Obituaries

Karen Thuen was born February 28, 1907 in Skjaak County, Norway and passed away January 22, 2006 in Seattle. Karen left Norway in 1929 to marry her childhood sweetheart, Sigurd Thuen on January 2, 1930 in Vancouver, B.C. Four months later they settled in Seattle where they enjoyed 53 years of marriage until his death in 1983.

Karen was a Life Member of the Sons of Norway and spent many active years as a member of Southwest Garden Club, St. James Lutheran Church, Senior Center of West Seattle and First Lutheran Church of West Seattle.

Melba Francis Pike, A much-loved mother and grandmother died peacefully on January 25, 2006 at age 88. Melba was born in Dillon, Montana, May 14, 1917 to Don and Beth Francis. She had one sister, Della. Melba married Gerald Zebarth in 1937 and had two sons, Donald and Gary. Later, she remarried Verne Pike and in 1948 moved to Seattle where she and Verne had a son, LaVerne. They lived in White Center for 50 years. Melba spent most of her life as a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her son, Donald and her husband, Verne. Melba was always willing to serve where there was a need.

May 20, 1925 - January 16, 2006

Ron was born in Tacoma, Washington, raised in the Yakima Valley. In 1944 he moved to Seattle where he lived for 41 years. Ron was active in the Steelhead Trout Club, Boy Scots and Eagles.

Ruth Irene Lofthus was born on March 26, 1910 in Adams, North Dakota and passed away on January 21, 2006 in Kirkland, Washington. Funeral services were at 3 p.m. on January 28, 2006 at forest Lawn funeral Home in Seattle.

Born July1, 1920, passed away January 23, 2006 at Mount St. Vincent, Seattle, Washington. Stan was a US Army veteran of WWII and resident of West Seattle since 1951. Stan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Teri; Children Jim Koziel (Betty), Kay Frederiksen (Glenn), Carol Lohrman (Jon), and Chuck Koziel (Jerri); Eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. A Viewing was held at the Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home, 3909 SW Alaska St, West Seattle, from 5-7 pm on Thursday, January 26. A Rosary followed the Viewing at 7 pm.

Esther, 80, passed January 22nd after a stroke three days prior. Born to German immigrants in Chicago. Married Alvin Chrisman in 1946, moving to Seattle where he worked as a Boeing engineer. Active in PTA, Assoc. for Childbirth Education, Seattle Art Museum volunteer, and 50 years at Fauntleroy Community Church (UCC). Enjoyed traveling, photography, hiking and bridge. Survived by Paula (Jim) Oas, Carol (Curtis) Troll and Neil (Carolyn) Chrisman, nine grandchildren and sister Violet (Bob) Halleman. Proceeded in death by Alvin in 1988.

Eleanor B. Downing, 86, a retired Highline School District employee, passed away on Jan. 21, 2006.

She is survived by a sister; and her four sons, Bert of Kirkland, Roger of SeaTac, Mark of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Phil of San Diego, Calif.

Services were held at Crista Nursing Center in Seattle on Saturday, Jan. 28.

At the age of 92, Fred passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2005. He was a man of few words with a heart of gold. Those who knew him will always remember his gentle smile and generous nature.

Born in Kimball, North Dakota on Feb. 24, 1913, Fred moved out west as a young child with his family and settled in Washington where he loved the moderate climate and beautiful scenery.

Richard "Dick" G. Baker, 77, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2006, in Seattle.

Dick is survived by his brother Dean and his wife, Marilyn Baker, and sisters Belle Thompson and Irla and her husband Lester Thompson, and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his sister Janet Collins.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, SeaTac. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.

Edris L. Halvorson, 81, a long-time Des Moines resident, died Jan. 22, 2006.

Survivors include her children, Phyllis (Ray) Beazizo, Don (Charlotte) Halvorson, Sue (Ron) Schriner, Janise (Bill) Drisdow and Nancy (Adrian) Johnson, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-granchildren.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, at Kent Covenant Church under the direction of Marlatt Funeral Home of Kent.