Francis M. Gowen, a 72-year-old dairyman and farmer from Chehalis, passed away unexpectedly at his home. Born in Minnesota in 1869, he moved to Lewis County in 1893 and was an active member of the Grange and Modern Woodmen. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, two sons, four daughters, a sister, and five grandchildren. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at the John W. Boone Chapel, with burial to follow at Claquato.
George W. Ormsby, 85, formerly of Nampa, passed away on June 10, 1986, in Olympia, Washington. Born on September 30, 1900, in Iowa, he married Edith Roberts in 1924 and worked for the Pacific Fruit Express, retiring in 1945. He later operated a dairy ranch in Oregon and a grocery store in Winlock, Washington. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday at Fissel Chapel, followed by burial at Claquato Cemetery.
Naoma Roach, aged 80, passed away at her home in Chehalis on Saturday. Born on November 3, 1880, in Mt. Vernon, Oregon, she had lived in Chehalis for 24 years and previously resided in Onalaska. A member of a non-denominational church, she is survived by three daughters, three sons, three brothers, 15 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at Bonne Mortuary, with burial in Claquato Cemetery.
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.
Merle Alta Layton, a lifelong resident of Lewis County, passed away at the age of 70 on May 8, 1966, in a Chehalis hospital. Born January 19, 1896, in Clatskanie, Oregon, she is survived by her three daughters, a son, and numerous half-sisters, stepsisters, grandchildren, and extended family. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel in Toledo, with interment to follow at the Toledo Cemetery.
Mrs. Lulu M. Layton, 77, of Toledo, passed away on April 3, 1952, in a Chehalis hospital after a brief illness. Born on October 13, 1874, in Vermillion, S.D., she had lived in Toledo and Lewis County since 1889. She is survived by seven daughters, one son, a brother, and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at Toledo Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 3 p.m., followed by interment at Lone Hill Cemetery in Layton Prairie.
Elias P. Layton, a long-time resident and pioneer of Lewis County, passed away on April 12 at the age of 79 in Chehalis. Born on May 16, 1872, at Layton Prairie, he dedicated his life to farming and community service. He is survived by his wife Maggie, their son Ernest, three daughters, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all residing in Toledo. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday at the Toledo Presbyterian Church, followed by interment at Layton Prairie.
Gerhardt Adolph Penner, 88, passed away on January 2, 1979, in a Kirkland nursing home. A Lewis County resident from 1923 until 1977, he was born on March 26, 1890, in Port Orchard. Penner worked as a salesman for Darigold and a custodian for local schools. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Chehalis and was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey, in 1978. He is survived by his children, brother, and sisters. Services will be held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
Lora Myrtle Eells, known as Polly, died on August 1, 1958, at the age of 77 in Chehalis, where she had lived her entire life. Born on January 28, 1881, in Toledo, she is survived by her grandson, Gordon Anderson, in California, and a nephew, Wallace Champ, in Winlock. Her funeral services took place at Boone Chapel, led by Rev. Fred T. Lucas, with burial at Winlock Cemetery.
Gus Anderson, a prominent hop grower from southwest Washington, passed away at 65 on January 4, 1936, at his home in Klaber. Born in Hallsberg, Sweden, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1893 and spent 26 years in the region. He notably served as superintendent of the Herman Klaber Company’s hop yard, the largest in Washington. Anderson is survived by his wife, Lora, and son, Gordon. His funeral was held at Fissell Funeral Home, with burial at Winlock Cemetery.
Edith Pearl Ormsby, a resident of Kent for four years, passed away on August 11, 1994, at the age of 90. Born on July 28, 1904, in Pine, Idaho, she married George William Ormsby in 1924. The couple lived in several locations in Idaho and Washington, primarily running a dairy ranch. A devoted homemaker and gardener, she was an active member of Calvary Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her three children, sisters, and several grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at Claquato Cemetery.
William M. Urquhart, born on December 22, 1855, near Napavine, Washington Territory, worked on his father’s farm until adulthood. He became a successful merchant in Chehalis after leaving his father’s store in 1880, establishing one of the largest businesses in Lewis County. Urquhart served as county treasurer for eight years and was postmaster for six. A prominent member of a pioneer family, he was known for his character and contributions to the community. His recent death was a significant loss to his family and the community.