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Grace Elizabeth Kurrell
Grace Elizabeth Kurrell, 92 years young, passed away Monday, January 12, 1998 after a short illness. Grace was born in Tacoma on August 20, 1905 at the family home of Thomas and Alice Lawrence, 28th and A Street. In 1925 she married Dewey Kurrell. During the depression, Grace and Dewey traveled with their young family along the West Coast, finding work in the portrait industry. Kurrell Home Portrait Studio was established when they resettled in Tacoma. Grace was especially talented at color application and was sought by other Tacoma studios as this technique advanced to an art form. Her easel is still a family treasure. The business was moved "downtown" during W.W.II to accommodate service men and their families with the imposition of gas rationing. The studio eventually moved from its downtown location back to the original beginning in the family home on North 8th and Cushman. Grace was involved in the community and served as President of the Board of the YWCA. She was a member of The First Methodist Church for over 40 years. Following a life long desire to complete her high school diploma, which she was forced to abandon on the death of a brother, Grace completed her degree work with the Lincoln High School class of 1977, which included another brother's (Glen) grandson. The Kurrell's north Tacoma home was the center for many family and neighborhood gatherings, including a wedding, Grace and Dewey's golden wedding anniversary celebration, and an annual Christmas cookie party. The cookie party began with a holiday foods class Grace attended at Bates, and gave her the incentive to write a family cookbook. After Dewey's death in 1988, Grace moved to The Narrows Glen where her continued writing interest captured family history in stories she wrote while in a class at The Glen. These stories are collected in books for each of her daughters and their families. Her life at Narrows Glen enriched her with many close friends and stimulating activities. Grace had many varied interests during her lifetime, ranging from crocheting, sewing, and photography where she artfully recorded family history in pictures. She had great interest in Washington State history and current events. She valued her civic responsibilities and took them seriously to the very end of her life. She was a sports enthusiast and a dedicated, loyal fan. When her sight failed and she could no longer read, she stimulated her imagination by listening to music. Her engaging charm, depth of character, sincerity and thoughtfulness touched many lives over her 92 years. Those who knew her would say that her name was most appropriate. Her friends would say that Grace never forgot them in good times or in bad, and that she was a positive influence in their lives. Over the years she worked at staying well informed, a trait which never diminished. Her family would say she strongly influenced their lives, inspiring them without ever being judgmental. Grace treasured her family and supported each individual in their pursuits and accomplishments. She attended many celebrations, births, graduations, performances, little league games and college football. Grace built bridges between people and kept the family connected. She had great dignity without pretense. She was a superb role model as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, Grandmother and friend. Grace is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Sowers and husband Verne of Fairview, OR, Nancy Graham and husband Barry of Green Valley, AZ, Kathy Mladenich and husband Ron of Gig Harbor. She leaves seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. According to her wishes there will be no memorial service. Immediate family members will gather for a celebration of Grace's life. Her family requests that no flowers be sent and remembrances be made to your favorite concern or charity in her memory.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Harry Lawson, M.D. Dr.
Harry Lawson, 64, passed away Jan. 10, 1998. He was born Jan. 11, 1933 in Little Rock, AR. Dr. Lawson graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical School. He was in private practice in Tacoma for the last 22 years. Prior to coming to Tacoma, he did Pulmonary Physiology Research while in the Army, as well as, at the Down State Medical Center, N.Y. and the University of Oregon Medical Center, Portland. He was a member of the Pierce County Medical Society, WA State Medical Assoc., and many speciality medical organizations. Dr. Lawson was an avid skier and windsurfer. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. Survivors: Loving wife, Sharon Ann Lawson; daughter, Carole Ann Lawson Wingo and husband Joel; son, Andrew S. Lawson, both of Texas; granddaughters, Amy and Jenna. A memorial service will be held Fri., Jan. 16, 1998 at 3 p.m. in the Mountain View Garden Chapel. Memorials to Gorge Wind Surfing Assoc., P.O. Box 182, Hood River, OR 97031. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home 584-0252.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Janice Margaret Plowden
Janice M. Plowden, 82 years, passed away January 13, 1998 from Alzheimer's disease. She was a lifelong resident of Tacoma, graduating from Stadium High School, and was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John; sister Margaret Nessen of Ephrata; brother Marc (Bev) Miller of Tacoma; 3 children, Brian of Tacoma, David (Patricia) of Reno, NV, and Joan (Rick) Fabiani of Tacoma; 3 grandchildren, Marisa Plowden of Washington, DC, Michael and Jeff Fabiani of Tacoma; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998 at 10:00 am at the 1002 South Yakima Avenue Chapel. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all the people at Cottesmore Nursing Home for giving Janice such special care during her time there. Arrangements by Gaffney, Cassedy-Allen and Buckley-King.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Jean F. Curtiss
Jean F. Curtiss, age 76, of Bellingham, WA, passed away at home with her family by her side on Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1967, and sister Nona King of Medford, OR in 1997. Survivors include her daughter, Diane Curtiss, of Bellingham; son Michael Curtiss of Everett; 2 grandchildren, Eric and Keven Curtiss; sisters, Betty D'Andrea, Lake Chelan, Barbara Kooren, Seattle; brothers, Bernard Funk, Seattle, Clinton Funk, McMinnville, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be Friday, Jan. 16, 1:00pm at Bayview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 11:30 am Saturday, Jan. 17, Jones-Moles Funeral Home Chapel, Bellingham.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Jean F. Curtiss
Jean F. Curtiss, age 76, of Bellingham, WA, passed away at home with her family by her side on Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1967, and sister Nona King of Medford, OR in 1997. Survivors include her daughter, Diane Curtiss, of Bellingham; son Michael Curtiss of Everett; 2 grandchildren, Eric and Keven Curtiss; sisters, Betty D'Andrea, Lake Chelan, Barbara Kooren, Seattle; brothers, Bernard Funk, Seattle, Clinton Funk, McMinnville, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be Friday, Jan. 16, 1:00pm at Bayview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 11:30 am Saturday, Jan. 17, Jones-Moles Funeral Home Chapel, Bellingham.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Keyno Cantez McGahee
Keyno Cantez McGahee was born May 26, 1981. He passed away January 10, 1998. He leaves to mourn his parents, Harold and Dinah McGahee, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 1998 in the Mt. View Valley Chapel. A reception will be held at Maranatha C.O.G.I.C. Church, 4902 McKinley Ave. E., Tacoma. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 584-0252.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Maude E. Parrott March 17, 1915 - Jan. 13, 1998
Maude E. Parrott died January 13, 1998 in Tacoma. She enjoyedbowling with her ladies leagues at Pacific Lanes, and cherished the years she spent dancing and loving her late husband, Jim Parrott. Maude is survived by her children, Gail Faulkner, Tom (Mary) Kelly, Dick Kelly, Debra Kelly; brother Walter Kelly; sister Maxine (Fred) James; grandchildren Jeri Lynn Kelly, Tammy (Bobby) Nilsen, Ed (Cindy) Kelly, Kyle Lynch, Terry Bork Jr., Gloria Sirianni, Laura Doane; special niece Janie James. She was preceded in death in 1996 by her husband, James Parrott. At Maude's request, private family memorial services will be held. Arrangements by Gaffney, Cassedy-Allen and Buckley-King.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Maxine M. (Allan) Pedersen
Maxine M. (Allan) Pedersen, 75, died Jan. 12, 1998 in Tacoma. She had owned and operated Maxine's Beauty Salon in the 6th Avenue district. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, and beach combing. She is survived by her husband, Ivan Pedersen; her children, Jim Steckler, Jeanne Larson, Beverly Johnson, Mary Kay Steckler-Marez, Johnny Steckler, Bob Edelbrock, Diane Pedersen, Stacie Wolfe; sisters, Virginia Steckler, Lois Olson; brother Wayne Allan; 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren. Memorial services will be Friday, Jan. 16, 1998, 11:00 am at the 1002 South Yakima Avenue Chapel. Arrangements by Gaffney, Cassedy-Allen and Buckley-King.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Merle Dewey Johnston
Merle Dewey Johnston, born in Gooding, Idaho on Oct. 16, 1936, and gone fishing for good as of Jan. 10, 1998. Leaving in charge his loving wife, Patricia Jean Johnston. Memorial services will be at Hill Funeral Home in Puyallup on Sat., Jan. 17th at 11:00 A.M.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Robert H. Fortiner, M.D.
Robert H. Fortiner, M.D. died January 11, 1998 at his home in Roy. He was born in Camden, New Jersey. After graduating from college, he received a degree in medicine from the University of Rochester Medical School. While serving in the United States Army, he did an internship and a psychiatric residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He has been a psychiatrist in Tacoma since 1967. He was a competent, caring physician, and a loving husband and father. Robert is survived by his mother and father, Ruth and Harold Fortiner, of Wawa, PA; his wife of 38 years, Priscilla; his son John and wife Stacie of Seattle; his daughter Annelise and husband Justin Torgerson; his daughter Elise and husband Tom Barker; and grandson Max Robert Barker. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 12115 Park Ave. S., Tacoma (across from the PLU library). We will celebrate his life through music that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Robert's name to the Pierce College Foundation, Music Department, 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498. If there are any questions concerning this donation, please call Cherry Tinker at (253) 964-6269.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Silas Winfield McDaniel
Silas Winfield McDaniel was born September 3, 1917 in Creswell, OR, and died January 13, 1998 in Tacoma. He attended Olympia High School and Washington State University, where he majored in engineering and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He remained a lifelong Cougar fan and reveled in attending the 1998 Rose Bowl. He had worked for Woodworth Construction Company for 40 years and knew virtually every inch of dirt and asphalt in Pierce County. Stained glass work, world travel and reading filled his leisure time. He was a member of Tacoma Sertoma Club, Tacoma Elks, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineering. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie; his sons, Robert of San Leandro, CA, Jonathan and James of Tacoma; and daughter Leslie of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Michelle and Kimberly McDaniel, Bobby Gilsdorf; and great granddaughter, Jill. His passing leaves us with many fond memories. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998, 10:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Vigil Service will be Friday, Jan. 16, 1998, 7:00 pm at the 1002 South Yakima Avenue Chapel. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials may be made in his memory to Sertoma Club Memorial, P.O. Box 1003, Tacoma, WA 98401. Arrangements by Gaffney, Cassedy-Allen and Buckley-King Funeral Home.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
Sumie Tanita
Sumie Tanita, a long time Tacoma resident, passed away at home on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998. She is survived by her husband, Fred Tanita, sister Chizuko Yamamoto of Fukouka, Japan and 4 brothers. Memorial services will be held on Sat. Jan. 17, 1998 2 p.m. at S.G.I.-U.S.A. Tacoma Community Center, 8811 So. Tacoma Way Suite 112. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home 584-0252.
Pub Date: 1/15/98
