WHATCOM COUNTY OBITUARIES     RA - RAG


RAAB, Peter Michael 12-24-47/8-23-97 - Peter passed away on Saturday morning August 23, 1997. For nearly two years he was unwavering in his twofold battle against cancer and the threats to his family fortune. During his life he stood for what was good, right and fair. A powerful man by his presence alone, with a deep voice and rugged manner, he stood tall amongst the crowd with the strength of his convictions. Peter accomplished in his short lifetime what everyone dreams of having; true love, a wonderful son, reasonable wealth and genuine peace and happiness. He served briefly in the navy during the Vietnam era, and traveled widely in the U.S. and Mexico. He graduated from Western Washington University in Business and Latin American Studies. Peter lived a life of adventure, always seeking the edge and exploring new territory. He was passionate about driving high performance cars over great distances and breeding Tennessee walking horses. He established an international trading company, Peregrine Traders, Inc., many years ago, when such ideas were new and just emerging. Shortly afterwards he was co-founder of Nielsen Brothers, Inc., a Bellingham based timber and development company. Peter was born December 24, 1947 in Seattle, WA to Robert James and Betty Ann (Robinson) Raab. He married Vidette Davoli May 3 1992 in Seattle, WA. Peter is survived by his wife, Vidette Davoli-Raab; brother, Anthony Robert Raab; and sister, Penelope Pat Raab. The Raab family is deeply grateful to all who lovingly helped and supported him during his final months. The riches of Peter's soul and the breadth of his wisdom will remain forever with his family and friends. Funeral service will be held at Church of the Assumption at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 1997. An old fashioned wake, in celebration of Peter's life, will be held at the family home following the funeral. Everyone, with the exception of owners and employees of Nielsen Brothers, Inc. is welcome to attend all services. Arrangements by Westford Funeral Home, Bellingham, WA.

RAAYMAKERS, Anna M., age 92, of 1017 Edson Street, Lynden, passed away in a local convalescent center Monday, March 26, (1984). Rosary was said Thursday, March 29 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lynden with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated March 30 in St. Joseph's with Father Henry L. Bader as Celebrant. Interment followed in Lynden Cemetery under the direction of Jerns and Leveck Funeral Chapel. She had been a resident of Lynden for 50 years and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Raaymakers. She is survived by two sons, Arnold T. Raaymakers in California and Theodore A. Raaymakers in Nevada. There are seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Holland.

RAAYMAKERS, John, age 75, of 1017 Edson Street, Lynden, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, July 13, (1966). A retired farmer and employe of the Whatcom County Road Department, he had been a resident of Whatcom County for the past 36 years, and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, Anna, 2 sons, Arnold of San Jose, Calif., and Theodore of Burly, Idaho. Also 7 grandchildren. Holy Rosary will be recited at the Gillies Funeral Home Friday July 15 at 7:30 p.m. Requiem mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church Saturday, July 16 at 9:00 a.m Father James vanGogh, celebrant.

RABER, Jackson Frederick, age 67, of Bellingham, WA, died peacefully at home, Thursday, April 11, 1996, with family members present, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Born August 7, 1926 in Deadwood, SD to August and Alta May (Wilson) Raber. He was a resident of this community for 60 years. Lifetime member of Bellingham Elks Lodge #194; Secretary/Treasurer of Park Bowl Business League for 30 years; employed for 12 years by Stokely-Vandecamp Cannery as a mechanic and Supt. of City of Bellingham Water Department for 26 years, retiring in 1985. Survived by his wife, Nettie, whom he married 44-1/2 years ago; son, Jackson Duff Raber of Bellingham; daughter, Gayle and husband Curtis Diama of Bellevue, WA; 2 granddaughters, Lilyanna Diama and Lexus Ann Diama; aunts, Woodrow Nesbitt of Bellingham, Bonnie Tennis of Belle Fourche, SD; sister-in-law, Wilma Raber of Puyallup, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service Monday, April 15, 1996, 2 p.m. First Congregational Church, with Reverend Cynthia Bauleke and Reverend Donel McClellan officiating. Cremation. Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 14 Apr 1996) Submitted by Merrily Lawson

RABY, Robert "Bobby" age 43, of 1313 1/2 Railroad Avenue, passed away on Friday, April 24, 1992. He was born in San Francisco, California to Robert Raby and Delia Monroy. He attended local schools in California and was a self-taught person. He was also referred to as an observer of life, Mayor of Holly Street, and King of Old Town. His hobbies included fishing and telling stories, and he was an environmentalist who believed in being a free spirit. Known by few, loved by many. He is survived by his mother Delia Monroy of Martinez, CA; a son, of Robert Raby of CA; 1 brother, Ronald Raby of Martinez, CA; 3 sistes, April Hunter of Pleasant Hill, CA, Rebecca Valrejean and Dienna Genther, both of Bellingham; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Fri. May 1, 10:00 a.m. in Westford Funeral Home Chapel, officiating will be Sister Mary Thorne. Arrangements by Westford Funeral Home.

RACE, Pamela Jean, 33, of 378 Sudden Valley, died Tuesday (July 9, (1991)in Swedish Hospital in Seattle after a long illness. She was born Pamela Findlay on March 12, 1958 in Los Angeles. She moved to Arieal in 1966 and to Bellingham in 1978. She married Tony Race in Sept 8, 1979, in Arieal. He survives at the family home. A graduate of Western Washington University in 1984, she worked as a school teacher and as a receptionist at Bellingham Family Practice. Besides her husband, survivors include sons Bryan Race and Tommy Race of Bellingham; her father and mother, Burrell Findlay and Shirley Findlay of Ocean Park; her maternal grandmother, Muriel Blake of Palm Desert, Calif.; a brother, Richard Findlay of Battle Ground; sisters Cheri Allen of Olympia and Patti White of Vancouver, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Greenacres Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Greenacres Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 10 Jul 1991) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RACICOT, Roland, age 64, who resided at 2748 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine, passed away at his residence No. 14, 1984. He had been a resident of the area for the past 5 years and was an attorney and writer. He leaves to survive his wife, Vera; 2 sons, Stephen of Bellingham, Peter of Calif.; 2 daughters, Janice Kowenig, Calif., Sharron Watt of Arkansas. Memorial services will be held Sunday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. in the Jerns McKinney Funeral Chapel, Blaine, with father Hugh Barnes officiating.

RACINE, Ronald M., age 39, of Bellingham, passed away Tues., April 13, 2004, in Bellingham. He was born April 22, 1964, in Middletown, Connecticut to Robert and Sarah (Whelan) Racine. His hobbies included drum making, clam digging and fishing. Ron had a great sense of humor and made friends everywhere he went. He was a sensitive, warmhearted man who cared deeply for people. His joy in life was his family and animals. Survived by his daughter Heather Racine and her mother Marie Racine; father Robert Racine; mother Sarah Lohr; two brothers, Raymond and Richard Racine; two sisters, Roberta Hillaire and Rebecca Curl; half-sister Mary Shaver; six nieces and six nephews; two great-nephews and one great-niece. Preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Sarah Whelan and Wilfred and Madeline Racine. An evening prayer service will be held Sun., April 18, 7 p.m. at Ferndale|Moles Funeral Home with Father Matthew O'Leary officiating. Ferndale|Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 17 Apr 2004) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADCLIFF, Marie (Hanson), age 63 who resided in Fairplay, Missouri passed away suddenly December 25, 1981. She was a former resident of Bellingham and her former husband Thorlief Hanson preceded her in death. She leaves to survive her husband C. W. Radcliff of Missouri; 2 daughters, Marian Volz of California and Martha Loreen of Sumas; her mother M. Messer of Bellingham; 2 brothers, Lewis Messer of Texas, and Pete Messer of Oregon; 1 brother, Mike Messer preceded her in death; 2 sisters, Mrs. Danny Danneels and Mrs. Conrad Wopperer, both of Bellingham; 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Veroske, Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel, with interment to follow at Greenacres Memorial Park.

RADCLIFFE, Elizabeth B., 95, of 1530 James St. died Sunday (April 22, 1990) in a Bellingham convalescent center. She was born Dec. 4, 1894, in San Diego, Calif., and lived in Southern California most of her life. She lived in Bellingham for the past six months. Survivors include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The body will be buried at the Inglewood Cemetery in Inglewood, Calif. Local arrangements are by Jones (sic) & LeVeck Funeral Home.

RADCLIFFE, Eva Elzina, age 78, mother of W.O.E. Radcliffe of Bellingham passed away in a local nursing home Friday, Aug. 9, (1963). Mrs. Radcliffe had been a life resident of Goldendale, Washington where she had been a member of the Church of Christ and also a member of the Neighbors of Woodcraft. Surviving relatives other than her son are one daughter, Mrs. Genevieve Miller of Goldendale; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The remains will be forwarded by the Jones Funeral Home to Goldendale where services will be conducted in the Church of Christ Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 2:00 p.m. Final resting place I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Goldendale.

RADCLIFFE, Helen Argyle, of 437 Twenty-first Street, passed away in a local hospital Wednesday, August 23, (1950). Mrs. Radcliffe had been a resident of this community for the past 28 years and was a member of the Church of Christ, Sehome Chapter No. 17, O.E.S., Twentieth Century Club and the South Bellingham Improvement Club. Surviving relatives are her husband, William O. E. and one son, William O. E. Jr., both at home. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by Lawrence L. Dudrey and officers of the Sehome Chapter No. 17, O.E.S., Friday, August 25, at 11 a.m., and will be forwarded to Goldendale, Wash., for interment.

RADCLIFFE, Margaret S., 76, formerly of Washington Square, 2501 E St., died Monday (Dec. 13, 1982). She was born March 22, 1906, in Austin, Penn. She was a retired employee of American Telephone & Telegraph. She was a member of First Christian Church, Moose Lodge 493, Bellingham Senior Activity Center and Telephone Pioneers of America. Survivors include 1 daughter, Edith G. and husband Arnold Wood of City; 12 grandchildren John, Thomas, Timothy, Robert, Bill, Pat, Peggy, Carol, Cindy, Cathy, Julie and Nancy and 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Jones Funeral Home, with the Rev. Richard D. Talley officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 15 Dec 1982) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADCLIFFE, William O.E. - Memorial services for William O.E. "Bill" Radcliffe, 90, of 610 14th St., will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of Christ, 558 Sterling Dr. Mr. Radcliffe died Thursday, Oct. 15, 1992, at his home. He was born May 30, 1902, in Goldendale to Emmet and Eva Radcliffe. He moved to Bellingham in 1920, to enroll at Bellingham Normal School, from which he graduated. He also held a master's degree from the University of Washington. Mr. Radcliffe was a teacher and administrator at Roosevelt, Franklin, Columbia, Roeder and Fairhaven schools, and was principal at Shuksan Middle School until he retired in 1967. He also was a Democratic state representative from the 42nd District, from 1945-47 and 1964-68. He was a 20-year board member of the Whatcom Museum, a member of the Bellingham Bay Lodge No. 44 F.&A.M., a member of Sehome Chapter No. 17, O.E.S., and an elder of the Church of Christ. He helped establish the Whatcom Educational Credit Union. His first wife, the former Helen Argyle, died in 1952. He is survived by his wife Francella, whom he married April 10, 1952. Other survivors include a son, William Radcliffe Jr. of Olympia; daughter Dena Kimberly of Bellingham; seven grandchildren; and other relatives.

RADDER, Clyde William, 68, a lifelong Whatcom County resident, died Friday (Nov. 9, 1984) at a local convalescent center. His home had been at 588 Larrabee Road. He was born Jan. 16, 1916, in Lynden. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Lynden, and worked as the maintenance supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital for 14 years. Surviving are his wife, Grace; one son; two daughters; seven grandchildren; one brother; and one sister. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Justin Garvey officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 11 Nov 1984) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADDER, Cornelius, age 80, of 3259 Clearbrook Rd., Sumas, passed away in a local hospital, Fri., Jan. 26, 1979. A long time resident of Whatcom Co., he was a retired farmer and a member of the Sumas Christian Reformed Church. Surviving are his wife, Sadie; 3 sons, Lawrence Radder of Sumas, Bob Radder & Ronald Radder both of Deming; a daughter, Mrs. Betty Engler of Ferndale; a brother, Bill Radder of B'ham; 3 sisters, Anna Moteom, Cora Troost & Jeanette Brune all of Lynden; 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren. Services will be Mon. Jan. 29th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sumas Christian Reformed Church, Pastor William VanDenvos officiating. Burial at Monumenta Cemetery under the direction of Veroske Jerns Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 27 Jan 1979) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADDER, Daniel L., age 19 of 4416 Mt. Baker Hiway, Everson, passed away Sept. 20, (1975). A lifetime Whatcom County resident, he was a baptized member of the Bellingham Reformed Church, graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1975 and was employed by Everson cannery. Surviving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Radder; 2 brother, David and Delvin; 1 sister, Deborah, all of Everson; his grandparents, Mr. and Ms. Cornelius Radder of Sumas and Mr. Henry Nieuwendorp of Lynden. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m., Bellingham Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Anthony L. Louwerse officiating. Interment Monumenta Cemetery, Lynden. Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

RADDER, Della - Graveside services for Lynden native Della Radder, 81, will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Monumenta Cemetery, in Lynden. Born Della Brunink on May 17, 1909, she died Thursday (Oct. 25, 1990) at her residence at 409 York St. A housewife, she was a member of FOE No. 3053 in Lynden. Survivors include a son, William Radder of Bellingham; a daughter, Erlona Schermerhorn of Bellingham; a brother, Harold Brunink of Olympia; four sisters, Grace Vanderstoep of Lynden, Marie Nobach of Marysville, Allie Brunink of Bellingham, and Tilda Schenk of Sacramento, Calif. Arrangements are by Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

RADDER, Grace E. Bajema, age 77 of 3121 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA, passed away April 22, 1993. She was born Aug. 12, 1915 in Bellair, Michigan to John and Lena Fralick. Grace lived in Bellingham for 70 years, worked at Bellingham Hardware; and was a member of the Puget Sound Tour Club. Survivors are her son Keith Bajema and his wife Ledie of Hawaii; a daughter, Joyce Smith and her husband, Brian, of Waploe, Mass; a brother, Earl Fralick of Yuma, AZ; two sisters, Lena Tooker and Evelyn Lehn of Bellingham and two sisters-in-law, Wylla Pierce and Jean Fralick both of Bellingham; her very special friend, Floyd King of Bellingham; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and four great-step grandchildren. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 1993 in the Jerns LeVeck Chapel followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. The arrangements and services are under the direction of the Jerns LeVeck Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

RADDER, Harold B., age 69, born Feb. 18, 1917, in Lynden, died Feb. 21, 1986, in Claremont, Calif., where he lived. Radder graduated from Lynden High School in 1937. He served in the U.S. Navy, worked for Lockheed for 37 years as an engineer and member of the famous "Skunk Works" team which designed and built the secret U-2 spy plane. Survivors include his sister, Beverly De Vries of Lynden; two nieces in Grand Rapids, Mich., and two nephews in San Francisco, Calif. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dovie, in 1977.
(From The Lynden Tribune, March 5, 1986)

RADDER, Lawrence, age 76, died at his Sumas area home on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 while surrounded by family and friends. He bravely fought a very aggressive cancer for over a year. Born May 28, 1927 in Lynden, Washington to Cornelius and Sadie (Heeringa) Radder, the 3rd of 5 children. Mick attended schools in the Lynden and Meridian School Districts. In 1946 he met his sweetheart, Lavawn Smith, and they married on June 8, 1948. They have been together for 56 years. To them were born 8 children, 18 grand-children, and 5 great-grandchildren. The Radders farmed in the Clearbrook area where they raised Holsteins and Appaloosa horses. He also enjoyed working for the last 10 years with the Sumas branch of U.S. Duty Free. Mick is survived by his wife Lavawn; 5 treasured great-granddaughters; 19 beloved grandchildren; proud children Linda (Bill) Davis, Lorna (Jim) Ackerman, Marilyn (Marcus) Burton, Ed (Theresa Powers) Radder, Virginia Radder, Wayne (Lisa Bech) Radder, Helen (Ed) Schlotfeldt, and Susan (Tony) Skorjanc. He is also survived by one sister Betty (Irwin) Engler, and Two brothers Ron "Bud" (Shirley) Radder and Clayton "Bob" Radder, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you never went alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Kermit (Donny) Radder and Elmer Radder. The family would like to also recognize the special unconditional love shown by their friends Dewey, Mickie, and Bill Kamphouse, and the crew of the Sumas Ambulance. Visitation hours will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 30, at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 1, 2003 at 2 p.m., at the Nooksack Reformed Church, on the Breckenridge Road, in Nooksack. Burial will follow at the Nooksack Cemetery. Services are under the care of Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Lynden.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 30 Apr 2004) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADDER, Leonard, age 66, of Lynden, Rt. 2, passed away at his home Sunday, May 8, (1955) following a lingering illness. He had been a resident of the Lynden district for the past 45 years. He is survived by his wife, Dena; one daughter, Mrs. Jeannette Nobach of Deming; two sons, Lowell of Lynden Rt.2, Marvin of Nooksack; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Cornelius of Sumas, William of Lynden Rt. 2, Peter of Everson; six sisters, Mrs. George Haveman, Mrs. Gerrit Noteboom, Mrs. Jack Troost, Mrs. Lupe DeKoster, Mrs. Bert Bruner, all of Lynden, Mrs. John Kroontje of Everson. The remains rest at the Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Final arrangements will be made later.

RADDER, Mary K., age 48, 1038 Van Dyk Rd., Lynden, passed away suddenly in a local hospital Saturday, October 24, (1964). A lifetime resident of the Lynden area, she was a member of the F.O.E. and Lynden V.F.W. Auxiliaries. She leaves t survive her husband, Clyde; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Rassmussen of Bellingham; 2 brothers, James Rassmussen of Tenino and Merle Rassmussen of Lynden. Funeral services will be held at the Lynden Assembly of God Church Tuesday, October 27 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Cornelius Rientjes officiating. Burial will follow in Greenacres memorial Park under the direction of the Gillies Funeral Home.

RADDER, Mattie V., age 82 of 313 Judson St. Lynden passed away Mon., Dec. 22, (1975). 69 year resident of Lynden, Mrs. Radder was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church and Teamsters Local No. 231. She was also active in the Lynden Senior Citizens Center. Survived by 2 sons, Clyde Radder of Bellingham, Harold Radder of Van Nuys, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Beverly DeVries of Lynden; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Wed., Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Second Reformed Church of Lynden with Rev. Ronald Slater officiating. Interment will follow in Monumenta Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Gillies Funeral Home, Lynden.

RADDER, Sadie - Visitation for Sadie Radder of Sumas will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Gillies Funeral Home. Burial will be at noon on Saturday in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial funeral service at 1 p.m. at Sumas Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Louis Korf officiating. Mrs. Radder died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1998, at her home. She was 93. Born Jan. 18, 1905, to Thomas and Zena Assink Heeringa, she grew up in Lynden and lived on the family farm on Clearbrook Road since 1943. She was a member of Sumas Christian Reformed Church and the Dorcas Society. She married Cornelius Radder on April 23, 1923. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius Radder; son Kermit Radder; brothers, Henry, Lewis, Tom, and Herman Heeringa and sister, Dena VanderKooi. Survivors include her sons, Lawrence Radder of Sumas, Ronald Radder of Everson and Clayton "Bob" Radder of Sumas; daughter Betty Engler of Ferndale, brothers Pete Herringa and Gerrit Heeringa, both of Lynden, sister Hermina Haveman of Lynden; 38 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 24 Dec 1998) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADDER, William, age 81 of Bellingham died Saturday, April 9, 1983. He was a retired Pile Driver for Whatcom County Roads department and farmed for the past 20 years in the Lynden area. Surviving are his wife Della of Bellingham; a son, William Radder, Jr. of Bellingham; a daughter, Erlona Schermerhorn of Bellingham; 2 sisters, Cora Troost and Jeanette Brune, both of Lynden; 4 grandchildren. Cremation arrangements by Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel & Crematorium. Family services will be held at a later date.

, age 59 of 1515 Donovan St. passed away at a local hospital Tuesday, September 4, (1951) following a lingering illness. Mrs. Rade was a member of the Sacred Heart church and the Alter (sic) society. Surviving relatives include her husband John; 2 sons Vincent of Bellingham and Nicholas of Tacoma; 2 daughters, Mrs. Lucretia Hairston of Tucson, Ariz. and Mrs. Catherine Whitman of Yakima; 2 brothers, Joseph Vrani of Bellingham and Domonic (sic) Vrani of Seattle; 8 grandchildren. Rosary will be said in the Chapel of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns funeral home Friday, September 7, at 8:00 p.m. Requiem Mass will be said within the Sacreat Heart church Saturday, September 8, at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. A. J. Shaughnessy officiating. Interment in Bayview.

RADE, Vincent D. - Lifetime Bellingham resident, Vincent D. Rade, passed away Aug. 1, 1997. He was 82. Born February 16, 1915 to John and Dora Rade. He married Vivian Thompson in Bellingham July 15, 1947. After graduating from Fairhaven High School he was a commercial fisherman for many years. He retired from Brooks Lumber in 1980. Vince was never idle. He had boundless energy. He was a free spirit who enjoyed fishing, hunting, clam digging, being at the waterfront. He would look forward to picking blackberries and mushrooms. Took pride in yard care and tending to his vegetable garden, sharing his bounty with family and friends. He enjoyed grocery shopping and was a great cook. He could face a challenge and complete the task. A handyman who repaired everything, his sense of humor was unique which brought his family laughter. Vince was very knowledgeable and enjoyed listening to music. There was a soft tender side of Vince not often seen by others. He would shed tears and feel compassion during family needs. He could sense of problem before it was shared. Although his past year has been difficult, it was a year of sharing love and quality time. We have no regrets. Vince was amazing during his continuing loss of strength. He was determined to stay on his feet and this determination kept him on his feet - to the end. He did not complain during this decline, he was frustrated with a body that would no longer allow him to do what his sharp, intelligent mind and youthful spirit wanted to do, who was to GO and DO! Vince was preceded in death by his brother, Nick Rade. Survivors include his beloved wife, Vivian, of the family home; a daughter, Sharon D. Wagner of Bellingham; granddaughter, Dawn and husband Brian Mankle of Bellingham; great-grandsons, Brandon and Brett; sisters Lou Hairston of Phoenix, AZ, Catherine and husband Harold Whitman of Port Townsend; sister-in-law Mary Rade of Tacoma; nieces, nephews and cousins. Vince was grateful for his wife's quiet loving support. He admired his daughter's courage and ability. His granddaughter was his "little girl" and she adored her Papa. Brian was as his own son, and he was so proud of Brandon and Brett. Vince was in a care facility just one night. He was like a fish out of water. A bird without wings. His daughter promised to bring him home. The day he died was a good day for him. He felt more strength and encouraged with hope in his weak heart. He passed away quickly into the arms of the Lord. And now, he is really HOME, a perfect place of peace and love. Special appreciation is expressed to neighbors and friends who cared, helped and prayed during his time. Graveside services at Bayview Cemetery, Tuesday, August 5, at 1:00 p.m. Retired pastor, respected friend, Mamie Kunkle officiating. Jones-Homes Funeral Home.

RADECH, Frank, age 64, resident of Bellingham, passed away at a local hospital, Monday, February 16, (1948). There are no known survivors. Graveside services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery Saturday afternoon, February 21, at 1 p.m. under the direction of Monroe's Mortuary at Ferndale.

RADEL, Emil, age 83 of 2929 Peabody St., Bellingham, passed away Thursday, Dec 19, (1974). A retired lumber inspector, Mr. Radel had been a Whatcom County resident for the past 45 years. Survivors include his wife, Elsie; 1 sister Mrs. Mabel Crosby of White Rock, B.C.; 1 brother Dan Radel of Stettler, Alberta, Canada; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. in Jones Funeral Home with Rev. Russell Hendrickson officiating. Private interment to follow in Greenacres Memorial Park.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 22 Dec 1974)Submitted by Merrily Lawson

RADEL, Helen Agnes Bertha, 91, of Bellingham, died Saturday, Jan 28, 1995 at home. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Greenacres Memorial Park, with the Rev. Keith Madsen officiating. Mrs. Radel was born on March 21, 1903 to Carl Otto and Rosa (Baumgartner) Cornelssen in Ransom, Kan. She married Walter Radel on Dec. 9, 1918, in Alberta. A resident of Whatcom County since 1926, she was a homemaker who enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening and baking. Mrs. Radel was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 15, 1969. Survivors include sons George Radel of Bellingham and Orville Radel of Seattle; daughter Irene Waters of Point Roberts; brother Ernest Cornelssen and sister Louise Kirton, both of Alberta; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 30 Jan 1995) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADEMACHER, Emma F., age 77 years, passed away at the family home, 2109 New Street, Friday evening, February 16, (1945). Mrs. Rademacher had resided in this community for the past 40 years, and was a member of the First Evangelical Church. Immediate surviving relatives include one son, Rev. Wm. Rademacher, of Yakima; four daughters, Mrs. Esther Alsop and Mrs. Lenora Green, of Pacific Grove, California; Mrs. Paulina Knight, of Seattle; and Miss Meta Rademacher,, of the home; one sister, Mrs. Anna Elliott of Milwaukee, Wis.; one brother, John Otterstein of Waverly, Iowa; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held from the First Evangelical Church, Dean Avenue and Texas Street, Monday, February 19, at 2:30 p.m., with the Rev. Chester Gates, district superintendent of the Evangelical Church of Washington, officiating, assisted by Rev. Lester Moore, pastor of the local church. Interment Greenacres Memorial Park under the direction of the Westford-Beck Funeral Home.

RADEMACHER, Meta, age 72, of 1509 E. Victor Street, passed away in a local sanitarium Dec. 10, (1961). Miss Rademacher had resided in Bellingham for many years and was a member of Calvary Temple Church. Survivors are one brother, William F. Rademacher of Groveland, Ill.; three sisters, Mrs. Lenora Green, Bakersfield, Calif., Mrs. Esther Alsop, Pacific Grove, Calif., Mrs. Pauline Knight, Seattle and nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by the Rev. Allan Wood, Friday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.

RADER, Donald J., age 75, (passed away) May 5 (1985) at home Mill Creek, Wash. Father of Indra, Naome & Aldene; 6 grandchildren; brother of Richard C. Rader, Seattle and Elizabeth Miller, Cincinnati, Ohio. Memorial services Thurs. May 23 at 2 p.m. at Edmonds United Methodist Church. Arrangements Bleitz Funeral Home.

RADER, Jeffery Alan, 33, 5194 Elder Road, Ferndale, died at St. Joseph Hospital, July 20, 1990. He was born Jan. 13, 1957 in Oakland, CA. He was a Whatcom County resident for one year, prior to that he lived in King County. He graduated from Spokane Community College with a degree in fluid power. After graduation he worked for Robbins Company in Kent. He was currently employed by the Hydraulic Industries of Kent. He played on the Intalco baseball team and volunteered for the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell W. Rader in 1966. Survivors include his wife, Brenda; 2 sons, Douglas and Gabriel Rader of the family home; mother and step-father, Velma and Wayne Scott of Prosser; 3 sisters, Connie Bowen of Kennewick, WA, Cheryl Rader of Prosser, WA, Terry Klukas of Seattle; 1 brother, Allen Scott of Spokane; grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. William Rader of Tillamook, OR; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Wed. July 25, 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ferndale. Graveside service will be held Thursday, July 26, 2:00 p.m. at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA, Pastor Ralph Poulson will officiate at both services. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home.

RADEVANEY, Mary, age 80 of 604 Boulevard passed away Monday, April 18, (1966). She was a member of the Church of the Assumption. Survived by 1 son, Vance at home; 1 daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Webster, city. Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. within the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home. Requiem mass will be offered Friday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m within the Church of the Assumption. Interment Bay View Cemetery.

RADEVANY, Vince, 87, of 604 Boulevard, died Thursday, Oct. 8, 1992. He was born Nov. 25, 1904 in Austria to Anthony and Mary Radevany. He had been a Whatcom County resident since 1910. Radevany was owner and operator of the Meat Section of Girard Street Market for many years and played semi-pro baseball in Bellingham. Survivors include his daughter Jeanie, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A private service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Bayview Cemetery. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.

RADISICH, Jack, Sr., age 67, of 1109 Bennett, passed away at a local hospital Friday, January 5, (1951) following a lingering illness. Mr. Radisich was born in Vis, Yugoslavia, and had been a resident of Bellingham for the past 40 years, a local fisherman for the past 30 years. He was a member of the Catholic Church. Surviving relatives include his wife, Mandina; a son, Pete and a daughter, Mrs. George Planich, both of Bellingham; nine grandchildren. Rosary will be said Sunday, January 7, within the Chapel of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home. Requiem mass will be celebrated within the Church of the Sacred Heart Monday, January 8, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. John Shaughnessy, celebrant. Interment in Bay View Cemetery.

RADISICH, John, age 36, of 515 Twelfth Street, passed away at his home, Sunday, May 21, (1950) following a lingering illness. Mr. Radisich had been a resident for the past 26 years; he was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and was a fisherman. Surviving relatives include his wife, Margaret; a son, John Jr.; two daughters, Marlene and Margaret, all at home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Radisich; a brother, Peter, and a half-sister, Mrs. George Plancich, all of Bellingham. Rosary will be said Wednesday, Ma 24, at 7:30 p.m. within the Sacred Heart Church. Requiem high mass will be sung Thursday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. John Shaughnessy, celebrant. Interment in Bay View Cemetery, under the direction of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home.

RADISICH, Mandy, 74, 2220 Humboldt, passed away in a local hospital Tuesday, Oct. 29, (1957). Mrs. Radisich was a member of the Catholic Church and had resided this community for the past 27 years. Survivors are one son Pete of Bellingham; five grandchildren; __ great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jon Ruljanovich in Yugoslavia and Nick Ruljanovich of San Pedro, Calif. The remains rest at the Jones' Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home, where private services will be conducted by the Rev. Fr. W. Robert Webb, Friday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. Final resting place, Bay View.

RADISICH, Peter, age 71, formerly of 2729 King St., Bellingham, passed away Fri., June 6th, (1986) in Bellingham. Born Feb. 3, 1915 in Yugoslavia, came to Bellingham at the age of 9. He was a commercial fisherman for 53 years until his retirement in 1982. He owned the gillnetter the Leola R., crabbed, gillnetted & seined in the Puget Sound area and aided many others in net repairs. He is survived by 1 son, Jack & wife Pat Radisich of Bellingham; 1 daughter, Patty Roberts of Washington, D.C.; 2 step-daughters, Doris Ann Kent of Calif. & Carla Scherer of Cashmere, WA; 3 grandsons, Jack, Steve & Chris Radisich of Bellingham; 2 step-grandchildren, Geoffrey & Jennifer Scherer of Cashmere, WA; numerous nieces & nephews; also a very good friend, Leola Anderson. Graveside funeral services will be held Tues., June 10th at 2 p.m. at Bayview Cemetery with Rev. Lawrence Guderian officiating. Visitation hours will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon., June 9th at the Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel, Sunset & James. Arrangements by Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel.

RADKE, Elsie L., age 86 of 2726 Alderwood, passed away Sun., May 14, 1978. Mrs. Radke was a 35 year resident of this community. A retired employee of the Whatcom County Hospital and a member of Free-Methodist Church, she is survived by 1 son and daughter-in-law, Elmer and Darlene Radke of Ferndale, 1 daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Selma and Floyd Temple, Green Bay, Wis. 1 brother Edwin Buchholz of San Jose, Calif. 1 sister Mrs. Emma Coville of Kalamazoo, Mich. 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted by the Reverend A. R. Rumppe, Wed., May 17, 3 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 16 May 1978) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADKE, Joseph, age 70, of Route 1, Blaine, passed away at a local hospital Thursday, September 17, (1953). Mr. Radke had been a resident of the Whitehorn community the past 14 years, and was a member of the Menonite Church of Whitehorn. He is survived by two brothers, Rudolph of Ferndale, Julius of Edmonton, Alberta. Funeral services will be conducted at Whitehorn Menonite Church Monday, September 21, at 2 p.m. with Rev. David Schultz officiating. Interment Enterprise cemetery under the direction of the Monroe Funeral Home of Ferndale.

RADKE, Richard Joel, 19, 3306 Bennett Drive, died Saturday in St. Joseph Hospital after a brief illness. Born Nov. 5, 1965, in Glasgow, Mont., he came to the Bellingham area as a small child. He lived in Burlington from the mid 1970s until early this year, and was a graduate of Burlington-Edison High school. He had been attending Cascade Business College. Survivors include his parents, Richard and Marilyn Radke of Bellingham; two sisters, Leanne and Corinne; grandparents, Jeanette Radke of Bellingham and Neil Radke of Bellingham; and two aunts, Karen Durham of Bellingham and Robin Reed of Seattle. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Westford Funeral Home.

RADKE, Rudolph, Rt. No. 1, Ferndale, age 72, passed away Friday, August 5, (1966). A twenty-three year resident of this community, Mr. Radke was a retired farmer. He attended the Calvary Temple Church. Survivors are his widow, Elsie L., a son, Elmer R., Rt. No. 1, Ferndale, a daughter, Mrs. Selma Temple of Kingsford, Mich.; 8 grandchildren; a brother, Julius, Edmonton, Alberta, and a sister, Miss Lydia Radke in Germany. Services will be conducted by Rev. Paul Cantelon and Rev. Myron Root Tuesday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

RADKE, William of Bellingham, died Mon. July 20, 1987 at St. Joseph Hospital. Born March 4, 1895 at Parkston, So. Dakota & served in the U.S. Army during WWI mainly in France. On May 20, 1920 he was united in marriage to Margaret M. King at Fort Yates, No. Dakota, they celebrated their 67th anniversary on May 20. In 1936 they moved to Ferndale and to Moses Lake in 1952, they returned to Bellingham in 1980 and lived in Mt. Vernon from 1982 to 1985 when they settled in Bellingham. Mr. Radke worked in farming in his earlier years and spent over 40 years in Well Drilling; he retired in 1960. He is survived by his wife Margaret; 2 sons & daughters in law, Neil & Marie Radke of Bellingham & Robert & Edith Radke of Burlington; a daughter & son in law Twylah & Armin Maag of Bellingham; a brother in law, Bob King of Lynnwood; 2 sisters in law, Helen Clapper & Lydia King, both of Bellingham; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister & 4 brothers. Memorial services will be held Sat. July 29, at 2 p.m. at Hawthorne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Warren Schumacher officiating. Inurnment will follow in the military section at Hawthorne Lawn memorial Park.

RADLEY, Frank W., age 68, of 627 N. Forest Street, passed away in a local hospital Thursday, March 23, (1950). Mr. Radley had resided in this community for the past 45 years and had been a well-known attorney. Deceased was a member of the Episcopal church in the East and was a member of the Washington State Bar association. Surviving relatives are the widow, Nell R., at home; one daughter, Mrs. Fritz Neuman, of Miami, Fla., and two sisters, Mrs. Olive E. Challis, of Seattle, and Mrs. Susan Tucker, of Peoria, Ill. Private funeral services were conducted from the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth by the Rev. W. Carl Calhoun, Saturday, March 25, at 3 p.m. Cremation.

RADONSKI, Anna, 75, of Clipper, resident of Whatcom county for the past forty years, passed away in a local hospital Tuesday morning (Sept. 4, 1945) after a lingering illness. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Clipper. Surviving are five daughters and three sons, Mrs. Josephine Peterson and Mrs. Polly Smith, of Clipper, Mrs. Josie Rothenbuhler, of Bellingham, Mrs. Helen Gates, of Bremerton, Mrs. Sophia Briggs, of Concrete, Stanley Radonski, of Van Zandt, Joseph Radonski, of Blaine, and Anthony Radonski, of Renton; sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, John and Charles Gerner [Gorne] in Minnesota. The remains are resting at the Bingham-Dahlquist funeral home where funeral arrangements are being made.
(From The Bellingham Herald, September 5, 1945)

RADONSKI, Clara, age 74, of 9621 Delta Line Rd., Blaine, passed away Thurs., Jan. 9th, (1986) at St. Joseph's Hospital, Bellingham. She is survived by 2 sons, Raymond of Custer & Richard of Blaine; 2 daughters, Pauline Hubbard of Bellingham & Rose Marie Bartelds of Everson; 2 brothers, Ed Polus of Bremerton & Felix Polus of Michigan; 1 sister, Mary Biles of Custer; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral services will be Mon., Jan. 13th 11 a.m. at the Jerns & McKinney Funeral Chapel in Blaine. Arrangements by Jerns & McKinney Funeral Chapel.

RADONSKI, Effie Mae, age 28, of 5130 24th N.E., Seattle, passed away in a local hospital following a lingering illness. She is survived by her husband Frank F., one son, Ronald; two daughters, Doris and Winnetta, all of Seattle; her parents Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Stind of Bellingham; five brothers, Leonard Stind Jr., and John of Poulsbo, Robert, Kenneth and Warren of Bellingham; one grandfather, Philip Sandy of Illinois. Services will be held Tuesday, April 21, at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. Arthur Hallbom of the Calvary Baptist Church officiating, under the direction of the Bingham-Dahlquist & Jerns Funeral Home. Interment Bayview Cemetery.

RADONSKI, Frank, age 77 years, beloved husband of Mrs. Anna Radonski, Clipper, Wash., passed away at a local hospital, Friday, June 15, (1945) following a lingering illness. Mr. Radonski had been a resident in the county for the past forty years and had been a farmer in the Clipper community. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Clipper, and of the Whatcom County Dairymen's Association. Surviving relatives include, beside the widow, three sons, Stanley, of Clipper, Joseph, of Blaine, and Anthony of Renton; three daughters, Mrs. Josie Rothenbuler, of Bellingham, Mrs. Helen Gates, of Bremerton, and Mrs. Sophia Briggs, of Concrete; sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Joseph Geron, of Bellingham and one brother, Samuel, of Washington, D.C. Solemn requiem mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Joseph at Clipper, Wash., Tuesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. G. Gavin, officiating. Interment in the Clipper cemetery under the direction of the Bingham-Dahlquist funeral home.

RADONSKI, Hanna Wallin - One of Whatcom County's true "farm girls," Hanna Pauline Wallin Radonski passed away on October 13, 2007 at age 74. An avid gardener who truly enjoyed canning and cooking the fruits of her labor, Hanna spent her life caring for the family homestead in Van Zandt. Hanna was born August 6, 1933 in Ferndale, later marrying her lifelong partner and true love, Vernon Radonski on January 31, 1953 in Clipper. Together, between running their family farm and cultivating long-lasting friendships with just about everybody in the South Fork Valley, Hanna and Vernon raised four fine children: Dennis of Van Zandt, Sharon Lopez of Bellingham, Larry of Everson, and Donna Thuney (husband Matthew) of Bellingham. Hanna is survived by Vernon, all four children, her sister Peggy Chapman of Bellingham, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in passing by her mother, Bertha Wallin. Hanna lived a full life, constantly surrounded by a herd of relatives and friends too numerous to mention. She loved to cook and bake, and we'll all miss the tasty treats she took such pleasure in sharing, from apple pie to zucchini cookies. Although Hanna suffered numerous health problems the last few years of her life, lived with pain and had trouble walking, we're pretty sure she's dancing in Heaven today. Thank you, Hanna, for being a wonderful wife, mom, friend and neighbor to us all. And Vernon, our thoughts and prayers are with you. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 18, at 1:00 p.m., at Moles Ferndale Funeral Home, 2039 Main Street, Ferndale. Moles Greenacres Funeral Home, Memorial Park, and On-site Crematory.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 17 Oct 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADONSKI, Joseph Edward, age 66 of Route 2 Blaine, passed way at a Bellingham hospital January 31, (1962). Mr. Radonski had been a resident of the Blaine area for the past 35 years and is survived by his wife, Clara, two sons, Richard of Blaine, Raymond of Custer, two daughters, Mrs. Rose Marie Bartelds of Lynden, Mrs. Pauline Hubbard of Bellingham, one brother, Anthony Radonski in California, one sister Mrs. Sophie Briggs of Snoqualmie. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in the McKinney Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Blaine Cemetery.

RADONSKI, Pearl May - Visitation for Pearl May Radonski of Deming will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Greenacres Funeral Home followed by a funeral at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Al Currier officiating. Burial will follow in Greenacres Memorial Park. Mrs. Radonski died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1998, at Sehome Park Care Center. She was 95. She was born May 22, 1903 to Robert and Lydia Gray Tharp in Sedro-Woolley and lived in Whatcom County for 90 years. She married Stanley Radonski in 1920 in Clipper. He died in 1961. A homemaker, she also worked at Kale's Cannery and retired in 1960. She was a member of the Catholic Church and enjoyed picking blackberries, working in her garden and canning what she grew. She also was preceded in death by sons Archie and Frank Radonski. Survivors include son Vernon Radonski of Deming, daughter Myrtle Pomeroy of Bellingham, 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 10 Dec 1998) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADONSKI, Raymond Clarence of Custer died at home Tuesday, March 7, 1995. He was 63. Arrangements for services are pending. Born Nov 4, 1931, to Joseph and Clara Polus Radonski in Bellingham, he lived all his life in Whatcom County. He married Rosalee Stoaks on Aug. 30, 1957 in Bellingham. Mr. Radonski served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He retired from Columbia Cement in Bellingham after 30 years. Survivors include his wife of the family home; sons Dennis Ray Radonski of Everson and Daniel Joseph Radonski of Bellingham; daughter Debra Rose Radonski of Custer, brother Richard Radonski of Blaine; sister Rosemary Bartelds of Everson; three grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. Arrangements by Greenacres Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 8 Mar 1995) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADONSKI, Stanley Alexander, age 69, of Star Route, Deming, passed away in a local hospital Sunday, Sept. 24, (1961). Mr. Radonski had been a resident of the community for the past 38 years, and was a retired shingleweaver, having worked at the Van Zandt Lumber and Shingle co. Surviving relatives include the widow, Pearl M., at home; three sons, Frank H., of Seattle; Archie S. of Cottage Grove, Ore.; Vernon R. of Clipper, and one daughter, Mrs. Myrtle J. McCune, Merced, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Joe of Blaine; Anthony of Oxnard, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Sophie Brigg, Snoqualmie, and nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Rev. Allan G. Wood, Thursday, Sept. 28, at 10:30 a.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 27 Sep 1961) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RADOVANI, Vince, age 79 of 604 Boulevard, passed away in a local hospital Tuesday November 19, (1963) following an extended illness. He was a retired mill worker and had been a resident since 1910. He was a member of the Church of the Assumption. Survived by 1 brother, Nick, a nephew, Vince Radevany (sic) and a niece Mrs. Gertrude Webster, all of Bellingham, 2 nephews in Austria. Rosary will be said Thursday November 21 at 7:30 p.m. within the Chapel of the Westford Funeral Home, Requiem mass will be read Friday November 22 at 9:30 a.m. within the Church of the Assumption. Interment Bay View.

RADULOVICH, Mike, age 60, passed away Friday, July 10, (1953) in a Seattle veterans hospital following a lingering illness. He had resided in Lynden for 20 years, was a veteran of world War I and a former border patrolman. Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, at the Gillies Funeral Home at Lynden. Military services followed at Lynden Cemetery.

RAE, Bernhard of Ferndale died June 25, 2001 in Ferndale. He was born in Riga, Latvia on Sept. 20, 1936. Mr. Rae is survived by his wife, Myrna, 6 daughters, 1 son and 11 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Sat., June 30, 11 a.m. at the Bellingham Moose Lodge. Arrangements by Greenacres Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 28 Jun 2001) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RAETHKE, George H., age 71, passed away at the family home, 2122 Iron Street, Tuesday, January 31, (1950). Mr. Raethke had resided in this community for the past 28 years and was employed at the chlorine plant of the City Water Department. Deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church and leaves to survive his widow, Ella, at home; one son, Harold, of Bellingham; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Clarence Summers, of Lynden; many nieces and nephews, among whom are Ralph Raethke, of Portland; one niece and one nephew in Lynden, and two nephews and one niece in the East. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the Rev. Everett O. Williams, Saturday, February 4, at 10:30 a.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.

RAETHKE, Harold, 2335 Cherry Street, age 60, passed away Wednesday, December 7, (1966). A forty-year resident of this city, Mr. Raethke was maintenance man for the Air National Guard before retiring. He was a member of the First Christian Church; Bellingham bay Lodge No. 44, F. & A.M.; Albert J. Hamilton Post No. 7, American Legion, and Alaska-Yukon Pioneers in Seattle. Survivors are his widow, Lucille, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Maxine Watson and Mrs. Nannette Reid, both of this city; a son Lawrence, at home; three grandchildren; one great-grandson and his mother, Mrs. Ella Raethke of this city. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home, where services will be conducted by Rev. James York and officers of the American Legion Monday, December 12 at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in Greenacres Memorial Park.

RAFFO, Carl A., 63, 5310 Mission Road, died Saturday (March 24, 1985) in a local hospital. He was a Whatcom County resident for 32 years and a leader of local 4-H youth groups for 25 years. Mr. Raffo was born July 16, 1921, in Daily City, Calif. He and his wife, Nadine, were married May 27, 1938 in San Francisco. He is survived by his wife; sons Karl of Sumas, Roy of Maple Falls, and Nick of Bellingham; daughters Kerrie Northington of Everson and Windy Martin of Bellingham; a niece; a nephew; and 14 grandchildren. Graveside Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Ten Mile Cemetery with arrangements by Moles Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 26 Mar 1985) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RAFFO, Karl Irving of 6107 Reese Hill Road, Sumas, died Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1993 at his home. He was 51. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ten Mile Cemetery in Lynden with Pastor Jim Williams officiating. He was born April 6 1941 in San Francisco, Calif. to Carl and Nadine Raffo. He lived in Whatcom County for 42 years and married Olive Reed in Reno, Nev., on Sept. 1, 1992. Mr. Raffo worked for Intalco Aluminum Corp for 25 years and served in the Navy in Vietnam. Survivors include his wife, Olive Raffo of the family home; his mother Nadine Raffo of Bellingham; a son Kevin Raffo of Idaho; a daughter Summer Raffo of Arlington, Wash.; sisters Kearrie Northington and husband David of Everson, and Windy White and husband Robert of Bellingham; brother Roy Raffo and wife Vickie of Maple Falls, and Nick Raffo of Bellingham; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home of Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 21 Feb 1993) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RAFFO, Nadine Vivian, age 74 of Bellingham, Whatcom County resident for 49 years, died on Tuesday, September 17, 1996 at home. She was born January 9, 1922 in Ferndale. For 13 years she was a foster parent; loved to take care of people; and was very giving. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Raffo on March 25, 1985; two sons, Karl Raffo and Dallas Raffo. Mrs. Raffo is survived by two daughters, Kearrie Northington and husband David of Everson, Windy White and husband Robert of Bellingham; two sons, Roy Raffo of Bellingham, and Nick Raffo of Bellingham; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A Graveside Inurnment Service will be held Saturday, September 21, 1996 at 1 p.m. at Ten Mile Cemetery with Rev. Jim Williams officiating. Arrangements by Moles Funeral Home in Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 20 Sep 1996) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RAFFO, Nick, age 54, passed away in Bellingham on Sunday, July 2, 2006. He was born in Whatcom County on December 3, 1951 to Carol and Nadine (Wolf) Raffo. Nick had worked for many years as a farmer and herdsman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Karl, Dallas, and Roy. Nick is survived by his sisters Kearrie (David) Nothington and Windy (Robert) White; and nieces and nephews Dena, Misty, Cindy, Terra, Shelbi, Dykota, Hether, Tony, Dasie, and Summer. The family would like to extend their special thanks to St. Joseph's Hospital's 4th floor south (Adrian and the crew). Their care for Nick was exceptional and greatly appreciated.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 6 Jul 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RAFFO, Roy C., 52, passed away Wed. Feb. 13, 2002. He is survived by his three children: Heather, Daisy & Tony two sisters & one brother. A graveside service will be Thurs., Feb. 21, 1 p.m., at Ten Mile Cemetery, 6268 Medcalf Rd., Bellingham. Rev. Jim Williams officiating. Ferndale|Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 17 Feb 2002) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RAFTER, Claude E. Jr., 66, of Bellingham died Thursday (Sept. 26, 1991) at Sehome Park Care Center. Mr. Rafter was born March 23, 1925 in Seattle to Claude and Hazel McNulty Rafter. He served three years in the U.S. Coast Guard in WWII, and earned three combat awards, including the Bronze Star. He move to Whatcom County in 1982 from Seattle, where he was a contractor in a concrete construction business. Survivors include his mother, Hazel Rafter of Bellingham; daughters, Pam Ford and Robin McMahon, both of Centralia; son, Michael Rafter of Lyle; and four grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jerns & LeVeck Funeral Chapel.

RAGAN, Elizabeth Florence, 70, 718 13th St., passed away at home Wednesday, February 12, (1958). Mrs. RAgan had resided in this community for the past 67 years and leaves to survive her husband, Otto E., at home; one daughter, Mrs. Billie Chapman, of Bellingham; 5 grandchildren; one brother, Halber Tupper, of Granite Falls; two sisters, Mrs. Helen Killman, of Hoquiam, and Mrs. Alberta Prouty of this city. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home, where services will be conducted by the Rev. R. Rogers Irwin Monday, February 17 at 1:30 p.m. Final resting place Enterprise Cemetery.

RAGAN, Elmer Franklin, age 89, of 723 N. Garden Street, passed away in a local hospital on Sunday, Aug. 26, (1962). Mr. Ragan had resided in this community for the past 43 years; was a retired yard foreman for the Furniture Factory, and a member of the Garden Street Methodist Church. Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. George Bennett, city; two sons, Clarence E. Ragan, New Orleans, La.; Lawrence W. Ragan, San Jose, Calif.; two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one brother, Walter Ragan of Seattle. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted by Rev. Robert Irwin on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.

RAGAN, Grace D. - Funeral services for Grace D. Ragan 86, of yakima, were to be at 4 p.m. today at Keith & Keith Funeral Home in Yakima, with the Rev. James Rucker and the Rev. James Layne officiating. Graveside services in Bellingham will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Greenacres Memorial Park. Mrs. Ragan died Friday, (Feb. 13, 1987) in Yakima where he had lived since 1977. She married O. J. Ragan, in 1920, in Bellingham. He died earlier. Mrs. Ragan graduated from Blaine High School. She worked in the pediatrics unit at St. Joseph Hospital before moving to Yakima. She was a charter member of the Calvary Temple Assembly of God and a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Survivors include a daughter, Arliss Rucker of Yakima; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a cousin.

RAGAN, Nellie W., age 74 years, passed away at a local hospital following a brief illness Tuesday morning, July 22, (1952). Mrs. Ragan came to Bellingham 32 years ago and held membership in the Garden Street Methodist Church and also a life member of the W.C.T.U. Her survivors include her husband, Elmer F. Ragan at home; two sons, Clarence E. Ragan, New Orleans, La., Lawrence W. Ragan, Seattle; one daughter, Mrs. May Thorlaxson and one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Schultz, both of this city, and three grandchildren. The remains rest at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth where services will be conducted by the rev. Daniel E. Taylor Thursday, July 24 at 3 p.m. Final resting place, Greenacres Memorial Park.

RAGAN, Virginia - A memorial service for Virginia "Ginny" E. (Moen) Ragan of Bellingham will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Central Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Leonard C. Ericksen officiating. Mrs. Ragan died Friday, Sept. 10, 1999, at her home. She was 74. Born June 2, 1925, to Elmer and Emelia (Lindenthal) Moen in Bellingham, she was a lifetime Bellingham resident and a 1943 Bellingham High School graduate. Mrs. Ragan worked as a telephone operator for Pacific Northwest Bell from 1943 to 1951. In 1947, she married Doug Ragan. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and traveling. Survivors include her husband, of the family home sons Allen Ragan of Mill Creek and Steven Ragan of Sarasota, Fla. daughter Linda Ruthrauff of Bellingham sister Mary Jane Moen of Bellingham and five grandchildren. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.

RAGER, Nancy Louise - A service for Nancy Louise Rager of 760 Chuckanut Shore Road will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at her residence. Ms. Rager died in a drowning accident Monday, May 26, 1997. She was 39. Born Dec. 16, 1957, in New York City, she was a local resident since 1990. Ms. Rager held a bachelor's degree in forestry from the University of Washington and a master's degree in computer science from the University of California at Davis. She worked as a computer programmer trainer. She enjoyed kayaking in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans and climbed Mount Kilmanjaro twice. Survivors include her partner Debra Salazar of Bellingham, close friend Anita Derry of Portland, Ore., and brother John Rager of Amherst, Mass.

RAGSDALE, April Lynn, age 6, of 7572 Woodland Rd., Ferndael, passed away Sat., June 2, 1979. April is survived by her mother, Dixie Johnston of Surrey, B.C.; her grandmother, Dawanna Fox of Ferndale. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Bill Rogers, Wed., June 6 at 2 p.m. in the Ferndale Nazarene Church. Arrangements under the direction of Moles Funeral Home.

RAGSDALE, Dolores L. of 1833 N. Shore Rd. passed away Wed. June 14, 1989. A resident of B'ham, WA, recently returning after several years in Chelan WA. She is the daughter of Dennis & Mary Hicks. Dennis Hicks preceded her in death in 1974. She was a member of the Catholic church & developed, owned & managed The Parkway Mobile Home Park. She is survived by her husband Milton Ragsdale of the family home; 5 children Cindy Ross of Lynden, Jason Ragsdale of B'ham, Jeff Ragsdale of B'ham, Terry Araiza & Patti Baker of Redding, CA; 7 grandchildren; her mother Mary Hicks of Medford, OR; sister DeEtta Marlow of Medford, OR; numerous nieces & nephews. Christian prayer service will be held 11 a.m. Sat. June 17 at Jerns LeVeck Funeral Chapel. Family burial will be Mon. at Bayview Cemetery. Arrangements by Jerns LeVeck Funeral Chapel & Crematorium.

RAGSDALE, Harrison C., II, Dr., 56, Bellingham, died Wednesday in a Seattle hospital. He had practiced medicine in Bellingham for more than 20 years. Survivors include his wife, Patsy, and two children. At his request, no services will be held.


Back to Obituary Index

Back to Whatcom GenWeb Home Page