Zola Mae O’Dell
Zola Mae O’Dell of Sequim died of cancer at home on Dec. 2, 2021.
She was 82.
O’Dell was born July 22, 1939.
An obituary will be printed in a later edition.
Ray I. Frederick
Ray I. Frederick of Sequim died in Port Angeles on Dec. 9, 2021.
He was 75.
Frederick, U.S. Air Force (ret.), was born Dec. 27, 1945.
At his request, no services will be held.
He will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.
Sign an online guestbook for the family at drennanford.com.
Donna Elizabeth Hutchinson
1945 – 2021
Donna Hutchinson (76) of Buckeye, Arizona passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 28. She is survived by her sons Peter (Tina), John, and Paul (Stephanie); Sister Gail (Bob); Brothers Ray (Libby), Peter (Cindy); 10 grand-children; and one great grandchild. Preceding her in death were her husband Jeffrey Hutchinson; mother, Elizabeth (Owens) Monuteaux, Father, Lawrence Monuteaux; brother, Lawrence and sister Cheryl.
Donna was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1945. Her father Larry was in the U.S. Army during WW2 so she lived in various places around the US and world growing up including Buffalo, NY, Japan and Germany. She greatly enjoyed the opportunity to experience different cultures around the world. She graduated high school from Holy Angels H.S. in Ballard. She then went on to nursing school at St. Joseph’s nursing school in Tacoma, Wa and graduating with a B.S. in nursing from the University of Washington. Later she obtained a M.S.N. from Seattle Pacific University.
Donna married the love of her life, Jeffrey Hutchinson on April 16, 1966 at Ft. Lewis Army Post Church. Together they had three sons; Peter, John and Paul. The family lost Jeff to cancer in 1974 and Donna raised her boys herself from then on. The caring for and raising of her boys was Donna’s mission in life.
Family and her Caltholic faith were the most important things to Donna. She loved to travel, especially to Los Cobos, Mexico. She was an avid reader, knitter, walker, eucharistic minister, volunteer and artist. She was passionate about sports, especially the Seattle Seahawks.
Donna had a magnetic personality with a wonderful sense of humor and loved to play jokes as much as she could. Her contagious laugh and love of life will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her favorite quote was from the late Tony Snow: “God doesn’t promise tomorrow; He does promise eternity.”
Service to be held December 23rd, 1pm at Snohomish Faith Church, 1220 22nd St., Snohomish, WA 98290
She will be laid to rest at a later date at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Federal Way, WA.
Frank Castro
May 9, 1949 – December 5, 2021
Frank was very well known in the Sequim biking community and along the Discovery Trail. He was friendly to everyone and always had a comment for those he met along the Trail. Many will remember him for his outgoing personality and quirky sense of humor. We lost a bright light.
Betty Ann Hughes
February 10, 1936 – November 14, 2021
Betty Ann Hughes, age 85, of Sequim, WA, died at home on November 14, 2021. She was born February 10, 1936 to Ralph and Nellie Bosworth in Getchell, WA.
Betty grew up in Getchell and moved to Seattle when she married Elmer in 1954 where they raised two children. Once retired, Betty and Elmer retired to Quilcene, WA and became active members of the Quilcene Bible Church and the Wilderness Northwest Camp. Her kind, loving, faithful spirit made anyone feel welcome and appreciated in her presence. Her greatest joy and source of pride was her children, grandchildren, church, and helping others.
Betty is survived by her children: Bill (Bev) Hughes, Diane (Mike) Porter; four grandchildren: Erin Hughes, Jason Hughes, Kendra Luwe (Porter), and Austin Porter. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Elmer C. Hughes.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Saturday, December 18th at Noon at Faith Baptist Church, 7652 Old Olympic Highway (P.O. Box 3936), Sequim, WA. Honoring her wishes, in lieu of flowers, church donations may be made in her name.
Betty Jane Nicholson
1927 – 2021
On November 30, 2021, we lost our mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Born in 1927, in Forest County, Pennsylvania, Betty Jane Nicholson, was the oldest of five children to Frank and Wilda Watson. She leaves behind three children, Larry, David, and May Nicholson, seven grand children, and two daughters-in-law. She also leaves behind a devoted brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ruth Watson of Middleton, Maryland. Betty had a thirst for adventure and a desire to participate in the world, living in Venezuela, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Indonesia. She was truly a pioneer of her time.
Betty obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1948 from The State Teachers College at Clarion and a Masters of Education in 1951 from Pennsylvania State University Upon graduating from college, Betty landed a job in Venezuela teaching elementary school. After a few years in Venezuela, she taught school in Saudi Arabia. There she met her late husband, Lorne Nicholson who was an electrician. In 1960 Betty married Lorne and became a wife and mother to three. They continued to live in Indonesia until 1975.
In 1975 her family left Indonesia and moved to Sequim for one year and then Port Angeles and founded Port Angeles’ first school based on the teachings of Maria Montessori. Betty believed in equal access to education. She refused to raise the tuition even when her wait list doubled thanks to her teaching expertise. She insisted all socio-economic classes ought to be able to afford the best education available. Instead, she brought in a partner, Sudie Mason, who quickly became her trusted collaborator. Together they provided the children of Port Angeles a truly successful start to their educations. Betty’s sphere of influence continues to be felt in this world.
She believed strongly in financial independence. She used tea bags twice and never bought anything new when she could procure it used. She combined this natural frugality with a keen intellect and became a brilliant and self-taught stock market wizard. Even though widowed forty years ago and left with three children to raise on her own, she provided amply for her family and made significant financial contributions to this community.
As a 25-year-old she saw the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the hills of Venezuela. As a 45-year-old she flew to Taiwan and adopted a 2-month-old daughter. As a 70-year-old she sailed the waters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and hiked the jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand. As an 80-year-old she negotiated a “deal” on dental work in Tijuana, Mexico. And as an 85-year-old she fished the waters of the Amazon River in Maunas, Brazil.
She was a devout Christian and community volunteer. She was deeply engaged with the United Methodist Women’s Group, The Philanthropic Educational Organization, the Over the Hill Hiker’s Club, charities in Africa, and many other community-based organizations.
An avid walker and hiker, Betty was often seen walking up Laurel Street every day between the United Methodist Church and her home. She made the community better by her commitment to children, her service in all endeavors, and her financial donations. She was the best role model anyone could ask for. She sparkled most when educating young children, exploring distant lands, and hiking the back trails of the Olympic National Park. Despite her humble, understated, and sometimes stoic, exterior, there was never a more caring, giving, independent and capable woman. She was, as they say, “loved by many and respected by all.” We will miss her forever.
Special thanks to Kat Osborne, a wonderful roommate and dear friend, who lived with Betty for over seven years making it possible for her to live an independent and fulfilled life.
Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 110 E 7th Street, in Port Angeles on Sunday, December 19 at 1:00pm. Reception to follow. Please bring proof of vaccination and masks required.
