WHATCOM COUNTY OBITUARIES    BEN

BENANCER, Anna, age 71 years, 1114 Sixteenth Street, this city, passed away at a local hospital Thursday morning, November 22, (1945) after a lingering illness. Mrs. Benancer had resided in Bellingham for the past twenty-seven years and was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, South Bellingham. Surviving relatives include two brothers, Henry Triebsch, of Bellingham, and Alvis Triebsch, of Marysville, Wash.; also one sister, residing in Germany. The remains rest at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home. Requiem mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, November 24, at 9 o'clock and rosary will be said Friday evening, November 23 at 7:30 o'clock from the Sacred Heart Church with Father Peter R. Smyth, celebrant. Interment will be made in Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENDER, Cecelia Marie - A funeral for Cecelia "Cec" Marie Bender of Ferndale at Jones-Moles Funeral Home with the Rev. Erik Johnson. Burial will follow in Enterprise Cemetery. Mrs. Bender of 2613 Thornton Road died at home Monday, Feb. 20, 1995. She was 74. Born Feb. 7, 1921 to Ed and Helen "Mom" Jacobson Swenson in Ferndale, she graduated from Ferndale High School. She was a bookkeeper for Thornton Water Association from 1953 to 1992. She was happy to see the completion of Eagleridge Elementary School, which was built on the property where she was born and lived nearly her entire life. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Bender, on July 21, 1977. Survivors include sons Carl Bender of Ferndale and Jim Bender of Kent, daughter Carlene Pate of Oak Harbor and six grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 22 Feb 1995) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENCH, Dorothy Haveland, age 68, of Bellingham passed away into Heaven, Saturday, September 6, 1997 at St. Joseph Hospital. She was born March 20, 1929 in Seattle, WA to Oliver and Pauline (Johnson) Haveland. She was a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and had been the president of the Washington State Humane Society in the 1940s. She loved children, cats and dogs. She also enjoyed gambling, Black Jack and Rummy. She was a Mariners Baseball fan. She had a tremendous sense of humor and made an impression on everyone blessed enough to know her. Dorothy is the beloved mother of Glenn and Kim Soriano of Seward, AK; Nancy Soriano of West Linn, OR; Julie Allen-Floyd of Richland, WA; Paul Soriano of Thorne Bay, AK; and Angela Soriano of Wasilla, AK. She is cherished by her grandchildren, Jeremy, Jordan, Sean, Sarah and Briaunna. Dorothy was a very important person in all their lives and their best friend. Her family would like to invite you to join them in honoring Dorothy's life at a memorial service, September 9, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. in Jones-Moles Funeral Home Chapel, 2465 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham. Jones-Moles Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

BENDER, David Wilson, age 85 years, of Lynden, Rt. 3, passed away at his home, Sunday, March 6, (1955). He had resided in the Lynden district for the past 54 years and was a member of the Lynden Masonic Lodge, the Northwood Grange, and the Whatcom County Dairymen's Association. He had served as Lynden postmaster and Lynden mayor, and was past director of the Washington Co-Op and past secretary of the Federal Land Bank. Mr. Bender is survived by his wife, Sophie L.; one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Werkema of Vancouver, Wash.; one grandson, Douglas; one sister, Mrs. Mary Hartzell of Bethlehem, Penn. Masonic services will be conducted Wednesday, March 9, at 2 p.m. from the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden, followed by cremation.

BENDER, Elizabeth, age 69 of Rt. 1, Ferndale, passed away Friday, Aug. 24, (1962) at her home following a brief illness. Mrs. Bender had been a resident of Whatcom County for the past 35 years and was a member of the Silverleaf Club. She is survived by her husband, William, 1 daughter, Mrs. Betty Grasher of Custer, 4 sons, William Jr., and Roy, both of Ferndale, Charles of Sumner and Lee of Lynden, 20 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m. in Moles' Funeral Chapel with Rev. Myron Hilty officiating. Final resting place Enterprise Cemetery.

BENDER, Josephine Marcella, age 91, passed away on April 1, 2002. She was born in Winona, MN on February 21, 1911. After graduating from high school in Winona, she worked as a secretary and model for the Conrad Fur Company. Later, she pursued a career in the medical field as a secretary, bookkeeper, and optician's assistant. Joey married Clifford Hogan in 1933 and had 3 children, Jim, Mary, and Stephen. The family moved to Missoula, MT in 1945. Mr. Hogan died in 1948, and her son Stephen died in 1978. Mrs. Hogan moved to Camarillo, CA in 1978 and lived there for 10 years. In 1988, she moved to Bellingham, WA to be near her daughter Mary and her family. Joey lived at the Willows Retirement Home where she was very active. She was involved in all of the activities offered there, including traveling. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Joey moved into the Courtyard Alzheimer's Community where she lived until her death. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at the Courtyard who greatly contributed to Joe's quality of life. She is survived by her son Jim and his wife Ginger of Missoula, MT; her daughter Mary and her husband Tony Grimes of Bellingham, WA; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. Services will be held in Missoula, MT in the summer of 2002.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 2 Apr 2002) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENDER, Sophia, age 85, of Vancouver, Wash., passed away in that city Sunday, May 10, (1964). A former pioneer Lynden resident, she had made her home in Lynden for 58 years. She leaves to survive one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Werkerma, Vancouver, Wash.; one grandson, 3 brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden Tuesday, May 12 at 2 p.m. Cremation will follow.

BENDER, William, age 58 of 2613 Thornton Rd., Ferndale, passed away Thursday, July 21, (1977). He had been a resident of Whatcom County for 52 years and was a member of the OCAW Union and the American Rhododendron Society. He is survived by his wife, Cecelia; 2 sons, Carl and wife, Cindy of Bellingham, Bapt. James Bender and wife, Michelle of Alamorgordo, New Mex.; a daughter, Carlene Pate and husband, Jerry of Oak Harbor; 2 granddaughters, Leigha and Maia Bender, New Mex.; several other relatives. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 26, 1:30 p.m. at Moles Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Myron Hilty officiating. Interment will follow at Enterprise Cemetery.

BENDER, William - Funeral services for William Bender, 88, 1692 Birch Bay Lynden Rd. will be held Friday in Moles Funeral Home, Ferndale, at 1 p.m. Mr. Bender died Monday (April 10, 1972). He lived in Whatcom County since 1925. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Martin Grasher of Lynden; four sons, William Jr. of Ferndale, Charles of Sumner, Lee of Palinsfield, Ill., and Roy of Lynden; 21 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Burial will be in Enterprise Cemetery.

BENECKE, Frank, age 84 of 2608 F St., passed away Wednesday, January 14, (1959) in the Veterans Hospital, Vancouver, Wash. Survivors include his wife, Marie, two sons, William of Vancouver and Franklin of Tucson, Arizona; seven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Lemley Mortuary in Sedro Woolley Saturday afternoon, January 17.

BENECKE, Stephen F., age 20 of 2839 Broadway, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, (1964). Stephen had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 8 years and was a graduate of Bellingham High School. He attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He leaves to survive his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William O. Benecke of the home; 3 brothers, Mark of Berkeley, Calif.; Jeffrey and Peter, both at home; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Marie Benecke, of this city. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. C. Theodore Hegg officiating. Interment Bay View.

BENEDICT, Carrie H., age 68, of 2520 Toledo Street, passed away Monday, Sept. 28, (1953). Mrs. Benedict had resided in this community for the past 49 years and leaves to survive her husband, Charles E., at home, and one daughter, Mrs. Betty Kelley, of San Francisco, Calif. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. James M. Wilson, Thursday, October 1, at 3 p.m. Final resting place, Bay View.

BENEDICT, Esleigh C., age 70 years, of 2217 Walnut Street, passed away at a local hospital, Saturday evening, May 5, (1945). Mr. Benedict had been a resident of this community for the past 28 years and was a member of the Episcopal Church. He had been a guard at the Bellingham Iron Works, Marine Division. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Edith Benedict; two sons, Floyd of Bellingham, and Wendell, of Portland, Oregon; two daughters, Mrs. Viva Wahltrom, of Seattle, and Mrs. Doris Gates, of Forest Grove, Oregon; two sisters, Mrs. Eldi Angel and Mrs. Wilma Bell, of Osage, Iowa; also eleven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held from the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home, Tuesday, May 8, at 2 p.m., with Rev. Canon E. B. Smith, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, officiating. Interment, Enterprise Cemetery.

BENEDICT, Floyd M., 74, a former longtime Bellingham resident, died June 22, (1981) in Sitka, Alaska. He was born April 12, 1907, in Ferndale and moved to Alaska in 1951. He was a member of Whatcom Lodge 151 F&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Shriners. He is survived by a son, two daughters, Marilyn Mastor and Susan Sandell of Bellingham, a brother, two sisters, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Memorial services were held in Sitka under the direction of Prewitt Funeral Home.

BENEDICT, Gary P., age 19, 1506 F. St., Bellingham, died suddenly following an accident Thursday, March 22, (1973). Gregory (sic) was a life time resident of that city. Surviving him are his wife Debra; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Benedict, and three sisters, Jeannette, Delight and Heather, all of Bellingham; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hooker, Seattle; Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Jacobson, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., and Mr. and Mrs. John H. Benedict of Boise, Idaho. Services were conducted by Rev. Robert D. Mathers at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENEDICT, Georgina O., age 72, who resided at 2104 Humboldt St. passed away in a local hospital on Saturday June 2, (1962) following an extended illness. Mrs. Benedict had resided in Bellingham for the past 40 years and was a member of the Birchwood Presbyterian Church. Also a member of the Leisure Time Club. She leaves to survive her husband, Albert O., of the family residence. Five sons William, Frank, and Lyle Wallace, all of Bellingham, Robert Wallace of Tacoma and Lawrence L. Benedict of Portland, Oregon. Three daughters, Mrs. Lottie Swann of Bellingham, Mrs. Geneva Flood of Portland, Oregon and Mrs. Leola Getchell of Raymond, Wash. Her sister, Mrs. Ada Fox of Bellingham and her brother, Frank Sparkhawk, Calif. Also many grandchildren. Funeral services will be in the Church Chapel of Bingham & Jerns Funeral Home on Thursday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENEDICT, Ida Mae, age 75, of 3495 Y Rd., passed away Thurs. Nov. 29, 1979. Mrs. Benedict was a lifetime resident of Whatcom County and is survived by her husband John, a niece, Mrs. Beulah Wilson of Seattle. Memorial services will be conducted Mon., Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home, Rev. Keith Swenson officiating. Cremation at Greenacres Crematorium.

BENEDICT, Margaret M., age 82 of Route 3, Lynden passed away in a Bellingham rest home Tuesday, April 2, (1963) following a short illness. She made her home in Indiana prior to moving to Whatcom County one year ago. She had been a member of the First Christian Church of Indianapolis for for the past 46 years. Surviving are one brother John Bravard of Lynden, one sister Mrs. Ella Kinsley of San Francisco, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Alta Post of Sumas. Numerous nieces and nephews including Mrs. Asa Schuett of Sumas, Ray Bravard of Sumas, Mrs Boyd Shea of Lynden, Mrs. Ray Connell of Bellingham, Charles Bravard, Mrs. Mary Scheaffer, and Mrs. Helen Gaithers all of Greenfield, Indiana, Mrs. Opal Gogh of ElCajon, Calif., Mrs. E. L. McWilliams of Mansfield, Wash., Mrs. Ellen Bartlow of Anderson, Indiana and Russell Blackmier of Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held at the Gillies Funeral Home at Sumas Friday, April 5 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Earl Crouse officiating. Burial will follow in the Lynden Cemetery.

BENEDICT, Margery Ruth went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2007. She was born in Liberty, Missouri, December 5, 1924 to John and Margie Benedict. She grew up in Missouri and in Nyssa, Oregon. Margery graduated from Nyssa High School, Emmanuel Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon, Simpson Bible College in Seattle, Washington, and Frontier Nursing Service, training in midwifery in Hayden, Kentucky. In 1950 Margery was appointed by Baptist Mid-Missions as a medical missionary to Central African Republic. During her many years in CAR she developed a medical practice and a dispensary in Sibut. Some of her work included midwifery, dental work and treating many tropical diseases. She trained many nationals to work in the dispensary to help in medical work. Her work often took her to many villages around Sibut and CAR. Margery loved working with young people and she helped develop a youth ministry of summer camps. One of her great joys was providing accordions and teaching young Africans to play them. She was able to take many accordions to Africa from the US that she and her supporters supplied. She played a key role in Ladies Ministry, Vacation Bible Classes and taught in the Sibut Bible School that trained students to become Christian workers. Some of her work also included translations of music and materials into Sango, the trade language of CAR. Margery loved teaching the Bible, and continued to teach small Bible studies in the states and worked with prison ministries after her retirement in 1994. In 1982 General Kalingba, President of CAR, with many of his cabinet ministers came to Sibut to honor Margery for thirty years of service. He bestowed the Chevalier de la Medaille de la Reconnaissance Centrafricaine. (Recipient of the highest order of the Central African Medal of Recognition.) Margery was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Benedict and sister Judy Benedict. She is survived by her sister Esther (Ricardo) Brambila of Lynden, brothers David (Barbara) Benedict and Paul (Ruth) Benedict of Bellingham, Stephen Benedict and Philip (Linda) Benedict of Tahlequah, Oklahoma as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and her special friends, the Keith Herrman family of Connell, Washington. Robin Herrman helped Margery write and publish her autobiography, "I'd do it again ..." A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Fellowship, Lynden, Washington on Friday the 14th of September at 11 a.m. The family is grateful for the kind support that Hospice, family, friends and Grace Baptist Fellowship provided during her last months of illness.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Sep 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENEDICT, Phyllis N. – A memorial service for Phyllis N. (Gossom) Benedict of Bellingham will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fountain Community Church, with the Rev. David Crook officiating. Mrs. Benedict died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000. She was 79. Mrs. Benedict was born April 8, 1921 to Robert Hampton and Clara Norvella (Warner) Gossom in Long Beach, Calif. In 1983, she retired from teaching after 23 years. She taught at Mount Baker and Nooksack high schools, eighth-grade at Mount Si in North Bend and eighth- and ninth-grades at Hyak Junior High School in Bellevue. Mrs. Benedict was a lifelong member of Bellingham Music Club and was a member of the Washington Teacher's Association and Common Cause. Her first husband, Standford H. Sleeth and sister Mildred Farley died previously. Survivors include sons John Sleeth of Bellingham, Bill Sleeth of Port Orchard and Jim Sleeth of Painted Post, NY; daughter Pamela Sleeth of Vancouver, B.C.; sisters Bobbie Milner of Gig Harbor and Peggy Ford of San Juan Capistrano; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Arrangements are by Moles Funeral Home of Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 11 Oct 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENEDICTSON, Ingersoll S., age 66, of Blaine, Wash., passed away Saturday, January 14, (1967) in a Bellingham hospital following a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Kristina, a daughter, Mrs. Egill Thomasson of Seattle; a brother, Oscar of Calgary, Alberta; a sister Mrs. Helen Dalstead of Anacortes; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 18, at 2 p.m. in the McKinney Funeral Chapel with Rev. Willard Buckner officiating. Private cremation services will follow.

BENEDICTSON, Margaret - Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Benedictson who died Thursday (Dec. 13, 1956) in Anacortes will be held in Blaine, her former home, at 2 p.m. Monday. The Rev. A. E. Kristjanson will conduct the service in the Blaine Free Church. Cremation will follow.

BENEFIELD, Ruby J., age 81, of 8680 Custer School Rd., Custer, passed away Tues., Sept. 2nd, (1986) at her home. She was born July 1, 1905 at her home in Custer and had been a lifelong resident of the area. She was a member of the Custer Methodist Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S. in Ferndale. She was also an active member in the Haynie Helping Hands, the Haynie Grange and the Blaine Senior Center. She enjoyed needle work, gardening, and was assistant manager of the Haynie Cemetery, and was foster parent for some 50 children. She is survived by her husband, Walter whom she married in Custer March 18, 1923. Memorial services will be held Sat., Sept. 6th, 11 a.m. at the Jerns & McKinney Funeral Chapel in Blaine with the Bishop Merlin Alcorn officiating. Arrangements by Jerns & McKinney Funeral Chapel.

BENEFIELD, Thomas J., age 63 years, of Adin, California, passed away Sunday, June 6, (1948) following a short illness. Mr. Benefield had been residing at the home of his niece, Mrs. Ruby Benefield, in the Haynie district. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Iva Sulloway, of McCloud, Calif., and Mrs. Josephine Hawkins, of Hayford, Calif.; also several nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the McKinney Funeral Home in Blaine, where funeral services will be conducted.

BENEKRITIS, Elizabeth - Visitation for Elizabeth Benekritis of Bellingham will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Jerns-LeVeck Funeral Chapel and Crematorium. Christian Prayer Service will be said at 11 a.m. Monday at Jerns-LeVeck Funeral Chapel with burial in Ten Mile Cemetery. Mrs. Benekritis of 912 34th St. died Tuesday, July 5, 1994, in Vancouver, B.C. She was 70. Born July 9, 1923 to Thomas and Esther Junquisti Ford in Liverpool, England, she had lived in Bellingham since 1983. She was a paralegal. Survivors include her husband, Edward Benekritis, of the family home; daughter Alexandra Benekritis of Bellingham; son Thomas Benekritis of Amherstburg, Ontario; sister Freda Jones of Saginaw, Mich; brother Thomas Ford of England; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Jul 1994) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENEKRITIS, William John - A funeral Mass for Edward William John Benekritis of Bellingham will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Gary Morelli officiating. Burial will be in Ten Mile Cemetery. Mr. Benekritis of 912 34th St. died Friday, Jan. 20, 1995, in Vancouver, B.C. He was 77. Born April 14, 1917, to Vincent William and Nellie Pilota Benekritis in Shand, Saskatchewan, Canada, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. Mr. Benekritis moved to Bellingham in 1983. He was a member of Sacred Hearth Catholic Church. He was a ham radio operator, and his call letters were VE6BPA. Survivors include sons David Benekritis and John Benekritis, both of Bellingham, and Tom Benekritis of Ontario, Canada; daughter Alexandra Brands of Bellingham; sisters Victoria Gilbert and Olga Jensen, both of Vancouver, B.C; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jerns-LeVeck Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 24 Jan 1995) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENGEN, Kathleen, age 75, of Everson, a wonderful wife and mother, passed away Wed., May 21, 1997, at home. She was born Sept. 26, 1921, in Bellingham, to Dell and Lulu (Davis) Cooper and had been a lifetime Whatcom County resident. She married Robert Bengen in 1944 in Bellingham. Survived by her husband Robert of the family home; sons, Dick Bengen & wife Ruby of Everson and Jon Bengen & wife Martha of Bellingham; daughters, Victoria Miller & husband John of Malibu, CA and Margret Seelye & husband Steve of Homer, AK; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Sun., May 25, 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5782 Lawrence Rd., Everson. Greenacres Funeral Home.

BENGEN, Pearl, age 61, of Rt. 2, Everson, passed away in a local hospital, Monday, Jan. 4, (1960). Mrs. Bengen had been a resident of Whatcom County for the past 35 years and leaves to survive two sons, Robert and Frederick, both at home; one daughter, Mrs. Wilson Tollum of Deming Star Route; 10 grandchildren; one brother and three sisters in Minnesota. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Jan. 7, at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, Rev. E. M. Bremer, pastor of the Lawrence Emanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Interment Greenacres.

BENGTSON, Gertrude J. of Seattle, former resident of Lynden. Widow of Gustav, mother of Carl M., Seattle and Kermit B., Pleasanton, Calif. Sister of Henry Ripperda, Lynden, William Ripperda, Everson, Mrs. Josephine Medcalf and Mrs. Virginia Crane, both of Bellingham, Mrs. Grace Dekker of Riverside, Calif., Mrs. Augusta Strecker of Orinda, Calif. Also, 4 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. Services Sat., May 21, (1977) 3 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home, Lynden. Interment Monumenta Cemetery, Lynden. Under the direction of Hoffner's, Fisher-Kalfus Funeral Home, Seattle.

BENJAMIN, Alvin Ford went peacefully to be with the lord in his home in Bellingham on July 3, 2006 at the age of 53. He was born in Bellingham October 24, 1952, attended Blaine Schools and worked in the industrial field and in construction all his adult life. He is preceded in death by his mother Marion Benjamin and father Howard L. Benjamin. His survivors are sons Wyant Benjamin of Melbourne, Florida; Robert (Robbie) Benjamin with the U.S. Navy in Fiji and Gary Benjamin (wife Pamela) of Everett, WA and five grandchildren two of which, Ruben and Samantha, have been living with him. Alvin is also survived by siblings Noma Winchester, Bellingham, WA, Melodi Miles, Spokane WA, Howard E. Benjamin, Oregon and Robert Benjamin, Seattle, WA. A memorial service will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park on Tuesday, July 11 at 4 p.m.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Jul 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENJAMIN, Catherine E. of 2515 Williams passed away in a local hospital Sunday, Aug. 3, (1958) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Benjamin had resided in Bellingham the past 40 years and leaves to survive 2 sons, Fred Babb of Lasquiti Island, B. C. and Loyal Benjamin of Portland, Ore.; one daughter, Mrs. Homer Markhart of the city; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. Bertha Broyles officiating. Interment Greenacres.

BENJAMIN, Fred E., age 73 years, of 311 Texas, passed away at his residence July 10, (1951) following a brief illness. Mr. Benjamin had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 42 years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Katherine Benjamin; one son, Lloyd David; one step-daughter, Mrs. Homer Markhart, all of Bellingham; one step-son, Fred Babb, of Vancouver, B. C. Also four grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 12, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home. The Rev. Daniel E. Taylor will officiate, followed by cremation.

BENJAMIN, Helena, age 88, of 2322 H St., passed away in a local hospital Monday, May 30, (1960). Mrs. Benjamin had resided in Bellingham for the past 49 years; was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church; was a member of the Mt. Baker Chapter No. 277, Women of the Moose; was a member of the Daughters of America, Council No. 2; was a member of the Bellingham Rebekah Lodge No. 43. Survivors are two grandsons, Lester Shephardson, of Bellingham and Wilbert Fordyce, of Bremerton; three great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Pastor E. M. Butenshon Wednesday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENJAMIN, Lida B. - Memorial service for Lida B. Benjamin, age 91, formerly of 702 32nd St., will be Sat. May 16, (1987), 4 P.M. in First Baptist Church of Bellingham, with Rev. Russell Hendrickson officiating. Cremation. Mrs. Benjamin passed away Sun. May 10, 1987. A lifetime Whatcom County resident, she was a retired Meridian School District teacher; member of First Baptist Church of B'ham, Laurel Grange and is survived by her daughter, June Loggins of East Point, Georgia; son, Keith Benjamin of Mt. Vernon; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Thressa (sic) Young of San Gabriel, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband Milford L. Benjamin in 1969, 1 infant son & 2 grandsons. Jones Funeral Home. [born in Lynden July 8, 1895]

BENJAMIN, Marion Louise - Visitation for Marion Louise Benjamin will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Jones-Moles Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Jones-Moles Funeral Home with the Rev. Fred Bengen officiating. Her ashes will be placed in Blaine Cemetery. Mrs. Benjamin died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital. She was 71. Born Sept. 8, 1925, to Jerry and Norma Dalrymple Neilsen in Port Angeles, she was raised in Wrangell, Alaska. She lived in Blaine since 1952. A cook for many years at Blaine High School, Mrs. Benjamin was manager of R.O.B.B.B. Bingo in Blaine. She was active in Scouting and enjoyed working with ceramics and oil painting. Survivors include daughters Noma Winchester of Bellingham and Melodi Miles of Spokane; sons Howard Benjamin of Lynden, Robert Benjamin of Salem, Ore., and Alvin Benjamin of Pasco; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

BENJAMINE, Margaret M., age 86 of 1305 Northwest Road, passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, (1967). She had been a resident of Bellingham since 1923 and was a member of the Church of the Assumption. She is survived by a niece, Mrs. George H. Block of Bellevue and 5 nephews in Seattle. Requiem mass will be offered Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. within the Church of the Assumption. Interment Bay View Cemetery under direction of the Westford Funeral Home.

BENN, Alma Moa, resident of Ferndale, passed away at a Bellingham hospital Friday, Jan. 29, (1954). She was born in South Dakota July 1, 1894, came west to Washington with her parents in 1902 and resided in Stanwood. She was united in marriage to Thomas E. Benn, Dec. 25, 1921. Mr. Benn preceded his wife in death last year; 15 years ago they lived in Ferndale where they operated the Benn Barber shop and Beauty shop. She had worked at the Skagit County School Superintendent office for eight years. She was a member of the Fir Conway Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid in Ferndale, Elks Auxiliary of Bellingham. She is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Amanda Schrader of Mt. Vernon, Miss Nora Moa, Mrs. Sarah Cramer, both of Seattle, Mrs. Stella Johnson of Stanwood; five brothers: Arthur Moa, Arnold Moa, Herman Moa, all of Stanwood, Julius of Rt. 3, Mt. Vernon, George of Bellingham; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Kern Funeral Chapel in Mt. Vernon. Burial at the Milltown Cemetery.

BENN, Mary E., age 66, of 1415 "H" Street, passed away in a local rest home Friday, September 4, (1964) following a short illness. Mrs. Benn had been a resident of Bellingham the past 60 years and was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband, Frank Benn of Bellingham and 1 son, Tommy Benn of Seattle. Graveside services will be conducted in Bay View Cemetery Thursday, September 10, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Vandenberg officiating, under the direction of the Bingham and Jerns Funeral Home.

BENN, Thomas E., age 69, of Ferndale, passed away Thursday, April 2, (1953) in a Seattle hospital following an extended illness. He had been a resident of the Ferndale community for the past 20 years, operating his own barber shop. Mr. Benn was a member of the Bellingham Lodge No. 194, B. P. O. E., and a charter member of the Anacortes B. P. O. E. He is survived by his wife Alma; one daughter, Mrs. Fred Klien, of Benedict, Md.; three sisters, Miss Mamie Benn, Mrs. Maggie Starr and Mrs. Katherine Butler, all of Portland, Ore.; two brothers, Frank of Anacortes, and Jack of Bellingham. Funeral services will be conducted at the Monroe Funeral Chapel in Ferndale, Monday, April 6, at 2 p. m., under the auspices of the Bellingham Lodge No. 194, B. P. O. E. Cremation.

BENNER, Adam, age 53 of 3023 Northwest Ave., passed away Tuesday, June 7, (1966). Mr. Benner had been a resident of Bellingham for several years and was owner of The Ritz Tavern. He was a veteran of WWII, and a member of the DAV. He leaves to survive his wife, Esther; 2 daughters, Lyndell and Lynette, all of the home; his father, Henry Benner of Turner, Oregon; brothers, Clarence of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Sam of Portland and Londell of the Armed Services in Germany; 2 sisters, Mrs. Pauline Schmidt of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Mrs. Helen Borrusso of Seattle. Requiem mass will be offered Monday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m. within the Church of the Assumption. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park, under the direction of the Westford Funeral Home.

BENNER, Alton D., age 64 of 1713 G St., passed away at the family home Saturday, July 1, (1961) following an extended illness. Mr. Benner was a lifetime resident of this community and a retired rest home owner and operator. He was a member of the Calvary Temple, the Nooksack Masonic Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 192, the Bellingham Consistory of the Scottish Rite. Survived by his wife, Ruth H., 3 sons, Alton Jr., city, Ernest D., Seattle, Lawrence A., Nooksack; 1 daughter, Mrs. Jean Stromme of Glacier, 14 grandchildren, 1 brother, Fred, 2 sisters, Mrs. Millie Wheeler and Mrs. Sadie Tuttle, all of this city. Funeral services were conducted Monday, July 3 at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. Allen G. Wood, pastor, officiating. Interment Greenacres.

BENNER, Amelie, age 91 years, of 1212 E. Victor Street, passed away at a local hospital late Monday evening, December 6, (1948) following a short illness. Mrs. Benner had been a resident of Bellingham for the past forty-eight years. She is survived by two sons, Fred, of Bellingham, and Alton, of Nooksack; three daughters, Mrs. W. F. Tuttle, of Route 1, Bellingham, Mrs. Millie Wheeler, city, and Mrs. A. E. Heintzelman, of Portland, Oregon; two sisters, Mrs. Sadie Carpenter, of Pasadena, Calif., and Mrs. Ida Currie, of Vancouver, B. C.; also thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Thursday, December 9 at 2 p.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck funeral home with the Rev. Byron Gallagher, pastor of the Nooksack Methodist Church, officiating. Interment in Bay View Cemetery.

BENNER, Avis, age 87, of 1509 E. Victor Street, passed away in a local hospital, Friday, June 15, (1962) following an extended illness. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. May Louer and a niece, Mrs. Landgon, both of Seattle; a nephew, Ralph Louer of this city. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 20, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, Rev. W. Robert Webb officiating. Interment Bay View.

BENNER, Clayton George, age 72, passed away at the family home, 1714 12th St., Sunday, July 19, (1953). Mr. Benner had been a resident of this community for the past 53 years, and had for 28 years been a caretaker for C. X. Larrabee. Deceased was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and leaves to survive his widow, Edith I., at home; three sons, Claude C., of Ketchikan, Roy G., of Bellingham and Ralph W. of Olympia; one daughter, Mrs. Hazel Keehn of Olympia; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. J. E. Doty and Mrs. Sylvia Brown, both of Bellingham and numerous nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. James M. Wilson Tuesday, July 21, at 1 p.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENNER, Edith I., widow of Clayton George Benner, passed away in Olympia, Fri., Aug. 18, 1978. She was a 13 yr. resident of Olympia & previously resided at B'ham. for 60 years. Mrs. Benner was a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by 2 sons; Claude Benner of Tumwater & Roy Benner of Kirkland. 1 daughter, Hazel Pitman of Olympia. 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandsons. 3 sisters; Ruth Henderson of Olympia, Jean Dunker of Tumwater & Grave [Grace?] Carter of Lacey. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. F. Dean Hackett, Weds. Aug. 23rd at 10 a.m. at Selene Mortuary, Olympia. Graveside services Weds. Aug. 23rd at 3 p.m. at Greenacres Memorial Park, B'ham.

BENNER, Fred L. Jr., age 28, of 1212 E. Victor, passed away at a local hospital Saturday, March 27, (1954) following an extended illness. Mr. Benner had been a life resident of Bellingham and was a graduate of Bellingham High School. He leaves to survive his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Benner Sr.; one brother, Gordon, U. S. Navy, Korea; maternal grandmother, Mrs. T. P. Johannessen of Seattle, and many other relatives. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 30, at 1:30 p.m., within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, Rev. Clarence Haugen, pastor of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment, Bay View.

BENNER, Howard E., age 46, of 1305-14th St., passed away at Kodiak, Alaska, Sunday, Jan. 31, (1960). Mr. Benner was a life resident of Bellingham; was a fisherman, having been employed by the Kachemak Fisheries, Inc.; he was a member and past president of the International Longshoremans and Warehousemen's Union, Local No. 15; was formerly employed by P.A.F. for many years. Survivors are his mother, Mrs. Mabel J. Benner; one son, Craig Lane Benner; one daughter, Judy Irene Benner; one sister, Mrs. Fred Larsen, all of Bellingham; 2 nieces and 2 nephews. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. Don Keelin, Thursday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m. Final resting place Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENNER, Lawrence, age 74, passed away (Jan. 1952) at the family home, 3012 Pinewood Ave. Mr. Benner had resided in this community for the past 49 years and was a retired shingle packer, formerly with Bloedel-Donovan. Surviving relatives are his widow, Avis, at home, and several nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, where services will be conducted by the Rev. Daniel E. Taylor, Saturday, January 19, at 10:30 a.m. Final resting place, Bay View.

BENNER, Nancy Jane, age 30, of 9003 38th Ave. S. W., Seattle, passed away in a Seattle hospital Thursday, December 25, (1952). Mrs. Benner had resided in Seattle for the past 18 months and had previously resided in Bellingham and Everson. She is survived by her husband, Ernest Benner and one son, Wayne, both at home; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Denny, of this city; one brother, Peter Denny, of Seattle, and one sister, Mrs. Pauline Sweet, of Yakima. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, where services will be conducted by the Rev. David S. Land, Monday, Dec. 29, at 10:00 a.m. Final resting place, Bay View.

BENNER, Randall A., age 15 of Route 2, Everson, passed away in a Seattle hospital Tuesday, July 16, (1963) following an extended illness. "Randy" was a member of the Nooksack Valley Baptist Church and was a freshman at the Nooksack Valley High School. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Benner; 4 brothers, Greg, Galen, Brian and David; 2 sisters, Debbie and Jan, all at home; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Benner, City; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Nieuwendorp of Lynden; and many other relatives. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, July 19 at 2:30 p.m. within the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, with Rev. Stanley Gundry pastor, officiating. Interment Greenacres.

BENNER, Rodney – Visitation for Rodney Benner of Everson will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. A funeral liturgy will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lynden with the Rev. Jim Fagen officiating. Mr. Benner died Monday, Nov. 20, 2000 at his home. He was 62. Born July 19, 1938 to Albert and June (Finch) Benner in Spokane, he grew up in Spokane and graduated in 1957 from Mead High School. In 1954, at age 16, he began his career as a meat cutter, working first for his uncle and then at Albertson's until 1971. On June 1 1958, he married Juanita Sanders in Spokane. Mr. Benner later moved his family to Vancouver, Wash, where he operated butcher shops in Vancouver and Camas until he became disabled in 1983. They moved to Whatcom County in 1992. Mr. Benner attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church and was a former member of the Meat Cutters Union in Portland, Ore. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the "Turtles" at Raspberry Ridge Golf Course. His hobby was building R/C airplanes and he was a member of the Renegade R/C Flying Club. His identical twin Roger Benner and sister Judy Kenna died previously. Survivors include his wife of the family home; son Conley Benner of Vancouver, Wash.; daughters Lori Jud of Camas and Robbi Benner of Vancouver, Wash., and Heidi Gisselberg of Portland, Ore.; brother Jon Benner of Antioch, Calif.; five grandchildren; and many other relatives.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 22 Nov 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENNER, Ruth, age 84 of 1713 'G' St. passed away at her residence, Tues. April 20, 1982. She was a member of the Eastern Star in Nooksack and a member of Calvary Temple. She was active in the Senior Citizens and also retired operator & owner of Benner's Rest Home. She leaves to survive 3 sons, Alton & wife Rose of Bellingham, Ernest & wife Barbara of Seattle, Lawrence & wife Delorse of Nooksack; 1 daughter, Mrs. Jean & husband Gene Brommers of Bellingham; 1 sister Christine Little, Bellingham; 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 23, at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Cantilon officiating. Interment Greenacres. Following the committal service there will be a fellowship hour where friends may meet and greet the family at the Calvary Temple, 2014 'C' St. Under the direction of The Westford Funeral Home. [born Feb. 13, 1898 in Bellingham]

BENNETT, Anna M., age 70, of Rt. 1, Blaine, passed away Sat. April 22, 1978. She had been a resident of Blaine since 1949 & is survived by 2 sons; Gerald of Blaine & Edwin. A sister, Mrs. Norman Gudmundson of Ferndale. Also 5 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren. Graveside funeral services will be held in the Blaine Cemetery, Tues. April 25th at 3:30 p.m. with the Rev. Donald Walters officiating. Arrangements by Veroske's McKinney Funeral Home.

BENNETT, Anne M., 86, 2805 Plymouth Dr., of Bellingham, WA, passed away Sept. 18, 1992 in a local care facility. She was born Sept. 13, 1906 in Fort Smith, AR to Urban and Theresia Sharum. Anne came to this area in 1937 and was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church and the C.D.A. She was a person who loved arranging flowers and doing handy work. Survivors are her daughter Elizabeth Bennett of Kirkland and a brother Lawrence Sharum of Ft. Smith, AR; numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be recited 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1992 at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Jim Lee as celebrant. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Jerns LeVeck Funeral Chapel.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 22 Sep 1992) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENNETT, Arthur Joshua, age 91 years of Sumas, passed away in his home following a lingering illness. He had resided in Sumas for the past 27 years. He is survived by his wife, Cecilia. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, Oct. 18, (1957) at 2 p.m. in the Gillies Funeral Home in Sumas. Interment Lynden Cemetery.

BENNETT, Aubrey P., age 68 of 2805 Plymouth Dr. passed away in a local hospital Thursday, June 6, (1974). Mr. Bennett had been a lifetime resident of Bellingham and was founder and owner of Bennett Lumber Co. He was a member of the Catholic Church of the Assumption and Knights of Columbus Council No. 829. He leaves to survive his wife, Anne Bennett of Bellingham; 1 daughter, Elizabeth Bocek of Ferndale; 1 brother, Leo W. Bennett of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Christian prayer services will be held Monday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of Bingham & Jerns Funeral Home with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Tuesday, June 11 at 10 a.m. in the Catholic Church of the Assumption. Followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENNETT, Eddy A/K/A George Hamilton, age 28, 412 Baker Street, passed away Wednesday, July 29, (1964) as the result of a logging accident. Mr. Bennett was a truck driver for the Ludtke Logging Co. and had resided in Oklahoma before moving to this community. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Olive Bennett, Lynnwood, Calif., and a niece, Mrs. Betty Mortensen, city. Services will be conducted by Rev. James York Wednesday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home, followed by burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENNETT, Ella, age 71 years, of Sumas, passed away Thursday, January 3, (1952) at her home, following a lingering illness. She had been a resident of Sumas for the past 22 years. Mrs. Bennett is survived by her husband, Arthur J. Bennett, of Sumas. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 5, at 2 p.m., from the Gillies Funeral Home, at Sumas, with the Rev. Earl Crouse officiating. Interment, Lynden Cemetery.

BENNETT, Fred A., age 90, of Wickersham, passed away at a local hospital Wednesday, June 14, (1950) following a lingering illness. He had been a resident of the Wickersham community for the past 45 years. Surviving relatives include two sons, T. H., of Wickersham, and Fred R., of Wrangell, Alaska; two daughter, Mrs. Edith L. Ketchum, of Bellingham, and Mrs. Phyllis Scarbrough, of Wrangell, Alaska; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted in the chapel of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home, Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. James M. Wilson officiating. Interment in Saxon Cemetery.

BENNETT, George, age 75, of 632 10th St., Blaine passed away on Sat., Aug. 27, (1977). A 33 yr. Whatcom County resident, and a Blaine resident for the past 9 yrs. Mrs. (sic) Bennett was a retired carpenter and was a member of the Carpenters Union Local No. 756 of Bellingham. He was also a member of the Blaine Lutheran Church, was active in the senior citizen center in Blaine and served with the Canadian Armed Forces in WW II. He was also a member of the Canadian Legion in White Rock, B.C., and on Dec. 17, 1927, was married to Elizabeth Gudjonson in Morden, Manitoba. Besides his wife, Elizabeth, he is survived by a son, George E.W. Bennett, Jr. of Blaine; a daughter, Mrs. Cora (John) Dickey of Hatch, New Mexico; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers; Lorne in Richmond, B.C. & Stanley of Foston, Saskatchewan; 3 sisters; Mrs. Kay Qually of Wadena, Saskatchewan; Mrs. Cora McLean of Lowell, Indiana & Mrs. Jessie Gray of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be conducted on Wed. Aug. 31, at 1 p.m., in the Blaine Lutheran Church with Reverend Dennis Martin officiating. Cremation, Greenacres Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of the Gillies Funeral Home.

BENNETT, George Edwin, age 71 years of Blaine, passed away at his home (May, 1957) following a short illness. He had been a resident of Blaine for the past 8 years. Mr. Bennett was a veteran of the Spanish American War and World War I. He leaves to survive his wife Anna of Rt. 1, Blaine, 2 sons, Edwin L. of Juneau, Alaska and Gerald G. of Ketchikan, Alaska, 3 grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the McKinney Funeral Home in Blaine, with Rev. Clarence Lund officiating. Cremation.

BENNETT, Harriet E., age 68, of 601 East Holly St., passed away in a local sanitarium Saturday, April 29, (1961). Widow of the late Harry Bennett, she was a resident of Bellingham for the past 60 years. Survivors are one sister, Mrs. Nina Christenson and one niece, Miss Harriet Christenson, both of Bellingham. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where private services will be conducted Tuesday, May 2 at 1 p.m. followed by cremation.

BENNETT, Harry, age 61 years, of 2413 Jaeger Street, passed away at a local hospital Sunday, August 10, (1952) following an extended illness. Mr. Bennett had spent his entire lifetime in this community and was employed by the Olympic Portland Cement Co. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge F. & A. M. No. 151. Mr. Bennett is survived by his wife, Ethel Fern; one daughter, Mrs. Barbara Hanson; one grandson, Thomas Lynn Hanson, both of this city; one sister, Mrs. Maye Shields, Rt. 1, City; one brother, Lynn Bennett, in Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 14, at 10:30 a.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home. Interment, Bay View Cemetery.

BENNETT, Henry C., 83, of 409 West Second St., Nooksack, died Saturday (Feb. 9, 1991) at St. Francis Extended Health Care Center in Bellingham. Mr. Bennett was born on July 19, 1907 to Frank and Johanna Bennett in Randall, Minn. He lived in Oklahoma and North Dakota. Mr. Bennett married Della Stadt on March 25, 1935, in Lodgepole, SD. They moved to Manhattan, Mont., and then to Whatcom County in 1937. Mr. Bennett operated a dairy farm for several years. He was employed at Surge Dairy Supply and also owned and operated a custom feed grinder. He was the supervisor of the Whatcom County Landfill on the Alm Road before he retired in the early 1980s. Mr. Bennett was a member and former Elder of the Nooksack Reformed Church. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife at St. Francis; two daughters, Ella Mae Winter of Lynden and Shirley Lambert of Everson; a brother, Albert Bennett of Jamestown, ND; two sisters, Frances VanSoest of Everson and Hazel Plaggemeyer of Pollack, SD; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives. Memorial services will be at 2 pm Tuesday at the Nooksack Reformed Church with Pastor Ron Slater officiating. The burial will follow at 1 p.m. in Monumenta Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 10 Feb 1991) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENNETT, Ida, 75, 2600 E. Sunset Dr. died Sunday, December 31, (1972). She was a retired registered nurse and a resident of the community for the past 50 years. She was a member of the Church of the Assumption, the Catholic Daughters, and Ada Knox St. Luke's Auxiliary. Surviving her are one son, William Bennett, Bellingham; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Komen of Port Townsend and Mrs. Carol Gooding, Bellingham; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; her sisters, Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, O. P. of Chehalis, Mrs. Virginia Hackett, Kirkland and Mrs. Sarah Ackey of Pasco; and one brother, William Dorcy of Clear Lake, California. Services under direction of Westford Funeral Home.

BENNETT, James Edward, age 52 years, of Darrington, Wash., passed away in that city Wednesday, Nov. 25, (1953) following a lingering illness. Mr. Bennett had resided in Darrington for one year, where he owned and managed the "Cottage Inn." He had formerly lived in Bellingham for many years and was a member of the Elks Lodge, B. P. O. E. No. 194, and the Alaska Fisherman's Union. He is survived by his wife, Thora, at home; one son, Louis E., in the U. S. Navy; three daughters, Mrs. Juanita Harriman and Mrs. Barbara Crombie, both of this city, and Mrs. Betty Roberts of Mystic, Conn.; seven grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Ida Dominic, of Ontario, Oregon. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home with the Rev. W. Carl Calhoun, pastor of the Congregational Church officiating, followed by the ritualistic services of the Elks lodge, B. P. O. E. No. 194. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENNETT, James Gordon, age 57 years, passed away at his home, 708 E. Holly, Wednesday, May 23, (1945). Mr. Bennett had resided here the past year previous to his removal he resided in Seattle and was credit manager for Seattle City Light. Surviving is the widow, Katherine S., at home. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth. Services will be conducted at the Assumption Church by the Rt. Rev. Mgs. J. G. Stafford, Saturday, May 26, at 8:15 a.m. Final resting place, Washington Memorial Cemetery, Tacoma, Wash. [born May 12, 1888 Omaha, NE]

BENNETT, John B., aged 81 years, passed away at his home, 1301 J Street, Sunday, November 13, (1938) following a short illness. Mr. Bennett had been a resident in Whatcom County for the past forty-seven years and was a past exalted ruler of the local Elks Lodge, a former deputy sheriff, city councilman and abstractor. He leaves no surviving relatives. The remains are resting at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, where funeral services will be conducted by Rev. James M. Wilson and the officers of B.P.E.O. Elks, Monday, November 21 at 3 p.m. Interment will be made in Bayview Cemetery.

BENNETT, John Ralph, Haida Carver and respected Native Leader and Elder. Born June 27, 1919 in Waterfall, AK, to John and Cordelia (Skultka) Bennett. He was a member of the Haida Tribe and was much loved by the native people. His Haida name was Kwan Kilt Kawn of the Eagle/Frog Clan, and he was proud of his heritage as a fifth generation carver of masks, totem poles, paddles and other traditional art. He was known throughout the west coast, which he traveled extensively, as an artist. He also worked as a boat captain, fisherman, carpenter and teacher. He was a devoted family man and made frequent trips to his native homeland in Alaska. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 42 years Rachel (Skultka); son and daughter-in-law Ralph and Heidi Bennett of Redmond; grandchildren, Josh Bennett of Bellingham, and John Bennett of Everett; as well as his many friends and adopted family members. He always tried to improve the quality of life of the people whose lives he touched with his faith, knowledge and compassion. He died peacefully and with great dignity on July 7, 1997 [at] Pioneer Ridge in Ferndale. He was a Whatcom County resident for 17 years and will be laid to rest on the Lummi Nation lands as he had wished. He will be remembered as a generous and caring man who carried, with great dignity, the traditions of his people through his word and art. A prayer service will take place Sunday, July 13, 1997, 7:00 p.m., and Funeral Service on Monday July 14, 10:00 a.m. both at Wexliem (Place of Frogs) Lummi Community Center, 2100 Lummi View Drive, near Stommish grounds, Lummi Nation. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home, Ferndale.

BENNETT, John Wesley, age 79 of 1202 E. Main St., Everson passed away at his home Fri. Dec. 21, 1979. He was born in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 18, 1900, and moved to Everson area from N. Dakota in 1936. A retired farmer, Mr. Bennett was a member of Everson Christian Reformed Church, and had farmed on the Gillies Rd. until 1968, he had also been employed by Everson Implement for a number of years. He was married to his wife Tillie [Kroontje] in Hull, N. Dakota on July 4, 1936. He is survived by his wife Tillie, 2 brothers, Henry Bennett of Nooksack and Albert Bennett, Jamestown, N. Dakota, 3 sisters, Mrs. Frances VanSoest of Everson, Hazel Bennett of Pollock, S. Dakota, and Mrs. Katie Pruett, Unionville, Missouri. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, William Kroontje of Everson and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Mon. Dec. 24, at 1 p.m., at The Everson Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Duane Tinklenberg officiating. Burial will follow in Monumenta Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Everson Christian Reformed Church Calvinettes of your favorite charity. Services are under the direction of the Gillies Funeral Home.

BENNETT, L. Clyde, Rev., age 67, of 1131 Sixteenth Street, passed away at a local hospital Wednesday, December 13, (1950). Rev. Bennett had been a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and been a minister of the Gospel for over 30 years and was pastor of the Fairhaven Methodist Church at the time of his death. Surviving relatives include his wife, Hortense, at home; three sons, Harold and Paul, of Yakima, and Kenneth, of Vancouver, Wash.; two daughters, Mrs. Aletha Johnson, of Seattle, and Mrs. Dorathy Donnelly, of Wichita, Kans.; four brothers, Charles, of Washington, Kans., Grover, of Grants Pass, Oregon, Allen, of Seattle, and Herman, of Kennewick; 15 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted Friday, December 15, at 11 a.m. within the Chapel of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home with Dr. Ernst F. Harold and the Rev. Daniel E. Taylor officiating. The remains will be shipped to Yakima where graveside services will be conducted by Dr. Recter Johnson.

BENNETT, Leslie A., age 87, of Everett, formerly of Bellingham and was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Bellingham for 60 years, passed away Friday, Aug. 5, (1977). Born on July 15, 1890 in Victoria, B.C. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Bennett in 1963. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. W.B. (Mettje) Jeschke of Snohomish; a son, Alastair Bennett of Camano Island; 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend services on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. at the Solie Funeral Home in Everett, Rev. S. J. Vicent officiating. Interment will follow at the G.A.R. Cemetery in Snohomish.

BENNETT, Mae H., age 77 years, beloved wife of Mr. Fred Bennett, Wickersham, Wash., passed away at a local hospital Sunday, December 8, (1946) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Bennett had been a resident of the Wickersham community for the past forty-one years and leaves to survive, beside the husband, two daughters, Mrs. Edith Ketchum, of Bellingham, and Mrs. Phyllis Scarborough in Alaska; two sons, Fred A. Jr., in Alaska, and Thurlough H., Wickersham. The remains are resting at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at the Community Church at Wickersham, Wednesday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m., with Rev. James Martyn Wilson officiating. Interment in Saxon Cemetery.

BENNETT, Marie E., age 91, 2205 "C" Street, passed away at home Saturday, December 21, (1963) following an extended illness. Mrs. Bennett had resided in Bellingham for the past year. She leaves to survive 1 son, Rudolph W. Bennett of Bellingham; 1 daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth W. McCarty of Boise, Idaho; 1 sister, Mrs. Bertha Lancaster, Sedro Woolley. Also 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Christian Science services will be read Friday Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Bingham & Jerns Funeral Home. Cremation will follow.

BENNETT, Mary, age 79 years, 2226 Franklin Street, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clara Woody, 2226 Franklin Street, Wednesday, October 16, (1946) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Bennett had been a resident of Bellingham for the past thirty-six years, was a member of the Michigan Club and the Daughters of Union Veterans. Surviving relatives include two daughters, Mrs. Edna M. McAllister and Mrs. Clara M. Woody, both of Bellingham; two brothers, William F. and Edward A. Simmons, both of Bellingham; also six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; also nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home, Monday, October 21, at 2 p.m., with Elder A. J. Gordon officiating, followed by ritualistic services of the Daughters of Union Veterans. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENNETT, Mary Ann - In remembrance of our loving mother, Mary Ann Bennett, age 69. Passed away May 19, 1997 at St. Joseph Hospital. Born April 10, 1928 to James and Bertha Mahoney in Spokane, WA. Survived by: husband, John F. Bennett; five daughters: Lynda L. Bennett, Debby A. Sharp, Juli M. Bennett, Tammi R. Komac, Lovi M. and husband Eric G. Jungblom; eight grandchildren, Shannon M. Ridpath and husband Robert, Tara R. Butenschoen and husband Michael, Terry B. Sharp, James S. T. Sharp, Jammi M. Komac, Ryan G. Jungblom, Ashley N. Jungblom, Michaela L. Watson; five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 23, 1997, in The Jerns LeVeck Funeral Chapel. The arrangements and services are under the direction of The Jerns LeVeck Funeral Chapel and Crematorium of Bellingham.

BENNETT, Maude H., age 78 of Clarkston passed away in that city, Sunday, Feb. 16th, (1958) following a short illness. Mrs. Bennett had resided in Clarkston for the past 14 years and was a former longtime resident of Bellingham. She leaves to survive one daughter, Mrs. Bessie Blalock of Clarkston, two sons, Harold Samms of Sacramento and Leo Osterman of Juneau, Alaska, one sister, Mrs. Ethel Schrump of this city, one brother, Ted Hagen of Tucson, Arizona and several nieces and nephews, 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Friday, Feb. 21st at 1 p.m. at Bayview Cemetery with the Rev. Calvin W. Moore officiating, under the direction of the Westford Funeral Home.

BENNETT, Nellie, age 95, passed away peacefully in her loving home surrounded by her loving family on September 13, 2007. She was born on April 8, 1912 in Friday Harbor, WA, to John and Maybelle Little. She graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1929. Nellie married Fred Jorgenson and they had 2 sons, Carlton and John. After his death, she remarried Theodore Bennett on October 3, 1938 in Friday Harbor. They moved to Bellingham and had 3 more children, William (Bill), Joanne and Thomas (Tom). For many years she worked as a food processor at Bumble Bee Seafoods and Bellingham Cold Storage. She dedicated herself to her children, helping people at the Bellingham Food Bank and taking care of Virginia Rush. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Daughters of the American Revolution and a faithful member of the Church of Psychic Research. Nellie also worked and lived in Marietta, WA with lifetime companion, Herb Dougherty. Preceding her in death are husbands, Fred Jorgenson and Theodore Bennett, sons John and William Bennett, grandson William Bennett, Jr., infant daughter Sandra and lifetime best friends, Anonia Fowle and Florence Kuhns. She is leaving behind her 3 children, 21 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-great-grandchild. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at Wex-li-em Community Building, Arrangements under the care of Jerns Funeral Chapel.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 15 Sep 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENNETT, Stephen T.    d. 1972     Image

BENNETT, Theodore, age 60, of 3102 Cottonwood Ave., passed away Friday, October 23, (1959) in the Mt. Baker National Forest. Mr. Bennett had resided in Bellingham for the past 21 years and was a veteran of World War I and was a logger. Survivors are his widow, Louella, at home; four sons, John, of Spokane, Bill, of Bellingham, Charlton, of Redwood City, Calif., and Tom, at home; one daughter, Miss Joanne Bennett at home; 6 grandchildren; four brothers, Fred, of Everett and Dudley, of Portland; Miller, of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Robert, of Everett. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. E. Gordon Crider, Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. Final resting place Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENNETT, Thurlough Howard, age 80 of 5192 Lynch St., Acme, passed away May 18, 1979, and he was born Oct. 7, 1898 in Chelsea, Michigan. He was a life resident of the county, he is survived by 1 brother, Fred Bennett and 1 sister Phyllis Scarbrough, both of Wrangell, Alaska and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be conducted at Saxon Cemetery, Mon. May 21 at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

BENNETT, Tim     d. 1991    Image

BENNETT, William D. -- d. 1944      Image

BENNETT, William R. - Funeral services for William R. Bennett will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Westford Funeral Home with Mrs. Lillian Browne officiating. Cremation will follow. Survivors include the wife Sandra, and six children, John, William, Thomas, Dalene, Jolene and Sherrie Marie, all of Walla Walla; his mother, Mrs. Lovela Bennett of Bellingham; three brothers, Carol of Sedro Woolley and John and Thomas, both of Bellingham; a sister, Mrs. Joanne Jamison of Bellingham, and a grandmother, Mrs. John Little of Friday Harbor. A resident here for the past 26 years, Mr. Bennett was a pressman at Intalco and a member of the Machinists Union.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 19 Jun 1967) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENNINK, Jennie Irene - A private, family graveside service for Jennie Irene (Garfield) Mercer Bennink of Bellingham will be at Haynie Cemetery in Custer. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Sunrise Baptist Church in Custer, with the Rev. Jon Aldrich officiating. Mrs. Bennink died Monday, April 24, 2000, at St. Francis Extended Health Care Center. She was 97. Born July 21, 1902, to George and Augusta (Howard) Garfield in Neilsville, Wis., she completed the ninth grade. In October 1921 she married Merton Mercer in Minneapolis and they bought a 43-acre farm in Haynie. He died in 1963. In 1979, she married John Bennink in Lynden. He died in 1987. Mrs. Bennink attended Sunrise Baptist Church and Women's Bible Study and taught Sunday school. She also supported an orphan in India. During her later years, she traveled to many places, including California, Hawaii, Spain, Portugal and Libya. All of her siblings died previously. Survivors include daughters Joyce Thompson, Thelma Bruland and Betty Selene, all of Bellingham, Darlene Rupp of Edmonds and Shirley Chapman of Tacoma sons Gerald Mercer of Everett and Pat Mercer of Bothell 28 grandchildren 47 great-grandchildren 12 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Arrangements are by Moles Funeral Home of Ferndale.

BENNINK, Nancy, age 42 years, of Lynden, passed away at her home Tuesday, May 22, (1956). She is survived by her husband, John H. Bennink; one son, Doyle; one daughter, Diane, at the family home; her mother, Mrs. J. W. Vander Houwen, of Lynden; one brother, Fred Vander Houwen of Outlook, Wash.; two sisters, Mrs. Everett Scholten, Everson, Rt. 1; Mrs. Andrew Visser, Burlington, Rt. 1; five step-brothers, Dr. Sheldon Bajema of Spokane, Ray C., Rev. John C., Harry and Simon Bajema, all of Lynden; one step-sister, Mrs. Grace Sittser of Grand Rapids, Mich. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, May 25, at 2 p.m. from the Grace Baptist Church in Lynden with Rev. John C. Bajema officiating. Interment, Monumenta Cemetery under the direction of the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden.

BENNUM, Benjamin B., age 81, of 2609 Jaeger Street, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, January 24, (1951). Mr. Bennum had resided here for the past 33 years and had been a railroad car repair inspector. He was a member of the Baptist church and the I. O. O. F., of Indianola, Iowa. Surviving relatives are his wife, Mrs. Lydia L. Bennum, at home; two sons, Warren A., of the city, and Lloyd B. Bennum, of Baltimore, Maryland; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Frances Wiley, of Cody, Wyo., Mrs. Ida Mead and Miss Rose Bennum, of Grand Junction, Colo. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, where services will be conducted by the Rev. John E. Parrott, Saturday, January 27, at 3 p.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENNUM, Floyd B., age 85, passed away at Easton Memorial Hospital in Easton, Md., May 12, 1981. Mr. Bennum lived in Bellingham for the last 15 years. He leaves to survive 1 sister-in-law, Ruth Bennum; 2 daughters & 2 grandsons in Baltimore, Md.; 1 nephew Ben of Castle Rock, WA; and several great nephews & nieces of Bellingham.

BENNUM, Lydia L. - Graveside services for Lydia L. Bennum, 91, 4017 Silver Beach Ave., will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Greenacres Memorial Park with the Rev. Max Oliphant officiating. Mrs. Bennum, a resident here the past 37 years, died Monday (Nov. 22, 1965). She was a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are two sons, Warren A. and Floyd B., both of Bellingham; four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home.

BENNUM, Warren - Funeral services for Warren Bennum, 53, 2222 Williams St., will be 1 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home. He died Friday (July 12, 1974). A 45-year resident of Bellingham, Mr. Bennum was an employee of Dahl Fish Co. He was a member of Meat Cutters Local 247. Survivors include the widow, Irene; seven sons, Frank, Richard, Randy and Greg of Bellingham, Mike of Federal Way, Steve of Renton and Jim of Port Angeles; a daughter, Sandra Bennum of Bellingham; a brother, Ben of Bellingham, his mother Ruth Bennum of Bellingham; and two grandchildren. Burial will be in Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENOIS, Rebecca Dawn, age 14 months, of Yakima, passed away Tuesday July 9. Survived by her mother, grandparents Mrs. James Hickok, Mount Lake Terrace and Isaac Benois of Virginia, great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Craig. City Services will be conducted Friday July 12, 1:30 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery with Rev. Hugh Cantelon of the Calvery Temple officiating. Under the direction of the Westford Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 11 Jul 1974) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENOIT, Gloria B., age 48, a New Halem resident the past 14 years, passed away Sat. April 29, 1978 as a result of an automobile accident. She was born in Seattle in 1929. She was employed by Sears & Roebuck in Seattle. In New Halem she was employed by Seattle City Light. She is survived by her husband, Edward A. son Vance. A stepson, Michael Benoit. 2 step-daughters: Rose McScott of Pt. Angeles & Barbara Stull of Vancouver, WA. 3 sisters: Louise Taylor of Kent, Frances Tebbleman of Seattle & Bernice Johnson of Seattle. 9 step grandchildren. Funeral services Sat. May 6th at Lemley Chapel, 11 a.m. Interment Sedro Woolley Cemetery. [Gloria Benoit was driving the car about 3 a.m. Saturday when it crossed the centerline eastbound then returned to the right side of the road and struck a dirt embankment.]

BENSEN, Albert N., age 59, of 1088 Washington St., Reno, Nev., passed away in that city Wednesday, March 4, (1959). Mr. Bensen was born in Bellingham and resided here until 1950 when he moved to Reno. He was a retired musician and leaves to survive his widow, Mrs. Madelaine Bensen, at home; one son, Court Bensen, at home; mother, Mrs. Carrie Bensen, of Bellingham; two sisters, Mrs. Gladys Rundquest, of Seattle, and Mrs. Clara Swanson, of Vashon Island; four brothers, Edwin, of Belfair, Wash., Percy, of Seattle, Harold, of San Francisco, and Charles, of Bellingham. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. Fr. W. Robert Webb, Monday, March 9, at 1 p.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENSEN, Annie, age 97, of 2614 Vining Place, Bellingham passed away Wed. Jan. 12, 1983, in Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle. She was the beloved mother of Sverre and his wife Marzella Bensen of Bellingham; Ludwig and his wife Gloria Benson of Bellingham; Jennie and her husband Marvin Wubbins of Seattle. She is also survived by a sister, Sophia Jacobson of Stavanger, Norway; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. Mrs. Bensen had been a resident of Whatcom County for 75 years; and was a member of the Whitehorn Lutheran Church, which is now Triumph Lutheran Church, Ferndale. Mrs. Bensen had been living some of each year with her daughter in Seattle and her sons in Bellingham. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Ronald Knutson Mon., Jan. 17 at 1:30 p.m. in Moles Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Enterprise Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 16 Jan 1983) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSEN, Carrie M., age 88, of 1309 (1509?) E. Victor, passed away in a local nursing home Thursday, June 18, (1964) following an extended illness. Mrs. Benson (sic) had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 71 years and is survived by 4 sons, Charles, city; Percy, Seattle; Edwin, Tucson, Arizona and Harold of San Francisco; 2 daughters, Mrs. Clara Swanson and Mrs. Gladys Rundquist, both of Seattle; many grand and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held June 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. Raymond E. Pfleuger officiating. Interment Bay View. Memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Fund.

BENSEN, Ludwig - My best friend Ludwig Bensen, devoted husband and father, passed away July 22, 2003. Lud was born in Bellingham on January 18, 1915 to John and Anne Ludwigson Bensen. When he was three, his family moved to the White Horn area and he attended school in Blaine. Later, he went on to become a dairy farmer for many years. After retiring in 1969, he had time for fishing and hunting. In June 1975 her married Marjorie Gloria Salter with whom he enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. Lud was also a member of the Lutheran Church all his life. He is survived by his devoted wife Marjorie Gloria of Bellingham and his two dogs. Preceded in death by his parents and brother Sverre.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 24 Jul 2003) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSEN, Sverre - A memorial service for Sverre Bensen of Bellingham will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Garden Street United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Leslie Ann Knight officiating. Mr. Bensen died Monday, July 19, 1999, in Bellingham. He was 90. Born Feb. 1, 1909, to John and Annie (Ludwigson) Bensen in Bellingham, he lived in Whatcom County all his life. He married Marzella VanderMeer on April 28, 1939, in Bellingham. Mr. Bensen was co-owner of Holeman and Bensen Lumber Co. of Bellingham. A member of Garden Street United Methodist Church, he enjoyed camping and traveling. Survivors include his wife, of the family home; daughter Nelda A. Mataczynski and son Dale E. Bensen, both of Vancouver, Wash.; brother Ludwig Bensen of Bellingham; sister Jennie Wubbins of Auburn; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.

BENSETH, Alfred W., age 71, passed away in a local hospital Monday, Jan. 18, (1960) following a short illness. Mr. Benseth had resided in Bellingham for the past 60 years, was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, a veteran of World War 1, and was retired from Pacific American Fisheries. He leaves to survive two brothers, Harry of this city, B. M. of Seattle; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Tweit and Mrs. Esther Ford, both of this city; three nephews, Vernon Tweit, Robert and Warren Ford, all of this city; three nieces, Jean Tweit of this city, Mrs. Jane Benseth McCraedy and Mrs. Ann Benseth Duncan, both of Seattle; several grand nieces and grand nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, Pastor Oscar A. Jacobsen officiating. Interment, Bay View.

BENSETH, Anne, age 94, of 2106 Mill Avenue, passed away at the family home Wednesday, May 30, (1951) following a short illness. Mrs. Benseth had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 51 years and was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Surviving relatives include three sons, Bernhart, of Seattle, Harry and Alfred, both of Bellingham; two daughters, Mrs. Esther Ford and Mrs. Clara Tweit, both of Bellingham; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Gjelsten, in Norway, and many nephews and nieces and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 2, at 1:30 p.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home with the Rev. Clarence Haugen, pastor of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church officiating. Interment, Bay View.

BENSKIN, Jedidiah d. August 5, 1990    Image

BENSON, Alice (Grubb), wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away Monday, April 9, 2007 at the age of 88. She was born August of 1918 in Turlock, CA, to Fred and Mae (McCauley) Grubb. Alice leaves behind two daughters, Patsy George of Bellingham, WA, Marlene (Sue) Patterson of Okeechobee, FL; two sons Richard Benson of Chehalis, WA, Timothy Benson of Ferndale, WA; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; sister Pauline Johnson of CA; brother Carl Grubb of CA. She is preceded in death by husband Frank Benson, daughter Bobbie Jean Benson, one sister, three brothers, and great-granddaughter Amanda Kinley. Alice will be missed dearly by family and friends. She was an avid cook, and homemaker. Enjoyed working in her garden, doing arts and crafts, quilting, and reading books. A private service will be held at a later date.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 15 Apr 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, Andrew, age 89 years, of Lynden, Route 1, passed away Saturday, March 22, (1947) at his home. He was a pioneer resident of Lynden, having lived there sixty-six years. Survivors are his wife, Helene; three sons, Arvid, Herbin and Edwin, all of Lynden, and eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 25, at 2 p.m. from the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden, with Rev. H. L. Richardson officiating, to be followed by cremation.

BENSON, Anna L., age 92 years, of 1112 Roland Street, passed away at a local hospital Thursday, Nov. 4, (1954) following an extended illness. Mrs. Benson had resided in Bellingham for the past 30 years. She is survived by two sons, C. Fred Benson, of this city, and Dean Benson, of Route 3, Ferndale; three daughters, Mrs. Lee Sapp and Miss Vester Benson, both of this city, and Mrs. Edna Westerland, of Snoqualmie; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with the Rev. C. Eugene Sabin, pastor of the First Christian Church officiating. Interment Bay View Cemetery.

BENSON, Axel – A celebration of life for Axel Benson of Port Orchard will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hope Lutheran Church in Lynden. Mr. Benson died of complications from Alzheimer's disease on Sunday, May 21, 2000 in Port Orchard. He was 56. Born Oct. 28, 1943, to Arvid and Viola Benson in Lynden, he was born with Down syndrome, was a descendent of the first Lynden settlers and had lived on the family farm most of his life. His parents and brother Arnold Benson died previously. Survivors include brother Larry Benson of Port Orchard and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 24 May 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, Bruce, age 81, of 2823 Walnut Street, passed away in a local hospital Saturday, February 6, (1954). Mr. Benson had resided in this community for the past 16 years, and was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Prairie View Methodist Church in Waverly, Kas. Surviving relatives include his wife, Mrs. Lena Benson at home; a son, Leonard Benson of Bellingham; a daughter, Mrs. Fred Haworth of Long Beach, Calif.; two step-daughters, Mrs. Ivan Jensen, Seattle, and Mrs. Jeff Martin of Pt. Roberts; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, where services will be conducted by the Rev. Clarence Forsberg Tuesday, February 9, at 11 a.m. Interment, Bay View Cemetery.

BENSON, Carl E., age 53 of 3001 Alderwood Ave., passed away Sept. 3, (1975). A lifetime Whatcom County resident, Mr. Benson was a retired truck driver and a WWII U.S. Army Veteran. Surviving son, Bert Elroy Benson of Houston, Texas; 3 grandchildren; his stepmother, Mrs. Ethel Benson and 3 stepsisters, Delores Dalenius of Ferndale, Barbara Hanson of Bellingham and Lorraine Walsh of Kent. Graveside services and interment of remains Thursday Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery with Rev. Paul Cantelon officiating. Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

BENSON, Christian, age 84, of 2800 Old Fairhaven Parkway, passed away Friday, June 14, 1991 at his residence. Mr. Benson was born May 4, 1907 in Olga, North Dakota to James and Jenie Benson. He attended school in Milton, N.D. In 1936 Mr. Benson moved to Bellingham and in 1937 he began working as machine operator for Puget Sound Pulp and Timber Co., which later became the Georgia-Pacific Corp. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served as an auto mechanic in the South Pacific until 1945. After returning to Bellingham, Mr. Benson continued to work at Georgia-Pacific until his retirement in 1970. He was a member of American Legion Post 7, a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 194, and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9301 of Lynden. He is survived by a son, Thomas Benson of Bellingham; two sisters, Mabel Olson of Bellingham, and Mary Johnson of Minnesota; two grandchildren. Services will be held on Thursday June 20, 1991 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Westford Funeral Home. Officiant will be Pastor R. L. Christensen. Interment will follow at Greenacres Cemetery. Arrangements by Westford Funeral Home.

BENSON, Christian S., age 67 of 1217 Samish Hwy, passed away in a local hospital Sunday, Aug. 5, (1962). Mr. Benson had resided in Bellingham for the past 15 years and was proprietor of the Tobacco counter in Bellingham Hotel and a member of the Garden Street Methodist Church. He leaves to survive his wife Ella at home, one daughter Janice Johnson of North Carolina and one grandchild. Two brothers Asmundur Benson and Oscar Benson both of Bottineau, North Dakota, four sisters Mrs. Barnie Asmundson of this city, Mrs. Walter Arnison of Upham, North Dakota, Mrs. Walter Goodman of San Diego, and Mrs. Morris Boulange of Kennewick, Wn. Several nieces and nephews. The remains were forwarded to Upham, N. D., by the Westford Funeral Home where services will be held Thursday, Aug. 9.

BENSON, Edwin R., age 46, of Route 1, Lynden, passed away at his home Sunday, March 25, (1951) following a short illness. He had been failing in health for several years. Mr. Benson had been a resident of the Lynden district his entire life. Surviving relatives include two brothers, Herbin and Arvid R., both of Lynden. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Clifton Trued of Clearwater, Thursday, March 29, at 2 p.m. within the chapel of the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Interment in Greenacres Memorial Park. The family requests that flowers be omitted, those who wish may donate to the Orthopedic.

BENSON, Frank G., age 72, of 1010 Mason Street, passed away in a local hospital Thursday, January 15, (1953). Mr. Benson had resided in this community for the past 45 years, and had been employed as a foreman for the Columbia Valley Sash and Door Factory for the past 40 years. He was a deacon for the Champion Street Baptist Church, and was a member of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union. Surviving relatives include a son, Carl Benson; a daughter, Mrs. Hilvie McDonald, both of Bellingham; and nine grandchildren. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. Clifford M. Dickau, Monday, January 19, at 1 p.m. Final resting place, Bay View.

BENSON, George, age 67, of 2736 Park Drive, passed away at the family home, Wednesday, July 30, (1952). Mr. Benson had been employed at Gage-Dodson Clothing Co., and was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, and a life member of Bellingham Lodge No. 194, B. P. O. Elks. Surviving relatives include the widow, Mattie, at the family home; a brother, Arthur Benson, of Seattle; and a sister, Mrs. Edna Leonard, of Los Angeles. Private Christian Science services were read at the Funeral Home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, Friday, August 1, at 4:30 p.m. Cremation.

BENSON, George W., age 69, of 2420 Racine, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, Feb. 7, (1962) following an extended illness. Mr. Benson had resided in Bellingham for the past 40 years and was a retired cook. He leaves to survive his wife, Mrs. Lena B. Benson of the family home; two step-daughters, Mrs. Gladys Wallace and Mrs. Ethel Rieter, both of this city; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Benson of Los Angeles, Mrs. Rose Roberts of Alhambra; four brothers, Frank of Taft, Calif., Thomas of Carmichael, Calif., James and Albert, both of Cheyenne, Wyo.; numerous nieces and nephews. Private services will be conducted Friday, Feb. 9, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. Gordon Crider officiating, followed by cremation. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

BENSON, Helen, age 84 years, of Rt. No. 1 Lynden, passed away at a local hospital Sunday, July 4, (1948) following a lingering illness. She had been a resident of the Lynden district for the past 5 years. Mrs. Benson is survived by her 3 sons, Arvid R., Edwin R., and Herbin, all of Lynden; also 8 grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, July 7 at 2 p.m. [standard time] from the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden with the Rev. C. Haugen of Bellingham officiating. Interment in Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENSON, Hilda, age 53, of 1010 Mason Street, passed away in a local hospital, Thursday, July 10, (1947). Mrs. Benson had been a resident of this community for the past forty years and was a member of the Champion Street Baptist Church. Surviving relatives are the husband, Frank G., at home; one son, Carl S., and one daughter, Mrs. Hilvie McDonald, and five grandsons, all of Bellingham; mother, Mrs. Minnie Anderson, of Bellingham; five brothers, Oscar Anderson, of Stanwood, Edward Anderson, of Sedro-Woolley, Axel, Walfred and Carl Anderson, all of Bellingham; three sisters, Mrs. Edith Lind, of Mount Vernon, Mrs. Elna Lumbert, of Bellingham, and Mrs. Evelyn Plummer, of Portland, Oregon. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth, where services will be conducted by the Rev. Gordon Carlson, Monday, July 14, at 1:30 p.m. Final resting place, Bay View.

BENSON, Irvin G. Sr. of Blaine died at home Friday, July 28, 1995, after an extended illness. He was 61. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Woodlawn Cemetery with a brother, Bill Benson, officiating. Mr. Benson was born Aug. 5, 1933 to John and Betty Munzenreder Benson in Britton, SD. The family moved to Whatcom County in 1941. Mr. Benson graduated from Bellingham High School in 1952. He worked at Mt. Baker Motors and was service manager at Snow Ford in Lynden and then at Hinton Motors in Lynden. He retired in 1991. His hobbies included woodworking and car restoration. Mr. Benson married Judy Buras on Nov. 26, 1986. Survivors include his wife of the family home; son Irvin Benson Jr. of Lynden; daughter Debbie Codini of Tacoma; stepdaughters Kim Soles of Glacier and Laura Uhrich of Oklahoma City; sister Lois Bolton of Escolan, Calif.; brothers Bill Benson of Bellingham, Joe Benson of Sacramento, Calif, and Leonard Benson of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 30 Jul 1995) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, Jean A., age 24, 2801 Alderwood Ave., passed away Monday, January 10, (1966). A lifetime resident of this city, Mrs. Benson was a member of the First Baptist Church. The family suggests Memorials may be made to the Cancer Fund. Survivors are her husband, Marvin A.; a son, Martin D., both at home; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meyer of Laurel; a brother, William Meyer in California, and a sister, Mrs. LeRoy Murray of this city. Private graveside services were conducted by Rev. Max K. Oliphant today, January 11 at Greenacres Memorial Park under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

BENSON, Jennie J., age 86 years of 1306 James Street passed away in a local hospital Saturday, Sept. 10, (1960) following an extended illness. Mrs. Benson had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 20 years and was a member of the Icelandic Lutheran Church. She leaves to survive two sons, Leonard of Mountain, No. Dakota and Christian of this city; two daughters, Mrs. Mabel Olson of this city and Mrs. Marie Johnson of Langdon, No. Dakota; also 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 11:30 a. m. within the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with the Rev. G. P. Johnson officiating. The remains will then be forwarded to Milton, No. Dakota for interment.

BENSON, John L., age 80 of 3812 Kansas, passed away Thursday Dec. 25, (1975). Mr. Benson had resided in Bellingham for the past 35 years and was a retired fisherman. He leaves to survive 5 sons, Leonard and Joe both of Sacramento, Irvin of Lynden, Bill and Johnny both of City; 2 daughters, Mrs. Lois Bolton of Fresno and Josephine Benson of this city; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; 1 brother residing in Canada and numerous other relatives in Norway. Funeral services will be held Mon., Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. within the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Cantelon of Calvary Temple officiating. Interment Bayview.

BENSON, Lena Sailer, age 83, formerly Mt. Baker Apts., passed away in Seattle Wednesday, July 13, (1966). Mrs. Benson was a life time resident of this community before moving to Seattle 17 months ago. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Augusta Martin, Point Roberts; Mrs. Ann Neer, Everson; Mrs. Nettie Hanson, Seattle; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, William Neishe and George Neishe, both residing in Concrete, Wn.; two sisters, Mrs. Annie Grimm of Everson and Mrs. Mary Greer in Oregon. Graveside services will be conducted Friday, July 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenacres Memorial Park under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

BENSON, Leonard M., 76, expired Sunday, December 10, (1972). He lived at 2217 I St. He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 231 and of the Birchwood Presbyterian Church. He was a 35-year resident of the city. He leaves surviving, his widow, Loa; two daughters, Mrs. Mildred Hankenson, Bellingham and Mrs. Margret Martin Seattle; a sister; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

BENSON, Letha Clementine (Manion), 88, passed away quietly in Ferndale after a struggle with pancreatic cancer. Faithful wife to the late Maynard Benson, devoted mother to Nancy (Philip) Roessel and Julie (Walter) Hyry, loving grandmother to Tyler Roessel, Nicholas Roessel, Dilnaz Hyry and Alisher Hyry, also survived by her sister Esther Oas. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 4 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 7053 Enterprise Road, Ferndale, WA. The family would like to thank the friends who extended their kindness during Letha's illness, and Whatcom Hospice, who supported them in the last days of her life.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 2 Oct 2008) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, Maria, age 97 years, of 2300 B Street, passed away at her residence Thursday, July 5, (1951) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Benson had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 14 years and was a member of the Icelandic Lutheran Church in Upham, N. D. Surviving relatives include three sons, Asmundur and Oscar, both of Bottineau, N. D., and Chris, of Bosman, Mont.; six daughters, Mrs. Bjorg Frederickson, of Mervin, Saskatchewan, Mrs. Helga Westford, Mrs. Anna Asmundson and Mrs. Lillie Arnason, all of Bellingham, Mrs. Bertha Boulange, of Kenniwick, Wash., and Mrs. Margaret Goodman, of Bantry, N. D.; also 48 grandchildren and 87 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 7, at 3:30 p.m. within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home with the Rev. G. P. Johnson officiating. Remains will be forwarded to Upham, N. D., for interment.

BENSON, Mattie S., age 65, of 2736 Park Drive, passed away at home Thursday, August 20, (1953). Mrs. Benson had resided in this community for the past 50 years and was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Bellingham. Surviving relatives include one sister, Mrs. Lillian M. Bacon, of Bellingham; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Edna B. Leonard, of Pasadena, Calif.; one brother-in-law, Arthur L. Benson, of Seattle. Christian Science services were read at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth Friday, August 21, at 3 p.m., followed by cremation.

BENSON, Maynard E. - Memorial services for Maynard E. Benson, 63, will be at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 7 p.m. Friday, with William Stone officiating. Burial services for Benson, 63, were conducted at Woodlawn Cemetery. Benson is survived by his wife Letha, two daughters, his mother, three brothers, two grandchildren and numerous other relatives. He was born Oct. 4, 1921 and had been a local resident for 30 years. He had worked at St. Luke's General Hospital in the maintenance department for the past 20 years.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Nov 1984) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, Rodney Otis, born July 9, 1928 passed away July 5, 2006. A life long resident of Bellingham, he graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1946. Educated in the refrigeration and electrical fields he worked for Mills Electric and Georgia Pacific West. In the early 1950's he volunteered his time and experience with the World Wide Work of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York. In 1952 he met and married Betty V. Abram of Parma, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents Herbert Benson and Selena Ann (Pike) Benson, brothers Maynard, Ronald and Loren, and son Greg Allen Benson. He is survived by his brother Gerald and wife Geneva, wife Betty of the family home, daughter Susan French; son Gary and wife Jan'ee; daughter-in-law Kelly (Benson) and husband Bill Bartlett; grandchildren Derek and wife Beth Benson, Brittney (Benson) and husband Dustin Benge; Hailey, Stephanie and Blake French, Jason, Nathan, and Corban and wife Krista Bartlett and many relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 17, 2006 at 6 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Jul 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, Ruth [formerly Ruth Holmes], age 52 years, of Ashland, Oregon, and a former resident of the Lynden district, passed away at Spokane, Monday, August 11, (1947) following a short illness. Survivors are: one daughter, Mrs. John R. Owens, Bellingham; one son, Alfred Holmes, Seattle; two sisters, Mrs. M. C. McDonald, Spokane, and Mrs. James Fisher, Bellingham, and brother, Albert Mundell, Lynden. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 14, at 1:30 p.m. from the Gillies Funeral Home at Lynden, with Rev. Cecil Barner officiating. Interment in Lynden Cemetery.

BENSON, Tilda Marie, age 87, of 1593 Northwest Rd., passed away in a local hospital Friday, November 15, (1963). A member of the Faith Lutheran Church, Mrs. Benson was a 52 years resident of Bellingham. Survivors are two sons, J. Albin Benson of Bellingham and William P. Benson of Seattle; one daughter, Miss Ann Benson of Bellingham; numerous nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Pastor E. E. Olsenius and the Rev. Marmaduke Dodsworth Monday November 18 at 3:00 p.m. Final resting place Nooksack Cemetery.

BENSON, Timothy B., age 52 of Ferndale passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2008. He was born on October 30, 1955 in Turlock, California to Frank and Alice Benson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister. Tim is survived by son, Robert; daughter, Elisa of California; two grandchildren; sisters, Pat George of Bellingham and Marlene Patterson of Okeechobee, FL; brother, Richard Benson of Chehalis, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. Following the graveside service, friends are invited to the Blaine American Legion, Post 86 for refreshments. Moles-Greenacres Funeral Home, Memorial Park and On-site Crematory.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 29 Jan 2008) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENSON, William P., age 77, a retired teacher who taught in the Seattle public schools for 40 years, died in Seattle, Sunday (Nov. 27, 1977). Mr. Benson was born in Anaconda, Mont. He graduated from the Nooksack Valley High School and the University of Washington. He taught at James Monroe Junior High School in Ballard for 33 years specializing in industrial and architectural drawing before retiring in 1965. He was a member of the National and Seattle Retired Teachers' Association, University Lodge 141, Scottish Rite, and Nile Temple. His surviving wife, Marian, also was a long time Seattle teacher. Other survivors include a brother, Albin and a sister, Ann, both of Bellingham. At his request, no services will be held. Arrangements are being handled by Bleitz Funeral Home.

BENTHIEN, Emma A., age 87, passed away at 1817 Knox St., Tuesday, June 2, (1964). Miss Benthien came to Whatcom County in 1906; had taught school in Blaine and Rome schools, had been the librarian at Roeder School prior to her retirement in 1940. She was a member of the Garden Street Methodist Church and Retired Teachers Assn., and leaves to survive two nieces and two nephews. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. Joe Walker Friday, June 5, at 1 p.m. Final resting place Bay View.

BENTHIEN, Herbert Allen, age 83, died Saturday October 4, 1997 at the Skagit Convalescent Center in Sedro Woolley following a short stay. Herb was born August 13, 1914, the youngest of four children of Arthur and Leone Benthien in Milltown, Wa. He grew up in Mount Vernon, traveled to China with a dance band at age 16, and this began his illustrious career as a Dixieland Jazz Musician and later Band leader at such Dance Halls as the 7 Cedars in Mt. Vernon, with The Harry Linkdbeck Band. On to The Forest Grove Ballroom in Sumas, Wa., with his own band breaking all records for Dance Hall attendance, where his success led him to an historic stay at the Mt. Vernon Elks Lodge as Bandleader of the Herb Benthien Band for many years. His success in Washington as the "Benny Goodman of the Northwest" was known far and wide and will always be remembered. Herb was a life member of the Musicians Union and Elks Lodge BPOE 1604, Mt. Vernon. Herb is survived by sons Leonard A. Benthien and wife, Linda of Greenacres, Wa., Larry H. Benthien of Mt. Vernon, Wa.; daughter, Cheryl Benthein-Allen and her husband Corey of Boston, Mass.; step-son, Jerry L. Kaasa and his wife Deanna of Milton, Wa.; brother Arden Benthien and his wife Helen of Woodburn, Oregon; sister Elva Volie of Meridian, Idaho; grandchildren, Vicki L. Benthien-Ray, Julie Dinger, Yvette Benthien, Yvonne Burmaster and Zoe Allen; step-grandchildren, Michael H. Mustered, Anthony C. Kraut, Juanita L. Leighton, Christine A. Harmon, Brad Kaasa, Randy Kaasa and Lynette Dees; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Nicole Dinger, Brandon, Dashina, and Keepkelvin, James, Chantel and Ashley Burmaster, Kiera, Annali, Carenna and Micah Leighton, Maria and Sarah Mustered, Sean Kraut, Jeffry Yarbrough, Hailey Rooney and Chad Maxwell, Brandyn and Camryn Ray. Many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. A celebration of Herb's life and love of music (complete with Dixieland Band) will be open to all who loved him on Saturday, October 11, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Elks #1604 Club, 2111 Riverside Dr., with a reception to follow. Visitation will be Thursday and Friday, Oct. 9 & 10 at Kern Funeral Home, 1122 S. 3rd St., Mt. Vernon from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kern Funeral Home of Mt. Vernon is in care of his arrangements.

BENTLEY, Ann Jeanette - An open house in memory of Ann Jeanette Bentley will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, at the Henrickson residence, 5376 Bellaire Way in Bellingham. Mrs. Bentley died Monday, Dec. 1, 1997. She was 68. She was born Dec. 31, 1928, in Bellingham to John and Anna (Holmes) Johnson. She worked as a waitress at the Leopold Hotel in Bellingham for many years. She worked in the Space Needle during the World's Fair in 1963 in Seattle. She also worked at the former Johnson's Fine Foods in Ferndale. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bentley, and a brother, Larry Johnson. Survivors include her daughter, Margo Henrickson of Bellingham, brothers Clarence Johnson of Bellingham, Gerald "Johnny" Johnson of Lynden and Lloyd Johnson of Darrington, and two grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home of Bellingham.

BENTLEY, Elmo G., 41, 1708 Euclid, passed away at home Wednesday, Oct. 30, (1957). Mr. Bentley had resided in this community for the past nine years, had attended the Congregational Church, was a past district governor of the Moose Lodge, and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker's Union, Local 709. Survivors are his widow, Irene, at home; one son, James E. U. S. Navy, in Oceana, Va.; one granddaughter, Bonnie Lynn of Oceana, Va.; mother, Mrs. Floyd A. Wilson of Grand Rapids, Mich.; six brothers, Budd, Charles K. and Ronald E. Bentley, all of Grand Rapids, Mich., Fred D. Bentley of Ada, Mich., Milford L. Bentley of Bellingham, and Pfc. Floyd M. Bentley, U. S. Army in Korea; three sisters, Mrs. Carl Andrews of Ada, Mich., Mrs. Lester Gibbs and Miss Sharon L. Bentley, both of Grand Rapids, Mich. The remains rest at the Jones' Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Dr. W. Carl Calhoun, Monday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. Cremation. Honorary casket bearers will be Dan Bathrick, Earl Kennedy, Ed Youngdyke, Jim Brooks, Ray Hawley, and C. L. Kline.

BENTLEY, Ernest A. went to meet the Lord he loved so dearly on Feb 7, 2007. He is now in the Communion of Saints, celebrating the Victory of the Risen Lord. He was born in Mott, N. Dakota Feb 3, 1910 to Etta Marie Powell and Ernest A. Bentley Sr. He is survived by his wife Polly, his oldest son Fr. John Francis, Elizabeth Bentley Wright of California, James Bentley of Tacoma, Cynthia Bentley of Bellingham, a brother Edwin Bentley of Renton and a sister Alice Bentley of Spokane, Wash. Ernie was dedicated to God, Church, family and those he served. Ernie and Polly Bentley have been members of Assumption Catholic Church for 37 years. They have served in many different ministries with their family, especially prayer and retreat ministries and fund raising. They had an on-going prayer ministry in their home since 1970, ministering to those in need. Ernie was ordained a deacon in the Church on April 1, 1978. His ministry with Polly extended to the greater Bellingham Community. He was a man of prayer and service, loved by his family. He served in the legal community for 38 years retiring on June 24, 2006. His law practice was a "law ministry to God's people." In the past 5 years, he has been in Elder Law, ministering to the elderly, the handicapped, those in recovery, and those with low incomes, giving them a chance to be heard to receive justice in society. He has left us physically but his spirit in Christ lives forever in our hearts. He is our Hero! We will be celebrating his new life in the victory of Christ on Feb 19, 2007 at the Church of Assumption in Bellingham at 12 noon. The Celebrant will be his son, Fr. John Francis. Concelebrating will be the Pastor Fr. Frank Schuster, Fr. Qui-Thac Nguyen from Sacred Heart and Fr. Paul Magnano from Seattle. A reception will follow in the Assumption gym to share our memories of Ernie's life. He has been an inspiration to his family and friends. His life was truly a living homily and an inspiration to us all.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 17 Feb 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

BENTLEY, James Lowell, age 16, passed away in Oakland, California, Saturday, November 28, (1953). James had resided in Bellingham for six years, and had attended Meridian high school last year. He had lived in Alameda, Calif., for the past one-half year. Surviving relatives include his step-father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Corning, of Alameda; his grandfather, C. A. Hecock of 1887 Smith Road, Bellingham, and many uncles and aunts including Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Hecock and Mr. and Mrs. Forest Hecock, both of Bellingham, Mr. and Mrs. George Hutter of Prairie DuSac, Wisconsin, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Hecock of Long Prairie, Minnesota, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hecock and Mrs. Clarice Woodring, both of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by Mrs. O. T. Field, Tuesday, December 3, at 1 p.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.

BENTLEY, Wallace C.   d. May 28, 1969  Image

BENTLY, Tom C., age 85, passed away at a local hospital late Saturday, October 1, (1949) following a lingering illness. He had been a resident of Bellingham for many years and was a Spanish-American War veteran. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Emil Nelson of Seattle. Funeral services were conducted within the Rose Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home, Tuesday, October 4, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. John Parrott, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating. Cremation.

BENTON, Ida C. - Prayer service for Ida C. Benton, age 92, of Bellingham, will be Thurs. July 13, 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home with Rev. John C. Madigan, officiating. Entombment Greenacres Memorial Park. Mrs. Benton passed away Sat. July 8, 1989. A lifetime Bellingham resident, she was a daughter of pioneer contractor, Charles E. Lind; widow of J. Gilbert Benton; member of Assumption Roman Catholic Church and American Legion Auxiliary. Survived by daughter, Peggy & husband Bert Hardan of Woodinville; 3 grandchildren, Susan Thomas of Issaquah, William Hardan of Sultan, Christina Monsen of Woodinville; great-grandson, Erik Monsen; niece & nephew. [born Oct. 6, 1896 in Bellingham.]

BENTON, Mildred, formerly Mildred Merriam of Nooksack, died Friday (October 26, 1979) in a Seattle hospital. She was 78 years old. Mrs. Benton, 1617 Third Ave. W., Seattle, was born Aug. 28, 1901, in Minnesota. She moved to Nooksack while a child, and lived there until marrying Floyd Benton. The couple's 50th wedding anniversary was next June. The couple moved to Seattle soon after their marriage. Surviving Mrs. Benton are her husband, two brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services were to follow cremation today at Unity Church in Seattle.

BENTSON, Carrie M., age 74, of Ferndale, passed away at a local hospital Wednesday, June 7, (1950) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Bentson had been a resident of the Ferndale community for the past 29 years. Surviving relatives include her husband, John; two daughters, Mrs. Bertha Nelson, of Route 1, Custer, and Mrs. Clara Rode, of Route 1, Bellingham; a son, Leonard Person, of Pasco. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, June 12, at 1:30 p.m. at the Monroe Mortuary in Ferndale. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENTSON, John L., age 83 years, of Rt. 3, Ferndale, passed away Thursday, Nov. 13, (1952) at a local hospital following a brief illness. He had been a resident of the Ferndale community for the past 32 years. Mr. Bentson is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Bertha Nelson of Custer, Mrs. Clara Rode, Bellingham; one son, Leonard, of Pasco; one brother, Sam Olson, of Ellensburg. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Nov. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the Monroe Funeral Chapel in Ferndale, with the Rev. A. A. Galbraith officiating. Interment, Woodlawn Cemetery.

BENTZEN, Edith, age 90, passed away in a local nursing home Monday May 16, (1983). She has been a 50 year resident of Bellingham and was a member of the Garden Street Methodist Church, also Eastern Star Maple Leaf Chapter and the Bellingham Music Club. She leaves to survive 1 son, Conrad Bentzen and wife, Maxie of California; also 2 brothers, Dr. C. Wilbur Rasmussen and sister-in-law, Agnes, of Lummi Island, Lloyd Rasmussen and sister-in-law, Florence Rasmussen of Bellingham; 1 grandson, Michael Bentzen of California, also numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation was held under the direction of Jerns LeVeck Chapel & Crematorium. Memorial services will be held later on in June under the direction of Jerns LeVeck Chapel. [born June 16, 1892 in Tacoma.]

BENTZEN, Johanna, age 92 years, a resident of Whatcom County since 1881, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Selma Swanson, of Ferndale, Tuesday, October 1, (1946) after a lingering illness. Besides her daughter, she is survived by one sister, Christina Johansen, of Lynden; three grandchildren, Earle Swanson, of Spokane, Gerald Swanson, of Seattle, and Mrs. John Nevins, of Ferndale; also four great grandchildren. The body rests at the Monroe Mortuary in Ferndale, where funeral services will be conducted Thursday, October 3, at 2 p.m. Entombment in Bay View Abbey.

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