Obituaries

Avis Van Loan of Seattle passed away July 4, 2007, from heart disease.

She was born October 30, 1937, to Josephine and James Power in Duluth, Minnesota. She worked at her parent's photography studio while still in school. She graduated from Cathedral High class of 1955. During school she was in Drama and later joined a local theater group. Avis worked at Bridgeman's ice cream parlor for a few years, then attended St. Scholastica College in Minneapolis.

In 1961 she married and came to Seattle where her three children were born. The family moved to Houston Texas, in 1967.

Margaret L. Stanger, formerly of Delaware, died July 7, 2007. She was a resident of Wesley Homes in Des Moines.

She is survived by her son Charles and her daughter Nancy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip.

Our wonderful grandmother, sister, aunt and friend went to her heavenly home on July 6, 2007.

Betty was born November 16, 1916, in St. Paul, Minn., to Marie and Harry Greiwe. Early in her life the family moved to Tacoma where this very close-knit family of three girls and three boys was raised. Betty attended St. Patrick's Elementary and Aquinas Academy. The family was active in their church and community, laying the groundwork for Betty's lifelong dedication to giving back to her community.

Betty met the love of her life, Harold T.

Richard Henry "Rick" Anderson, C.P.M., R.P.A., a resident of Union, Wash., passed away peacefully at his home on Hood Canal on Friday, June 29.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Janet Reid Anderson.

Remembering Rick Reding July 1950 - June 2007, gay community activist, horticulturist, party giver, and friend, died June 22 while under treatment for leukemia. Rick will be remembered partly because he believed politics and causes were too important not to be fun. Rick served on the board of SEAMEC for many years. As a leader and board member for Tacky Tourist Clubs of America he made sure we had dates for the prom, places to bump in the night, and cruises that put the fairy in Seafair.

Gardens in Seattle and across the country bear Rick's stamp.

Kenneth Ray Jensen, February 21, 1956 - June 23, 2007. Kenneth Jensen, loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly June 23, 2007, at the age of 51, while camping with a friend at Mirror Lake. Ken was light-hearted, easy going and appreciated the simpler things in life. He enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was

hiking, camping, boating, fishing, or just relaxing. He was an expert hiker and left his footprints on many trails in Washington. He enjoyed golf and had a passion for photography.

January 4, 1923 - June 21, 2007

William Pritchow was born on January 4, 1923, in Chicago, Ill. At the age of 3 he and his mother moved to the west coast, starting in Eureka California and eventually ending up in the Seattle area in 1937. While living in Seattle, Bill attended Cleveland High School. Then in 1939 the family moved once again, this time to the Burien area. Bill transferred to Highline High School were he attended several years in anticipation of completing his senior year.

Inge Skarbo passed away on June 20, 2007, due to complications from multiple sclerosis.

He was born to Peter and Berit Skarbo on March 2, 1947, in Haramsoy, Norway, and came to the United States with his family in 1949. They settled in north Seattle, where Inge attended school and graduated from Ingraham High School. He served in the Army for three years, spending his overseas duty in Korea. He married Kathi Olson of Spokane in 1970 and began working in the family furniture business located in downtown Seattle.

Edward L. Blessing, 71 of Gold Canyon, Arizona, passed away on June 12, 2007 in Mesa. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 16, 2007 at Mtn. View Lutheran Church, Apache Junction, AZ. Arrangements were handled by Mtn. View Mortuary, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ.

Nell Ryder, 93, of Burien, passed away on June 13, 2007. Nell was born in Lisbon, N.D. on June 16, 1913, to Knute and Julianna Ringdahl. She graduated from Lisbon High School and Morehead State Teachers College in Minnesota.

She raised her children in Spring Lake Park, Minn. In 1961 she remarried and moved to Burien, bringing together two families. The focus of her life was this large family. She was a loving wife and mother, devoted grandmother and doting great-grandmother. Nell loved traveling, gardening and was an avid bridge player.