Obituaries

Death Notices

Robert Russell “Bob” VonBargen

Robert Russell “Bob” VonBargen, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria. They were married for 41 years, although Bob said it was longer. Sister Joyce Engstrom, brothers Clifford and Clayton Nelson, sons Bobby, Gabe and Rob.
Robert worked at Shelton Land and Homes, Olympic Wholesale (Olympia) and as a lumber broker. He loved socializing, playing shuffleboard and riding a motorcycle. Robert was in the U.S. Navy and served four tours in Vietnam in the 1960s.
He passed away peacefully in Arizona where he and Gloria spent the winter months.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.


Becky Ann (Funkenbusch) Rogers

Becky Ann (Funkenbusch) Rogers, age 64, and a resident of Shelton for 46 years, passed away at her home in Agate, due to complications of a brain tumor on March 2, 2019. She was born to Shirley and Earl Funkenbusch on March 15, 1955 in Tacoma. She married John Rogers on August 10, 1973 in Puyallup, WA. 
Becky was a nurse’s assistant at Fir Lane Nursing Home, and then became a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed quilting, cross stitch, canning, sewing and horse-back riding.
She is survived by her husband John Sr., son John Jr., daughter Jody Rogers; sister, Molly Gabriel, brother John Funkenbusch; grandchildren, Noland and Victoria Rogers; lots of nieces and nephews and friends, too many to mention.
“The winds are beneath her wings in peace and comfort now!” 
The family is planning a celebration of Becky Ann’s life at a later date.


Glenn Howard Sowers

Glenn Howard Sowers, age 94, passed away in his sleep of natural causes, on Monday, March 11, 2019, at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born to Curtis and Marie (VonBargen) Sowers April 4, 1924.
Glenn was a World War II Veteran. He served as Private First Class in the US Army, 290th Infantry from 1944-1946. He married Joan S. (Fisk) Sowers July of 1949 in Shelton. Glenn worked for Pacific NW Bell for 40 years. 
Glenn enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life. He was a private pilot with the Shelton Flying Club. Glenn was also a member of Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge, he enjoyed coaching Little League, gardening and spending time with family.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Joan S. (Fisk) Sowers, his parents, three brothers and three sisters. Glenn is survived by daughters Kimali A. (Sowers) Goudge, Ellensberg, WA., and Shawn Ms. (Sowers) Mickle, Richland, WA., a son, Brek A. Sowers of Grapeview, WA., four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Glenn lived a full, rich life. He was a loving son, brother, brave soldier, dedicated husband, wonderful father and loyal friend. To us, the greatest man we have ever known.
Private services will be held at a later date. 


Joe B. Lewis, Sr.

Joe B. Lewis, Sr., 92, a 60-year resident of Shelton, passed away from natural causes at home Wednesday, March 13. He was born June 7, 1926 in Raymond, WA to Miller Lewis and Iva (Williams) Lewis.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941-1943 as a Seaman Second Class during WWII. He married Carol (June) Lewis on August 15, 1964 in Shelton. She preceded him in death.
Joe worked as a chip and barge tender for Simpson Lumber through retirement.
He loved to pick ferns and brush so his kids could have a good Christmas. He loved his radio controlled airplanes. He flew with the RC Flyers of Shelton.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Christina Smith of Shelton; son, Joe Lewis Jr. of Shelton; son, Jerel Lewis of Shelton; daughter, Joanne Swantak of Shelton; step-son, John Carlson of Shelton; step-son, Jack Carlson of Shelton; daughter, Toni Cline of Virginia; son, Lionel Lewis of Oregon, many grandkids and great-grandkids.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Transit-Community Center meeting room, March 23, 2019 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, on the Safeway side of the building. There will be balloons by the entrance of the room. 


Kris (Grimm) Bolender

Kris (Grimm) Bolender, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed on peacefully, surrounded by her family on March 15, 2019. Kris was born on October 14, 1952 in Oakland, California to Richard and Elaine Grimm. She graduated from Corvina High School in 1970, the University of California, Davis, in 1974 and earned her teaching certificate from the University of Laverne in 1979. She taught at Hood Canal School for over 25 years.
On July 11, 1981, Chris married the love of her life, Dan Bolender, with whom she shared 38 years of adventure. She is survived by her husband, Dan; a son, Tyler Bolender; a daughter, Katie Forsman; two grandchildren, Elliot and Finn; and her mother, Elaine Grimm.
A celebration of Kris’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at their home, 2091 W. Deegan Rd. West, Shelton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hood Canal School Library, as Kris had a passion for books, reading to her children and grandchildren at every opportunity, and helping her many students at Hood Canal School discover the joy of reading.

Adeline Lucille VanDusen, 101, a resident of Lacey, died March 14, 2019, in Olympia. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.


Bonita “Bonnie” Williams, 88, a resident of Shelton, died March 11, 2019, in Olympia. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Vincent Curtis Gulley, 54, a resident of Pacific, died March 12, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.


Mary McCarty, 98, a resident of Spanaway, died March 9, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.


Christena Lynne Simpson, 67, a resident of Shelton, died March 12, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.


Shirley Ann Allen, 85, a resident of Lilliwaup, died March 11, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.


Wayne Nelson Stoker, 81, a resident of Lacey, died March 13, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Jean L. Deibell, 93, a resident of Shelton, died March 12, 2019, in Olympia. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Sidney Jean Reed, 84, a resident of Shelton, died March 11, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


James Ulery, 89, a resident of Olympia, died March 9, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Homes & Cemetery.
Shirley Jean Johnson, 74, a resident of Gig Harbor, died March 14, 2019, in Gig Harbor. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Sandra Lynn Lucas, 72, a resident of Aberdeen, died March 16, 2019, in Aberdeen. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Paul William Axtmann, 57, a resident of Hoodsport, died March 15, 2019, at home. A service will be held March 23 at 1 p.m. at the Holiday Beach Club House, 26100 U.S. 101 North in Hoodsport. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Joan Jordan, 81, a resident of Shelton, died March 14, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Demetria M. Shew, 69, a resident of Shelton, died March 18, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Marjorie Ann Roberts, 80, a resident of Shelton, died March 17, 2019, in Shelton. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Ronald Lee Hoskins, 67, a resident of Centralia, died March 10, 2019, at home. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.


Eugene G. Garloff, 82, a resident of Shelton, died March 4, 2019, in Seattle. Arrangements are by McComb & Wagner Family Funeral Home and Crematory.