All Obituaries

Dr. Laurence “Laurie” Dean Huestis, 83, of Tacoma died March 16, 2018. after a short illness. Laurie was born July 19, 1934, in Roseville, California, to Charles and Laura Huestis.  His interest in chemistry and rocks was encouraged by a special high school teacher and later by college professors who served as role models.  He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from UC Davis. He married Bonny in Auburn,...

Leopoldo “Leo” Ramon Martinez, Sr., 84 of University Place, WA, died on March 22, 2018 after battling illness. Born February 10, 1934 in Laredo, TX to Juan and Isabelle (Soto) Martinez Leo’s military career started in the Air Force 1951.  His assignments took him to several countries and states.  He married Margret Agnarsdottir in Iceland.  As their family grew, they were stationed in Texas, Oklahoma, Japan, Germany and again Iceland.  The...

Raymond Allen Booth, 87, of Graham died the morning of March 11, 2018.  He was born May 17, 1930 to Raymond and Irene Booth in Tacoma.  Ray lived in this area for 87 years.  He joined the Air Force in 1947 and was stationed in Labrador, Canada where he worked in logistics.  Ray married Ruth in 1950, and they had three children: Donald, Gloria, and Diana.  He went on to work as a truck driver hauling freight, and was a very proud Teamster.  Ray retired...

            Lisa Lynne Dow, 50, of Tacoma, was born July 26, 1967 in Wurtzberg, Germany and passed away on February 22, 2018 in Tacoma, Washington.  She is survived by her loving parents Gini (Dryer) and Tom Dow; loving daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Justin Sawyer; loving son Jake Zmiarovich; companion Ron Smith; grandchildren Zachiah, Abriella, Esaias, and Elisia; brothers Thomas Dow, Jr. and Travers Dow; and numerous...

Helen H. Roalkvam, 88 of Lakewood, WA died February 26, 2018.  She was born April 26, 1929 in Troy, ID to Walter & Melba Hanson.  Helen moved to Kennewick, WA as a child & attended Kennewick High School.  She graduated from Pacific Lutheran College where she met the love of her life, Ed Roalkvam and they were married June 27, 1953 at First Lutheran Church in Kennewick.  Helen enjoyed quilting, reading & most of all, her family & friends. An active...

            Kaethe Hermine Paulsen, 88, of Tacoma, was born May 23, 1929 in Risum, Germany and passed away on February 24, 2018 in Puyallup, Washington.  She was preceded in death by Peter, her beloved husband of sixty one years.  Kaethe enjoyed gardening, walking, cross country skiing, and bicycling.  She was an excellent seamstress and excelled at needlework.  Avid travelers, KT and Peter took many trips to Europe and Hawaii....

Grace Marilynn (Sunset) Lynch was born in Roseau, Minn., in November 1922, 4th daughter of Andrew and Hattie Sunset. She passed away on February 15, 2018 in Tacoma, WA. She attended school in Roseau and graduated High School in 1940. She graduated in 1941 from Teacher Training in Roseau and taught in rural schools in the county of Roseau for 3 years. During WWI she was a welder in a small shipyard in Portland, Oregon for 1 ½ years and earned her way through Minnesota School...

Vern Binder, better known as Johnny, 79, passed away on February 3rd, 2018 at his home in Arlington, Washington. He was the husband of Nancy Mashburn Binder. They shared 57 years of marriage together. Born September 18, 1938 in Sunnyside, Utah, he was the natural son of Fame & Tressie Price and the adopted son of Vern and Lavinia Binder.  He attended Saint Leo’s and Fawcett Elementary schools and Stewart Middle School in Tacoma, WA. After school he joined the U.S....

Patricia Shea Showalter 10/29/1947- 2/6/2018 Patricia Shea Showalter 10/29/1947- 2/6/2018 Patricia Shea Showalter, a long time resident of Tacoma, died on February 6, 2018. She was born on October 29, 1947 to Daniel and Lillie Showalter in Eugene, OR. Patricia loved her family, church and animals. She was a...

Clyde L. Brotherton Sr. 1942 Jan. 31, 2018 Born in Wichita, KS, moved to WA state in 1958 as a 16 year old kid to work during the summer at the request of his older brother. That summer came and went but not Clyde, Washington state became his home. After graduating from F.W. West in Chehalis, and a 4 year enlistment in the Air Navy, Clyde joined the Laborers Union located in Tacoma, WA. Retiring after 30 years in 2000, Clyde's focus was family, his old cars, and all sorts of events...