Leota Lotta Yocom, aged 72, passed away on August 31, 1980, following injuries from a car accident in Yakima. Born in 1898 in Tokio, ND, she was married to Chester Yocom, who predeceased her. An educator and practical nurse, she served in various locations, including Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. She is survived by her two sons, Chester and Lance, and three brothers. Her contributions to education and nursing are remembered.
Charles Max McKenzie, 84, passed away on August 17, 1986, in Edmonds. Born on December 8, 1901, in Omaha, Nebraska, he relocated with his family to Quincy and later to Kittitas Valley, where they farmed. McKenzie worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad from 1923 until his retirement in 1967. He was married to Ruth Barnhart in 1926, and they moved to Yakima in 1932, where he pursued various farming endeavors. He is survived by his wife, two sons, seven grandchildren, and siblings. Graveside services are scheduled at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg.
Chester Lee Yocom, born on December 31, 1892, in Ellensburg, Washington, passed away on November 1, 1974, in Seattle at age 81. He had a long career as a farmer near Wenatchee and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. After moving to Alderwood Manor and later Edmonds, he ran his own ranch until 1948, when he married Dorothy Zoellern. He is survived by his wife, three children, and several stepchildren and grandchildren. No services will be held, and donations are requested for Medic II of the White Center Fire Department.
Virginia “Ginny” Bertram Coen, 89, passed away on October 20, 2005, at her home near Baker City. A memorial jam session will celebrate her life on November 11, reflecting her passion for music. Born on November 11, 1915, in Toronto, she pursued degrees in early childhood development and had a notable career in education. After marrying RAF pilot Michael McPharlin, she later wed Oscar Coen, with whom she enjoyed ranch life in Baker City. Ginny was an active community member and advocate for the environment, leaving behind three daughters and several grandchildren.
Emily Irene Wiester, 88, of Issaquah, Wash., and formerly of Baker City, passed away on February 24, 2003. Born on January 26, 1915, in Prineville, Irene graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and worked as a dietetic intern. She married Harold Wiester in 1939, had three children, and worked as a caseworker in Baker City. The couple retired in Lake Havasu, Arizona, before returning to Washington in 1995. Irene is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
George Brackett, born in Canada East on May 22, 1842, moved to the United States in his youth, eventually settling in Maine before relocating to Wisconsin for lumber work. In 1869, he moved to Washington Territory, working in Pierce County and then Seattle. In 1872, he began logging on Salmon Bay and later established the town of Edmunds, named after a prominent statesman. A respected businessman and postmaster, he owns significant land in the area and has four children with his wife.