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Gertrude “Trudy” Jackson
Former Eastsound resident Gertrude “Trudy” Jackson, 90, died Dec. 21, 2004 at Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska, after a brief illness.
Trudy was born on Camano Island Sept. 14, 1914. Her early years were spent with her parents Capt. William Harnden and wife Gertrude, and her brothers and sisters, on Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands. She attended school on Orcas Island, graduated from Fairhaven High School, and attended college in Bellingham. Trudy lived in Seattle and Torrance, Calif. In 1972 she and husband, Charles Jackson, retired and moved to Eastsound. Trudy spent her most recent years with her son in Coos Bay Ore. and her daughter in Anchorage.
Trudy was a dental assistant in the 1950s. She volunteered throughout her life with the VFW, PTA, and Walteria Methodist Church, where she became a lifetime member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She was a member of the Orcas Island Seniors, the Orcas Lions, and the American Legion. After moving to Anchorage, she joined Jewel Lake Parish. She spent her life in service to others, and was loved by all.
Trudy had many who called her Mom, or Grandma. She loved traveling, books, crocheting and cooking. Renowned for her baking skills, her chocolate brownies were in great demand. She freely gave her love, quiet spirit, and strength to everyone in her life. Her family will always miss her cheerful smile and willing heart.
Survivors include son Dale Kinyon, of Coos Bay; daughter and son-in-law Joy and Bill Potts, of Anchorage; grandchildren Bud Kinyon, Robert Kinyon, Sally Gifford, Wendy Fossum, Colleen Coulter, William Potts, and Jennifer Whiting; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Capt. and Mrs. William Harnden, former husband Mars Kinyon, husband Charles Jackson, and son David.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Orcas Lions, American Legion or Orcas Island Seniors.
Putnam, Jean
Jean Putnam (Brown) passed away peacefully on Saturday Nov. 27, at the Islands Convalescent Center in Friday Harbor. Jean, better known to some as “Gammy, ” was born in Aurora Illinois on Oct. 1, 1913 and spent her youth and young adult life in the midwest, becoming a well- respected educator. She moved to Orange County, California in 1961 and was honored for her dedication to excellence in education by receiving recognition by the State of California Board of Education as a master teacher. Jean owned and operated the Oakmont Private School there for many years, acting as administrator, curriculum planner and teacher in the K-12 school. She had a passion for higher math and was known by many to use humorous and innovative ways to help her students learn.
Her second career, as an artist, began in Marin County, California and followed her to Orcas Island in 1982. She quickly gained respect and admiration for her artistic gift. Jean’s unique style led to commissions by local residents including the Turtleback Inn and a full room mural for Leo Lambiel. Her work was featured numerous times at the Orcas Center and she was a member of the Olga Artworks. Jean inspired and encouraged many new artists, giving classes to students of all ages.
Like the extraordinary paintings, her beautiful garden was a sight to behold. Roses were her favorite, especially the stunning “Spice Twice.” Beautiful and graceful, like her roses, Jean was above all a true lady. She is survived by her son Michael Day of Petaluma, Calif., her daughter Jeannie Doty of Eastsound, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. Her artwork is currently all held in private collections and, at her request, there will be no service or memorial. The family would like to thank Butler Elder Care and Islands Convalescent Center for their loving care over the last few years.
Conlan, Adaline G. Saturday, 04 Mar 2006
Adaline G. Conlan, age 104, died March 4, 2006.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Chuck) Conlan.
Adaline was a member of the Fleckenstein family of Faribault, Minn. Adaline and Chuck made their homes in Seattle and Orcas Island since 1945. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She touched the lives of many with her sense of humor and great joy in living each day.
She is survived by nieces Margaret MacKenzie, of St. Paul, Minn.; Mari MacGregor, of Minneapolis; and Cheryl Batres and Julie Fleckenstein, of California; nephews Charles Gunderson, of Kentucky; and John Fleckenstein, of California.
Services were held at Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, Minn., where she has lived. Interment took place at the Maple Lawn cemetery in Faribault, Minn. Arrangements were by the Roseville Memorial Chapel, 651-631-2727.
Lease, Frances M. Friday, 10 Mar 2006
Frances was the first child born to Clarence and Clara Fish in St. Cloud, Minn. on April 20, 1913. She passed away on March 10, 2006 at Island Hospital in Anacortes. She was preceded in death just five weeks earlier by her husband of 71 years, Walter F. Lease. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Bernard Fish.
Frances is survived by one daughter and three sons. Her daughter Donna Rathvon and husband Howard reside in Dallas, Tex. Her son Richard (Dick) and wife Elaine live in Mount Vernon. Her son Bruce and wife Dawn reside on Lopez Island, and son Gary and wife Judy live in Selah.
Frances is also survived by two brothers and four sisters, all living in Minnesota: Donald Fish and wife Mary, Clarence (Beans) Fish and wife Emily, Gail Stein, Muriel (Boots) Jones, Joyce Anderson and Alice Lucas.
She has 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and an extended family, and her faithful companion, Barney the Beagle.
Walter Lease and Frances Fish were married
on June 2, 1934 in Sauk Rapids, Minn. They moved to Seattle in 1942, where they lived until 1959, and then relocated to Mount Vernon, where they owned and operated the Sail Inn Tavern. In 1970 they retired to Lopez Island and worked side by side clearing and creating their park-like corner on Port Stanley Road.
Fran loved the outdoors and gardening. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
As she wished, there will be no public service.
The family is extremely thankful for the help extended to both Walter and Frances in these past years by Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support.
Remembrances may be made to Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support, P.O. Box 747, Lopez Island, WA 98261.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3
“A description of a Worthy Woman.” Proverbs 31:10-31
Miller, Pansy Ann Thursday, 09 Mar 2006
Long time island resident, Factotem-at-large, philosopher, and friend Pansy Miller passed away suddenly of natural causes at her home in Eastsound March 9, 2006. Pansy was 62. She is survived by her only child Andrew Hankinson of Tokyo, Japan, father Ray Miller of Spokane, brothers Bill Miller of Portland Ore., David Miller of Geneva, Switzerland, and her devoted dog Dixie, and cats Charlie and Emily. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Francis Miller in 1974.
Pansy was born in Pasco on Oct. 6 1943 and grew up in Yakima and Spokane, graduating from high school in 1962 from Shadle Park. Pansy had been an Orcas Island resident for the past 18 years. Before living on Orcas, Pansy lived in Ellensburg and on Vashon Island. Pansy was well-known as a waitress at the Olga Café and worked at Starfire in the heart of Eastsound. Pansy was best known for her creative businesses such as her Clutter Busting, rock writings, and original greeting cards, all under the Panzarama brand.
A true friend to all who knew her, animal welfare advocate, and creative sweetheart, she will be extremely missed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Orcas Animal Shelter in her name.
Gruhn, Hollace "Holly" Wednesday, 08 Mar 2006
Hollace “Holly” Gruhn, 65, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and formerly of Hitchcock, South Dakota, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at her home in Sioux Falls. Her funeral service was held March 14 in Huron, South Dakota. Memorials will be directed to St. Joseph Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325. Credit card donations may be made to 1-800-584-9200.
Hollace was born on Feb. 25, 1941, in Riverside, Calif. She attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., where she received a B.S. degree in political science, then graduated with a Masters degree in political science from the University of California at Riverside.
Hollace was a poet and teacher. She taught government and world history in a California high school. Her poetry appeared in more than a dozen periodicals and books. She drew inspiration from having lived in many interesting parts of the world, including South Dakota, California, Orcas Island, England, Scotland, Hungary, and Australia.
She was always engaged in volunteer work for underprivileged segments of society. In particular, she worked with Friends Outside, an organization that helps families of California inmates, and she was involved with projects to improve the lives of Native Americans in South Dakota.
She is survived by her husband, James Oxandaburu of Springfield, South Dakota; two daughters from her first marriage, Remembrance “Remy” (David) Newcombe of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Honor Carolina of Brooklyn, New York; amd one brother, William (Kathy) Gruhn, of Matthews, North Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Zafforoni, Craig Louis Wednesday, 08 Mar 2006
Craig Louis Zafforoni, 55, of Alsea, Ore., died Feb. 27 at his home at Schoolhouse Acres Farm. He was born Oct. 23, 1950.
Craig was called to play tunes for our heavenly father. During his walk here on earth, he touched lives around the world, and he leaves behind a legacy of art, music and friendship. Craig's romantic spirit blessed relationships throughout his life.
Craig was born in Spokane and graduated from Lebanon High School in Oregon in 1968. He also considered graduating from Western Oregon College in 1972. He was a member of the Monmouth Fire Department and served in the Marine Corps Reserves.
He fell in love with the fertile Alsea Valley and made a living salvage logging and creating timeless works of art. A love of boats and water took Craig to live in the San Juan Islands for 10 years. While on Orcas, he pursued his love of art by teaching and creating with materials that included cedar and willow.
Craig's yearly trips to Mexico were a source of inspiration and rejuvenation.
On the birth of his second granddaughter, Craig rejoined the Alsea Valley community and fulfilled his childhood love of farming.
His timeless works of art and multitude of friendships are his legacy.
Craig is survived by parents Carol H. Jones and Richard D. Jones of Welches, Ore.; daughter Greta VanHorn and son-in-law Joe VanHorn of Alsea; and brother Kevin R. Jones, sister Cynthia Corlett, granddaughters JoAnn Christine VanHorn, Jesacraig Juanita VanHorn and Kimberly Dawn VanHorn, and great-grandson Eben VanHorn.
A celebration of life service will be officiated by Gilbert Strom at 4 p.m., March 11 at the Thyme Garden in Alsea. A potluck will follow.
Go to https://www.thymegarden.com/.
Contributions can be made in his name to a scholarship fund for Alsea High School.
LeCompte, John Marion Wednesday, 08 Mar 2006
John Marion LeCompte was born May 10, 1920 in Lynden, the 10th child of William A. and Magtje (Ver Helst) LeCompte. He passed away in Bellingham on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006.
John attended Lynden schools, graduating in 1938, and later attended The Bible Institute of Los Angeles. He graduated from Multnomah School of the Bible.
He served a four-year apprenticeship as a boilermaker at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. During World War II he was a Water Tender aboard the USS Gilbert Islands (CVE 107). He worked as a motorcycle rider delivering in Seattle, and as a truck driver/maintenance worker for KVOS-TV on Orcas Island.
Evaline Lorene Nafziger became his bride on Sept. 25, 1942 in Salem, Ore. When John was ordained for pastoral ministry on July 27, 1947, she became his faithful co-laborer in churches at Winlock, Olalla, Bremerton, Orcas Island, Hopewell and Kendall.
The Savior took Evaline home on Aug. 4, 1996. He was also preceded by son James Mitchell LeCompte in 1954 and daughter Deborah JoAnne LeCompte in 1956. Mary Ann West survives her parents, along with husband Roger and their daughter Camilla of Chewelah, and numerous nieces and nephews. John’s nine siblings are deceased.
On August 18, 2001 John married
Dorothie A. Culver in a garden wedding with friends and family attending. Dorothie (Dee) was at his bedside during his passing to go home to his Lord.
A private graveside service will be conducted in Monumenta cemetery in Lynden. A memorial service for Rev. LeCompte will be conducted on Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in Northlake Community Church, 1471 East McLeod Road, Bellingham.
Memorials may be made in John and Dorothie’s names to The Firs, 4605 Cable Street, Bellingham, WA. 98229.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the care of Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Lynden.
McMillen, Joan Marie Thursday, 02 Feb 2006
Joan Marie McMillen, age 77, of Olga, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2006 in Monroe, Wash. following a long illness. She died at the home of her granddaughter, with many of her loved ones at her side.
Born Feb. 14, 1928, in her maternal grandparents’ home in Hebron, Indiana, to Hazel (Nichols) and Keith MacMillan, Joan attended Hebron High School and graduated from St. Patrick Girls’ School in Chicago in 1946. In 1948, she graduated from Frances Sullivan School of Beauty Culture. She also attended Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, Calif.
Joan married
William (Bill) McMillen on Sept. 12, 1948 and lived in West Lafayette, Indiana, while Bill attended Purdue University. During this time their son David was born. After Bill’s graduation from Purdue in 1951, they moved to the Warren-Youngstown area of Ohio where they lived for 18 years, and where their son Brian and granddaughter Jennifer were born. In 1968 they moved to Trona, Calif..
Upon retirement in 1990, they moved to Orcas Island, into the house Joan’s father built in the hamlet of Olga while a manager for the Orcas Power and Light Cooperative.
Known simply as “Jo, ” to most, and “Garn” or “Gramma Jo” to her growing cadre of great-grandchildren, Joan enjoyed calligraphy, yard “sailing”, collecting stained glass and watching the wondrous variety of wildlife that went by her picture windows that overlooked Puget Sound.
Joan is survived by her husband Bill McMillen, of Olga; son Brian and wife Dawn McMillen, of Trona; granddaughter (whom Joan raised) Jenni and husband Mike Mullin, of Monroe; granddaughter Shelly Benkman of Logandale, Nev.; grandson Billy McMillen of Prescott, Ariz.; grandson Chris McMillen of Trona; granddaughter Kimberly Bays of Trona; and 10 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Marcum, of Kentucky; Danielle and Jacob Mullin, of Washington; Justice and Cody Benkman, of Nevada; and Emilie and Liah McMillen, and Samuel, Matthew and Logon Bays, of Calif. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Fickle, of Hebron.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, David McMillen.
A private service will be held at a later date. The family suggests that donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the hospice of one's choice, the American Heart Association, or the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Lease, Walter Thursday, 02 Feb 2006
Walt was born to Harrison Lease and Martha Sitko Lease in Sauk Rapids, MN on March 8 1912. He passed away peacefully at home on Lopez Island, WA on February 2, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight sisters, and one brother.
Walter Lease and Frances Fish were married
on June 2, 1934 in Sauk Rapids, MN, where Walt worked in the sash and door business until they moved to Seattle in 1942. In Seattle he worked as a window glazier. In 1956 he injured his arm in an industrial accident. Walt and Fran then moved to Mt Vernon in 1959, where they owned and operated the Sail Inn Tavern until 1970. They retired to Lopez Island that year. In their retirement they completed their home and carved out a park-like landscape on their 10 acres on Port Stanley Road. They had acquired the 10 acres years before from Ted Richey Sr., who was one of the Sail Inn’s patrons. They struck up a deal with him and traded a boat, two outboard motors, and a trailer for the 10 acres they live on.
Walt loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Frances Lease of Lopez Island; one daughter and three sons: his daughter Donna Rathvon and her husband Howard, in Dallas TX; his son Richard (Dick) and his wife Elaine, in Mt. Vernon; his son Bruce and his wife Dawn, on Lopez Island; and his son Gary and his wife Judy, in Selah. He has eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
As he wished, there will be no public service. The family is extremely grateful for all of the help the Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support gave to Walter these past years. Remembrances may be made in his honor to Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3
Peden, Mary Frances Monday, 06 Feb 2006
Mary Frances Peden, 84, born in Hillsboro, Ohio on March 27, 1921, died Feb. 6, 2006 in Bothell. She died of natural causes, and with her children by her side.
Fran joined the Armed Services from 1941 to 1945. She was trained as a dental assistant in the WAAC, and after WWII she moved to San Francisco and worked in a dental office there until 1949. She then moved to Laguna Beach, Calif. and after vacationing there, fell in love with the charming seaside artist colony. In Laguna she met and married
Thomas Richard Peden, with whom she had two children. Fran later worked for 10 years at the well-known Laguna landmark, the Pottery Shack, as a dinnerware buyer. In 1981 Fran moved with her daughter’s family to Orcas Island, where she enjoyed helping them operate the West Sound Store until 1988. Eventually, Fran moved into the Orcas Longhouse where, over the next 11 years, she made many close friends.
She was a very sincere, humorous, honest, and a truly down-to-earth person. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles, and she had a real green thumb when it came to taking care of plants. She took excellent care of her family, and she had a deep compassion for animals. It was very important to her to support her local animal shelter, and she gave donations and her time whenever she could. She believed in the simple things in life, like remembering people’s birthdays, being on time, thanking others, following through with what she said she was going to do, and reading a good mystery novel.
She is survived by her son David Peden; daughter Lynda and son-in-law Craig Sanders, grandchildren, Eli, Scott, Christopher, and Megan Sanders, and sister-in-law Shirley Glenn. Services were held Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, at the Lutheran Church in the San Juans on Orcas Island.
