VACHON, Serge Joseph Gervais passed away at his home Saturday, February 4, 2006 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. His wife Barbara was at his side. Serge was a surveyor for 35 years and loved his work. He worked in the Canadian wilderness for many years. He also had his own survey company for a short time. He was co-owner of the Fairhaven Restaurant from 1990 to 1993, where he met so many of his friends. Serge was a quiet and gentle man whom all will remember. He was especially known for his mischievous grin and sense of humor. He took special pride in his family and loving friends. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Barbara Vachon, parents Marc and Marie Vachon of Canada, three brothers and two sisters of Canada. He was a proud father of four sons, Michael and Jean-Guy Vachon of Canada, Andrew Major of New Jersey, Richard Major of Kirkland, five grandchildren and his grandniece, Anna Marie, who was born as Serge left his corporal body to be with Christ. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 11, at 1 p.m. at the family home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Feb 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VAIL, Jack B., age 72, of 1712 East Maplewood Avenue, passed away Thursday, September 5, 1991. Born April 1, 1919 in Ferndale, WA to Leslie and Grace Vail, he was a lifetime Whatcom County resident; worked for the City of Bellingham Water Dept.; served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and U.S. Army WWII. Preceded in death by great-grandson, Steven Glad. Survived by his wife Evelyn; son, Larry Vail and wife Linda Cline of Monroe, WA; 2 granddaughters, Yvonne Glad and Yvette Bailey; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, George Vail of Bellingham, Richard Vail of Yuma, Arizona; sisters, Annie Bell of Seattle, WA, Betty Smith of Spokane,WA; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services Monday September 9, 1:00 p.m. at Greenacres Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Balvanz, Silver Beach Community Church, officiating. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park.
[married Evelyn G. Den Adel in 1943 in Bellingham]

VALDASON, Katherine M, age 92, a longtime resident of Bellingham, died Friday, December 19, 1997 in Bellingham. Mrs. Valdason was born on July 31, 1905 in Akra, North Dakota to Joseph and Ingibjorg (Jonsdottir) Magnuson. She came to Whatcom Count in 1907 and was a graduate of Blaine High School. On October 20, 1926, she and Adolph Valdason were married in Blaine. The couple lived in Lynden from 1937 to 1948 where they owned the Liberty Cafe. She has lived in Bellingham since 1970 where she worked as a bookkeeper at Western Farmers Co-Op and Bellingham Travel. Mrs. Valdason was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She enjoyed crocheting and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had worked full time until age 80. Relatives include two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna J. and Hal G. Arnason, Jr., of Bellingham and Joene K. and Mark Thompson of Aberdeen, WA; 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Adolph in 1963 and five sisters, Emily Reed, Laura Getschmann, Esther Toole, Florence Smith and Alice Simonarson. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Westford Funeral Home.

VALDEZ, Panfilo - Funeral services for Panfilo Valdez, 70, of Van Zandt are pending a Jones Funeral Home. A retired laborer and resident of Van Zandt for the past 20 years, he died in a local hospital Sunday (Jan. 20, 1963).
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 22, 1963)

VALSVIG, Douglas Arnold - A memorial service for Douglas Arnold Valsvig of Blaine will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Northwood Alliance Church, with the Rev. Charles Gibson officiating. Mr. Valsvig died Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999. He was 43. Born May 26, 1956, to Curtis and Jean (Watson) Valsvig in Rapid City, S.D., he graduated from high school in Kelowna, B.C. in 1974. Mr. Valsvig served in the British Columbia Military Division of the Dragoon's Brigade. Mr. Valsvig worked various construction jobs and also installed TV cable in Texas. His brother Craig Valsvig preceded him in death. Survivors include son Joseph and daughter April Valsvig, both of Blaine mother Jean and stepfather Chuck Day of Blaine sisters Charlotte Stockton of Phoenix and Loretta Cupp of Mack, Colo. brothers Brian Day of Port Moody, B.C., and Brett Day of Hendersonville, N.C. stepbrother Charles Day of Arlington, Texas stepsisters Louise Williams of Oklahoma City and Darlene Koch of Georgetown, Texas ex-wife Julie Valsvig of Blaine and many other relatives. Arrangements are by Greenacres Funeral Home of Ferndale.

VAN AALSBURG, Fred Duane - Visitation for Fred Duane Van Aalsburg of Rochester will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at 1:15 p.m. Monday in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Jerry Van Groningen officiating. Mr. Aalsburg (sic) died Wednesday June 25, 1997, in Hermiston, Ore. Born Aug. 10, 1946, to Howard and Rachel DeKoekkoek Van Aalsburg in Bellingham, he graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1964. Mr. Aalsburg (sic) was a member of the Marine Reserve for six years and worked as a truck driver for Western Hay and Farming in Hermiston. Survivors include his parents of Lynden; brothers Gerald Van Aalsburg of Everett and Ted Van Aalsburg and Ken Van Aalsburg, both of Denver; close friend Gloria Smith of Rochester; and numerous other relatives.

VANANDEL, Margaret Marie - Visitation for Margaret Marie VanAndel of Lynden will be from 9 a.m. to noon today at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 1:15 p.m. in Monumenta Cemetery. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Second Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Bob Tichelaar officiating. Mrs. VanAndel died Tuesday, July 8, 1997, and Christian Health Care Center. She was 84. Born Feb. 16, 1913, to Matthew and Marie VanderGriend Meenk in Lynden, she was a lifelong county resident. She married John "Chris" VanAndel on June 24, 1937, in Lynden. Mrs. VanAndel lived in Blaine from 1949 to 1983 before returning to Lynden. A charter member of Second Christian Reformed Church and was a member of Good Sam Club, she was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed traveling. Mrs. VanAndel was preceded in death by her husband in 1992; a son, John, in 1964; a brother, Clarence Meenk; and a sister, Adriana Starkenburg. Survivors include son Charles VanAndel of Lynden; brothers Jake Meenk and Albert Meenk, both of Lynden, and Mike Meenk of Bellingham; sister Leona DeYoung of Lynden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

VAN ARSDALE, Dieter - A memorial service for Dieter Van Arsdale of Bellingham will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Hillcrest Chapel with the Rev. Kevin Brearley officiating. Mr. Van Arsdale died at home Tuesday, March 4, 1997. He was 42. Born May 5, 1953 in Germany, he was raised in Oregon and moved to Bellingham in 1975. Mr. Van Arsdale attended Western Washington University, holding its shot put record for 10 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force. An avid sportsman, Mr. Van Arsdale enjoyed fishing and supporting the Green Bay Packers. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.

VAN BEEK, Brent Alan - Visitation for Brent Alan Van Beek of Lynden will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Friday at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at 12:45 p.m. Friday in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Tom Blumberg officiating. Mr. Van Beek died of cancer Wednesday, July 23, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was 32. Born Dec. 14, 1964, to George and Sharon DeKoster Van Beek in Bellingham, he graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1983. Mr. Van Beek worked for several janitorial services and was a member of First Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed reading, gardening, kayaking, working on computers and helping the needy. He was preceded in death by grandparents George and Angeline Van Beek and Lucas and Fannie DeKoster. Survivors include his parents of Lynden; sister Debbie Anderson of Lynden; brothers Craig Van Beek, Wade Van Beek and Brandon Van Beek, all of Lynden; and numerous other relatives.

VAN BEEK, Gerrit    d. 15 May 1996    Image

VAN BERKUM, Jordan Thomas - A memorial service for Jordan Thomas Van Berkum, 2, of Mount Vernon, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the First Reformed Church in Lynden with the Rev. John Byker of the Faith Community Fellowship officiating. A private family burial at Monumenta Cemetery will precede the service. Visitation is from 5 to 9 p.m. today and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Jordan died Wednesday (Sept. 18, 1991) at a Seattle hospital of complications from a near drowning Tuesday at the family's farm. He was born June 19, 1989, in Mount Vernon to Mike and Jennifer (Hornstra) Van Berkum, 1524 Calhoun Road, Mount Vernon. In addition to his parents, survivors include sisters, Trista and Tawnia; grandparents, Tom and Sylvia Van Berkum of Lynden and Hank and Ann Hornstra of Everson; great-grandmother, Jeanette Offinga of Chino, Calif; and numerous other relatives. Arrangements are by Gillies Funeral Home.

VanBROCKLIN, Earl H., age 79, of Burlington, passed away Monday, Dec. 7, 1992 in Sedro Woolley. He was born April 10, 1913 to Ira and Viola VanBrocklin in West Monroe, NY. A resident of Bellingham for over 50 years where he was a logger and contractor, he moved to Burlington 4 years ago. A member of Bellingham Aerie #31 F.O.E., Mr. Van Brocklin was preceded in death by his first wife Myrtle VanBrocklin in March 1986. Survived by his wife Genevieve of Burlington; daughter, Carol and husband Bill Barber; grandchildren, Traci Barber and Brad Barber all of Bellingham; 2 sisters, Lillian Albans of Bellingham, Laura Huist of Salem, OR; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thurs. Dec. 10, 1992 at 1:00 p.m. at Jones-Moles Funeral Home, Bellingham. Interment Kendall Cemetery.

VAN BROCKLIN, Edward - A Bellingham World war II soldier who contracted a fatal illness in a Japanese prison camp, Edward Van Brocklin, 26, of 1907 Humboldt street, passed away Sunday (May 8, 1949) in a Seattle hospital. He died from tuberculosis. Edward was a survivor of Bataan, captured by the Japs when that island fell. He enlisted in the army in May, 1941, when he was 18 years old, and was shipped to the Philippines in June of that year. He became a sergeant in the signal corps. All his schooling was obtained in Bellingham. He was a member of Renton Valley Chapter No. 12, of the Disabled American Veterans. Edward was the son of Mrs. Viola Burgess, of Bellingham, who survives, together with three brothers, Earl, of this city, Cecil, of Dallas, Ore., and Meredith, of Seattle, and two sisters, Mrs. Laura Hulst and Mrs. Lillian Albans, both of Bellingham. Funeral arrangements are pending at the Harlow-Hollingsworth funeral home, where the remains rest.

VANCE, Archibald B. - A private family graveside service for Archibald B. "Archie" Vance of Bellingham will be held Monday at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Mr. Vance died Monday, Jan 17, 2000 at St. Joseph Hospital. He was 87. Mr. Vance was born Nov 30, 1912 to John and Elizabeth Vance in Harrisburg, PA. In May 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. He married Beverly Burtenshaw of Bellingham in August 1942 in Hattiesburg, Miss. Mr. Vance graduated from officer's candidate school at Fort Benning, GA and served one year in Yakutat, Alaska and one year in Europe with the 104th Infantry Division. He completed his service in December 1945 after attaining the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. Vance returned to Bellingham, where he worked in the advertising department for Sears Roebuck Co. In 1950, he began working in the advertising department for The Bellingham Herald. He retired Feb 1, 1975. Mr. Vance, along with five other men, started the Van Wyck Water District, and he served on the board for 30 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Van Wyck Fire Department for 25 years. Mr. Vance was a life member of Bellingham Elks Lodge No. 194. He also was a member of American Legion and Bellingham Senior Activity center. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home to Sky Valley, Calif. for 17 years. He also enjoyed kayaking, fishing, golfing, square dancing and ballroom dancing, watching "The Lawrence Welk Show," playing mixed pinochle and Wednesday and Sunday morning breakfast with groups. Survivors include his wife of the family home; daughters Judy Cronkhite of Bellevue, Marsha Ginter of Olympia and Sally Graves of Cardiff Spur, Idaho; sister Betty Miles of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jerns Funeral Chapel.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 21 Jan 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VANCE, Janet died a little over four years after the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. Even though she became quite ill over the years, she still showed her loved ones the contents of her heart and kept each one of them connected to her – just as she'd always done so magnificently. She was born Janet Lynn Judkins in Lima, Ohio, and spent her childhood in the Seattle area. She was preceded in death by her father Philip and her mother Barbara. She is survived by her sister Kathy Kearns of Bend, Oregon; her brother-in-law Mike Kearns; niece Dana Youlin and nephews, Aaron Youlin, Corey Peterson and Daniel Youlin. She is also survived by a caring circle of loving friends: Katie Adrience-Exner, Terri Briant Booth, Ken Booth, Cindy Johnson, Andrew Lander, Ed Loftus, Karen Rietz, Ellen Simpson, and Liz Smith. Janet graduated from Renton High School and attended Western Washington University where she received a BA in Education and later an MA in Public Policy and Administration. She also attended Evergreen State College and University of Melbourne in Australia. She was a long-time elder service professional with the Whatcom County Council on Aging as a Case Manager and Northwest Regional Council as Case Management Supervisor. Janet had a passion for the needs and rights of older people and those with disabilities. Her career was devoted to helping them live independently and safely. She was honored by her peers with awards from Northwest Regional Council for NWRC Superstar in 2000 and for Teamwork in 2001, from Elder Service Professionals as Professional of the Year in 2002, and from Aging and Disability Services Administration for Outstanding Team Performance in 1998, and a Commitment to Quality Award in 2003.
Janet loved Bellingham and treasured the Pacific Northwest – she would have lived nowhere else. She also enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Alaska, Australia, Hawaii, Europe, and Mexico. She created a beautiful life and surrounded herself with the things she loved. Her pets enjoyed an existence full of love, treats, and care. Molly, her beloved Cocker-Samoyed mix, shared her home for 13 years. They spent many hours enjoying each other's company and that of their friends at Lake Padden. Phinneus and Felix were feline companions for many years. Janet will be remembered by her many friends for creating a peaceful and comfortable oasis in the midst of their busy lives. Her friends and co-workers were frequent visitors at her lovely home and spent many an hour in her yard enjoying her hospitality and the magnificent colors and scents of her garden in the summer and the festivities of the holidays in the winter. She was an avid and expert gardener; she shared that passion with her friends and taught them much. Janet was a gifted photographer and filled her albums with special moments shared with friends. She loved her home, her friends and family, her pets, her Christmas décor and the holiday season, her garden and her roses – as well as shopping for special items for her home at the best price. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 25, at 11 a.m. at the church Janet attended, Christ the King Community Church, in Bellingham. [Jan. 30, 1953 - Aug. 27, 2006]
(From The Bellingham Herald, 24 Sep 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VANDERBOOM, Ruth J., 74, 1200 Lincoln St., died Saturday, Sept. 19, 1992, following a long illness. She was born July 29, 1918, in Salina, Kan. to Tony and Anna Johnson. She moved to Whatcom County in 1935 and was married to William Vanderboom in 1939. Mrs. Vanderboom was a member of First Congregational Church of Bellingham. She was a bookkeeper in the housing office at Western Washington University for many years. Survivors include her husband William, son William Vanderboom Jr., and daughter Kathy Grimes, both of Bellingham, sister Naurine Rauhauser of Tacoma and four grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave. The Revs. Donel McClellam and Cindy Bauleke will officiate.

VANDERBRINK, George, 68, of 2936 Birchwood, passed away Friday, September 16, (1966). A 60-year resident of Whatcom County, Mr. VanderBrink was a construction superintendent and was a member of the Carpenters and Joiners Union, Local 756. Survivors are his widow, Lila S., at home; two sons, Glenn and Gerald, both of Bellingham; five grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Mattie Radder of Lynden and Miss Gertie VanderBrink of Holland, Michigan. Services will be conducted by the Rev. David Hansen Tuesday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home followed by burial in Woodlawn.

VANDERBRINK, Gerald W. - Graveside service for Gerald "Jerry" W. VanderBrink, age 57, of 1800 Indian St., will be Sat. Oct. 1, 1 p.m. at Lynden Cemetery, with Pastor Robert Zimmerman, The Firs, officiating. Mr. VanderBrink passed away Thurs. Sept. 29, 1988. He served 3 years as Sgt., U.S. Army Medical Corp. in Europe, 1951-1953; past Commander of Local VFW Post No. 1585; past District Commander of VFW and is survived by his mother, Lila VanderBrink Nugent; brother, Glenn VanderBrink; 4 nieces; 1 nephews; 2 grand-nieces & 1 grand-nephew. Jones Funeral Home.

VANDERHAGE, John W. - Visitation for John W. Vanderhage, of Lynden, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Burial will be at Noon on Saturday in Monumenta Cemetery with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. in Sumas Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Lewis Korf officiating. Mr. Vanderhage died at his home on Wednesday. He was 79. The son of William and Johanna (Bakker) Vanderhage, John was born inn Pompey's Pillar, Montana on December 29, 1917. He grew up in Montana and was married to Esther Bischke on November 17, 1941. He was a crop farmer in Montana and then in 1944 he and Esther moved to Whatcom County where he operated a dairy farm until moving to Lynden in 1979. John was very active in many different organizations. He served as president of the Whatcom County Farm Bureau, Washington Milk Producers and the Whatcom County and Washington State Dairy Federation. He was also a director of the Northwest Dairyman's Association and the Meadowdale Water Association. He was a member of the Sumas Christian Reformed Church, was Chairman of the Whatcom County Planning Commission and served on the Light House Mission Board. He was a member of the Lynden Kiwanis Breakfast Club and enjoyed fishing, hunting and music. He is survived at home by his wife Esther; children Will Vanderhage and wife Fran of Lynden; Rich Vanderhage of Everson; Marilyn Veldhuizen and husband Tony of Ferndale; Mark Vanderhage and wife Tami of Everson and Galen Vanderhage and wife Debra of Bellingham; daughter-in-law Cheryl Vanderhage of Lynden; eleven grandchildren; brother Clarence Vanderhage and wife Mary of Blaine; sisters Louise Bischke and husband Ruben of Billings, MT and Janice VanDiest and husband Bob of Sumas and numerous other relative. Besides his parents, he was preceded by a grandson Scott Daren Vanderhage and sister Nellie Jan Kinghorn.

VANDERHEIDE, Ralph - Visitation for Ralph VanderHeide of Lynden will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today and from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at 10:15 a.m. Saturday in Monumenta Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Faith Reformed Church with the Rev. Al Honken officiating. Mr. VanderHeide died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was 79. Born Jan. 14, 1918, to Hendrik and Anna Oldenbergur VanderHeide in Holland, he married Tena Huitema there in 1943. Mr. VanderHeide moved to Artesia, Calif., in 1954 and to Lynden in 1965. A dairy farmer, he was a member of Faith Reformed Church and enjoyed bowling and playing pool. After the death of his first wife in 1983, Mr. VanderHeide married Jeanette Tiersma-Vlas in 1985. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Freerk VanderHeide. Survivors include his wife of the family home; son Henry VanderHeide of Lynden; daughters Ida Gersansky of Langley, B.C., and Anneke Streeter of Spokane; stepsons Bob Vlas, Peter Vlas and Gordon Vlas, all of Lynden; stepdaughter Bridget Zoerink of Everson; brother George VanderHeide of Cerritos, Calif.; sisters Jeltje Claus and Baukje Boltje, both of Holland; and 13 grandchildren.

VANDERMAY, Ada Maria - Visitation for Ada Maria Vandermay of Lynden will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Gillies Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Lynden United Methodist church with the Rev. Joyce O'Connor-Magee officiating. Burial in Monumenta Cemetery will precede the service. Mrs. Vandermay died at home Monday, May 27, 1997. She was 85. Born Sept. 6, 1911, to Ed and Alice Nieveen Eerkes in Lynden, she graduated from Lynden High School in 1929. She married John Vandermay on June 15, 1937, in Lynden. He died in 1972. A homemaker, Mrs. Vandermay enjoyed traveling worldwide, painting, collecting antiques kitchen utensils and gardening. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by brothers Herb Eerkes, Martin Eerkes and Ernie Eerkes and sisters Emma O'Dell, Mae Brunger and Kay Albers. Survivors include daughters Kay Price and Gail Vandermay, both of Lynden; son Larry Vandermay of Tillamook, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

VANDERMAY, John - Funeral services for John Vandermay, 61, Lynden, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at United Methodist Church of Lynden with the Rev. Marvin Jordan officiating. Burial will follow in Monumenta Cemetery under direction of Gillies Funeral Home. Mr. Vandermay died Sunday (Feb. 20, 1972). He was president of the Farmers Equipment Co. and a member of the Bellingham Golf and Country Club and United Methodist Church of Lynden. He is survived by his widow, Ada Marie; a son, Larry of Tacoma; two daughters, Gail Vandermay of Silver City, N.M. and Kay Price of Bellingham; two brothers, Herman and William, both of Lynden; three sisters, Minnie Vandermay of Bellingham, Winnie Rutgers and Fannie Slotemaker, both of Lynden, and two grandchildren.

VANDERMAY, Tamara A., formerly of Lynden, died Dec. 9, 1997, in Portland, Ore. She was 54. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Waud's Funeral Home in Tillamook, Ore. Burial will be in Olga Cemetery, Orcas Island. She was born Aug. 31, 1943 to Carl and Olga Scheincker Taubenheim in Lynden, where she attended school. She married Larry Vandermay on June 15, 1962, in Lynden. Mrs. Vandermay lived in Seattle, Mission Viejo, Calif., and Thousand Oaks, Calif., before moving to Tillamook, Ore., in 1977. She attended Skagit Valley and Tacoma community colleges. Mrs. Vandermay worked for Boeing Co. before her marriage. She was a co-owner and secretary of Vancouver West Oil Co. in Tillamook. After selling the company, she worked for Tillamook Port Commission. Survivors include her husband of Tillamook; son John Vandermey of Tillamook; daughter Sherry Vandermay of Tillamook; her mother of Lynden; brothers Charles Taubenheim of Bellingham, Bruce Taubenheim of Lynden and Richard Taubenheim of Redmond; sister Carol Fancher of Burien; and five grandchildren.

VANDERPOL, Lydia Mae (Libolt) passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at Meadow Grees Retirement Home at the age of 96. Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, Jan. 2, at 10:15 a.m. by Rev. Tom Kok in Monumenta Cemetery followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. in the Third Christian Reformed Church, 6th & Liberty Streets, in Lynden with Rev. Dick Vriesman officiating. A reception will follow in the church basement. The daughter of Clyde and Della Libolt, she was born near Winner, South Dakota, on November 29, 1909. Her early days were spent on the prairie of South Dakota where her family had homesteaded. After graduating from Eagle Butte High School in 1928, she attended Black Hills Teachers College and then taught school for five years in one-room schoolhouses in South Dakota. She was married to Harry VanderPol on October 29, 1933; he passed away in 1987. In 1946 Lydia and Harry moved with their family to Lynden. A homemaker, she was also a member of the Third Christian Reformed Church and the churches Ladies Aid Society. Mrs. VanderPol is survived by her four children, Arlys (Don deceased) Abrahamse of Oak Harbor, Gale (Lonnie) Vanderpol of Newcastle, Kay (Eddie) Ezell and Judy (Darryl VanderHaak of Lynden; 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She has a large extended family, including sister Mary (Harold) Smith and brother Jack (Gladys) Libolt of Lynden; sisters-in-law Johanna Libolt, Tootie (Egbert) Maas and Betty (Bill)Schaletzke of Lynden and brother-in-law Bill (Bernice) VanderPol of Lynden and other relatives, in addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by son-in-law Don Abrahamse and great-grandchildren Sadie Abrahamse and Benjamin Vander-Haak and many other family members. Services are under the care of Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Lynden.

VANDERPOL, Nicholas P. – At his request, no service will be held for Nicholas P. Vanderpol of Blaine. Mr. Vanderpol died at home from complications caused by lung cancer on Wednesday, April 19, 2000. He was 75. Born Oct. 19, 1924 to Marinus and Elizabeth Vanderpol in Seattle, he attended Kirkland schools. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief electrician's mate on Nov. 1, 1971 after 30 years of service. He served with squadrons and aboard aircraft carriers for most of his career, and was stationed in many places, including Seattle, Pearl Harbor, San Diego and Alameda, Calif. and Guam. Mr. Vanderpol married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce Becker in Los Angeles. He enjoyed chess, computer games and crossword puzzles, and being treasurer of his condo association in Blaine for 11 years. Survivors include sister Pat Cooper of Sultan, two nieces and one nephew. Arrangements are by Valley Funeral & Cremation Service.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 25 Apr 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VANDERWALL, Henry M. - Visitation for Henry M. VanderWall of Lynden will be from 1:30 to 9 p.m. today at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Quincy Valley Cemetery. A funeral will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Quincy Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Ralph Bruxvoort officiating. Mr. VanderWall died Saturday, June 28, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was 85. He was born Jan. 8, 1912, to John and Alice Palmbrush VanderWall in Lynden. The family moved to Montana and then to Grangeville, Idaho. Mr. VanderWall married Beth Cash in Grangeville in 1940. He owned the Ford garage there for many years, and was a member and former chief of the Grangeville Volunteer Fire Department. The family then moved to Quincy, where he developed farm land in Quincy Valley and sold real estate. He was a charter member and former elder of Quincy Christian Reformed Church. Mr. VanderWall was preceded in death by his wife in 1977; by a son, Ronald VanderWall; and by a grandson, Jackson VanderWall. He married Cornelia VanDiest in Lynden Feb. 24, 1978. They lived in Quincy, then moved to Lynden in 1994. A member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, Mr. VanderWall enjoyed travel, gardening and golf. Survivors include his wife; daughters Sheri Russell of The Dalles, Ore., and Sally Mounts of Portland, Ore.; stepsons Bob VanDiest of Quincy, Ron and Wayne VanDiest of Ferndale; 16 grandchildren; brothers John VanderWall of Wasilla, Alaska, Marion VanderWall of Grangeville and Martin VanderWall of Lynden; sisters Cora Pratt of Stites, Idaho, and Millie Likkel of Lynden.

VANDERYACHT, Barbara Jean, age 55, died Thursday, May 1, 1997. She was born August 7, 1941 in Olean, NY. She is survived by her four children Cyndi VanderYacht of Bellingham, Mike VanderYacht, Rich VanderYacht, Steve VanderYacht all of Ferndale; mother Doris Jonak; long-time friend and companion Tom Brown. She is pre-deceased by her father Walter Jonak. Barbara moved to Ferndale from Olean when she was eleven; her father moved here with Mobile Refinery. She married Ron VanderYacht in 1957 and they had the four children. She remained close friends with Ron's mother Helen VanderYacht of Ferndale. At age twenty-six she went into real estate and has been active in it for thirty years. It was not her livelihood but also her hobby - she loved meeting all the clients and would get to be friends with most of them. Barbara was a Notary Public for twenty-five years. She loved her family; brother Edward Jonak and wife Raye; sisters, Marie and husband Terry Cook, Kathy and husband Jerry Chambers; Granddaughter Crystal VanderYacht; grandsons, Jordon and Bryce sons of Michael and Alison VanderYacht. She has several nieces and nephews that were very close to her, and often looked to her for guidance. Barb's hobbies were people, real estate, darts, bingo and just love of life. She was most happy when her grandchildren, children and friends were with her. Barbara had a loving and loyal relationship with many caring and cherished friends who became like family to her. She loved and cared about you all. Cancer finally won the battle but not without a fight. Barbara thought so much of each of you, and she wanted us to let you know she was very grateful for all the love and support she received from all of you during her lifetime. A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, May 5, 1997, 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Sauer officiating. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

VANDER YACHT, Darlene - A memorial celebration of the life of Darlene Vander Yacht of Bellingham will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Birchwood Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Tim Lann and Bud Lee officiating. Mrs. Vander Yacht died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000 at her home. She was 64. Born Aug. 30, 1936, to Eri "Carl" Gilman and Viola Marie (Edsel) Cowles, she was a resident of Bellingham for 45 years. She and Doug Vander Yacht were married Oct. 8, 1954, in Bellingham. Mrs. Vander Yacht was a preschool teacher for the Bellingham School District and recently retired after 21 years of service. She was a member of the Birchwood Presbyterian Church and Bellingham Tennis Club. She was an enthusiastic tennis player, avid reader and enjoyed fishing and travel. Her greatest joy was her family. Survivors include her husband, of the family home daughters Lynda Butorac of Bellingham and Lisa Vander Yacht of Seattle son David Vander Yacht of Bellingham brother Jim Cowles of Bellingham two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

VANDERYACHT, Donald T. - Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Jones-Moles Funeral Home in Bellingham for Donald T. Vanderyacht of 5830 Everson-Goshen Road, Bellingham. He died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. He was 47. He was born Dec. 27, 1949, in Bellingham to Franklin L. and Virginia (Dinkel) Vanderyacht and was a lifelong resident. On June 10, 1991, he married Alicia Alcid in Manila, Philippines. Mr. Vanderyacht was a strong environmentalist and active community member. For 20 years, he was a member of the Goshen Community Church and served as Sunday school superintendent for many years. He enjoyed fishing, talking on a citizens' band radio and collecting antiques. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of the family home; daughter Tara Vanderyacht; son Larry Vanderyacht; three grandchildren; brother Lee Vanderyacht of Everson; four sisters, Jacqueline McVay of Marysville, Janice Nordby of Ferndale, Nadine Jones of Concrete, and Victoria Smiley of Everson; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the chapel at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mount Baker Highway, with the Rev. Bill Peters officiating. Following the funeral service, he will be buried at Greenacres Memorial Park with a reception afterward at Goshen Community Church, 6459 Mission Road. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

VANDER YACHT, Jack A., age 70 years, of Bellingham, Route No. 3, passed away at Newport, Ore., Tuesday, September 20, (1955). Mr. Vander Yacht had been a resident of Whatcom County for the past 25 years. He is survived by four daughters, Marie Overwat, Mount Vernon; Hazel Dayton, Olympia; Edith Karb, Newport, Ore., and Angeline Deyon, Bellingham; two sons, Franklin, Bellingham, Glen in Oregon; 21 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters, Mrs. Ida Blow, Sumas, Mrs. Alice Glass, Everson, Rt. No. 1, Mrs. Ann De Line, Lynden, Mrs. Grace Dean, Everson, Rt. No. 2, and one sister in Canada. The remains are being forwarded to the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden where funeral services will be conducted Monday, September 26, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Floyd Wells officiating. Interment Lynden Cemetery.

VANDER YACHT, Sherry Carroll, age 75 of Bellingham, passed away Dec 5, 2005. She was born May 7, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA, to George and Clarice (Benson) Johnson. Sherry has lived in the same family home since she was five years old. She was a member of Northside Community Church and the Moose Lodge #493. Sherry was a very active person with hobbies such as sewing, beading, making cards, jewelry, collecting antiques, and gardening. She was a wonderful person, very out-going, and was a friend to all. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Vander Yacht, in 1999. Sherry is survived by her daughter Diane (husband Gay) Farrow, son Randy (companion Tharyce Morgan), grandchildren Brad, Wayne, and Tia Vander Yacht, all of Bellingham; brother David Johnson of Vancouver, WA; and sister Barbara Mills of Tucson, AZ. Memorial Services will be held at Northside Community Church on Friday, December 16, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ted Swinburne officiating. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Moose Lodge #493 on Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 11 Dec 2005) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VANDERZOUWEN, Nicolaas - Visitation for Nick VanderZouwen of Everson will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Burial will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Monumenta Cemetery, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. in the Everson Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Steve Frieswick officiating. Mr. VanderZouwen died on Friday, Nov. 28, 1997, while visiting friends near Lynden. He was 72. He was born in Zeist, the Netherlands, on June 16, 1925, to Arie and Hermina (DeRuiter) VanderZouwen. He grew up in Holland and married Rita VandenBerg on Aug. 28, 1946. From 1946 to 1950, he served in the Dutch Army and was awarded a medal of honor for his service in Indonesia. In 1950, he moved with his family to Calgary, Alberta, and to Whatcom County in 1974. A retired dairyman, he was an independent salesman for Meenderinck, Inc. While in Alberta, he helped many families immigrate from Holland. He is a member and former Elder of the Everson Christian Reformed Church, a member of the Abbotsford Male Chorus and a member of the Holstein Club of Alberta. Survivors include his wife; children Mina Serhienko of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Rika Snip of Lethbridge, Alberta, Trudy Kooy of Mount Vernon, Nicki Brown of Ingerso, Ontario, Arie VanderZouwen, Tonly VanderZouwen, and Carolyn Kloese, all of Everson; 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brothers Huib and Case VanderZouwen of Holland, Henk VanderZouwen of Breton, Alberta, and Arie VanerZouwen of Calgary; sisters Gertie Lyftogt of Chilliwack, B.C., Nel Pothoff of Calgary, Margaret VanEs of Innisfail, Alberta, Lena Schuring of Edmonton, Alberta; Audrey DeWaal of Millet, Alberta and Wil Schuring of Warburg, Alberta and numerous other relatives.

VANDIEST, John B. - A memorial service for John B. VanDiest, formerly of Sumas, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Likely Chapel, Likely, B. C. Mr. VanDiest died Sunday, Sept. 28, 1997, at his home in Likely. He was 81. Born Jan. 15, 1916, in Lynden, he moved to Likely in 1967. He was preceded in death by son Jack VanDiest in 1996, brothers Case VanDiest and Gerrit VanDiest and sister Margaret Van Ry. Survivors include his wife, Dena Jansen VanDiest; daughters Joye Essick of South Carolina and Deanna MacBurney, Donna Purdy and Darlene Benner, all of Likely; brother Trenton VanDiest of Bellingham; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

VANDIVER, Florence - A resident of route 1, Custer, for the past fourteen years, Florence Ann Vandiver, aged 78 years, died Monday. She was a member of the Baptist church of North Carolina and is survived by one daughter, Ethel L. Baxter, of Custer. Funeral services will be held at the Monroe chapel in Ferndale Friday at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Gust Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn cemetery.
(From the Bellingham Herald, January 2, 1945) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VANERSTROM, Terry D. – A memorial service for Terry David Vanerstrom of Bellingham will be at 11 am July 6 at Westford Funeral Home, with the Rev. Harold Minkler officiating. Mr. Vanerstrom was found dead in his home on Monday, June 26, 2000 following a house fire. He was 51. Born Nov 10, 1948 to Oris and Thelma (Stewart) Vanerstrom in Bellingham, he was a lifetime Whatcom County resident. Mr. Vanerstrom graduated from Bellingham High School in 1967. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam War veteran. Mr. Vanerstrom had been working for Georgia-Pacific West Inc. since 1974. On May 21, 1997, he married Kathy Kane in Las Vegas. He enjoyed traveling and watching sports on TV and his bowling team. He loved his dogs. His parents died in 1992. Survivors include his wife of Bellingham; son Kory Vanerstrom of Ferndale; daughter Kami Vanerstrom of Bellingham; and brothers Larry Vanerstrom of Lynden and Gary Vanerstrom of Napa, Calif.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 28 Jun 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VAN HORN, Constance, passed away Sept. 13, (2002) at Mesa, AZ. She was born to Daniel & Elizabeth Wash- burn in Pateros, WA Dec. 19, 1908. She attended Washington State College where she met William (Bud) Van Horn and they were married in 1928. She was active in local, county and state Granges and a life member. She was past Matron of Ferndale Lodge of Eastern Star and past president of Whatcom County Federated Women's Clubs. Most of her married life was on a poultry farm at Marietta, then in the early 50's reef netting brought her and her husband to Lummi Island and they built their home on Lane Spit. In later years their winter's were spent in Arizona. Her husband preceded her in death in 1991. She is survived by two daughters, Beverly and husband Bob of Lummi Island and Betty and husband John of Renton. There are eight grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and three great-greats. We'll all miss her and the fun we had around the card table.

VANHUIS, Walter S. - Visitation for Walter S. VanHuis of Sumas will precede a funeral at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gillies Funeral Home. The Rev. Ron Slater will officiate. His ashes will be placed in Sumas Cemetery. Mr. VanHuis died Wednesday, April 30, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was 77. Born Jan. 31, 1920, to Gerritt and Tena Visser VanHuis in Saskatchewan, Canada, he moved to Whatcom County in 1923. Mr. VanHuis worked on the family farm in Sumas. He married Virginia May on Sept. 24, 1949. She died in 1983. Survivors include daughter Jeanette VanHuis of Bellevue, brother Melvin VanHuis of Mount Vernon, one nephew and one great-nephew.

VAN LUVEN, Owen Keith, 67, 116 B St. Blaine, died Monday (Dec. 30, 1985) at home. Born on June 22, 1918, in the Haney area, he was a lifelong resident of Whatcom County. He had been a warehouseman for Alaska Packers Association in Blaine for 25 years and Bumble Bee Seafoods in Bellingham for 23 years. Survivors include his wife, Florence; daughter Lucille Ewing, Custer; two brothers, six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous other relatives. At his request there will be no services.

VAN LUVEN, Pauline M. (Jacobson) of Blaine, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2005, at the age of 90. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband Emmett; daughter Patricia; and brothers Otto, Jack, and Bob Jacobson. Surviving Pauline are her son, Paul (Lynne) of Birch Bay; brother Ralph (Patty) Jacobson of Washougal; sister Norma (Mike) Lovezolla of Puyallup; cousin Inez Hayworth of Bellingham; granddaughters Anne Fuller of Seattle and Karen Halverson of Seaview; great-grandchildren Korey and Kayla Fuller of Custer and Jay Paul Kelly of Seaview. A celebration of Pauline's life will be held Friday, November 11, at 2 p.m. at the Blaine Senior Center.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 9 Nov 2005) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VANNEBO, Mattie, aged 31 years and formerly a resident of Bellingham, passed away at her home in Centralia, Wash., March 20, (1926) after an illness of several months. The body now rests at the Harlow mortuary home, Holly and Forest streets, and funeral announcements will be made upon the arrival of relatives.

VANNESS, Dora - Following one month's illness, Mrs. Dora Vanness, 1005 Twenty-third street, widow of the late Daniel Vanness, Civil war veteran, died at a local hospital Saturday (Nov. 20, 1937) night, aged 82 years. She had lived in Bellingham forty-eight years, and was a member of the First Baptist church and of the Clara Barton circle. Funeral services will be held at the Homer Mark mortuary Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Frederick W. Carstens will officiate. Burial will follow in Bay View cemetery.

VAN RY, Alice - Visitation for Alice Van Ry of Lynden will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. at Immanuel Bible Church with the Rev. Dave Erickson officiating. Mrs. Van Ry died Tuesday, July 22, 1997, at Alderwood Park Convalescent Center. She was 83. Born Jan. 30, 1914, to Teunis and Pauline DeBeeld Bode in Monarch, Alberta, she was raised in Whatcom County. She married Gerrit Van Ry on May 12, 1937, in Lynden. They operated several motels in Whatcom County. Mrs. Van Ry attended Immanuel Bible Church and enjoyed gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1987, brother Gerrit bode and sisters Gertie Oppenwall and Clara Holtrop. Survivors include brothers Leonard Bode of Bellingham and John Bode of Lynden, sister Winifred Grove of Union Gap and numerous other relatives.

VANRY, Bert of Lynden died Thursday, Sept. 18, 1997, at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden. He was 82. The son of William and Dorothy VanWeerdhuizen, he was born in Lynden on July 2, 1915. He lived in Lynden until 1949, when he moved to Yakima and then lived in the Seattle area for many years. He returned to Lynden in the late 1970s after he retired. He worked as a truck driver for many years and drove a fuel tanker for Lee & Estes. After he retired, he worked part-time for Lynden Door. Mr. VanRy attended New Life Fellowship and was a member of Teamsters Local No. 741. He enjoyed bowling with the VanRy Brothers Bowling Team and playing pool. In 1943, he married Annette Rutgers. They later divorced. On Sept. 2, 1961, he married his wife, Maxine, who lives at the Christian Health Care Center. Other survivors include his daughter, Arlene Johnson of Tumwater; sons Barry VanRy of Edgewater, Md., and Bart VanRy of Boise, Idaho; brothers Hugo and Len VanRy of Lynden, Marinus "Slim" VanRy of Bellingham and William VanRy of Lincoln City, Ore.; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Gerrit, Adrian and Joe VanRy and a sister, Lena Bakker. Services and arrangements are under the care of Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.

VANSELOW, Duane - Funeral arrangements are pending for Duane "Van" Vanselow, 70, of Pacific, a former Bellingham resident. He died Wednesday (September 18, 1991) at Auburn General Hospital. Mr. Vanselow, a retired masonry contractor who was on the Pacific City Council, was born March 13, 1921, in St. Cloud, Minn., and moved to Renton in 1946. He moved to Bellingham in 1960 and then to Pacific in 1976. He loved to fish and cook. Survivors include his wife, Connie (Studer) Vanselow of Pacific; sons, Tom Vanselow of Des Moines and David Vanselow of Bellingham; daughters, Karel Winter of Tacoma, Sharon Pelfrey of Kirkland and Pat Vanselow of Covington.

VAN SINDEREN, Jettie Jean, age 76 of Bellingham, WA went to her heavenly home on June 10, 2002 surrounded by her family in her family home. Jettie is finally at rest after a long battle with Muscular Dystrophy. She was born January 24, 1926 in Kasilof, Alaska to Archie and Enid (Stryker) McLane. Jettie attended school in Kasilof, AK, and graduated from high school in Bellevue, WA. She attended Western Washington College for two years and then married Sid VanSinderen November 1, 1946 in Bellingham, WA. They were happily married for 55 years. Jettie was an administrative assistant to the dean of students at Bellingham High School for many years and enjoyed all of the activities with the high school students and faculty. She was a member of Northlake Community Church, Bellingham Yacht Club, Bellingham Golf and Country Club, Park Athletic Club, Whatcom Museum Docents, Coffee Break Bible class and the Secretary Association of District #501. Jettie enjoyed collecting antiques, traveled around the world and always put her family first. Jettie was known for being industrious and was a great role model. Jettie was an inspiration to many with her positive attitude and had a sincere interest in every detail of many people's lives. She always enjoyed holidays, special occasions and family and friends getting together. Survived by her husband, Sid Van Sinderen of Bellingham, WA; her son Steven Van Sinderen and wife Kathryn of Dallas, TX; daughter Sharon Van Sinderen Lyon of Ocean City, MD; a brother Stan McLane of Kenai, AK; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her daughter Susan Van Sinderen Woodell Alba preceded her in passing three years ago. A Celebration of her life memorial service will be held on Monday June 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Northlake Community Church with Rev. Bill Gilfillen officiating. Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Center Broadway at Eldridge.

VAN ZANTEN, Daniel, age 65, formerly of Lynden and Bellingham passed away Sun. Jan. 4, 2004 in Monterey, CA. He was born May 24, 1938 in Bellingham to Maurice and Jeanne Van Zanten and graduated from Bellingham High School. Mr. Van Zanten operated Danny's Mobil Homes in Ferndale for many years. Moved to Monterey where he owned and operated a wholesale flower business. He was an avid sailor, skier, member of North Bellingham Rotary and enjoyed playing tennis. Survived by his son Russell Van Zanten of Santa Cruz, CA; two grandchildren Ivy and Alexander; three brothers Paul and Victor of Lynden and Walter of Birch Bay and sister Alice Johnston of Everson. Preceded in death by brother Leo Van Zanten and former wife Gerri. A memorial service will be held Tues., Jan. 20, 11 a.m. in Greenacres|Moles Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ken Koeman officiating. Final resting place will be at Greenacres|Moles Cemetery.

VANZWOL, Shirley Maudine Pierce of Lynden, WA passed away in her home on Jan 5, 2005 at the age of 68.,Throughout her lifetime Shirley enjoyed her friends and family, Her 2 loving pets P.J. and Ichiro, and many hobbies. Shirley was a member of the Red Hat Society and a licensed cosmetologist. Shirley is survived by her loving husband James "Dutch" VanZwol of Lynden, WA; Son, Rick Buckley of Fullerton, CA; Son, Dan Buckley of Redwood Valley, CA; 4 step children, Dorothy Bowman, Mike VanZwol, Sandy Hay all of Whatcom County and Tina VanZwol of CA. Shirley has 16 grand children and 6 great grandchildren. She is further survived by her mother Pauline Pierce, 2 brothers & 2 sisters all of CA, sisters-in-law Jesse Delorenzo, Eloise Bernardy, many nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to list.

VARNER, Donna age 49 of Lynden, Washington, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2005, after her courageous three-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was born on August 3, 1956, in Oberlin, Ohio, to Arnett and Opal Crites. Donna graduated from Wellington High School in Wellington, Ohio, in 1974 and married the love of her life, Mark Varner, on December 14, 1974. In 1977 they moved to Bellingham where they raised their two daughters and lived for 26 years. One of Donna's greatest strengths was her incredible business sense which along with her impeccable stye, helped her found and own two very successful businesses, Blue Horizon Clothing and 12th Street Shoes, both in Fairhaven. Donna was an avid runner and one of her proudest accomplishments was running her first marathon at the age of 40. Donna loved traveling, especially to Mexico, and in 2003 she completed a lifelong dream of visiting Africa, the number one place on her list of "Places to visit in your lifetime." When Donna was diagnosed with ALS, she was determined to raise awareness about the disease and, together with the ALS Association's Evergreen Chapter and her closest friends, she was instrumental in establishing the Walk to D'Feet ALS in Bellingham. This raised an extraordinary amount of money for ALS research. Donna will most be remembered for her incredible sense of humor, her infectious laugh, and her amazingly positive outlook on life. Donna is survived by her husband Mark of Lynden; mother Opal Pleska of Wellington, OH; sister Pat Tresch of Oberlin, OH; daughters Carly Varner and Erin Bruce (and Erin's husband Ben) of Seattle and their "little sister" Chloe; grandson Jaden Bruce of Seattle, who brought her immeasurable joy; and her numerous Earth Angels who loved and cared for her and made Donna laugh and laugh. A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Donna's Life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at Lairmont Manor in Fairhaven. Donna would request everyone wear bright colors and make it a happy and stylish affair. Memorials may be made to "Donna's Team" for the 2005 Walk to D'Feet ALS in Bellingham or in Donna's name to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter.
(From the Bellingham Herald, 28 Aug 2005) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VASELENKO, Mary Ann - Funeral service for Mary Ann Vaselenko, age 71, of 1401 Alabama, will be Wed. Aug. 28, 11 A.M. Greenacres Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Norton, Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiating. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park. Mrs. Vaselenko passed away Sat. Aug. 24, 1985. A Bellingham resident for 15 years, member of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, she is survived by her husband John; 2 sons, Reuben Vaselenko and Sunnyvale, Calif. & Gene Vaselenko of Portland, Oregon; 7 brothers, John Pollock, Bill Pollock, Fred Pollock, Alec Pawluk (sic), David Pollock, Enoch Pollock and Reuben Pollock; 1 sister, Rhoda Andronik all in British Columbia. Jones Funeral Home.

VAUGHAN, Dallas, 50, who for the past five years has lived in Seattle where he was a building contractor, passed away Tuesday (28 May 1946) in a Renton hospital, his remains received Thursday in Bellingham for burial. Prior to going to Seattle Mr. Vaughan had lived 36 years in Whatcom county, working as a logger. He is survived by his wife, Edna, in Seattle; one son, Donald, of Bremerton; two daughters, Mrs. Elsa Strong, Seattle, and Mrs. Betty Rose, of Salmon, Ida.; three grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Lula Henry, of Edison in Skagit county; Mrs. Clara McDonald, of Deming, and Mrs. Ruth Rosenhall, of Bellingham; also a brother, Erwin Carl Vaughan, of Edison. The funeral services will be held in the cathedral chapel of the Westford-Beck funeral home Saturday at 1 p.m., Rev. William H. Phillips, of the Eureka Methodist church, officiating. Interment will take place in Greenacres Cemetery.

VAUGHN, Benjamin Marvin, age 70 of Bellingham, WA passed away Wednesday, June 4, 1997 in Bellingham. He was born February 15, 1927 in Saulte Saint Marie, Michigan and was a resident of Bellingham for 50 years. Mr. Vaughn married Evelyn Ruth O'Rafferty August 31, 1946. He worked as a Electronics Technician. He was a member of Experimental Aircraft Assn. and 5th Corner Computer Club. He enjoyed working with computers, operating ham radio and flying. He is survived by: Wife, Evelyn Ruth Vaughn, sons, Benjamin M. Vaughn, Jr. and wife Faith of Bellingham, David and wife Leah Vaughn of Bellingham, daughters, Maggie and husband Kermit Larson of Kennewick, WA, Debbie and husband Kelly Ray Pollack, Jr. of Oklahoma U.S. Army; was employed for the past two years at Comptec where he worked alongside many friends. He played soccer, built race cars, enjoyed reading, spending time with family, fishing, horseback riding, playing with his son, and basketball. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 7, 1997, 2:00 p.m. at New Life Fellowship Church, 810 East Pole Road in Lynden with Pastor Jim Stender officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 1997 from 6-9 p.m. at Moles Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ferndale.

VAUGHN, William N., age 76 years, of R.D. No. 3, passed away at a local hospital, Friday, August 4, (1944) following a lingering illness. Mr. Vaughn had been a resident of Whatcom county for the past 43 years, and was a member of the Methodist Church. He is survived by two sons, Dallas, of Seattle, and Irwin, of Bellingham; three daughters, Mrs. Charles MacDonald, Bellingham; Mrs. Ruth Rosenhall, Anacortes, and Lulua Vaughn, of Bellingham; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted from the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home, Monday, August 7, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Ralph A. Stevens, of the Eureka Methodist Church, officiating. Interment, Greenacres.

VAUTIER, George J., 91, Portland, Ore., who was born and raised in Bellingham, died Friday (May 17, 1985) in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Portland. He was born in Aug. 17, 1893, and attended schools here. He served in the Army during World War I. Mr. Vautier was a Portland resident for many years. He was retired from the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Vautier was a former member of Church of the Assumption Catholic Church. His wife, Allegra, died in 1971. Survivors include five sons; a daughter; a brother; and eight grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Assumption, with the Rev. Paul Dalton officiating. Burial will be in Bayview Cemetery.

VAUTIER, Patrick Valentine, aged 3 months, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. George V. Vautier, 1700 Iowa Street, this city, passed away at the family home, Friday evening, November 18, (1938) after a brief illness. Little Patrick was a member of the Assumption Church and leaves to survive besides his parents two brothers, Cronin and James, grandparents, Mr. George J. Vautier, Sequiem, Wash.; Mrs. Nellie O'Rourk, Bellingham; two uncles, Patrick Jessup, Bellingham, and E. J. Vautier, San Francisco, Calif. The remains are resting at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home. Requiem mass will be celebrated at the Assumption Church, Monday morning, November 21, at 10:30 o'clock with Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. G. Stafford, pastor, officiating. Interment will be made in Bayview Cemetery.

VAVRICK, Franklin – A memorial service for Franklin Edwin Vavrick of Birch Bay will be held at 10 am Thursday at Sunrise Baptist Church in Custer with Pastor Jon Aldrich officiating. Mr. Vavrick died Friday, June 30, 2000 at St. Joseph Hospital. He was 74. He was born Oct 10, 1925 in Omaha, Neb. to Frank C. and Josephine (Seroy) Vavrick. After graduating from high school, Mr. Vavrick served 22 months in the U.S. Army Air Corps during the latter part of World War II. After the war, he used the G.I. Bill to obtain a degree in architecture from the University of Nebraska. Mr. Vavrick began his architectural career in Seattle, spending his free time pursuing his favorite pastimes of hunting, fishing, hiking and boating. In 1966, Mr. Vavrick and his wife Patricia moved to Southern California, where Mr. Vavrick worked as a design and construction manager for Sears, Roebuck and Co. After returning to the Seattle area in 1980, Mr. Vavrick completed his career and spent more time at the family's vacation home on Lummi Island, where he enjoyed crab fishing. Mr. Vavrick moved with his wife to Birch Bay in 1992. During his later years, Mr. Vavrick enjoyed bridge, cooking, politics, expressing his opinions and exploring the Internet. He also enjoyed model trains and stamp collecting. Survivors include his wife of the family home, son Doug Vavrick of Lynnwood, daughter Linda Sexauer of Bothell, two grandchildren and three nephews. Arrangements are by Jerns Funeral Chapel and Crematorium of Bellingham.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 4 Jul 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VEENSTRA, Robert, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 28, 2007. Robert was a longtime Whatcom County resident, having immigrated to the United States in 1947 at the age of 22. Robert ran a large dairy farm on the Wiser Lake Road from 1951 through 1966, where he was actively involved in many 4-H and FFA activities throughout the county. In addition to farming, Robert worked for Intalco, helping to open one of the first pot lines. Later, Robert spent many years working on the Alaska Pipeline at Prudhoe Bay. He returned to the Pacific Northwest in 1976 and spent many of his later years living in Concrete. A proud WWII veteran of the Dutch army, Robert had an adventurous and fun-loving spirit. He enjoyed entertaining at his home and loved throwing get-togethers for family and friends. Robert loved to tell stories and had an outgoing personality. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Robert L. Veenstra and his brother and sister-in-law Mint and Gepke Veenstra. Robert is survived by his wife Shirley of Sedro Woolley; daughter Annette (David) Spencer of Ferndale; son Barney (Joyce) Veenstra of University Place; daughter Tena (Dale) Umphrey of Carlsbad, CA; daughter-in-law Pam Veenstra of Bellingham; brother Jitze (Hyeke) Veenstra, sister Joukje Veenstra sister Willemka (Hendryk) Tuttel, brother Evert (Geeske) Veenstra, all of Holland; grandchildren Joe Spencer, Chris Spencer, Michael Veenstra, Kyle Veenstra, Amanda Umphrey, Jamie Veenstra, Brandon Veenstra; three great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews in The Netherlands. A private family gathering will be held in celebration of Robert's life.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 26 Apr 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VELIE - Margaret D., aged 75 years, beloved wife of Orville D. Velie, 1207 1/2 State Street, passed away at a local hospital Thursday, May 4, (1944) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Velie had resided in Bellingham for the past 41 years and was a member of the Rebeccas. Surviving relatives besides her husband include, two brothers: John Fenton, of Washington, D.C. and Roger Fenton, of Elmira N. Y.; three sisters, Mrs. Nan Southwick and Mrs. Julia Campbell, of Elmira, N. Y. and Mrs. Nell Pulver, of Detroit, Mich.; also numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home conducted by Rev. James M. Wilson. Cremation.

VELJKOV, Paul of Bellingham, WA, passed away on July 2, 2007, of complications due to Alzheimer's. Paul is survived by his wife Bettye of Bellingham; sons Paul (Skip) Veljkov and family of Bowdon, CA, Mark and family of Bellingham; sister Zora of San Francisco, CA; 5 grandchildren; 5 nephews and 1 niece. Paul was born in East Chicago, IN of Serbian parents and was proud of his Serbian heritage and knowledge of the Serbian language. During World War II, he was a ball-turret gunner with the 8th Air Force. Stationed in England, he flew in 32 missions. Paul loved his family. He married his wife Bettye in 1948 and live in Michigan until 1968 when he moved his family to Georgia. During this time, Paul was a salesman with the Schlage Lock Co, and he became their top salesman 2 years before his retirement! Paul was an avid golfer and football fan, enjoying watching a game with his sons or playing "a second 9" in any weather. He was also an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt in northern Michigan and Canada. A private service will be held in Bellingham.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 11 Jul 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VELTKAMP, Jack, Sr., age 84 of Lynden, died at his home on Monday, October 13, 2003. Visitation hours will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, October 17, at 10:15 a.m. in Monumenta Cemetery followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. in the Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden with Rev. Bert VanAntwerpen officiating. Born in Manhattan, Montana, on December 11, 1918, Jack was the son of Thomas and Jennie (VanDyken) Veltkamp. He grew up and graduated from high school in Montana and was married there to Florence Emmelkamp on October 28, 1941. Jack began his banking career in Bozeman, MT. and during World War II served in the U.S. Navy. Following his service, he and Florence moved to Minnesota where he continued his career and in 1952 the family moved to Lynden when he was recruited by the National Bank of Commerce (now Bank of America) to become the manager of their Lynden branch. He served as the branch manager for twenty-eight years before his retirement in 1980. A member and former Elder of the Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, Mr. Veltkamp was active in many civic organizations. He was a charter member of the Lynden Noon Kiwanis Club and was a member and former President and Treasurer of the Lynden Christian School Board. He also served on the Boards of the Back to God Hour and the Christian Reformed Church World Relief Committee. Jack was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, golfing and fishing. Besides his parents, Jack was preceded by a daughter Sally Snapper in 1979 and a sister Christine DeBoer. Mr. Veltkamp is survived at home by his wife Florence; children Donna and Orv VanderGriend of Bellingham, Jack and Diane Veltkamp of Lynden, Terry and Barbara Veltkamp of Buckley, WA and Vicki Veltkamp and husband Jim Larson of Post Falls, ID; son-in-law Rich Snapper of San Diego, CA; thirteen grand and eleven great-grandchildren; brother Al and Win Weltkamp of Albuquerque, NM; sisters Martha and John Bos, and Nell Bos of Bozeman, MT, Gertrude and Si Kingma of Lynden and Kay Duthler of Holland, MI and numerous other relatives. Services are under the care of Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Lynden.

VERBRUGGE, Lawrence Servaas   d. 13 Feb 2008   Image

VERKIST, Alita Wave, age 88, lifetime resident of Whatcom Co., died Wednesday, January 8, 1997 at St. Joseph Hospital. She was born in Blaine, Wa., to George and Alice (Smith) Lampman & is a direct descendent of Pioneer Henry Albert Smith. She married Emil Verkist in Bellingham, WA in 1944. Mr. Verkist worked as a secretary for The Bellingham Herald, Miller Real Estate & W. T. Lockwood Plumbing. She was a member of the Unity Church, Women of Unity & Old Settler's. Mrs. Verkist was one of the founders of Verkist Gardens which started in 1962. She was actively involved in the business until her death. Survived by her husband, Emil Verkist of Bellingham; sons, Bruce Verkis, Nyle Verkist & wife Cuquita all of Bellingham; daughter, Jill & husband Terry Schreckengast of Raceland, LA; grandchildren, Nicole Verkist, Samantha, Joey & Alison Schreckengast; brother Dean Lampman & wife Ernestine of Bellingham. Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 1997 at the Unity Church. Westford Funeral Home.

VERKIST, Orpha, age 40 years, of Glacier Star Route, passed away in a Bellingham hospital, Thursday, April 28, (1949). Mrs. Verkist was a lifetime resident of the Glacier community and was a member of The Friends organization in Bellingham. Surviving relatives include her husband, Charles Verkist and seven children, all at home, Albert, Leon, Kaye, Edward, Charles Jr., Judith and Joan; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Fox, of Glacier; two brothers, Dury Fox, Seattle, and Kirk Fox, of Salt Lake City, Utah; also numerous other relatives. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, April 30, at 2 p.m. at the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home with Mr. Malcom Graham of Tacoma, officiating. Interment in Maple Falls Cemetery.

VERKIST, Rosetha, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Verkist, of Glacier Star Route, passed away at a Bellingham hospital, Thursday, April 28, (1949). Surviving relatives include her father, Charles Verkist, and seven brothers and sisters, Albert, Leon, Kaye, Edwar, Charles Jr., Judith and Joan; also two maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Fox, of Glacier, besides numerous other relatives. Funeral services will conducted April 30 at 2 p.m. at the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home with Mr. Malcolm Graham of Tacoma officiating. Interment in Maple Falls Cemetery.

VERMEULEN, Jamie C., age 18, of Ferndale, WA, passed away August 11, 1997, in Bellingham, WA. Jamie was born July 19, 1979, in Bellingham to Jay and Julie (Reamer) Vermeulen. Jamie was a lifetime resident of Whatcom County who spent his life with a smile on his face. He packed a lifetime of happiness into his 18 years. Since he was two years old, he enjoyed boating in the San Juans. In addition to a love of water sports, Jamie was also an avid golfer and was on the Varsity team at Ferndale High School. He had been accepted at Washington State University. Jamie filled hearts with love and joy and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by: Mother: Julies Buckingham and Lynn "Buck" Buckingham of Ferndale; Father: Jay Vermeulen and Cindy Corcoran, and her son Taylor, of Everett; Maternal grandparents: Dave and Bev Reamer of Bellingham; Paternal grandparents: Casey and Jerry Vermeulen of Lynden; Maternal great-grandparents: Elmer and Virginia Peterson of Bellingham; Thelma Pullar of Bellingham; Paternal great-grandparents: Lois Bromley of Sumas; Aunt and uncle Jeri and Dave Hagin and cousins Jason and Haley Hagin all of Ferndale; Paternal aunt and uncle Mark and Adette Vermeulen and cousins Toby and Rocki Vermeulen all of Bellingham; Aunt Fae Vermeulen of Redmond; Girl friend Vicki Garza and her family Santos, Gloria, Titos, and Dominic Garza, all of Ferndale; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives plus many special friends and schoolmates. Visitation will be at Jones-Moles Funeral Home, Thursday, August 14, 1997, noon to 8 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, August 15, 1997, 1:00 p.m. at Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, with the Dr. Jack Keller, Portal Way Church of Christ, officiating. Arrangements by Jones-Moles Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

VERNON, Manfred, retired Western Washington University professor, former chairman of its political science department and former chairman of the Whatcom County Democratic Party, died Thursday, April 5, 2001. He was 93. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Jones-Moles Funeral Home, with Rabbi Yossi Leibowitz officiating. Burial will follow at Bayview Cemetery.

Born May 23, 1907, in Dusseldorf, Germany, Mr. Vernon saw the impact of World War I on Germany, lost his mother in the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, and became a German lawyer. When the Nazis came to power in 1933, he left Germany for the Netherlands. He emigrated to the United States in 1939, enlisting in the U.S. Army before Pearl Harbor and serving with Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines. In 1946, he married Hally Weis, a child psychologist and day-care pioneer. She died in February 2000.

After earning his doctorate at Stanford University, Mr. Vernon taught at the University of Michigan and the University of Alabama, and served in the State Department under President Truman before coming to Western. As a Fulbright scholar, he taught for a year in Turkey at the University of Ankara. For several years, Mr. Vernon hosted "Outlook," an interview and discussion TV show on KVOS. He also was one of three U.S. representatives on the International Joint Commission on Point Roberts. After retiring to San Juan Island, Mr. Vernon served on the board of the San Juan Island Whale Museum, organized conferences, taught for Elder Hostel and traveled the world with his wife. When he and his wife returned to Bellingham, he started a discussion group at Parkway Chateau Retirement Residence, and remained active in community and university life and at his synagogue, Beth Israel. He also spoke at schools about the Nazi era.

Survivors include daughters Bonnie Quam of Abbotsford, B.C., Ahbi Vernon of Berkeley, Calif., and Wendy Vernon of Willits, Calif.; son Stephen Vernon of Palo Alto, Calif.; and 10 grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 8, 2001) Submitted by Debbie deHoog.

VESLEDAHL, Verna, age 79, of Bellingham, died Tuesday, July 22, 1997 at her home. She was born May 19, 1918 in North Dakota to Ingvald and Gina Wiggerson. She was preceded in death by her husband Lewis Vesledahl and grandson Tod Wills. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Winger, MN. She married Lewis Vesledahl and moved to Bellingham in 1943 with their young family. Her interests included quilting, and handiwork, gardening, and her family and church. She was a member of Central Lutheran Church of Bellingham. Survivors: 2 daughters, Barbara and husband Travis Wills of Shoreline, WA, Nanette and husband Ronald Johanesen of Bellingham; 3 grandchildren, Deanna (Wills) and husband David Winchester of Issaquah, WA, Steven Johanesen of Bellingham, Renee Johanesen of Bothell; sister, Inez Gonvick of Chetwyn, B.C.; nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be Thursday, July 24, 1997, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 24, 1997, at 2:30 p.m., Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham, with the Reverend Leonard C. Erickson officiating. Arrangements by Jones-Moles Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

VIERECK, Oscar R., aged 35 years, passed away at a local hospital this morning at 6 o'clock. Mr. Viereck is survived by his wife and two children, four sisters, three of whom reside in San Juan county and one in Oregon; six brothers, four residing at Doe Bay, one in San Francisco, Cal., and one in Prince Rupert, B. C. The body will be shipped to Doe Bay for interment, Friday morning, March 29, by Undertaker A. G. Wickman.
(From the Bellingham Herald, March 26, 1912)

VIGRE, Rosemary, 58, of Anacortes, WA died February 4, 2002 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, WA of complications from pneumonia. She was born June 14, 1943 in Bellingham to Roy and Alpha (Christiansen) Sundseth. Later she moved to San Francisco with her family. Rosemary marred Norman E. Vigre on June 20, 1964 in San Francisco. She trained and worked as a beautician in San Francisco until moving back to Bellingham in 1970. She always tried to help those less fortunate and she was a very loving person. She was always ready to lend a hand. Survivors include her husband Norman E. Vigre of Anacortes; son Norman David and wife Megan of Lynden; brother Marlo Sundseth and wife Charlene of Bellingham; brother-in-law Tommy Thomson of Bellingham; sister-in-law Winifred Sundseth of Cusick, WA; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Friday, February 8, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenacres Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

VILLALUZ, Tiara Dawn    d. 17 Jun 1995    Image

VINING, Franklin, Jr., age 14, of 2812 Martin Street, passed away suddenly at a local hospital Sunday, May 1, (1949). Franklin Jr. had been a resident of Bellingham for the past four years. He attended the Silver Beach school and was a member of the Silver Beach Boys' club and the Silver Beach Community church. Surviving relatives include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Franklin Vining, city; one brother, Donald Ray at home; his paternal grandfather, Erwin Vining, of Los Angeles, Calif.; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Amy Carter, of Blaine, and many other relatives. Funeral services will be conducted within the Cathedral Chapel of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home, Thursday, May 5, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. George Ackley, pastor of the Silver Beach Community Church officiating. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

VISSER, Andrew - Our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa went to be with his Heavenly Father after a struggle with Parkinson's Disease on Sunday morning March 8, 2005. He was born on March 3, 1922 to parents Jelte and Jenny Visser in Everson, WA. He was raised in Whatcom County and lived there until being called to the Army where he spent some time in Europe during WWII. Returning to Whatcom County after serving in the war, he was married to Gertrude Bierlink on February 20, 1950. They moved to Skagit County to start their new life together. They dairy farmed on dairies in Bow and Burlington until their retirement in 1980. They enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary earlier this year. He is survived by his wife Gert; two sons, Dale and wife Leah of Mount Vernon, and their children, Lance, Lindsey, Loren, Luke and Camren; Dave and wife Lori of Burlington, and their children, Darla and finace Travis Haveman, Daryl and Daeleen. He is also survived by his brothers Ralph and his wife Cora of Lynden and Elton of Sumas, sisters Jeanette and husband Jake Stap of Lynden, Marj and husband Mel Robertson of Grants Pass, OR., sisters-in-law Freda Visser of Lynden and Edith Visser of Tacoma, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Lambert, William, Hilbert, Wallace and Jasper John, and an infant grandson David B. Visser. He has been a long time member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Mount Vernon. He served many years as an elder or deacon in the church and as a school board member at Mount Vernon Christian School. We will all miss him very much, but we take comfort that He now rests in Glory. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 11, 2005 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Kern Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 12:00 Noon at Hawthorne Memorial Park with a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Michael Kooy, officiating. Arrangements by Kern Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon.

VISSER, Dan - A graveside service for Dan Visser of Bellingham will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Greenacres Memorial Park. Mr. Visser died at home Monday, Jan. 6, 1997. He was 53. Born May 9, 1943, to Peter and Dena VanEgdom Visser in Bellingham, he was a lifelong Whatcom County resident. He married Janice Schmett on Sept. 12, 1963, in Lynden. Mr. Visser worked at Diehl Ford Inc. for 20 years. He enjoyed working on cars. Survivors include his wife of the family home; son Danny Visser of Lynden; mother Dena Koop of Bellingham; brothers Pete Visser of Lynden, Leroy Visser of Oregon, Bill Koop Jr. of Ferndale and Marvin Koop of Bellingham; sister Jennifer Jensen of Tigard, Ore.; one grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

VISSER, Judy died at her home in Bellingham on Friday, July 20, 2007. She was 65. Born on Nov 20, 1941 in Princeton, B.C., to John and Mary (McKnight) Anchan, she moved to Seattle as a young child where she graduated from West Seattle High School in 1959. Judy attended Western Washington University and then worked as an escrow officer for many years until retirement earlier this year. Besides being an avid Seattle Mariners fan, her hobbies included fishing, bowling and handcrafts. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. She is survived by son Jeff (Pam) Visser and their children, Alison, Emily and Jacob of Lynden; daughter Kathy Visser of Bellevue; father John Anchan of Seattle; brothers Ray (Leigh) Anchan of Langley, Wash, and Rick (Linda) Anchan of Los Angeles; nieces, nephews and a host of friends and extended family. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 26 at 2 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Lynden with a reception immediately following in the church basement.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 24 Jul 2007, Tue) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VISSER, Olive - Funeral services for Olive Visser, a former Lynden resident, will begin today at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Gillies Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill VandenBos officiating. Burial will follow in Monumenta Cemetery. Mrs. Visser died in Rock Valley, Iowa, on Friday (May 23, 1997). She was 85. The daughter of A. S. and Sjouke (Wouters) DeJong, Mrs. Visser was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on May 29, 1911. The family lived in Edgerton, Minn., and Sioux Center, Iowa. The family returned to Grand Rapids where she graduated from high school and obtained a college degree as a registered nurse at the Blodgett Hospital School of Nursing. She married Ralph Visser in Grand Rapids on Nov. 25, 1948. The couple moved to the Lynden area where they farmed on Timon Road until retiring in 1969. In April 1987 they moved to Rock Valley to be near family. Mr. Visser died in 1988. Mrs. Visser is survived by son Andy Visser of Rock Valley; daughter Charlotte Rau of Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren; brothers Walter DeJong of Jenison, Mich. and George DeJong of Palos Heights, Ill.; sisters Bessie Klein of Gallup, N.M., Hilda Ouwenga of Grand Rapids and Jennie Visser of Tinley Park, Ill.; and numerous other relatives.

VISSER, Wilma J. - Visitation for Wilma J. Visser of Sumas will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and Thursday at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Monumenta Cemetery, followed by a funeral at 2 p.m. at Sumas Christian Reformed Church with the Revs. Louis Korf and Bill VandenBos officiating. Mrs. Visser died at home Tuesday, May 6, 1997. She was 62. Born July 23, 1934, to John and Nellie Groen Devries in Shepherd, Mont., she moved to Whatcom County in 1943. She attended Sumas Christian Grade School and Lynden Christian High School. She married Hilbert Visser on Oct. 6, 1952. They ran a dairy farm on Jones Road. A member of Sumas Christian Reformed Church and Lynden Christian Mother's Club, Mrs. Visser enjoyed crocheting and traveling. Survivors include her husband; sons Jerald Visser of Sumas and Roger Visser of Bellevue; daughters Arlene Scholten of Lynden, Denise Hanson of Bellingham and Barbara Visser of Seattle; brothers Aldrich DeVries and Ivan DeVries, both of Sumas, and Jay DeVries of Kelso; 12 grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

VITALJIC, Alice Gladys, age 71 of Bellingham, WA, died April 10, 1997 at St. Joseph Hospital. She was born January 2, 1926 in Hettinger, North Dakota to George and Esther (Reikel) Klemann. Alice enjoyed life to the end, her yard and home gave her much joy and happiness. Alice often baked pastries for family and friends. She enjoyed services at Calvary Temple and listening to the choir. Alice was an avid garage sale person and loved weekly get-togethers with family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Vitaljic; brothers, Emil, Dickie, and Eddie Klemann; sisters, Joyce Solwold and Molly Klemann. Survived by her children of whom she was very proud, Jack and Denise Vitaljic of Bellingham, Christina and Leighton Verkist of Ferndale, Nick Vitaljic of Bellingham; grandson, Andrew Vitaljic; sisters, Verna Niderost of Bellingham, Bernice Lucas, Violet Arbogast and Doris Moir of Ukiah, California; brothers, Irvin, Herb and Aldon Klemann of Whatcom Co.; and numerous nieces and nephews. 1st Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from 1-3 p.m., also Monday, 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Services will be held at Westford Funeral Home Chapel, 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 14, 1997. Arrangements by Westford Funeral Home.

VITT, William passed away January 9, 2004 in Bellingham after complications from surgery. Born in 1918 in Whitefish, Montana, he spent his life perfecting his musical talent, construction skills, teaching ability, and family relationships. Bill began playing music professionally at age 15 and continued to play until his illness at age 85 he mastered the clarinet, saxophone, vibraharp and piano. His professional skill flourished during the golden age of music- the swing years and beyond, but his passion was always jazz. Bill is best known in Bellingham as the leader of the Bill Vitt Quartet, playing dance tunes at the Bellingham Yacht Club & Everett Yacht Club for over 25 years. Bill always tempered his passion for music with a pragmatic sense for financial and personal responsibility. He completed his education in teaching to be able to leave the sheet metal trade. He played music 5 nights a week while he taught school. He cared for his first wife Goldie (Budge) through her battle with multiple sclerosis. He helped his sons Bill Jr. (Cloverdale, CA), Laurie (Norman, OK), and Mickey (Bellingham) in building their education & their homes. Retiring from teaching at Whatcom Middle School at age 62, Bill pursued his interests actively: winemaking, camping, performing, traveling, building, visiting friends and family, the Wednesday lunches with the Musician's Group, Friday lunches with David and Deanna, driving his Mercedes with the top down and the jazz loud, & taking care of his cat, Chelsea. Bill is survived by his sister, Mavis Steffanich of Helena, MT his three sons and their wives four grandchildren one great grandchild his second wife Jeannette Dupey stepdaughter Lois Dupey and life-long friend Florence Anderson of Billings, MT. He leaves a legacy of relationships from his 25 years with the Bill Vitt Quartet: Mark Schlicting, Chuck Stanford, Paul Schlichting, Bob Copeland, Ralph Pauley, Bob Storms, Dick Stensland, and a host of other musicians. He also leaves his friends at the Leopold: Jerry, Doris, Berta, Everett, and Mary.

VOGEL, Errol Wayne, formerly of Bellingham, died of cancer Tuesday, Aug. 1, 1995, at his home in San Antonio. He was 55. A graveside service with full military honors will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Born Oct. 13, 1939, to Gordon and Erlene Vogel in Fairmont, Minn., he lived in Bellingham for 12 years and graduated from Bellingham High School. He served in the U.S. Marines and later in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the military, Mr. Vogel worked as a computer analyst for the U.S. government. He lived in Hawaii for the past 10 years before moving to San Antonio less than a month ago. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Vogel, of San Antonio; son David Vogel of Yucaipa, Calif.; daughter Teri Ralston of Joshua, Texas; mother and stepfather Erlene and Alfred Johnson of Bellingham; stepsons Charles Saunders of Okinawa, Japan, and Vernon Saunders of Austin, Texas; stepdaughters LouCinda Jackson of San Antonio and Katrina Stahl of Oceanside, Calif.; brothers Leland Vogel of Seattle, William Vogel of Cypress, Texas, and Gerald Vogel of Lake Stevens; six grandchildren; and 13 step-grandchildren. Arrangements are by American Mortuary of San Antonio.

VOGEL, Hermina   d. 17 May 1999  Image

VOGELZANG, Melvin F. - Visitation for Melvin F. Vogelzang, 60, of 3516 Mountain View Road, Ferndale, will be until 8 p.m. today at Moles Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date in California. Mr. Vogelzang died Saturday (Aug. 24, 1991) at home. He was born May 26, 1931 in Chatsworth, Iowa, and had lived in Ferndale for the past 14 years. He was an associate broker with Archway Portal Way Realty and most recent with Commonwealth Realty in Birch Bay. Before moving to Ferndale, he lived in the Nipomo and Cambria areas of California. He worked at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif., and later for the California Department of Transportation. Mr. Vogelzang was an operating engineer in construction while in California. He also worked on the Alaska pipeline and at the pumping station on Prudhoe Bay. He was a member of Locals Nos. 12 and 302, International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Vogelzang of the family home; three sons, Mel Vogelzang, Larry Vogelzang and Seth Vogelzang, all of Ferndale; a daughter, Sherri Schroeder of Bellingham; a sister Marion Hackett of Redding, Calif.; and seven grandchildren. Arrangements are by Moles Funeral Home.

VOGT, Earl C. died on Saturday, October 11, 2003, at the age of 66. He was born in Juneau, AK on November 12, 1936 to Carl W. and Francis (Buxel) Vogt. He moved to Blaine at the age of three months, and graduated from Blaine High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army for two years, one of which was in Germany. Earl worked for the Bellingham Herald for 23 years, after which he became an independent carrier, delivering papers for over 20 additional years, until the day he died. Earl married Shirley Maxine Duffield in August, 1974, and has since resided in Ferndale. He was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Vogt Hackman and husband Larry; his mother Francis; and his father Carl. Earl is survived by his wife Maxine; stepson, Jay Duffield and his wife Jennifer and grandsons Michael and Matthew; stepson (sic) Jeff Duffield and grandchildren Jennifer, Crystal, John and Jeffrey; stepdaughter Joy Sweet and her husband Jeff and grandson Zachary; and brother David Vogt and his wife Elfie. Visitation will be Thursday, October 16, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 16, at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine, followed by burial at Blaine Cemetery.

VOGT, Earl Witherow, age 77 lifetime resident of Whatcom Co., died July 18, 1997 at his residence. He was born October 12, 1919 in Blaine, WA, to Otto and Bessie (Witherow) Vogt. Earl was a 1938 graduate of Blaine High School, he lived at Birch Bay 1919-1989 when he moved to Bellingham, WA. January 15, 1946 he married Amalia E. Eienger of Lynden, WA. They built their home on the family farm where they started and operated the Birch Bay Trailer Park retiring in 1988. Mr. Vogt was past member of Bellingham Golf & Country Club, B.P.O.E. Elks, Bermuda Dunes Golf & Country Club, Blaine Lions Club, Birch Bay Resort Assoc. and was past Whatcom Co. Fire Dist. 13 Commissioner. He was an avid golfer, his golfing highlight was playing in the Bob Hope Desert Classic Golf Tournament. Earl loved people, the Blaine Borderites and all sports his grandchildren were involved with. Preceded in death by his wife, Amalia E. Gienger Vogt in 1990; father, Otto Vogt in 1952; mother Bessie Vogt in 1973; brother William Vogt in 1989, and son-in-law, Jerry Boykin in 1997. Survivors include his daughters, Janice Faye Boykin of Birch Bay, WA, Bonnie Jean and husband David Harkleroad of Birch Bay, WA; cousin, Robert C. Vogt and wife, Anne of Birch Bay, WA; grandsons, Timothy J. Harkleroad of Puyallup, WA, Jay C. Boykin and financee Ann Sjolund of Ferndale, WA, Anthony Harkleroad of Bellingham, WA; and granddaughter, Jerilynn Boykin of Birch Bay, WA. Funeral services will be held at Westford Funeral Home Chapel, 1:30 Thursday, July 24, 1997.

VOGT, Robert Charles, age 88, passed away December 26, 2004, in Blaine. He was born in Birch Bay on April 2, 1916, and attended Birch Bay Elementary School, then was bussed into the Blaine School District where he graduated in 1934. Bob worked at the original Birch Bay Golf Course that his parents had built. In 1942, he married his sweetheart, Anne Peterson, and 6 months later he joined the US Navy. He was in the Navy from 1942 until 1945 when he came home and built Edgewater Resort which included the cottages and a grocery store. Later on was when he built the trailer park. Bob was a member of the Elks, the American Legion and a former member of the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. He is survived by his wife Anne, of 62 years; his son Gary and wife Cindy Lou Vogt; four grandchildren and five great-grand-children. Two sons, Terry and Larry, preceded him in death. There will be a Service of Remembrance on Monday, January 3, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at Jerns-McKinney Funeral Chapel in Blaine. Arrangements by Jerns-McKinney Funeral Chapel.

VOLKMAN, Carl A. of Bellingham, WA, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2005, in Bellingham. He was 96, born December 31, 1908, in Dent, MN, to Anna (Quiram) and Ernest Volkman. Carl moved to Whatcom County as a young man. He married Gertrude Nitz in 1933. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Carl enjoyed people and was the general neighborhood handyman. His interests included reading, gardening, and good music. He played the concertina and harmonica. Preceding him in death were his wife, son Theodore and daughter-in-law Betty Volkman, and great grandson Deric Flint. Survivors include daughter Dorothea and husband Curtis Wilson; grandchildren: Ten and wife Jan Flint, Walt and wife Kelley Flint, Craig Volkman, Larisa Flint Snydal and husband Jon, Penny Volkman Gudbranson and husband Jeff, Pam Nacarrato, Aaron Wilson, Gabriel Wilson, Hilary Knight and husband Chad; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister Golda and husband Al Benke.
Submitted by John Rauch

VOLKMAN, Theodore C., age 60, of Bellingham, WA went to be with our Lord on Dec. 30, 1997 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 3, 1937 in Bellingham to Carl and Trude (Nitz) Volkman, he graduated from Concordia High School, Portland, OR, attended Western Washington State College, and worked in the building industry in Bellingham. Ted loved all sports, especially golf. He served as the first president of the "Men's Club" at Lake Padden Golf Course and was appointed to the first Board of Adjustment for the City of Bellingham. He is survived by his wife Betty (Johnson) Wolkman whom he married on Sept. 20, 1958 in Bellingham; 2 daughters, Penny and husband Jeff Gudbranson of Bellingham, Pam Volkman of Tacoma; son, Craig and wife Lesha Volkman of Bellingham; 6 grandchildren, Emily Rhett, and Evan Fenton, Heidi Gudbranson, Codee Volkman and Cherish Larson; father Carl Volkman of Bellingham; sister Thea and husband Curt Wilson of Anacortes, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by many friends for his keen sense of humor and will be greatly missed, but has left us with wonderful and funny memories. Memorial Services will be held Sat., Jan. 3, 1998, 2:00 p.m. at Jones-Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

VON BARGEN, Doris Mae, a long-time resident of Bellingham, passed away on December 27, 2001. She was 77 years old and was born on June 17, 1924 in Wenatchee. Mrs. Von Bargen graduated from Bellingham High School in 1942, and attended Western Washington State College. While at Western she was president of the associated student body, and listed in Who's Who among students in American Colleges and Universities. She had a strong interest in music and continued this interest after college, teaching piano and organ. As an accomplished pianist she often accompanied visiting artists performing at Western. She also served frequently as the church organist at St. James Church, and was active in the church and P.E.O. In 1966 she suffered severe burns around her head and neck in a household accident. After several years of rehabilitation she returned to work part time at her husband's business, Bargreen and Von Bargen Restaurant Equipment Supply, and to playing her beloved Steinway grand piano. When she and her husband moved to a highrise condominium in February 1983, photos of the crane lifting the piano in through the 5th floor balcony door were featured in the Bellingham Herald. She is survived by her loving husband Henry of Bellingham; her son Craig, his wife Jeanie Wakeland, and grandson David, all of Walnut Creek, CA; and her niece Lana Adams and her husband Richard of Volcano, CA. A memorial service will be held Wednesday January 2, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.at St. James Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at the church. Jones-Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

VON BARGEN, Tina passed away Thurs., Jan. 29, 2004, at The Courtyard in Bellingham. She had celebrated her 100th birthday on Aug. 8, 2003 with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry von Bargen, in 1977. Tina was born in Alfstedt, Germany in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. with her husband and daughter Inge to Freehold, New Jersey in 1926. In 1946, they moved to Bellingham and became the owners of the Coconut Grove and Pastime Café. They retired in 1961 to Hawaii and in 1992 Tina returned to Bellingham. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and well loved by everyone. Tina had traveled extensively, loved music and dancing, was an artist and made feather leis to adorn her hat which she was well known for in Hawaii. "She will be greatly missed, a true lady." She leaves daughters Inge Thurston & husband Gilbert and Dorothy Wilkins all of Bellingham six grandsons Grant Thurston & wife Sandy of Portland, OR, Mark Thurston & wife Nancy of Seattle, Brian Thurston & wife Pam of Seattle, Drew Thurston & wife Marlene of Bellingham, Stephen Wilkins & wife Linda of Bellingham, Clark Wilkins & wife Mary Jo of Kennewick two granddaughters Brooke McCreery & husband Michael and Lisa Huffaker & husband Mitchell all of Mineral Wells, TX 15 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. A memorial service will be held Sat., Feb. 7, 3 pm at St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham with a reception to follow. Officiating will be Pastor Mary Robinson-Mohr.

VON EUW, Anton - Funeral services for Anton Von Euw, who passed away at his home at Lawrence, Tuesday, September 15, (1931), will be held Saturday, September 19, at 1 o'clock at the Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home, Holly at Forest street, the Rev. C. B. Johansen, of the Lawrence Lutheran church officiating, and interment will take place in the Lawrence cemetery.

VOPNFORD, Walter - Funeral services for Walter Vopnford, 72, a former Whatcom County resident, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Free Methodist Church, 1830 South 13th St., Mount Vernon. Mr. Vopnford died Tuesday (March 5, 1991) of a long illness, in Mount Vernon. He was born July 1, 1918, to Jacob and Dagbjort Vopnfjord in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He married Sigrid Gudmundson on March 6, 1942, in Point Roberts. He lived in Whatcom County for more than 20 years. He graduated from Blaine High School and obtained his teaching degree from Western Washington State Teachers College. Mr. Vopnford operated the South Beach Resort in Point Roberts for 20 years. Mr. Vopnford was employed with the Conway school district from 1957 to 1981 as a teacher and later as superintendent. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Moose Club and the Mount Vernon Elks. Mr. Vopnford was also active in the United Good Neighbors group and the Anachords Male Barber Shop Chorus. Survivors include his wife, Sigrid Vopnford of the family home; a daughter, Linda Vopnford of Portland, Ore.; two sons, David Vopnford of Blair, Neb., and Daniel Vopnford of Point Roberts; a sister, Olive Falter of Bellingham; a brother, Axel Vopnford of Winnipeg; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are by Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mount Vernon.

VOS, John William, age 94, passed away peacefully December 1, 2004, at St. Francis Extended Care after a brief illness. John, affectionately known to his wide circle of family and friends as "Billy the Kid," was a remarkably kind and gentle man with a sturdy exterior that easily gave way to generosity of spirit and resources. He shall be greatly missed. As generous as John was in life to others, he was always unassuming towards himself and his affairs, choosing to quietly help others rather than draw attention to himself. His wishes were always that he'd have a quiet passing with no memorial service or tribute. In place, he wished only that those who loved him thought of him well. John is survived by his only child, Alice Dewitt, his granddaughters Susan Palmer and Lori Shaffer, grandsons John Dewitt and Tim Dewitt, great-grandsons Jason Verges and Cameron Dewitt, and great-granddaughter Kimberly Dewitt.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 7 Dec 2004) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

VOS, Sidney - A memorial gatherine for Sidney Vos of Bellingham will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the family home, 1638 James St. Mr. Vos died Saturday, Oct. 9, 1999, in Bellingham. He was 70. Born June 13, 1929, to Raymond and Goldie (Van Roekel) Vos in Redondo Beach, Calif., he was a Whatcom County resident for 62 years. On June 12, 1969, he married Georgia Anderson in Bellingham. In 1988, he retired from Uniflite after 17 years as a marine carpenter. Survivors include his wife, of the family home; daughters Caroline Branham and Claudette and Lynnette Vos, all of Bellingham; sons Howard Vos of Bellingham, Fred Vos of Everson and John Vos of Seattle; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.

VOSTI, Marie M., age 75, a Bellingham resident of over 46 years, died June 27, 1997, at her home in Bellingham. Mrs. Vosti was born on May 28, 1922, in Topeka, Kansas, to parents John H. and Blanche Lusk. She was raised and educated in Kansas. In 1944, she and Wilfred (Bill) Vosti were married in California where their three older children were born. They resided in California until the early 1950's when they moved to Orcas Island and during that period, the two younger children were born in Bellingham. After 2 years of commuting to Bellingham where Mr. Vosti worked for the phone company, they then made their residence in Bellingham. Marie worked as a Reserve Bookroom Supervisor at the Wilson Library at Western Washington University until her retirement. Relatives include her children Jana Rose Evans of Spokane, Washington, Anita Frances Johnson of Bellingham, Washington, Jeremy Joseph Vosti of Tacoma, Washington, and John Henry Vosti of Seattle, Washington; and a sister Frances Bartley of Topeka, Kansas; and three grandchildren Sarah, Rachel and Kevin. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilfred E. Vosti, Sr. and a son Wilfred (Skipper) E. Vosti, Jr. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 1997 at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham, Washington. Arrangements are under the direction of Westford Funeral Home.

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