UHAL, George Jr., 66 of Bellingham, died Friday (Aug. 12, 1983) at a local hospital. He was born Oct. 16, 1916 at Pleasant City, Ohio and moved here in 1979. He lived at 3230 Laurelwood Ave. Before coming here, he was active in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Ohio. In Bellingham, he was a member of the Church of the Assumption. He also belonged to the Quarter Century Club through the Electric Co, Lincoln. Surviving are his wife Helen, two sons, a daughter, a brother, a sister, and three grandchildren. A mass of Christian burial will be said at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Assumption with the Rev. John Madigan officiating. Burial will be in Enterprise Cemetery at Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 13 Aug 1983) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
UHAL, Helen, 83, of Ferndale, Washington, passed away in Bellingham on March 8, 2007. She was born in Lakewood, Ohio, to Joseph and Helen Guman. She married George Uhal. Helen and George moved from Ohio to Whatcom County in the early 1980s. after George retired, to be close to their daughter. They enjoyed traveling all around the world. Helen is remembered by her family as being a great cook who loved to cook for her family. She was active in St. Joseph Catholic Church parish. Survivors include her daughter Linda Carter of Ferndale; two sons, Howard Uhal of Texas and Bruce Uhal of Michigan; 5 grandchildren: David, Stephanie, Victor, Julie and Geoffrey; one sister Susan Erickson; and three brothers: Joseph Guman, Mike Guman, and William Guman, all of Ohio. Preceding Helen in death were her parents and her husband George Uhal. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ferndale, with burial to follow at Enterprise Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 11 Mar 2007) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
UHLES, Robert Chester - A memorial service for Robert Chester Uhles of Bellingham will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at St. James Presbyterian Church. Mr. Uhles died at home Sunday, Nov. 2, 1997. He was 55. Born May 31, 1942, to Robert and Vivian Brooke Uhles, in Gary, Ind., he graduated from the University of Washington. Mr. Uhles worked in the ceramics industry for 32 years. He enjoyed music, performing in barbershop and opera choruses and church choirs. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Jeanne, son Steven Uhles of Bellingham, daughter Sarah Zamora of Phoenix, and sister Ethel McGee of Sun Valley, Calif. Arrangements are by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
UHRICH, Jacob, aged 79 years, a farmer on Route 1, Everson, passed away at a local hospital Monday, Jan. 4, (1943). Mr Uhrich had resided in this vicinity the past twenty-one years and leaves the following survivors: the widow Mary Dorothy Uhrich and one son Jacob at the family home, five daughters, Mrs. Anna Schield, Mrs. William Stenhouse, Mrs. C. H. Daniels and Miss Pauline Uhrich at Seattle and Mrs. Fred Hofferber at Spokane, and fourteen grandchildren. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth.
UHRIG, Leonard, age 72, of 2600 Racine St., passed away in a local hospital Sunday, Aug. 17, (1958). Mr. Uhrig had been a 35-year resident of this community and for 30 years had been employed by Western Union as a linesman. Mr. Uhrig was a member of Scioto Lodge No. 6, A.F. & A.M. of Chillicothe, Ohio; a life member of Oriental Chapter No. 19 and Bethlehem Commandery, both of Seattle. Surviving relatives are his widow, Elsa, at home; three sons, Frank G. and Ralph, both of Bellingham and Leonard Jr. at home; two daughters, Miss Joyce Uhrig of Chicago, Ill., and Mrs. Marian Martin in Lynden; three grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Lillian Henzelman of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Mrs. Marie Dimity of New York City, N.Y. The remains rest at the Jones Funeral Home where services will be conducted Friday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. Final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park.
ULLIN, Chester, was born March 8, 1915 to parents, Carl G. Ullin and Anna E. Peterson, died Fri. May 10, 2002. Chet was born in Seattle, WA where he lived until his family moved to Centralia in the early '20s. In high school he played football, kayaked the local rivers, and was active in the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Centralia High in 1932. In 1933, Chet was recruited to play football at Bellingham Normal (now Western Washington University). He was the first 4-year football letterman at WWU. He also found time to work in the college bookstore and other part-time jobs. While in college, Chet developed outdoor activities and learned to barbeque (sic) salmon from the college president. He continued to help with the Summer Recreation Program from 1938 to 1942, leading hikes and climbs of Mt. Baker. He returned to put on salmon bakes and lead Mt. Baker climbs until 1960. Chet and Phyllis returned to WWU's Homecoming evens and the Football Award Banquets until the Year 2001. He was inducted into the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 and received the WWU Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 1987. After graduating from Bellingham Normal in 1937, Chet accepted a teaching position in the Seattle schools. He met Phyllis Rose through mutual friends in 1938. Chet and Phyllis were married on June 8, 1940 in Mt. Vernon. In 1941 he transferred to the Seattle School District Office to assist the Visual Aids Director. In 1945 he moved to Bremerton to be Director of Instructional Materials for the Bremerton and Kitsap County Schools. He retired in 1973 after 36 years. Chet's skill at outdoors and mountain photos enhanced his career work. He also organized his slides into 'American Heritage' and 'America the Beautiful' programs that he delivered to regional and national conventions. Chet remained active in Scouts for over 11 years with sons, Gary, Jay and Jim. He served as their Cubmaster and Scoutmaster, leading the Bremerton Troop 504 on numerous hikes through the Olympic Mountains. Chet received the Boy Scout Silver Beaver award in recognition of his contributions. Che worked at the International Boy's Camp on San Juan Island in the late 1930's, falling in love with Point White near Roche Harbor. In 1948, he and his family set up camp on Pointe White. The 'camp' evolved from a tent to a cabin and, finally, to a house that he designed. Chet and Phyllis enjoyed sharing their island home with family and friends. Chet was active in the Western Washington University Alumni Association, Sons of Norway, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Retired Teachers Association, Seattle Mountaineers, Boy Scouts. Son Jay of Seattle, son Jim and his wife Joan of Ferndale, and their family, son Kenui of Ferndale, daughter Malia of Maui, Hawaii and her husband Jeff Gerard and their sons Nainoa and Nakoa of Maui survive Chet. He is preceded in death by wife Phyllis earlier this year, son Gary and brother Carl. A celebration of Chet's life will be held May 17 at 12 noon at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton with visitation at 11 a.m. Interment on May 18, 11 a.m. at Mount Vernon Cemetery (old OOF Cemetery).
UNGER, Vivian Burton, aged 20 years, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Unger, Bellingham, R. F. D. No. 4, passed away at the family home early Monday morning, April 23, (1928), after an illness of over two years. Mr. Unger was born in Edison and had lived at the present address for the past seventeen years. He was a member of the First Christian church of Bellingham, of the Rome Sunday school and a graduate of the Harmony high school, class of 1925, entering the University of Washington in the fall of 1925, where he was taken ill, and has been at home since that time. Surviving, besides the parents, are one brother, Clayton, at home; grandmothers, Mrs. Emma Duvall, Bellingham R. F. D. No. 4, and Mrs. Eliza Unger, Columbus, Ohio; and two aunts, Mrs. Florence Tallmah, R. F. D. No. 4, and Mrs. Burton Ross, Oakland, Cal. The body rests at the Harlow Mortuary Home, Holly at Forest, and funeral services will be announced later.
UNICK, Dewain passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2003, at the age of 82. Born to Lee and Mae (Pearson) Unick on April 1, 1921. Dewain graduated from Ferndale High School in 1940. He worked at Bellingham Coal Mines and Bellingham Shipyard before working out at Mobil Refinery, where he retired after 30 years of employment. Dewain served in the United States Navy for 4 years during World War II where his duty was in the Philippine Islands. Dewain married Jean Sypien in August of 1943 and together they had three children. Dewain enjoyed driving his Cadillac and visiting friends, relatives, and most of all he loved seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dewain is survived by his three children: daughter Sandy Rasmussen of Ferndale son Victor and wife Carrie Unick of Ferndale and son Gaytor and wife Carol Unick of Ferndale. He is also survived by his brother Gerald and wife Edna Unick of Bellingham, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives. Dewain has gone home "to feed the chickens". Funeral services will be held at Ferndale|Moles Funeral Home on Friday, December 19, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. Fellowship and refreshments will follow at Correll Clubhouse. Ferndale|Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 18 Dec 2003) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
UNICK, Francis James left us November 24, 2001 to be with his wife Ileen Lloyd Unick, his wife of 56 years. Together, they raised their 3 children at Neptune Beach, in a home filled with love, laughter and discipline. Francis was born February 25, 1920 to Jesse James Unick and Matilda Louise Reohrich in Ferndale, WA. A 1938 graduate of Ferndale High School, Francis was united in marriage a year later, May 12, 1939 to ILeen. Francis was in the 3 C's (Civil Conservation Core) and worked at the Old Furniture Factory along with logging and commercial fishing. In his youth he played fiddle for the Rocky Mountaineers. A Navy Veteran of WWII, he served in the South Pacific on the Naval Repair Ship USS Marcab as an Electrician's Mate. With his return, he and Ileen started their family, son, Robert Unick, daughter, Nancy Unick Baum and son, James Unick were added to the mix. Francis then was employed by Bellingham Shipyard and United Boat Builders (Uniflite) from which he retired. A more than avid hunter, he had the patience of "Job" when it came to stalking his quarry. A mentor to many, he loved to pass on many of his outdoor skills, his love of the saltwater and the bounty that it gave a man was his passion. Not seeing him in hunting camp will leave a hole in our heart. Good hunting Dad. He is survived by sons, Robert and wife Diane, James and wife Cathie, all of Ferndale; daughter Nancy and husband Jim Baum of Lodi, CA; 8 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren; brother Milton Unick of Ferndale; sisters, Lucille Andersen of Bellingham, and Laurilee Anderson of Poulsbo; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation for Mr. Unick will be Thurs. Nov. 29th, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Moles Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Fri. Nov 30, 1:00 p.m. at Moles Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Richard Wyanski officiating, burial to follow at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale.
UNICK, James, 89, of Rt. 3, Ferndale, succumbed Wednesday (March 28, 1956) in a local hospital. He had been a resident of the Ferndale area for the past 56 years. Mr. Unick is survived by two daughters and six sons: Mrs. Essie Anderson, Bellingham; Mrs. Sylvia Philpott, Ferndale; Lee, Louis, Clifford, Stanley and Allen, all of Ferndale, and Ellsworth of Sedro Woolley. A brother, Louis Unick, is in Nebraska, and there are 30 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday at the Monroe funeral chapel in Ferndale, followed by burial at Mountain View Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, March 29, 1956) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
UNKEFER, Dorothy P. (Frank), born May 3, 1896 in Beington, New York, died Fri. Sept. 6, 1991 at a local nursing facility. Known as "The Lady in the Window" to all of the children at Whatcom Middle School as well as those who passed by her apartment at 2003 F St., she was adopted by several of the Middle School classes as their "Grandma". They were known to take her Christmas trees with decorations at Christmas and to help celebrate her 95th birthday. Dorothy came to Bellingham 80 years ago, was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Elks Auxiliary. She is survived by her son, Father Warren Frank of Portland, OR; her good friend Patricia Paul of Bellingham; and the many people that called her "Grandma". Funeral services will be graveside, Tues. Sept. 10, 1 p.m. at Bayview Cemetery with Father John Gibbs officiating. Arrangements by Jerns-LeVeck Funeral Chapel.
UNRUH, Clarence Lee Jr., 69, of Moses Lake, WA and former Ferndale resident passed away on Monday, June 14, 2004 at Sunbridge Care & Rehabilitation for Moses Lake. He was born on October 15, 1934 to Clarence Lee and Laura (Schwalk) Unruh at Enid, Oklahoma. Clarence attended school in Oklahoma before moving with his family to Ferndale in 1943. He married Marsha Jane Vickers on August 6, 1954 in Bellingham. Clarence worked at Georgia Pacific until 1971 when they moved to George, WA where he farmed until his retirement in 1994. Following his retirement they made their home in Desert Aire, WA until November, 2003 when he became a resident of Sunbridge Care & Rehabilitation for Moses Lake. He is survived by: wife Marsha Jane Unruh of Moses Lake; son and daughter-in-law Bryan and Margaret Unruh of Moses Lake; grandchildren Ryan, Lisa, Kathy and Michelle; great-grandchild Jaymie; brother Robert Unruh of Ferndale; sisters Barbara Giengier and Ruth Andrews, both of Puyallup. Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ferndale. Scharbach's Columbia Funeral Chapel in Quincy, WA is in charge of arrangements.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 17 Jun 2004) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URIE, Joseph Howard, born Aug. 22, 1930, passed away at the St. Francis Convalescent Center in Bellingham on Friday, Aug. 8, 2003. Howard was born in Twin Falls, Idaho to Lesley Howard and Bessie Taylor Urie. He moved to Blaine in 1946. After graduating from Blaine High School in 1948, he began working in the family owned business, the Blaine Journal, as a linotype operator and pressman. In 1966 he accepted a position as production manager at the Lynden Tribune, retiring from the Tribune in 1998. He was also a partner in the Ferndale Record-Journal. Howard married Betty Jean Olson Urie on Sept. 7, 1951. They have three children, Jerry Howard Urie, Connie Jo Kuchenreuther, and Cindy Lou Sliger, all of Bellingham. His survivors include his wife and children; sister Divina Mae Wildman of Lakeside, Calif.; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Lucille E. Olson, also of Bellingham. His parents preceded him in death. Following retirement Howard loved working in his shop and helping Betty run The Glass Affair, and antique business. He also started another business, H&M Home Repair, with his best friend and son-in-law, Merv Sliger. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. A memorial service will be held at Jones-Moles Funeral Home, 2465 Lakeway Dr., on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. Private graveside services will be held at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale. Arrangements are by Jones|Moles Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
URNESS, Anita M. – A memorial service for Anita Mae Urness of Bellingham will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Cornwall Park Church of God, with the Rev. Bill Wertz officiating. Mrs. Urness died Sunday, June 4, 2000. She was 64. Born Feb 23, 1936, in Bellingham, she lived here all her life. She was a member of Cornwall Park Church of God and was active with Boy Scout Troop 6 for more than 20 years, where she was involved with the Christmas Tree Pick-Up program. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Leighton James Urness, of the family home; daughters Patti Kerzman of Ferndale and Marsha Premel of Seattle; sons Allen James Urness of Kennewick and Bobby Urness of Oahu, Hawaii; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Arrangements are by Westford Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 6 Apr 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URQUHART, Douglas E. - Former Whatcom County resident Douglas E. Urquhart, 37, was buried Monday at Woodlawn Cemetery. Mr. Urquhart died Dec. 11 in Vancouver, Wash., where he lived. He was a graduate of Ferndale High School. He is survived by his father stepmother, Robert "Mack" and Judy Urquhart, Sr.; two brothers, Robert "Bob" Urquhart, Jr. and David Urquhart, both of Bellingham; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements were under the direction of Jones Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 20 Dec 1988) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URQUHART, Jessie - Funeral services for Mrs. Jessie Urquhart, 85, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Urquhart, of 3127 Birchwood Ave., died Wednesday (July 31, 1974). She had been a 47-year resident of Bellingham and a member of Calvary Temple Church. She is survived by sons Robert, Cecil and Donald, all of Bellingham; ten grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 1 Aug 1974) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URQUHART, Lillian L. - Funeral service for Lillian L. Urquhart, age 69, of 4803 Northwest Rd., will be Wed. Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.
at Calvary Temple with Rev. Wayne Francis officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Urquhart passed away Thurs. Oct. 30, 1986. She had been a 60 year resident of Whatcom County. She was a member of Calvary Temple where she was very active in Missionary work. Surviving, husband Robert "Mack" Urquhart Sr.; 3 sons, Robert Jr. and wife Wendy Urquhart; David and wife Earlene Urquhart, all City; Douglas Urquhart, Vancouver, WA; 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brother, Lloyd "Bub" and wife Irene Edmonds of Salem, Oregon. Jones Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 4 Nov 1986) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URQUHART, Robert "Mack", Sr., age 78, of 2851 Seaview Circle, Bellingham, WA passed away Thursday, September 9, 1993. Born July 22, 1915 in Saskatchewan, Canada to Robert and Jesse Urquhart, he had been a resident of Whatcom County for 70 years; member of Calvary Temple; IBEW, Local 191; Marietta Volunteer Fire Dept for 22 years (since it's inception); Founding Board Member of the Northwest Water Association; Honorary Life Member of Washington Fire Commission Association; Machinist's Union; Owner/Operator of Marine Drive Electric for 34 years. Survived by his wife Judy; (married Lillian Edmonds November 1937; she preceded Mack in death in 1986. Married Judy Roberts in September 1988, who survives him at the family home); brothers Donald and wife Eleanor Urquhart; Cecil and wife Catherine Urquhart, all of Bellingham; sons Robert, Jr. and wife Wendy Urquhart; David and wife Earlene Urquhart, all of Bellingham; preceded in death by son Douglas Urquhart December 11, 1988; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Private Family Graveside Service followed by Memorial Service Monday, September 13, 1993, 1 p.m. Calvary Temple, with Pastor Richard Strum officiating. Visitation Saturday, September 11, 1993, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 12, 1993, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jones-Moles Funeral Home, Forest at Holly, Bellingham.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 12 Sep 1993) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URSIN, Anker, age 73, of 1004 Liberty St, passed away Wed., July 4, 1979. Mr. Ursin was a 63 year resident of this community and a 50 year member of Whatcom Lodge No. 151 F&AM. He was a retired building contractor. He is survived by his wife Hilda; a son LeRoy of city; a daughter, Mrs. Elaine Susavilla of Eureka, CA; 4 grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Ann Knutsen of Seattle. Services Mon., July 9 at 1 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends wishing to attend may meet at the Jones Funeral Home 1/2 hr. earlier. Rev. Leonard C. Ericksen officiating.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 7 Jul 1979) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URSIN, Hilda, 88, of Bellingham died Friday, Sept. 11, 1996 in her home. A graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Woodlawn Cemetery with the Rev. Al Currier of First Advent Christian Church officiating. Mrs. Ursin was born July 20, 1908, to Lars and Ellen Hanson Tobiassen in Seattle. She moved to Whatcom County in 1912. She graduated from Meridian High School in 1927. She enjoyed gardening, playing piano, bowling and reading. She married Anker Ursin Nov. 23, 1932 in Lawrence, Wash. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include her daughter Elaine Susavilla of Bellingham; her son LeRoy Ursin of Bellingham; brother
Lloyd "Toby" Tobiassen of Laurel; sisters Elsie Burgraff of Lynden and Nellie Prouty of Bellingham; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 13 Oct 1996) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
URY, Eleanor Jean, age 87 of Bellingham, passed away March 20, 2006. She was born Jan 15, 1919, in Seattle, WA to Thomas and Maude Pidduck. She grew up in Manette, WA. She attended nursing school at St. Joseph's in Tacoma, WA, where she met and married John F. Ury. Eleanor was known as a voracious reader, a craftsperson, and loved to go out to eat, especially seafood. She was a member of Toastmistresses and Eastern Star. She loved life and always pursued new interests. Eleanor was preceded in death by her brother Tom. Survived by sons John (Denise) Ury of Bellingham, Joseph (Kathryn) Ury of London, England; daughter Kathryn (Daniel) Reiss of Seattle; grandchildren David, Daniel, Britt, Brooke, Anna and Martha; great-grandson Tristan; and sisters Pauline and Donna. A family gathering will be held at a later date.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 26 Mar 2006) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
USERY, Michael Bunch - Services for Michael Bunch Usery of Ferndale will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ferndale. Interment will be in Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale. Mr. Usery died Monday, March 13, 2000, at his home. He was 73. Born Jan. 14, 1927, to Ferdinand Henry and Nellie Helena (Shaw) Usery in Tow Creek, Colo., he moved to Whatcom County five years ago. Mr. Usery attended elementary school in Tow Creek and attended high school in Steamboat Springs, Colo., before going to live with his uncle Sam and aunt Geraldine Davis in Denver, where he attended East High School. He graduated from Manual High School and attended the University of Colorado for one year. Mr. Usery worked at Robinson Brick Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Denver Fire, Brick and Clay and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1992. Mr. Usery received a commendation for "Excellence in Service" from the U.S. Postal Service. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles, Fred and Raymond Usery. Survivors include brothers William T. Usery of Roundup, Mont., and Frank P. Usery of Grand Junction, Colo., half brother Jerry Usery of Pace, Fla., half sisters Allison Dixon of Crowley, Colo., and Diane Miles of Rawlings, Wyo., special cousin Arnita Benson of Commerce City, Colo., and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements are by Moles Funeral Home of Ferndale.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 14 Mar 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
USERY, Raymond Vincent - Visitation for Raymond Vincent Usery of Ferndale will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Moles Funeral Home and from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ferndale. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the church, followed by burial in Enterprise Cemetery. Mr. Usery
died at his home Monday, Jan. 24, 2000. He was 69. Born May 22, 1930, to Ferdinand H. and Nellie H. Shaw Usery in Tow Creek, Colo., he grew up near Hayden, Colo., and attended schools there. His mother died when he was 9. His father later married Pearl Robbins. Mr. Usery moved to Montana in 1947 and graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1948. He worked on the Great Northern Railroad until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1949. He served until 1952 and achieved the rank of technical sergeant. In 1954, he married Helene Nyberg. They lived in Rangely and Cortez, Colo., and in Blanding, Mont. He was employed by R&R and NL Well Service in Rangely and Cortez until retiring in 1983 because of a heart condition. In 1988, Mr. Usery moved to Whatcom County. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a missionary in Alabama for a year. Survivors include his wife daughters Dawna Palmer of Ferndale and Barbara Stegner of Bayview, sons Charles Usery of Ferndale and Thomas Usery of Olathe, Kan., brothers Michael Usery of Ferndale, William Usery of Roundup, Mont., and Frank Usery of Grand Junction, Colo., half-brother Jerry Usery of Pace, Fla., half-sisters Allison Dixon of Crowley, Colo., and Diane Miles of Rawlins, Wyo., 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 26 Jan 2000) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
USITALO, Marie E., age 80 of Bellingham, WA, passed away Monday, May 26, 1997. Born in Tonapah, Nevada on August 29, 1916 to Lester & Isabelle (Davis) Jackson. She was a Substance Abuse Counselor for many years and was know[[n] as "Granny" and was an avid flower gardener. Preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Eino Usitalo in May 1996, and brother R. L. (Dick) Jackson. She is survived by daughter Nancy & husband Lloyd Petersen of Bellingham; 3 grandchildren, Jeff Starkenburg of Bellingham, Jill Marie Fuller & Bob Haynes of Vanderhoof, B.C., Brent & wife Shannon Starkenburg of Dawson Creek, B.C.; 4 great-grandchildren, Michelle Starkenburg, Andy Fuller, Jodi Marie Haynes & Sam Starkenburg; sister-in-law Berna Jackson of San Carlos, CA; nieces, Peggy Hopp, Patsy Hewitt, Paula Marie Casaretto & Pam Jackson all of CA. Services will be held Friday, May 30, 1997, 2:00 p.m., Jones-Moles Funeral Home. Burial Bayview Cemetery. Visitation with the family present, Thursday, May 29, 1997 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jones-Moles Funeral Home.
UTSETH, Stella, 92, a Ferndale resident for many years, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 1986) in Bellingham. She was born July 1, 1893 in Hatton, North Dakota, and moved to Ferndale in 1941, working as a cook and dietician at the Whatcom County Infirmary, now the NorBell Nursing Home. She was living in Anacortes at the time of her death. Mrs. Utseth was a member of the Triumph Lutheran Church of Ferndale and was active in the Lighthouse Mission Auxiliary. Surviving are two sons, including James Rice of Anacortes; two daughters, including Crystal Holleman of Bellingham; a stepson, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 14 Jan 1986) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.
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