History of Blaine Washington, 1884-1959

Pioneers of peace - diamond jubilee anniversary, Blaine, Washington, 1884-1959

“History of Blaine Washington, 1884-1959” offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Blaine, Washington’s rich history and cultural heritage. Published in 1959 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Blaine, this book captures the essence of a community that has thrived on the principles of peace and cooperation. Situated in Whatcom County, Blaine’s unique geographical location near the Canadian border plays a pivotal role in its identity, an aspect vividly illustrated through the symbol of the International Peace Arch.

Cooke, Loise Mae Yocom – Obituary

Mrs. Lois Yocum Cooke, 86, a pioneer of the Colockum and Wenatchee Valley, passed away following a brief illness. Born on July 26, 1862, in Rochester, Minnesota, she moved to Ellensburg as a child and became one of the first school teachers in the Kittitas Valley. She married Edwin N. Cooke in 1880 and later homesteaded in Entiat. Mrs. Cooke is survived by one son and 18 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Jones and Jones Chapel, with burial in Wenatchee Cemetery.

Cooke, Claude Paul – Obituary

Funeral services for Claude Paul Cooke, 62, will be held at the Jones and Jones Chapel in Bellingham. Reverend George W. Pratt will officiate, with interment at Wenatchee Cemetery. Cooke passed away after a two-year illness. Born on July 4, 1882, in Ellensburg, he spent much of his life in the Colockum and Entiat areas before moving to the coast in 1937. He is survived by his wife, mother, two sons, six daughters, one brother, and eight grandchildren.

Boner, Nellie – Obituary

Memorial services for Nellie Boner were held on September 17, 1964, after her passing on September 14. Officiated by Rev. Douglas T. Field, the service took place at Bollman Chapel, with Luella Miller as organist. Nellie, born on October 27, 1887, in Bellingham, Washington, moved to Joseph as a child. She was a dedicated educator and long-time clerk at Ebens mercantile store. Predeceased by her husband George in 1935, she is survived by her son Harold and two brothers.

Wortman, Kathryn Dufur Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. J. W. Wortman (Kathryn Dufur) passed away unexpectedly on January 5, 1927, at a La Grande hospital following an unsuccessful appendicitis operation. Born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, on April 8, 1884, she moved west in 1901 and became a respected educator. After marrying John Wortman on June 30, 1910, they lived in Enterprise and Union, where both contributed to local education. She is survived by her husband and two children, with funeral services to take place in Union and burial in Enterprise.

Bonney, Richard Donald “Dick” – Obituary

Richard Donald “Dick” Bonney, 91, passed away on June 1 in Union, Oregon. Born on April 1, 1915, in Bellingham, Washington, he moved to Union as a child. A World War II Navy veteran, he married Gertrude Roberts in 1946 and enjoyed a life filled with fishing, hunting, and artisan crafts. A funeral service will be held on June 8 at the United Methodist Church, followed by burial at Union Cemetery. He is survived by numerous relatives. Memorials may be directed to the church.

Lockhart, Louise – Obituary

Louise Lockhart, 81, of Summerville, passed away on September 13 at Grande Ronde Hospital. Born on April 26, 1925, in Bellingham, Washington, she attended Pepperdine College and married Ray Lockhart in 1946. Louise worked as a purchasing agent at Eastern Oregon University and participated actively in church and community, including the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, daughter Christine Gabbert, sister Marjorie Bush, and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be arranged by Loveland Funeral Chapel.

Lee, Ruthella Chaplin – Obituary

Ruthella Chaplin Lee, aged 95, passed away on May 10, 1989, in Centralia’s Providence Hospital. Born on October 3, 1893, in Brownsville, Oregon, she was the daughter of Ralph and Sarah Chaplin. After attending Bellingham Normal School, she taught in the Chehalis School District until her marriage in 1917 to Virgin R. Lee, who died in 1986. Lee was a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of the St. Helens Club and Pioneers of Washington. She is survived by her son, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren.

Maxwell, Fronia Tracey Mrs. – Obituary

Fronia M. Maxwell, aged 94, passed away on March 5 at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Haines, where she had been a long-time resident. Born on October 19, 1897, in Bellingham, Washington, she moved to Haines in 1937 after living in several locations. Fronia married Wallace Maxwell in 1937 and worked as a cook for the Railroad crew and Haines School. She is survived by two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a sister. Graveside services were held on March 10 at Haines Cemetery.

Pellissier, James Richard “Jim” – Obituary

James Richard “Jim” Pellissier, 74, passed away on September 25, 2004, in Boise. Born on February 9, 1930, in Quincy, Washington, he grew up in Idaho and Washington before settling in Baker City in 1949. A U.S. Army veteran and business graduate, Jim worked in the lumber industry and later operated Pellissier Livestock Transportation. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, and their four children, along with other family members. His funeral service will be held on Friday, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Oldland, James Leonard, III – Obituary

James Leonard Oldland III, 76, passed away on March 7, 2003, in Central Point. Born on March 25, 1926, in Bellingham, Washington, he grew up in Coos Bay and graduated from Marshfield High School. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he later worked as a salesman for Kraft Foods and as a dispatcher for Arrow Transportation until retirement in 1983. He was an active community member, enjoyed outdoor activities, and cherished time with family. He is survived by his wife, son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Fullerton, Ava Marie Hopkins Mrs. – Obituary

Ava Marie Fullerton, aged 70, passed away on April 11, 2002, in Boise due to lung cancer. Born on December 29, 1931, in Lamar, Colorado, she grew up in Idaho and held various jobs throughout the state. Ava was married multiple times, most notably to Jim Fullerton. A memorial service will be held on April 27, with details forthcoming. She is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews across several states.

Piper, Virginia Lee Villager Mrs. – Obituary

Virginia Lee Piper, 80, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on November 18, 2001, at her home. Born on September 14, 1921, in Bellingham, Washington, she was raised in Los Angeles and married Frank Piper in 1945. Virginia worked for the Baker School District and was actively involved in community service, including 4-H and Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed quilting, bridge, and travel. Virginia is survived by her husband and two daughters, along with their families.