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Mary Margaret Casey
Former Monte resident and librarian M. Margaret Casey passed away at home on June 5. She was 96. She was with her husband of 63 years, Carl B. Casey.
She was born Mary Margaret Fox on Dec. 9, 1917, in Vinton, Iowa, to John and Mary (Bruce) Fox; the first of 13 children. At the age of four, her parents, two siblings and aunt drove a Model T out west. They briefly stayed in Yakima, near the Yakima Nation where Margaret attended her first school. The family moved after one year to Buckley, Wash., where they opened a bakery. She mastered her baking craft by the time she was eighteen.
She graduated from Buckley High School in 1935 and married
Charles Rock. The couple moved to Elma where their first child, Judith Marie, was born in 1939. Kay Theresa was born in 1945 in Buckley. Margaret and Charles divorced shortly after World War II. She worked for her father at the Fox Bakery in Montesano where she met Carl Casey. They were married
in 1950, and lived in Montesano for thirteen years, adding two additional children. Their son, Tom, was born in 1951, and another daughter, Molly, in 1954.
Margaret began work for the Montesano Public Library in 1954, and began a long and committed career in Library service. Her true love was the Mobile Library Service operated by Grays Harbor County Library. She devoted herself to bringing tailored service to each individual on the many routes of the lumbering “bookmobile.” She would load the mega van with books matching the requests and preference of each patron. The routes included Tahola, Grisdale, Quinault, Cedarville, North River and Wishkah. Later in her career she played a major role in forming the Timberland Regional Library System. She inventoried every book, in every library, in five counties. Books that were in multiple editions, or out dated, or in poor condition were discarded, making room for a much more expanded number of titles. The legacy of that work is at service today, and a clear achievement, however, her role as “Casey, the Bookmobile Lady” remained her personal joy.
Books were her life, and she continued that interest after moving to Alaska in 1975 to join her husband Carl, who had gone north earlier to begin work on the Alaskan Pipeline. They remained in that state for 39 years, moving to various and remote locations before settling on the Kenai Peninsula. Their home was a popular destination for friends and family from the “lower 48.” As was her character, she and Carl made many friends who became “family” and established a completely new and active life of hunting, fishing, gardening, travel, and hosting. They returned to Washington in September of 2013 and lived near Shelton, where their daughter, Molly, assisted them.
Mary Margaret was a devout Catholic. She attended Mass with her children at St. Johns Catholic Mission in Montesano, and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Soldotna, Alaska. She was a generous donor to scores of charities, particularly those that served special needs children around the world, Native Americans, and the conservation of natural resources.
She is survived by her husband at their home, and her four children; Judith Parmenter (John), Kay Bowen, Tom Casey, and Mary Margaret “Molly” Casey (Ray Rothrock). She had ten grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Tuesday, June 24, at St. John’s Catholic Mission in Montesano. A full reception will follow at the Mission’s Community Hall next door to the church.
Flowers will be set at the Mass. Other donations can be made to charities of choice, including; Friends of the Library and St. John’s.
Frederick Francis Koontz
Frederick Francis Koontz, age 67, a resident of Aberdeen, died on June 7, 2014, in Taholah, Wash. Freddie was born on March 7, 1947, in Astoria, Ore., to Paul Ellison, Sr. and Anna Marie (Elliott) Koontz. He was an enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation.
He graduated from Naselle High School in 1965. He then attended Peninsula Community College in Port Angeles, graduating with an Associate of Arts degree. He would also serve in the US Coast Guard and was discharged as a Petty Officer 3C. After his discharge, he, worked in the hospitality industry for several years and later as a logger. For over 30 years, he worked as a federal agent for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Commerce, retiring in 2002.
In retirement, he remained active as a naturalist and fishing guide. He also collected native artifacts.
Surviving family members include a brother, Paul Ellison Koontz Jr. of Aberdeen; a sister, Marianne Koontz of Taholah; five nieces, two nephews, two God children and many cousins.
A committal will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Portland Memorial Mausoleum. 6705 SE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97202.
Any memorial contributions are suggested to the Wahkiakum County Museum, 65 River Street (P.O. Box 541) Cathlamet, Washington; the River Life Interpretive Center, 1394 SR 4 W., Skamokawa, Wash., or to a charity of choice.
At his request, there will be no formal funeral service, however, a celebration of life is being planned and will be announced in a later edition of The Daily World.
Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary, Inc. in Hoquiam, Washington.
Velma M. McKinlay
A gathering of close friends and family of Velma Maxine McKinlay, who died June 11 in Aberdeen, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Polson Museum in Hoquiam.
A complete obituary will appear in Thursday’s Daily World.
Arrangements are by the Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
Robert Ward
A gathering of friends and family of Robert H. Ward of Hoquiam, who died April 30 in Aberdeen, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at the Simpson Avenue Plaza in Hoquiam.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Calla “Jean” Dahlin
Calla “Jean” Dahlin, a longtime resident of Montesano, passed away peacefully and secure in her faith to be with her Lord, Christ Jesus, on June 15. At the time of her passing she was at home with members of her family. Jean was a much beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and was a trusted friend to many in the community.
Jean was born in Kelso, Wash., on Feb. 1, 1925, where she grew up and attended high school. She was the youngest of five children to George and Calla Secord. Her siblings included Esther (Krupski), George “Juddy”, Betty (Brower) and Helen (Osborne). She was preceded in death by Juddy, her parents, Esther and Betty. Following graduation from high school in 1943, she was employed by the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle where she worked on the assembly of B-17 and B-29 bombers until the end of the war. Jean graduated from Central Washington College of Education in Ellensburg where she met her future husband, Clyde Dahlin, on a blind date. Jean taught school for a year in Vancouver, Wash., and then she and Clyde were married
on June 10, 1950. They lived in Ballard while Clyde attended the College of Pharmacy at the University of Washington and graduated in 1953. In 1955 Clyde and Jean moved to the Harbor where he worked as a Pharmacist.
Jean has four children born from 1954 to 1962, including David of Fort Worth, Texas, Jacqueline Eaton of Shelton, Jeff of Bothell and Brad of Spokane. She also has 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Jean was very active for more than 50 years in the Montesano United Methodist Church, where she was blessed with many good friends. She came to understand the Gospel in 1970 and through faith in Jesus Christ became a Christian. Jean sang in the choir for many years and was particularly gifted with wisdom, love and patience.
A memorial service will be held at the Montesano United Methodist Church, Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her remembrance to the Montesano United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.
Raymond Schamber
SHELTON — Aberdeen resident Raymond K. Schamber, a former Babe Ruth coach and Baltimore Colts linebacker, died Sunday, May 18, 2014, in Shelton. He was 79.
There will be a celebration of his life following the Memorial Day weekend.
Cremation arrangements are by Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
Mourn Mak
Aberdeen resident Mourn Mak died Friday, June 20, 2014, at his home in Aberdeen. He was 60.
He was the owner of Product Evergreen, a local floral greens distributor.
Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen. A Buddhist service will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home’s chapel.
Steven Carl Larsen
Dr. Steven Carl Larsen was born in Forks, Wash., on Oct. 10, 1950, and passed away on June 14, 2014. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1968 and was a member of the Montesano Moose Lodge since 1993.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Tracy, four children, Andrew, Sarah, Noah and Abi; four step-children, Rebekah, Angel, Richelle and Jennifer, and eight grandchildren.
Steve was an amazingly kind man who was a chiropractor in Montesano for 31 years. He loved his family and his friends with his whole being. He was an incredible man.
A celebration of life party and potluck will be held at the Montesano Moose Lodge Sunday, June 29, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Montesano Moose Lodge.
Walter G. Miller Jr.
Walt, 75, passed away June 24, 2014, in Vancouver, Wash. He was born April 6, 1939, in Seattle, Wash., to Walter G. Miller Sr. and Catherine Benson Miller. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1957 and earned a BA in Education from the University of Washington, and worked as a teacher and coach full time in the Seattle Public School District from 1991 to 2003. A funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
Raymond Lowell Cox
Raymond Lowell Cox, a longtime resident of McCleary, passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 25, 2014, at the age of 96. Ray was born Feb. 8, 1918, in Oklahoma and moved to Washington state with his parents William E. Cox and Roberta Woods, sister Wilma and brother Les in 1923. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines and was part of the occupational and reconstruction forces after the surrender of Japan in 1945. He graduated from Elma high school in 1936. He met and married
Margie Evans on Nov. 16, 1940, in Satsop, Wash., they were married
for 74 years. He owned and operated the Cox Amusement Co. for many years and was retired from Simpson Timber Co.
Ray is survived by his wife Margie, two sons, Gene Cox, his wife Dixie of McCleary, Barry Cox, his wife Frieda of Federal Way, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandsons. Two daughters Cindy Fredrickson and Wilma Leahy, preceded him in death.
A graveside service for immediate family will be held at a date to be determined. Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, McCleary, Post 5564.
Alfred J. Dessert Jr.
On June 19, Alfred J. Dessert Jr. (Al) 66, lost his battle with congestive heart failure at UW Medical Center.
Al was born on Dec., 18, 1947 in Hartford, Conn. He joined the army when he was seventeen and was sent to Korea. After his discharge from the service he went on to become a draftsman. Al enjoyed the challenges of his profession, and also took deep satisfaction in the finished outcome. It allowed him to travel to different parts of the country and work overseas. He loved the fourteen years he spent in Alaska. Some of his hobbies were cooking, photography, fishing, taking the kids camping and cross country skiing. Al also loved going on road trips. He was very content behind the steering wheel. After thirty years of working as a senior piping systems designer for numerous power plants and oil/gas refineries he and his wife retired in Ocean Shores, Wash., in 2002.
Al leaves behind his wife Julie, his children, Dawn Dessert, Troy Dessert, Brian Dessert and Beth Moultrie, Also daughter-in-law Andrea Dessert and son-in-law Cory Moultrie. His brother Ken Curry and grandchildren Cameren Dessert, Nick Klinger, Hannah Dessert, Sebastion Dessert, Haley Dessert, Caleb Moultrie, Isaac Moultrie, Amara Moultrie and several nieces and nephews.
At his request no memorial service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Ocean Shores Fire Department. Arrangements made by National Cremation Society.
Bernie Snell
Longtime Harbor area resident Bernie Snell died Thursday, June 26, 2014, at his home in Hoquiam. He was 49.
He was raised and lived in Taholah until a disabling accident required him to move to Aberdeen where he could receive additional care.
Visitation was held on Monday at the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Maria A. Escamilla De Alonso
OLYMPIA — Maria Alma Escamilla De Alonso of Aberdeen died Friday, June 27, 2014, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. She was 65.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Aberdeen.
Arrangements are by the Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
Alvira Pulsifer
QUEETS — Alvira B. Pulsifer, a longtime resident of Queets, died Saturday, June 28, 2014, at her home in Queets. She was 91.
Mrs. Pulsifer was an enrolled member of the Lummi Indian Nation.
A candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Mary Higgins
Mary K. Higgins, a lifetime resident of the Harbor, died Sunday, June 29, 2014, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. She was 59.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Melvin Eugene ‘Mel’ Baker
Melvin Eugene ‘Mel’ Baker, 64, lifetime Aberdeen resident and former forklift operator at Ocean Spray, died Thursday, June 19, 2014, at his home in Aberdeen.
Mel was born on Jan. 31, 1950, in Aberdeen to John and Neita (Brandner) Baker. He graduated from Weatherwax High School.
For the last 40 years he has worked at Ocean Spray and had retired in December. He enjoyed playing his guitar, listening to music, going for drives and watching the comings and goings of the Harbor from the 40th Street observation tower.
Mel is survived by his son Shawn of Aberdeen and a daughter Shannon Avery of Hoquiam; three grandchildren: Hailey and Tristen Avery and Chyanne Baker. Mel was preceded in death by his parents: John Baker and Dewey and Neita Wise and his two brothers: Randy Baker and Larry Wise.
There will be no service for Mel.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
