All Obituaries

Elizabeth “Bette” Bjarnason, age 89 passed away suddenly Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at her home in Bellingham.  Bette leaves behind her loving husband of 72 years Ron; her son, James (Sandy); daughter, Kat; grandchildren, Jina and Brandon and 1 great grandson Preston.  Bette will be missed until we meet again.  At her request there will no service.  

Gertrude Vander Haak Statema, 93, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 14, 2019. Gertrude was born on March 7, 1926 to Peter and Alice Meendering in Middleburg, Iowa. She married Lawrence Vander Haak in 1946, and together they raised four children, Larry (Janice), Bob (Joan), Gayle (Howard) Mouw, and Brian (Bette). After Lawrence passed away in 1972, Gertrude continued to work at the Christian Health Care Center and in the nursery at St. Joseph’s hospital. In...

Maverick John Kanis was born October 5th 2019. His Heavenly Father called him home October 4th 2019.  Although Maverick’s life was shorter than most, in the 39 weeks he was living, he was and continues to be loved more than the waves in the ocean. His life from the day he was conceived was full of excitement from his movements in the womb to thoughts about the life he would lead after birth. Maverick was always on the go just like his mommy. He spent his days kicking, jumping, and...

Thomas (“Tom”) Luther Rhone, our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend (affectionately known as “Daddo”, “Gpa”, and “Rhino”) went home to his Lord and Savior on the morning of October 6, 2019, in his home he so dearly loved for over 34 years. On Friday, October 25, a memorial service will be held at 3 PM at Northlake Community Church, 1471 E. McLeod Road, Bellingham, WA. In honor of Tom’s love for the Washington State...

Sid Fekkes, of Everson, passed away on October 3, 2019, at the age of 66 at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham after a short illness. Sid was born to Fred and Shirley Fekkes on November 25, 1952 in Holland. When he was only three months old, his family immigrated to California.  Sid grew up in California and then moved to Kent, Washington in 1969 with his family.  There he graduated from Auburn High School in 1972.  After high school, Sid began working on his family’s...

Ernst Wilhelm Hirt, beloved child of God, entered life eternal, Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the age of 85.  He was born on October 18, 1933 to Albert and Hedwig Louise Hirt in Prussia.  He was raised in a family of ten children. Ernst arrived in New York from Germany in 1956, speaking only German and sponsored by the Baptist Church.  He settled in New Jersey, married Louise and they had two children.  Ernst retired from the Lakewood Public School District, as a...

Robert E. Martin, 77, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2019 after a long visit from Alzheimer’s. He exited the world peacefully and with grace, surrounded by the love of his family along with the caring and gentle staff at Silverado Bellingham Memory Care where he was adored. Bob was born on December 6th 1941 in Bowbells, North Dakota to parents Royal and Anna Martin. He was the 9th of 10 children. Bob attended Bowbells Highschool where he was the salutatorian of his class. He met...

Marilyn “Mickey” Weatherby, age 85, of Ferndale passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 at home.  She was born November 23, 1933 to parents Arthur Damon and Cora Rebecca (Hawkins) Weatherby.  Mickey graduated from Bellingham High School in the class of 1951.  She was preceded in death by her son Gerald “Jerry” Wisbey, her brother Damon Weatherby, and sister Corrine Fredlund.  Mickey is survived by her daughters Kelli Wisbey and Cindy Wisbey-Butler,...

Karen Lucille Flaherty, age 62 of Ferndale, passed away September 30, 2019 after a courageous 11 month battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer. She was born on August 18, 1957 to Frank and Glenister Dews in Nashville, Tennessee, where they resided before relocating to Whatcom County.  Karen graduated from Ferndale High School in 1975, the same year she was crowned Miss Whatcom County. She went on to share her vocal talents as the lead singer of a band before embarking on a 34-year career...

Glenn Roy Andrus, age 85, of Custer passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 in Bellingham.  He was born April 16, 1934 in El Dorado, Kansas to parents Roy Justus and Mildred Colleen (Sparks) Andrus. Glenn served in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant after 19 years of services to his Country.  A more complete obituary will be posted soon.