Whatcom County Obituaries
Surnames Beginning with "Ra-Rh"
RADCLIFFE, Ray (d. 1899)
Wednesday afternoon at about 4:30 o'clock a sad case of drowning occurred in this city, which has thrown a gloom over the entire community. Ray Radcliffe, a lad of about 16 years, who had been employed by the Messrs. Seely Bros., grocers, for the past year and a half, met his death by being thrown from his wheel on the Cain wharf, while engaged in delivering goods. It is surmised that the young man struck a projecting plank, which the load he was carrying hid from his view, precipitating him into the water. Every effort was made by those who were near the scene of the unfortunate mishap to rescue him, but before he could be reached life was extinct. Ray was an exemplary young man, who was endeared and admired by all with whom he came in contact, and his late employers have aught but praise in his behalf. Unassuming, accommodating and at all time willing to accommodate and oblige, he was a favorite with all. He was an only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Radcliffe, who reside on Harrison avenue. Though young in years, he possessed many of the traits which make men which the world is better for having in its midst. His life was one of bright promise, and his untimely taking away will be long remembered. The funeral services were conducted from the Baptist church at 10 o'clock this morning, Rev. W. E. Dawson of the Congregational church officiating. To the parents in this their hour of keen bereavement the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out.
(From The Blaine Journal, May 26, 1899) Submitted by site coordinator.RADEL, Mary (d. 1929)
RADEMACHER, John H. (d. 1933)
John Henry Rademacher, aged 68 years, beloved husband of Mrs. Emma Radtmacher (sic), passed away at the family home, 2409 Ellis street, Sunday morning, March 26, after an illness of about two years. Mr. Rademacher was a member of the First Evangelical church and had resided in this city for the past twenty-eight years. Surviving relatives besides his widow are four daughters, Miss Meta Rademacher, city, Mrs. Pauline Knight, Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Esther Alsop, Pacific Grove, Cal., and Mrs. Lenora Green, city; one son, Rev. W. F. Rademacher, pastor of the Evangelical church at Albany, Ore.; two brothers and one sister residing in Iowa, and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the First Evangelical church Wednesday afternoon, March 29, at 2 o'clock, with Rev. W. F. Rademacher officiating, assisted by Rev. R. E. Plowman. Interment will be made in the family plot in Greenacres Memorial park under the direction of Homer Mark. (From The Bellingham Herald) Submitted by site coordinator.
RADONSKI, Charles E. (d. 1934)
Funeral services for Charles E. Radonski, aged 15 months, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Radonski of Clipper, who passed away Monday, December 31, will be held from the Monroe Chapel, Ferndale, Wednesday, January 2, at 2 p.m. with Rev. George James officiating and interment will be made at the Enterprise Cemetery. Besides his parents he leaves to survive him, three brothers, Duane, Gerald, Robert and one sister, Dolores, all at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Howey, of Custer, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Radonski, of Clipper.
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 1, 1935) Submitted by site coordinator.RADONSKI, Eva (d. 1917)
RADONSKI, Leo (d. 1926)
RADONSKI, Mary (d. 1922)
RAE, Charles J. (d. 1921)
Charles J. Rae, a pioneer resident of Bellingham, passed away at Lovelock, Nev., on May 24. Mr. Rae, in the early days, was for many years a resident of Fairhaven. He was one of the first members of the Fairhaven hook and ladder company. He left Bellingham, going to Alaska, later settling in Nevada. Besides his wife, Mrs. Emma Rae, who accompanied his remains to Bellingham from Nevada today, he is survived by two sisters and three brothers, Michael Rae, of Bellingham; Jack Rae, Seattle; James Rae, of Slocan, B. C.; Mrs. James McLeod, residing in Nevada, and one sister in Scotland. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 31, at 2:30 o'clock p. m. from the service parlors of Harry O. Bingham, 120-122 Prospect street. The Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which Mr. Rae was a member, will have full charge, and will be according to the ritualistic burial service of the order. Interment will be made in the family plot in Bay View cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 30, 1921) Submitted by site coordinator.RAIRDON, Lorenzo D. (d. 1935)
Lorenzo Rairdon, aged 91 passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Fox, 2526 Moore Street, Friday, February 8. Mr. Rairdon had been a resident of this city for the past twenty-two years and was a member of the G. A. R. in the East, having served in the Twenty-eight [Kentucky] Regiment, Company B Volunteer Infantry during the entire four years of the Civil War. Surviving relatives are seven sons, Charles F., Madison Lake, Minn.; William A., Tacoma; Thomas J., Inglewood, Cal.; Louis R. and Archie A., Bellingham; Edward E., Morton, Wash., and Ernest L., Pensacola, Fla.; three daughters, Mrs. Anna Fox, Bellingham, Mrs. Alice Church, Georgetown, Cal, and Mrs. Maud Frits, Friday Harbor, Wash.; also nine grand and two great-grandchildren. The remains are at the Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home, funeral announcements to be made later.
(From The Bellingham Herald, February 8, 1935) Submitted by site coordinator.RAMSAY, Agnes (d. 1924)
Mrs. Agnes Ramsay, one of the earliest settlers of Whatcom County, died Wednesday at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Julius A. Shields. She was 81 years of age, having been born in Scotland. She came to the county in 1872. Besides Mrs. Shields, Mrs. Ramsay is survived by three other daughters, Miss Elizabeth Ramsay, Warm Springs, Oregon, Mrs. Agnes Slater, Bellingham and Mrs. Frank Pepper, Parkland, Wash., thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Congregational church. The Rev. E. H. Gelvin of Bellingham, and Rev. A. F. Palmer will have charge of the service. George Monroe will have charge of the interment at the Woodlawn cemetery.
(From The Ferndale Record, October 16, 1924) Submitted by site coordinator.RAMSDELL, George L. (d. 1905)
Mr. George L. Ramsdell died last Thursday, June 8, 1905, at St. Joseph's hospital in Bellingham where he had been taken for treatment after a serious fall he had had from his new building the week before. The funeral service was held from the Mission Church in this city Saturday afternoon at two o'clock and was conducted by the Rev. Mrs. Pearl Storrey, assisted by the members of the Lynch G. A. R. Interment was made in the cemetery west of town and W. H. Mock of Bellingham had charge of the ceremonies there.
Mr. Ramsdell was a son of Caroline and Mirus Ramsdell and was born in Orleans, Vermont, on the tenth of September, 1841, being sixty-three years, nine months and two days old at his death. He was a veteran of the Civil war, belonging to Company B, 125th regiment of Wisconsin Infantry. He has been a resident of this place for the past seventeen years. A widow, four sons and one daughter are left to mourn his loss. His son John, who has been living at San Jose, Cal., and his son Dell of Bellingham, his daughter, Mrs. A. L. Berg and Mrs. Ramsdell were with him at the time of his death. His son Orrin did not arrive from Akely, Minn., until a couple of hours after his death, and the other son, Ed, of Chilliwack, B. C., was not present at the last hour. After Mr. Ramsdell was hurt he was given the best of care and operations were performed but they were of no avail. He was injured internally and could not get relief. The many friends of the family sympathize with them in their bereavement.
(From The Pacific Pilot, June 15, 1905) Submitted by site coordinator.RANDALL, Norton (d. 1912)
Norton Randall, aged 74 years, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital Sunday evening, May 19, at 7 o'clock, death being due to pneumonia. Mr. Randall was a well known resident of Whatcom County, coming here from Millbank, South Dakota, ten years ago, when he took up his residence on one of the best improved farms in the county, in what is known as the North Bellingham district, just north of the city. Mr. Randall was born in Thompson, Conn., the 7th of May, 1838, and his early life was spent in the State of New Jersey, where he followed the profession of school teaching. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted as a sergeant in Company D, Eighteenth regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He was taken prisoner and confined in the Andersonville and Danville prisons for a period of seven months.
Mr. Randall was a widower, his wife having passed away six years ago. He is survived by an only child, Mrs. W. H. Kaufman, wife of the county assessor, and five grandchildren, who reside on a farm adjoining that of Mr. Randall. Funeral services will be conducted at Mr. Randall's late home, one-half mile west of the county farm, Thursday forenoon, at 10 o'clock. The Rev. G. T. Holcombe, pastor of the Ferndale Congregational Church, will be the officiating minister, Mr. Randall being a member of that denomination, and a deacon of the North Bellingham Church. Interment is to be made in Woodlawn cemetery under the direction of Mock & Hill, the local funeral directors.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 21, 1912) Submitted by site coordinator.RANDALL, Venoni F. (d. 1923)
Venoni Franklin Randall, an honored resident of the Lynden district since 1898, passed away at his home shortly after three o’clock this morning. He had not been well for more than a year. His death came as a shock to his family as he had been up and around only shortly before. On Mar. 4, with Mrs. Randall, he celebrated his sixtieth wedding anniversary, an occasion for a happy family gathering. Mr. Randall was born at Lenox, Madison County, New York, on May 11, 1839. He went to Michigan and was married on March 4, 1863, in Jackson Co., to Miss Nettie C. Crego. He moved with his family to Lynden in 1898. He enlisted for service during the Civil War with Company D, First Michigan Infantry, and was a member of the Lynden Post of the G. A. R. He joined the Masonic Lodge Aug. 30, 1864, and was very active in fraternal circles. Besides his widow, he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. S. S. Goodrich of Junction City, Oregon, and Mrs. A. E. Baldwin of Lynden; five grandchildren, Mrs. C. R. Axling and Myron Baldwin of Lynden, Earl Goodrich of Port Angeles, and Vernon and Sherman Goodrich of Junction City, Ore.; and six great-grandchildren. Clifton and Glenn Axling and Una Ione Baldwin of Lynden, Dorothy and Darleen Goodrich of Port Angeles, and Helen Hanby of Junction City, Oregon. Members of the Lynden Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star Chapter will attend the services tomorrow in a body.
(From The Lynden Tribune, March 22, 1923) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.RANDOLPH, J. H. (d. 1908)
MAPLE FALLS MAN DIES AS COUNTY CHARGE Shortly after being brought to St. Luke's hospital from Maple Falls last night, J. H. Randolph, colored, of that place, passed away from an attack of heart disease. Randolph has lived about Maple Falls for some years past and was a quaint character among the lumbermen and miners. He earned a rather precarious living by doing odd jobs at odd times and managed to keep himself in clothing and to get three meals a day. A few months ago his health began to fail and he was no longer able to perform the chores that won for him his sustenance. He gradually grew weaker and weaker, and finally was forced to spend most of his time indoors. Yesterday he was persuaded to come to Bellingham for treatment and the trip proved too much for him. He had been in the hospital only a short time when he was seized with one of his frequent attacks of heart trouble and soon passed away. Little is known of the man's relative, and so far as known he has not friends except those about Maple Falls. He will be buried at the county's expense. He is the second county charge who died last night, old Bill Pollard passing away earlier in the evening.
Funeral service for the late J. H. Randolph, who died at St. Luke's hospital, was held this afternoon at Mulsby's (sic) funeral chapel in the Irving block, Rev. W. H. Brant officiating. Interment took place in Bay View cemetery. Many kind friends of the deceased financially aided in the funeral expense.
(From The Bellingham Herald, June 9 & 10, 1908) Submitted by site coordinator.RAPER, George H. (d. 1921)
GEORGE RAPER KILLEDGeorge H. Raper, aged 29, formerly a stage driver, dies in the local hospital yesterday afternoon from injuries received when he leaped from a runaway milk truck and was caught under a wheel. The accident occurred near Raper's home on the Northeast Diagonal road at what is know as the "Y" turn, about eight miles our from town. The brakes on the truck, it is said, failed to hold on the hill and the heavy machine backed down the hill. The driver, C. J. Nichols, of R. F. D. No., 4, J. C. Perry, George Carpenter, Chester Baer and Mr. Bridges, brother-in-law of Raper, leaped to safety. Raper also jumped but fell in the path of a front wheel. His weight stopped the runaway truck, but he was badly crushed and died a short time after he was brought to the city. Raper and his brother-in-law, it is said, were on their way to Bellingham and were invited to ride on the truck, Raper is survived by his widow, a 4-year old child, his mother, two brothers and one sister, The funeral announcements will be made by Arthur C. Harlow.
Former Stage Driver Is Crushed Under TruckRAPER--George Haynes Raper, aged 29 years, passed away at a local hospital yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident. Mr. Raper was born at Rome, Wash., and has lived all his life in the county. He is survived by his widow Mrs. Ida May Raper; one son Cecil Erwin: one sister, Mrs, Adna B. Bean, of Bellingham; one brother, John Morton Raper, of The Dalles, Ore., Mr Raper was at the time of his death a member of the Rome grange No. 226. Funeral announcements will be made by Arthur C. Harlow at a Later date.
Raper-- Funeral services for George Haynes Raper, who died of injured received in an automobile accident Saturday, December 12, will be conducted at Arthur C. Harlow's chapel, 1055 Elk Street, Thursday, December 15, at 1 o'clock, the Rev, W. F. Reagor officiating. Internment will take place in the family plot at Bay View cemetery
Submitted by Myrna Raper PetersRAPER, James M. (d. 1914)
James M. Raper dies at Los Angeles
(Special to the Herald) Rome, Wash. Feb 3, 1914. -- Recent dispatches from Los Angeles, Cal., announce the death of James M. Raper, of this place, Mr. Raper had been failing in health for the past year and was taken to California in November in the hope that the climate might prove beneficial. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years as a member of the Seventeenth Indiana volunteers, Company K, of Wilder's brigade, He was 69 years old at the time of his death, having been born in Wayne Co., Indiana in 1845. He leaves, besides his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Edna Bean, of Van Wyck Township, this county and three sons, Rollie, Morton and George; also one brother John W. Raper, of Richmond, Ind. Mr. Raper came to Whatcom county in 1883, when Washington was a territory, and took up a soldier's homestead in the thick forest ten miles from what was then the town of Whatcom. There being no roads, all his supplies had to be carried the entire distance through a trail. The family still resides on the homestead.
(Bellingham Herald) Submitted by Myrna Raper PetersRAPER, Mary V. (d. 1928)
Mrs. Mary V. Raper, an old resident of the Rome district, who had lived in Whatcom county forty-four years, died in a Bellingham hospital Wednesday night, aged 72 years. Mrs. Raper is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edna Bean, Bellingham; two sons, Rollie F. Raper and Morton Raper, R. F. D. No. 4; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Rowe, Bellingham, and four grandchildren. Interment will occur in Bay View cemetery, Bellingham, on Saturday, at 1 p. m., with the Rev. O. A. Quall officiating.
(From The Deming Prospector, February 17, 1928) Submitted by site coordinator.RASMUSSON, Marguerite (d. 1913)
Mrs. O. B. Rasmusson passed away last Friday afternoon at the home of her mother after a lingering illness, from tuberculosis. Funeral services were held at the Episcopal church Sunday afternoon in charge of Dr. G. C. King, and interment made in the family lot in the Blaine cemetery. Marguerite Montfort was born in Louisville, Ky., July 14, 1880, later moving to Minnesota with her parents and still later coming to Blaine. May 15, 1907, she was united in marriage in this city to Otto B. Rasmusson, who preceded her to the unknown on March 7th of this year. One child, Claire, aged four years, was born to this union. An aged mother, one sister, L. Annie, and five brothers, Archie R., of Litchfield, Minn.; Geo. D., Louis, Donald D., and Abraham R., are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving daughter and sister, besides the little daughter, Claire, who is left an orphan.
(From The Blaine Journal, June 20, 1913) Submitted by site coordinator.RASMUSSON, Otto B. (d. 1913)
O. B. Rasmusson passed away last Friday afternoon about 1:45 o'clock at his home here after an illness covering two weeks or more. The news of his death came as a great shock to many people who had not yet even been advised of his condition. About two weeks before his death he suffered an injury to his leg in a fall. The injury did not appear to be serious for several days, when the injured man fell into a comatose condition and never rallied. The funeral services were held from Christ Episcopal church at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon in charge of Rev. A. W. Cheatham of Bellingham, and interment made in the cemetery here.
Otto Bernhard Rasmusson was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Nov. 1, 1867, and would have been 46 years of age next November. About 25 years ago he came to this country and settled at Wells, Minnesota, where he was engaged in business. About 14 years ago he came to Blaine and followed the clothing business under M. Arnoson. Of late years he was prominent in business circle in Blaine and took an active part in nearly every movement for the advancement of the city. The deceased was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite Montfort, May 15, 1907. One child, now four years old, was born to this union. Besides the wife and little girl above noted, an aged father survives, Lars Rasmusson, of Gothenburg, Sweden. The deceased was a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic lodges, both of which turned out in a body at the funeral services along with a large number of friends of the family.
(From The Blaine Journal, March 14, 1913) Submitted by site coordinator.RATHMAN, Jessie D. (d. 1929)
Jessie D. Rathman, aged 42 years, beloved wife of E. L. Rathman, local shoe merchant, passed away at the family home, 12 Euclid avenue, at an early hour this morning, July 1, after an illness of some weeks' duration. Mrs. Rathman had resided in Bellingham her entire lifetime and was a member of the local American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving relatives, other than the husband, are a brother, Arthur E. Cowden, Lyman, Wash., and two sisters, Mrs. Edna B. Pence and Mrs. Effie M. Heiser, both of Seattle. The remains are being cared for at the Hollingsworth-Dahlquist Funeral Home, 120-122 Prospect street, where funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 3, at 2 o'clock, Rev. Canon E. B. Smith, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church, officiating, and interment will occur in the Lynden cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, July 1, 1929) Submitted by site coordinator.RATHMAN, Wilfred O. (d. 1918)
Witnessed by many friends, funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Knapp's funeral parlors for the late Wilfred Oscar Rathman, who was killed Saturday afternoon when pieces of broken fly wheel struck him while he was operating a snubbing engine for the Campbell-Moore Lumber Company. The donkey was used to lower cars on the compnay's own railroad. A runaway car so taxed the engine that the fly-wheel broke, killing him instantly. The Rev. W. O. Benadom conducted the services. Many beautiful floral offerings were received, and Rathman was exceedingly popular in all circles.
Wilfred Oscar Rathman was born in Hudson, Illinois, Dec. 8, 1882. In 1892, the family moved West and after spending one year in Bellingham, moved to a ranch north of Lynden, where they made their home for a number of years. At the age of 24 years, Wilfred was married to Fanny A. Smith, who at that time was living at Laurel. They were blessed with four children, all girls. After spending a number of years on the ranch, Wilfred took up logging as a means of livelihood, and one year ago, moved to Glacier to take charge of the logging operations of the Campbell-Moore Lumber Co. He was blessed with a lovable, generous and happy disposition. He was an untiring worker and made friends wherever he went. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Fanny A. Rathman, four children, Litta, Lorene, Virgie and Willafred, his mother, Mrs. Antonia C. Rathman, three brothers, Carl P. Rathman, of Three Lakes, Wash., Arno E. Rathman of Bellingham, Ervin L. Rathman in the aviation service of the United States somewhere in France, and a sister, Mrs. Wilder R. Jones of Bellingham.
(From The Lynden Tribune, June 6, 1918) Submitted by site coordinator.RATHMAN, William F. (d. 1903)
W. F. Rathman died at his home in the Delta neighborhood Monday morning, April 13th, after a short illness. Deceased was taken ill about three weeks before his death with appendicitis and was operated upon for the same but to no avail. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss. Mr. Rathman was born in the year 1852 and came to this state to reside in 1890. He was therefore one of the pioneers of this section. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon under the auspices of the Fraternal Union of America of which he was an active member. He also belonged to the A. O. U. W. The remains were laid to rest in the Lynden Cemetery west of the city. The Rev. Kern officiated.
(From The Pacific Pilot, April 23, 1903) Submitted by site coordinator.RAUCH, Alice Viola (d. 1933)
Alice Viola Rauch age 66, beloved wife of Adam Rauch, passed away at the family home in Deming, WA. early Thursday November 2, 1933 after a lingering illness. Mrs. Rauch had been a resident of Whatcom county for thirty one years. Aside from her husband Adam she is survived by seven children, Mrs. Clyde Jones of Alki, Mrs. Bruce Temple of Portland, OR, Mrs. Walter Young of Aberdeen, WA, Mrs. Gertrude McComas of Anacortes, WA, Mrs. Lester Martin and Stanley and Henry Rauch of Bellingham, One brother Cyrus Reid of New Westminster, B.C., ten grandchildren and three great grand children. Mrs. Rauch was born to Thomas and Catherine Reid in Quebec, Canada on October 10, 1867. She immigrated to Canistota, SD where she married Isaac Manary. Mr. Manary died 3 years later, then marrying Adam in 1889 in Canistota, SD. Funeral services will be Sat. Nov. 4 at 1 p. m. Interment will be at Lynden Cemetery.
Submitted by John RauchRAUCH, Margaretha Alice (d. 1916)
Margaretha Alice Rauch passed away at the home of her parents on Smith Road in Whatcom county May 24, 1916. She was born on December 21, 1896 in Canistota, SD. She is survived by her parents Fred and Katherina Rauch, five brothers Charley, Herman, Fred Jr., Gustav, Albert and one sister Sophie Rauch all of Whatcom county. Internment at Bayview Cemetery Bellingham. Submitted by John Rauch
RAY, Annie (d. 1949)
Death Summons Annie Tawes RayWhen Annie Tawes Ray was born at about the intersection of what is now Chestnut and Commercial streets, in the village of Sehome, forests shaded all of Whatcom county and tidewater lapped on the beach a few yards away. That was in 1859*, the year Bellingham bay suffered disastrous after effects from the abortive Fraser river gold rush. When her father, M. T. Tawes, a Maryland emigrant, abandoned his duties at the old Sehome mine three years later, he joined John Plaster in a search for homestead property along the Nooksack river. They stopped at a log jam a few miles upstream and decided to go no farther. That wilderness location, later settled and named Ferndale, was the home of Annie Tawes from then until, early Monday morning, she died at the age of 89 years.A sister, Mrs. Emily Mohrman, still resides at Ferndale, but the legion of her contemporaries long before had left her in possession of titular recognition as the county's "first born." Only two years ago, at the Pioneer picnic, she had been honored as the oldest surviving settler. Local history also recorded her as the first white woman ever born on Bellingham bay. At a recent Old Settlers picnic she recalled many of her early experiences; the cougar she and her sister treed and killed with a musket, later to find that a single buckshot had hit the big cat; the enthusiastic Fourth of July celebration in 1876, when the fireworks comprised two anvils and charges of dynamite; a three-day pilgrimage over the difficult trail to Semiahmoo for a picnic in '77; her wedding to Billy Ray in December, 1878, when 120 guests danced the quadrille at the Tawes home, and the couple went to California creek on their honeymoon. She credited Alice Eldridge with naming Ferndale. Teacher at the first school on the Nooksack, Miss Eldridge was influenced by the beautiful stand of ferns surrounding the schoolhouse, then located west of the Wynn place.
In her later years Mrs. Ray had lived in a cottage on the Pioneer park grounds, but for the past 18 months had resided at 2231 Williams street at the home of Mrs. Marian McDowell. One daughter, Mrs. A. B. Ellis, of Seattle Heights, and two grandsons are among the survivors. Funeral arrangements will be made with the Monroe funeral home at Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 24, 1949) Note: *she was not listed in 1860 census.RAY, Levi L. (d. 1930)
Funeral rites for Levi Lewis Ray, Civil war veteran, who died Wednesday, will be held at the Homer Mark mortuary Saturday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. W. E. Loucks officiating. Interment will occur in Bay View cemetery. During the Civil war Mr. Ray spent some time in Libby prison. He was a member of the G.A.R. in Texas.
(From The Bellingham Herald, March 20, 1930) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.RAY, Margaret J. (d. 1911)
Pioneer Crosses Great DivideDeath claimed another Whatcom county pioneer at five o'clock a. m. the 21st when the spirit of Mrs. Wm. Ray took flight at St. Luke's hospital in Bellingham. Mrs. Ray's maiden name was Margaret J. McLaughlin. She was born December 14, 1834 in Pittsburg, Pa. It was there that she met Mr. Wm. Ray, whom she afterward married. Later they moved to St. Peter, Minn., where their only child was born. Soon after his birth they journeyed to Stockton, Cal., where they lived until the wanderlust overtook them, and they emigrated to Seattle. That town being too small for Mr. Ray to ply his trade, that of mason, they decided to take up a homestead. In the spring of 1871 they journeyed to Semiahmoo, near what is now Blaine, and located on California Creek, about five miles from the present city of Blaine. They there braved the hardships of early pioneer life. Being of a happy and cheerful disposition, they soon made friends with settlers far and near and always lent a willing hand wherever needed. Many a wayfarer hunting for a location accepted their hospitality. Glad they were that they could serve them, as they too had been served.It was a rough country in those days. No roads had been made, everyone traveling on foot or in canoes. This noble woman led a quiet domestic life and made the Ray homestead famous for its gracious hospitality. Some 20 years ago she and her husband left the homestead and bought a little home at Ferndale on the banks of the Nooksack river. May 16, 1900, her husband died, leaving her very lonely. She lived alone until the flood, December 1, 1909, which swept her house and all her belongings down the river, when she went to live with her son and wife, at 2313 G street, Bellingham. She drew a widow's pension, her husband having been a soldier during the Indian war in Minnesota in 1852-3, receiving an honorable discharge.
In January her health began to fail and in February she suffered a paralytic stroke from which she never fully recovered. She died at Saint Luke's hospital. Tuesday of last week the funeral services were held in the Methodist church at Ferndale, Rev. Whitfield, a dear friend, officiating. The choir sang her favorite hymns, "Nearer My God to Thee," "Rock of Ages," and "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds." The pall bearers were J. B. Wilson, J. B. Hatch, J. Monroe, D. Getchell, W. J. Malloy and I. M. Newkirk. The floral offerings were beautiful. She was laid to rest in the Enterprise cemetery beside her husband.
(From The Blaine Journal, November 3, 1911) Submitted by site coordinator.RAY, William G. (d. 1924)
William G. Ray, among the earliest settlers of Ferndale, died early Tuesday at his home in East Ferndale. He had been in poor health most of the winter and his passing was not unexpected. Pioneers all over Whatcom county knew "Billy" Ray well and many expressions of regret have come from all parts of the county as news of his passing spread. In the early days Ray was quite a horse fancier and used to enter race horses in the fairs of the northwest. He always loved good stock and even of late years he has kept a sulky and occasionally hitched up a horse and taken a ride in his rubber-tired racing sulky.
Ray was born in Minnesota 67 years ago this month and came to this county more than 40 years ago. He lived part of the time near Ferndale and part of the time in Bellingham. He owned a fine ranch on the meadows below Ferndale. His place is now farmed by H. Krumdiack. Mrs. Annie Ray, the widow, one son, Charles W. Ray, of Portland, a daughter, Mrs. Nettie M. Ellis, of Seattle, and two grandchildren are the survivors. Funeral services were held from the Congregational church at 2 p. m. Thursday, Rev. A. F. Palmer, officiating. Interment was in Enterprise cemetery, George A. Monroe directing.
(From The Ferndale Record, March 28, 1924) Submitted by site coordinator.READ, George (d. 1901)
The funeral of Rev. George Read, a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, took place from the Hopeville school house, in Licking township, Friday afternoon, May 17 inst., conducted by Rev. Isaac Dillon, of Nooksack. Mr. Read died on Wednesday, May 15, at the residence of his only surviving son, Mr. Geo. Deuane (sic) Read, where he had been ill since September, 1900. He was in his 82d year, and a native of New York state and of late years a resident of White River Valley, King county, this state. He was a man of unblemished character, well versed in scripture, a good historian, of uncommon energy in business, a devoted husband and loving father. His wife died in King county about one year ago. He had six children, of whom two are living, the daughter being Mrs. Francis Durr of Danville, New York. A large congregation attended the services. The burial took place near Licking in the new burial ground, it being the first grave. "Servant of God well done." I. D.
(From The Daily Reveille, May 25, 1901) Submitted by site coordinator.REAMS, Tom (d. 1915)
Tom Reams was born in Hitchcock Co., Nebr. June 12, 1888. Died Sept. 24, 1915. Aged 27 yrs. 3 mo. 12 days. Has lived here 25 years. Leaves Mother, Father, one sister, four Aunts and Uncles and many other relatives. Deceased was a member of the Woodman (sic) since 1910. Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian church at Everson, by L. C. Shultz of Nooksack, assisted by Rev. Reed of Black Diamond, Wash. and the Mennonite pastor of Strandell. Interment was made in the Nooksack cemetery by the Woodmen.
(From The Nooksack Reporter, October 1, 1915) Submitted by site coordinator.REASONER, Henry (d. 1927)
MILLS CLOSE MONDAY WHEN H. A. REASONER SERVICES ARE HELDMills of the Bloedel Donovan Lumber Mills were closed for five minutes Monday afternoon when the funeral services for Henry A. Reasoner, pioneer employe of that concern, were held at the Harlow mortuary. Flags at the company's Bellingham and Larson plants were half-masted all afternoon. Rev. J. M. Wilson officiated at the services. At the chapel Bellingham Bay lodge No. 44, F. & A.M., gave its burial ritual. Cremation followed. The honorary pallbearers were W. M. Seeger, R. W. Battersby, W. O. Nicholson, J. N. McCaw, Paul Johansen and W. E. Terrill. Reasoner, 76, died Friday night as the result of burns suffered when the head blew off the boiler at the Bloedel Donovan cargo plant engineeroom, where he was engineer. The deceased was one of the best known pioneers of this region, coming here in 1890. For twenty-five years he served as captain of the Bloedel Donovan Company tug on Lake Whatcom.
(From The Bellingham Herald, November 22, 1927) Submitted by site coordinator.REASONER, Ida J. (d. 1926)
Mrs. Ida J. Reasoner, a native of McMinnville, Ore., where she was born in 1857, and a Whatcom county resident since 1890, died Tuesday afternoon at her home, 2006 Young street, aged 69 years. She is survived by her husband, H. A. Reasoner; one son and two daughters, Frank N. Reasoner of Alger; Mrs. Eva H. Siemons and Mrs. May R. Smith of Bellingham; five sisters, Mrs. Emma Jones and Mrs. C. C. Scott of Portland; Mrs. Ada Michel of McMinnville, Ore.; Mrs. Inez Estes, Chula Vista, Cal., and Mrs. Eva E. Siemons, Bellingham, a twin sister, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday at 3 p. m. at the Harlow mortuary, with the Rev. James M. Wilson officiating. Cremation will follow.
(From The Bellingham Herald, October 6, 1926) Submitted by site coordinator.REDFORD, C. E. (d. 1903)
Mrs. C. E. Redford, whose death occurred last Monday came recently from Michigan, her native state, to visit her relatives in Washington, and had been with her sister, Mrs. F. D. Yale, of Fairhaven, only a week when her sudden death occurred. Mrs. Redford was a Christian lady, possessed of artistic tastes, Strong sympathies, and a genial nature which endeared her to all who knew her. She left to mourn her loss, her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Parsons, of North Yakima, a brother, Will Parsons, of Seattle, her sister, Mrs. Yale, a cousin, D. M. Brosseau of Whatcom and an aunt, Mrs. G. A. Brosseau of Sterling, besides a host of friends in Michigan who will be shocked to learn of her sudden death. Funeral services will be held at Noice's chapel at 10 a.m. Friday, Rev. C. B. Sears, officiating. Interment will be in Bay View cemetery.
"Tis hard to part with those we love,
But life at best is brief,
A joyous meeting in heaven's light,
Will compensate our grief.
(From The Daily Reveille, April 23, 1903) Copied by Merrily LawsonREED, Arminta J. (d. 1909)
Mrs. J. M. Reed died at her home four miles west of Lynden, Saturday. Mrs. Reed was 59-years of age and leaves a husband and two or three children to mourn her loss. There is one married daughter whose home is in Iowa and another lives at Sumas. She had been sick for a long time and underwent an operation only a short time ago. The funeral services were held Tuesday at the home, Rev. Case officiating. Burial was in the Lynden cemetery.
Arminta Josphene Hayden was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, Feb. 27, 1850. She was married Oct. 30, 1865 to J. M. Reed, in Delaware county, Iowa, at the home of Joseph Rock of the United Brethern church. She leaves to mourn her death her husband, two daughters and one son. Mrs. F. F. Fitzgerald, of Sumas and Mrs. C. A. Vaughn, of McHenry, N. D., and Orrie E. who is living at home. Besides there are three sisters in the state of Iowa and one brother living near Cle Elm, this state, and other relatives and friends. Mrs. Reed was a member of the reorganized Church of Christ, and was baptized May 19, 1880 by Elder E. T. Dobson, in Pocahontas county, Iowa. She lived a good christian and was a devoted wife and a loving mother.
(From The Lynden Tribune, April 1, 1909) Submitted by site coordinator.REED, James K. P. (d. 1926)
PIONEER SUMMONED James K. P. Reed, aged 81, veteran of the Civil war and an early homesteader in Whatcom county, where he had lived for more than fifty-three years, died early Sunday at his home, 1415 J street, after a residence of more than twenty-five years in Bellingham. Mr. Reed was a member of J. B. Steedman post No. 24, G. A. R. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Minnie Reed, whom he married on May 21, 1885, at her home in Ten Mile township when she was Miss Minnie Norling; one son, Artrude Leroy, of Los Angeles; one daughter, Mrs. Esther Ross, Bellingham; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Le Fevere, Bellingham, and two grandchildren. Mr. Reed was an uncle of Dr. L. R. Markley of this city.Mr. Reed was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1845. When he was 12 years of age his family removed to Illinois and he was living there when he enlisted in the Union army when he was 17 years of age. He enrolled as a private in Company I, 102nd regiment, Illinois volunteer infantry, on August 9, 1862. He was honorable discharged on January 22, 1863, being forced to leave the army because of a disability. In 1869 Mr. Reed went to Iowa and was employed there as a coal miner until 1872, when he came to Whatcom county and took up a homestead in Ten Mile township. While here he aided others in clearing land and engaged in logging operations. For a time he was employed by Captain Edward Eldridge. He removed to Bellingham in 1899. For two years Mr. Reed was janitor of the old Central high school, and later Columbia school.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p. m. at Arthur C. Harlow's chapel, with the Rev. Charles MacCaughey officiating, followed by the ritualistic services of J. B. Steedman post No. 24, G. A. R. Interment will follow in Bay View cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, December 6, 1926) Submitted by site coordinator.REED, Joseph M. (d. 1918)
Joseph Milton Reed, who passed away at his home in Lynden on the morning of Jan. 8, had a fine army record to his credit. Mr. Reed enlisted in the Civil War Sep. 30, 1861, as a private of Captain John W. Peters 4th regiment of Iowa Cavalry, Company B, and served three years. He was honorably discharged at Vicksburg, Miss., on the 13th day of December. The war continuing, he re-enlisted in the 4th regiment of Iowa Cavalry as a private under Captain Alonzo Clark, serving until the end of the war in 1865 when he was honorably discharged at Atlanta, Georgia. Although he endured the hardships that befall a soldier, he returned from the war with but two small saber wounds.
Mr. Reed's final illness was of lingering duration, lasting nearly two years. During all that time, he was patient in all his sufferings, encouraging, and hopeful that he might regain a portion of his health again. He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints, joining in Clinton Township, Pochahontas County, Iowa March 9, 1880. He was ordained a teacher in the faith the same year. He was a good Christian, teaching his belief whenever opportunity offered, living uprightly in all his dealing, and was loved by all.
Mr. Reed was born in Clarion Co., Penn., Feb. 22, 1841. In 1865, he married Arminta Josephine Hayden. To this union were born two daughters and one son - Mrs. F. F. Fitzgerald of Sumas, Wash., Mrs. C. A. Vaughan of Edgely, North Dakota and O. E. Reed of Glendale, Wash. His first wife passed away March 27, 1909. On July 20, 1905 (sic), he married Mrs. Vina Palmer, who survives him, besides two sisters and one brother. Mr. Reed was a member of the G. A. R., Steadman post, of Lynden. Funeral services were held at the G. A. R. Hall, and were conducted by Elder McMillen of Vancouver. His pallbearers were army comrades. Interment was in the Lynden cemetery.
(From The Lynden Tribune, January 31, 1918) Submitted by site coordinator.REED, Robert (d. 1893)
REEVE, Asa (d. 1932)
One of the oldest Civil war veterans in Bellingham, Asa Reeve, died early today at the home of his son, W. C. Reeve, 2321 Yew street, aged 91 years. He had been ill three years. Mr. Reeve was a member of Company B, Fifty-first Illinois volunteer infantry regiment in the Civil war. He had lived in Bellingham thirty-two years.
Funeral services will be held in the Cathedral chapel of the Homer Mark Mortuary Saturday afternoon, November 5, at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. J. H. Avery, pastor of Eureka Methodist church, officiating, assisted by the Rev. W. J. Rule. Interment in Bay View cemetery. Bearers will be J. M. McClelland, F. E. James, G. T. McMurry, N. P. Olson, R. W. Buchanan and Gus McClellan. Surviving relatives are one son, W. C. Reeve, city; three grandchildren, Mrs. Hazel E. Rule, William J., Clyde A. and William Reeve and Robert Rule, all residing in Bellingham.
(From The Bellingham Herald, November 3 & 4, 1932) Submitted by site coordinator.REEVE, Nellie (d. 1931)
After an illness of two years, Mrs. Nellie Reeve, wife of Fred C. Reeve, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, died Tuesday at her home in Pleasant Valley—Birch Bay district, aged 60 years. She lived in Whatcom county twenty-five years, almost entirely in the Custer district. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Gooder, also live at Custer. Beside the husband and parents, Mrs. Reeve is survived by a brother, Dell Goodeer, Seattle. There are no children. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley church. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Pleasant Valley Congregational church. Interment will be made in Enterprise cemetery under the direction of the Moles mortuary, of Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 21, 1931) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.REID, Candace E. (d. 1925)
Mother of Local Boiler Manufacturer Is Called. Mrs. Candace E. Reid, mother of the Reid brothers, boiler makers of Bellingham, died Sunday morning at her home, 914 Tenth street, aged 80 years. She had lived here twenty years. She was a member of St. James Presbyterian church. The survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Hattie Kellar, Bellingham; four sons, Robert Reid, Thomas W. Reid, John E. Reid and Stanley H. Reid, and ten grandchildren, all of Bellingham. Services will be held at Arthur C. Harlow's chapel Tuesday afternoon, with the Rev. James M. Wilson officiating. Interment will occur in Bay View Abbey.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 11, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.REIFSNYDER, John H. (d. 1917)
DEATH CALLS LOCAL CONTRACTOR Within a few hours after eating a dish of minced clams at luncheon John H. Reifsnyder, 511 G street, a well known local contractor, died as the result, it is suspected, of ptomaine poisoning. Mr. Reifsnyder was seized with a fainting spell as he left his automobile to enter the Edward garage near the Fair store, about 5 p. m. A physician was called and after he had suffered a second faint he was taken to his home. There he was able to walk from the curb to the front door, but within a few moments after entering the house he again fainted and never regained consciousness, death occurring within five minutes. Reifsnyder was 61 years of age and came to Bellingham from Pennsylvania twenty-seven years ago. He is survived by his widow. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p. m. at Harry O. Bingham's parlors. The Masonic burial service will be used, Mr. Reifsnyder having been a member of Bellingham Bay lodge No. 44.
(From The Bellingham Herald, October 31, 1917) Submitted by site coordinator.REIFSNYDER, Roxana D. (d. 1917)
Mrs. Roxana D. Reifsnyder, aged 62 years, passed away at her home, 2511 G street, at a late hour on the evening of Thursday, November 21, after an illness of several years, her death following that of her late husband, John H. Reifsnyder, which occurred on October 30. Mrs. Reifsnyder had resided at the place of death for more than twenty-seven years and will be remembered in her neighborhood as a loving wife, kind friend and neighbor and a very patient sufferer. Those who survive are three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Alice Flett, Fargo, N. D.; Mrs. Signorthia Rignhart, and Mrs. Nettie Steinhauer, of Lynden; William Miller, Bellingham and Henry Miller, Hoonah, Alaska. The remains are being cared for at the funeral parlors of Harry O. Bingham, 1319 Dock street. Funeral announcements will be made later.
(From The Bellingham Herald, November 22, 1917) Submitted by site coordinator.REINHART, Squire D. (d. 1901)
REMILLARD, Elie (d. 1929)
Elie Remillard, who had been ill for many years, died Thursday afternoon, aged 79 years. He had lived in Bellingham twenty-six years. Funeral rites will be held at the Church of the Assumption Saturday at 9 a. m., with the Rev. Father James F. Barrett officiating. Burial will occur in Bay View cemetery. Mr. Remillard was the father of Dona Remillard and Mrs. Alice Sigman, city; Ernest and Arthur Remillard, Seattle; Joseph Remillard, Yakima; Mrs. Lydia Provost, Maple Falls; Mrs. Lucy Barry, Moorhead, Minn., and Mrs. Babian Jarvis, Fargo, N. D. Other surviving relatives are one brother, one sister, thirty-three grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 25, 1929) Submitted by site coordinator.REMINGTON, Anna (d. 1925)
SUMAS, June 26. - On Tuesday morning at the Gillies mortuary was held the funeral of Mrs. Anna Remington, who passed away at the home of her son, Edward Remington on Saturday evening. She was born in Wallaceford, Ont., September 15, 1853. The husband, Edgar A., to whom she was married in 1871, preceded her in death two years ago last December. To them five children were born, four of whom survive, Lucy S., of Abbotsford, B. C.; Edward, of Sumas; Mary Johansen, of Aberdeen, and Clyde, of Maple Falls. R. J. Sype, elder of the S. D. A. church of Bellingham, officiated at the services. Interment was made at Bay View cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, June 26, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.RENSTROM, Nels E. (d. 1939)
REYKDAL, John G. (d. 1927)
John G. Reykdal Passes Here At Age of 74 Years. John Reykdal who had been in poor health for some time passed away at the home of his son A. S. Reykdal, in the south part of town Sunday afternoon at 5:00 o'clock. Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Icelandic Lutheran church with the Rev. H. E. Johnson officiating and arrangements in charge of F. M. Perkins of the Blaine Mortuary. Music will be provided by the Icelandic choir accompanied by Mrs. S. S. Thorsteinson, of Point Roberts, on the organ, and burial made in the Blaine cemetery.John G. Reykdal was born August 21st, in 1852 in Iceland and was married to his first wife, Thora, who passed away on the 21st day of April 1889. Four children were born to this union of which two survive: Helgi Reykdal of North Dakota and Mrs. Svafa Magnusson of San Diego, Cal. He was married to his second wife, Ragnhidur Fridrika in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1896. Two children were born to this union, of which one, A. S. Reykdal of this city survives. Mr. Reykdal with his family came to America in 1881, living some time in Minneola [Minneota], Minn. He moved to this vicinity about 18 years ago. His second wife preceded him death, Nov. 30th, 1925, and since that time he has made his home with his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Reykdal. Mr. Reykdal was a very upright and honorable man in all his dealings and will be missed greatly the those near and dear to him.
(From The Blaine Journal, March 10, 1927) Submitted by site coordinator.REYKDAL, Ragnhidur F. (d. 1925)
Mrs. John Reykdal passed away at the family home on D street at 10 o'clock Sunday evening after a long illness. The funeral services were held in the Icelandic Lutheran church Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in charge of the Blaine Mortuary, Rev. H. E. Johnson officiating. Mrs. Reykdal was born in Iceland Sept. 3, 1863. The family came to Blaine 16 years ago and has resided here since. A husband, three children and two step-children remain to mourn her passing.
(From The Blaine Journal-Press, December 3, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.RHODES, Francis O. (d. 1901)
Little Child of Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes Accidently killed.A sad and most distressing accident occurred on last Friday evening, at Semiahmoo. The little thirteen month old child of Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, was killed almost instantly by having its neck broken. Mrs. Rhodes had put the children to be, and the child in playing around rolled off at the foot. In falling its head was caught in the irons at the end of the bed with the above mentioned sad results. It was about 9 o'clock when the accident was discovered and the child had evidently been dead for some time. Mr. Rhodes is a night watchman at the A. P. A. Cannery. Mrs. Rhodes says she was in the room down stairs, but heard not the faintest cry from the child that was killed, or from the other child in the room, and from this it would seem that death was instant. The funeral occurred Saturday and the body of the little one was laid to rest in the Blaine cemetery.
(From The Blaine Journal, June 7, 1901) Submitted by site coordinator.
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