Skagit Valley Herald

Richard Donald Phipps, 78, of Burlington, Washington passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Monday, April 15, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Phipps; son, Jason (Marcy) Phipps; daughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Korthuis; sister, MaryAnn (Ron) Power; grandkids, Walker Phipps, Carson Phipps, Eliza Korthuis and Emma Korthuis, plus numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, WA. Share your memories of Richard and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.

Caitlin Anne McDermott Follstad of Anacortes, WA died unexpectedly on April 9, 2024, in Anacortes, WA at the age of 41. Caitlin was born September 28, 1982, in Kirkland, WA to Kathleen Anne McDermott. Caitlin was the fifth generation of strong first-born women in her maternal Coyne family. She grew up as Kathy's only child, but in a multigenerational home including her grandmother Margaret, a nephew, and a niece. The family moved to Anacortes in the 1980s and Caitlin spent her childhood years participating in dance; basketball and baseball in school; picnics at Washington Park; vacations to Lake Chelan and excelling in school. After graduating from Anacortes High School in 2001, Caitlin...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah "Debbie" Kanske, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, who departed from this world on Monday, April 8, 2024. Debbie's life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Born on June 14, 1955, Debbie's journey was marked by a deep-rooted passion for nurturing life and spreading joy. She was a devoted wife and mother. Her family was the center of her universe, and she poured her heart and soul into creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. In addition to her roles as a loving wife and mother, Debbie was a volunteer of the Mount Vernon Fire Department,...

Arthur G. Stendal, age 86, a resident of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 8, 2024. A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2024 and will be announced by Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.

Richard Wayne Pitman, 84, passed away peacefully at his home after a long battle with heart disease and diabetes on April 5, 2024. Dick was born at home in Big Lake WA on September 1, 1939, to Heber (Blackie) and Elizabeth Ann Pitman. He married Wanda Mary Kelley in July of 1960 and together they had their only daughter Christina (Tina). They divorced in 1981. He married Virginia Beaver Cole several years later and they divorced in 2014. He was a Guide and Search and Rescue for many years on the Skagit River. Dick spent his life building and fixing things. Working as a carpenter building homes in his younger years and working as a mechanic at Herb's Chevron, Evergreen Chevron,...

Sally was born Sally Jo Anderson on March 1, 1938, to Forest "Woody" and Katherine Anderson of Big Lake, Washington. At the age of 5, the family welcomed Sally's sister Jackie, and at age 10, her brother Ed was born, completing the family. They resided on a farm on the East Side of Big Lake, and Sally attended schools in Sedro Woolley. At the age of 16, Sally married her high school sweetheart, Jim Kirkpatrick, and they established their first home in Sedro Woolley, Washington. She graduated from Sedro Woolley High School with the class of 1956 and commenced work at Glenn Allen Jewelers. Sally held various job roles subsequently, including working at The Sedro Woolley 88 Cent Store,...

John Dinkins (G'pa John) passed away on April 1st, 2024. He was born on July 22nd, 1942, in Sedro Woolley, WA to Gladys and Thomas Dinkins. John was a small man in stature but had the biggest heart ever ("don't tell anyone"). Family and friends were the most important part of his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved teaching his wife, children, and grandchildren his passion. John was an electrician by trade and a proud member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) until he retired in 2002. At the age of 81, John was proud to tell everyone that he was the oldest Dinkins man to live since his father and grandfather had passed at a much younger age. In his...

Robert Lewis Wittman, 86, of Anacortes, was called home to God on Sunday, March 24, 2024. His Graveside Service will be held 10 am on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Fernhill Cemetery in Anacortes, WA. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Onsite Crematory.

Full of warmth, creativity & the kindest spirit, Patti left us on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Patti was born on June 15th, 1940, in Burlington, Washington. Growing up in a small home next to Burlington-Edison High School, (a small park still sits behind where the home stood.) An only child, she was raised by her loving parents, Fred & Orpha Reinert. A wonderful childhood, Patti had many friends & fond memories of growing up in Burlington. She attended Catholic School, followed by Burlington-Edison High School, graduating in 1958. Patti married A.W. "Bill" Dynes on September 5th, 1959, at St. Charles Catholic Church. Son Michael was born in 1961, followed by Colleen in 1964....

Janet was born July 17, 1942, in Mount Vernon, WA. She was the third child born to Sigurd and Thordys (Rodvelt) Benson, joining older siblings, Jerry (Gerald) and Joyce. The family lived in Bow and Burlington, Washington and lived on a farm in both of those communities. A 1960 graduate of Burlington-Edison High School, Janet went on to Washington State University and earned a bachelor's degree with a major in Home Economics. After graduation Janet returned to Bow and worked at Skagit State Bank in Burlington. Janet married Gary Navert in 1971,( also a B-E HS graduate) and together their life took them many places and made many friends. Their son Philip was born in 1974, and as a family they...

John Gardener White, 90, of Anacortes, WA, passed peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Born in Canterbury, England, John studied mechanical engineering in London and worked in various manufacturing positions before emigrating to Canada with his wife Valerie and children Martin and Philippa in 1970. Combining his love of trains with his work, John pioneered the use of concrete railway ties in Canada and the US. Moving the business to the USA in 1987, he and Valerie lived in Virginia and Spokane and retired to Anacortes in 2000. John built an extensive model train display and enjoyed spending time on the ocean with his boat "More than Enough". Celebration of life to be announced at a later...

Joan Evelyn Brady (Leadbetter) passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024, in Poulsbo, WA, at the age of 89. She was born on June 19, 1934, Doe Bay, Orcas Island, Washington. Joan was a creative and accomplished artist, veterinary assistant, and school office assistant. She had a passion for art, gardening, family gatherings, agate hunting, quilting, and exercise classes. Her selfless and patient nature shone through in her many volunteer roles at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, WA, where she worshipped. She was very compassionate and gracious. She is survived by her loving children Amy Gelineau, Julie Allison, and Mike Brady, sons-in-law Grant Gelineau and Reid Allison III,...

"King" Isadore Tom III "Numuncet" 59 of Upper Skagit Tribe passed away March 18, 2024 in Bellingham, Washington. King was born March 12, 1965 in Bellingham to Margene and Isadore Tom Jr. King fought fires for the Upper Skagit Forestry Department and was a lifelong commercial fisherman; he enjoyed traveling around for stick games and loved his life in the winter months in the longhouse. He's survived by his siblings, Lawrence & Julianne Tom, Nancy Tom and David Spencer Jr.; daughter, Mary Henry and family members, Lawrence Ponyboy Tom, Myron Tom, Tyleen Tom and James Mathias and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann...

Ray William Bloom, 83, Anacortes, was born on 12/20/1940 to Robert William Bloom and Madeline Elizabeth (Wilton) Bloom in Mount Vernon, WA. Ray's lifelong interests started during his childhood in Skagit County, where family became friends and friends felt like family. Ray spent hours at and in the water. As a toddler he started fishing with his father. His grandmother encouraged swimming to occupy him while his mother worked, and he built his first boat in 9th grade shop class. After a year at Skagit Community College, he would go on to swim for WSU while earning an engineering degree. He was a commissioned officer in the US Navy SeaBees, serving two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return,...

Ronald Ralph Weaver, 81, passed away in Arizona on March 15, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. Ron was born on November 9, 1942, in Bellingham, Washington to parents Flores William and Eunice Gertrude Hazel (Small) Weaver, where he grew up and attended school and got his automotive degree. He later made his home in Skagit County, where he spent the rest of his life. For 45 years, Ron was in the automotive industry, as an auto body repairer and painter. He also owned his own business for 15 years, before retiring in 2007. In 1973, He met his wife, Terri, and they enjoyed 50 years together. She was his steadfast caregiver until the end. Ron was a train enthusiast from childhood...