adopted daughter Peggy (Fred) Knierim, grandchildren Lacey Ewing, Lauren (Phil) Andrews, Cassandra and Michel Knierim, great-grandson Gio Ewing, and brother Roger (Rosemary) Richert. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Richert, and grandson Shawn Michael Johnston. 
He will be sorely missed.


Sarah Spear

Sarah Spear was born to Bernard and Annie Boyle in Ruston, WA and passed away at home in Belfair, WA. Sarah married Forrest Spear on November 18, 1942 in Seattle. They were married 70 years before his passing in 2013. 
She is survived by her children, Thomas Spear and Susan Young, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  A private celebration will be held at a later date with burial in Lone Pine, CA with her husband. Condolences may be left at http://www.tuellmckeebremerton.com.


​Hillis A. Dover

​Hillis A. Dover passed away on April 14, 2018 in Shelton, WA. He was born July 8, 1932 in South Fork, MO to Henry W. Dover and Vera Veronica Dover. 
On August 16, 1952 he married Arletta King.
Hillis was a loving and devoted husband, dad and grandpa, great-grandpa and great-great-grandpa. He worked in the aerospace industry for many years and retired in 1993.
He loved spending time with family, fishing, hunting, camping and watching NASCAR.
He is survived by his wife, Arletta, of 65 years. He has seven children: Rollis and Steven of Shelton, WA, Vera of Rochester, WA, Rita (deceased) of Issaquah, WA, Michael of Enumclaw, WA, Christine of DesMoines, WA and Henry of Richfield, WA, 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
There will be a viewing on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Forest Funeral Home, 313 W. Railroad Ave., Shelton, WA.


Rosalee Anderson

The Anderson-Whitson Family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation to the Shelton Eagles and Women’s Auxiliary. We are quite blessed to have so many friends to support us during this time of grief.
Thank you to all who brought food, cards, gifts and helped with setup/cleanup for the memorial. 
Rosie would have been overwhelmed by all the support and love her family has received. Special thanks to Joe O’Connor for delivering a heartfelt eulogy, all the longtime Manson friends, Franjo Beach neighbors, and Shelton folks who attended and offered love and support.
Once again thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we will forever be grateful.
Fred and Jodi

Genell Denene Reed, 68, a resident of Elma, died April 12, 2018, in Olympia. A celebration of life will be held June 2 and 2 p.m. at the Lake Arrowhead Community Clubhouse. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Novela Berenice (Bee) Root, a resident of Belfair, died February 20, 2018, in Samara, Costa Rica. A service will be held May 17 at 11 a.m. at Manette Community Church. Arrangements are by Miller Woodlawn.


Robert Stuart Reed, 65, a resident of Hoodsport, died April 13, 2018, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Jean M. Brannin, 97, a resident of Olympia, died April 14, 2018, in Olympia. Arrangements are by Woodlawn Funeral Home - Lacey.


Marilyn Hanset Earsley, 90, a resident of Hoodsport, died April 13, 2018, at home. A service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.


Charles Earl Davidson, 75, a resident of Elma, died April 15, 2018, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Esther Lucile Stafford, 91, a resident of Lacey, died April 14, 2018, at home. Arrangements are by Woodlawn Funeral Home - Lacey.