Obituaries — May 22, 2024

Mary Jane Patton

April 29, 1939 – April 13, 2024

Daughter, Sister, Mother of 3, Grandmother of 6, and a Great-Grandmother-She was also a Cheerleader, Alpha Phi Sister, PEO Sister, Kindergarten Teacher for 30 years, and a Dear Friend to so many. Born in Missouri to Clarence and Helen Koeppe, both educators, she grew up in La Jolla, CA, where she attended The Bishop’s Academy and La Jolla High School. She then graduated from USC, where she met her husband Jim Patton and they established a family in the San Fernando Valley. Mary later established residences in La Jolla, CA and Sequim, WA, where she hosted numerous fun gatherings, and weekly family dinners. She was Very Loved, and will be Greatly Missed by all who knew her! “When I am forth, bid me farewell and smile.”

Barbara Jean Orr

October 22, 1946 to May 4, 2024

Barbara Jean Orr, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully in her

home in Sequim, Washington on Saturday, May 4, 2024 surrounded by family- both seen and unseen. She was the third of five children born to Nolan and Marjorie Jensen (both deceased), and was preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Jensen and three sisters, Nolene Palica, Camille Morris and LuAnne Spjute, whom she had lasting bonds with.

She began her life on October 22, 1946 and grew up in Brigham City, Box Elder County, Utah. She moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in the late 1960’s, where she met her incredibly supportive husband of 47 years, John Orr, who always reminded her that she had the ability to pursue any goals.

In 1979, Barbara graduated first in her class from California State University, Hayward, a testament to her unwavering dedication and academic prowess. She went on to become a certified public accountant, embarking on a successful career spanning over 25 years. Barbara’s exceptional skills and leadership abilities led her to the position of Chief Administrative Officer at Douglas Emmett (REIT), where she was instrumental in the company’s IPO process. She was a positive role model and actively encouraged other women to succeed through merit and hard work. Barbara was known for having a great attitude, was a prodigious worker, welcomed new challenges and kept her sense of humor intact throughout her career.

She and John retired and moved to Sequim, Washington in 2012, where they developed close ties within their community. Barbara will be remembered for her unwavering optimism, loyalty, deep love and commitment to family. She was an avid reader, did the New York Times crossword puzzle on a daily basis, enjoyed taking long walks with John and their cherished dogs, quilting, sewing, playing mahjong and card games and formed a wonderful group of neighborhood friends, who provided her with love, support and countless cherished memories.

Barbara is survived by her son, Todd (Jennifer) Thornley, daughter, Season (Jeff) Cain, granddaughters, (Chloe and Sierra) and niece Taryn (Colby) Salmon and family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all those lives she touched. She received wonderful care and support in her final days from Mareta “Ma” at Charlotte’s Care, and the family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to her. At Barbara’s request, no services will be held.

Sherrill Clajus

March 22, 1943 – April 18, 2024

Photo courtesy of Sherrill Clajus family / Sherrill Clajus

It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that we confirm our mother, 81 years, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2024. A wife to Carl Clajus, mother to daughter Joy (Jon) and son Rodney (Lisa). Grandmother to Sherrill, Katie, Nick and Garrett. Preceded in death by her father, mother and brother.