Michael Shannon Smith
Michael Shannon Smith of Port Angeles died of heart-related complications on Oct. 17, 2021, in Port Angeles.
He was 54.
Smith was born April 12, 1967.
A complete obituary with service information will be published at a later date.
Sign an online guestbook for the family at drennanford.com.
Gail Earl Elliott
May 17, 1924 – August 11, 2021
Gail Earl Elliott died peacefully on August 11, 2021 in Edmonds, WA. He was born May 17, 1924, in Ulysses, KS to William and Beatrice (Wolfe) Elliott. The oldest of seven siblings, Gail is survived by his daughter, Janet Elliott-Glanister and husband Christopher in Edmonds, WA, son Randall Elliott and wife Marsha with their daughters Kayla Enright and Hana Kent all in Portland, OR, second-youngest sister, Karen Harbour in Ulysses, KS, and many nieces and nephews. Gail’s beloved wife, Lillian preceded him in death in Sequim, WA in 2020 after 73 years of marriage.
Growing up in the Dust Bowl and Depression era, Gail was an original recycler and conservationist out of necessity and inspiration from the Native Americans in the Great Plains. Nothing went to waste in their household, from every bit of usable meat and fur from the game animals they hunted to repainting beloved toys to hand down to younger siblings. Gail continued to be a frugal man, passing down knowledge and stories to his family, teaching everyone how to make things last rather than toss and buy new.
Gail was drafted in the Navy during WWII with a cousin, uncle and his best friend. As an Aircraft Machinist’s Mate, First Class, Gail repaired airplanes in the Florida Keys, even during a hurricane. Gail returned home after the war to attend college on the GI Bill, something for which he was immensely proud. Graduating with a degree in Forestry and Land Management, the “flat lander” became a Forester in Colorado. Later he was transferred to New Mexico, Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho through his 31-year career with the Federal Government. Once retired Gail and Lil moved to Sequim, their longest and happiest residence (31 years).
Gail and Lil taught their children to love and respect the great outdoors, learning how to hunt, fish, camp, canoe and rubber boating in every state they lived. Gail loved to grow vegetables and fruit, often selling them at local farmer’s markets or giving them away to anyone and everyone he knew. No one grew larger or tastier zucchini than Gail!
Gail’s office was a testament to his love of the old West. As a child, Gail searched the Ulysses plains for arrowheads and wound up with an impressive collection from several states. He displayed animal skins, cowboy hats, antlers, guns, and knives and leather goods he made himself. He called himself a Westerner since he was never a “cowboy” by profession. He respected that difference and appreciated the romance of the era.
Gail wrote stories and poems about his life and adventures. While in Sequim he participated with a poetry group and has several poems published in their yearly booklets.
Gail was a member and greeter at Sequim Presbyterian Church for many years. He and Lillian later went to Trinity United Methodist Church.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held in Seattle at Bethany Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 23, 2021. A graveside gathering will be held in Sequim next spring or summer. Friends of Gail and Lillian are welcome to attend either or both, with more information on the latter to be obtained by contacting their daughter, Jan at jang@watchthesky.net. Please type “Gail and Lil” in the subject line.
Betty Ann (McComb) Brooks
May 25, 1930 – October 2, 2021
Betty Ann Brooks, of Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2021, with her family at her side. She was 91.
Betty was born May 25, 1930 in Sequim, Washington, to William and Ann (Simms) McComb. She grew up on the McComb Dairy Farm with her five siblings Bill, Roxy, George, Irene and Mary. In 1949, she graduated from Sequim High School.
She worked on the family farm most of her childhood and was responsible for milking sometimes more than 100 head of dairy cows, before and after school. She loved riding horses and attending school functions when possible.
She met and married Don Schlichting and together had five children, Donna (Dennis) Bugge, Susan Schlichting, Wanda Stark, Bonnie (Jack) Gallauher and Bill (Jamie) Schlichting.
Betty worked as a woo l presser for Sequim Cleaners for many years. She was an active member of the Eastern Star for more than 60 years and was also a member of the Grange and American Legion Auxiliary.
In 1972, she married Ray Higbee and resided in Dungeness until his death, losing him to an extended illness. Later, she married Tom Brooks and relocated to Tacoma, Washington, for several years, before moving back to Sequim to retire.
Betty is survived by her five children; 13 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Mom we will love and miss you always.
A Celebration of a Life Lived is planned for Spring of 2022 and will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Betty’s memory can be made to Disabled Veterans of America or to Children’s Hospital.
Please visit our online register book at sequimvalleychapel.com to leave treasured memories for the family.
Joanne Edna Shea
July 16, 1935 – October 8, 2021
Joanne Edna Shea, 86, peacefully passed away on October 8th, 2021, with family by her side at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington.
Joanne was born on July 16th, 1935, in Klickitat, Washington to Arthur and Bessie (McDonald) Judkins. She attended school in Port Angeles and graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, OR. She worked for Safeway for over 20 years as a cashier and retired from there. She was happily married to James Shea for almost 48 years. They would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on December 10th, 2021. They lived in Sequim together for over 40 years then relocated to Bremerton to be closer to family.
She will be remembered for her need to always help others, her kind heart, her love for sewing, crocheting, baking, traveling, for her commitment to God, and always being the strong-willed leader of the family. You were never hungry in her house and her Christmas cookies were well known with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, James Shea of Bremerton, WA. Three sons, Bill (Becky) Duncan, Tony (Veronica) Shea, and Jeff (Jill) Shea. Two daughters, Tonya (Larry) Merchant, and Tricia Hodges. She also has nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Family was everything to her.
Services for Joanne will be held on Friday, December 10th, 2021, at 12:00 pm at St. Michael Parish at 1055 Boundary St. SE in Olympia, WA. There will be a gathering immediately following with that location to be determined at a later date.
David William Dow
December 5, 1962 – October 5, 2021
David William Dow of Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully in his own bed with his sister, Mary Jane and friends by his side on October 5, 2021, from complications of Downs Syndrome. He was 58.
A Memorial Service will be held on December 5, 2021 (David’s 59 th birthday) at 3:00 PM at Eastern Hills Community Church in Carlsborg, WA.
David was born December 5, 1962, at McGuire Air force Base in New Jersey to parents Ross Albert and Irene Lucille (Senchyne) Dow.
David started his schooling when he attended kindergarten in a village in Kirchenarnbach, Germany, near Ramstein AFB, where his father, Ross was stationed at the time. Throughout David’s life, he would throw an occasional German word into conversation. When the family moved stateside, he attended Katherine Finchey Elementary School in Palm Springs, California. He was an active participant of Desert ARC in Palm Desert, California, and later Clallam Mosaic (the local organization that provides classes and activities for those with developmental disabilities) in Port Angeles, Washington.
David’s father spent his career in the Air Force, which fostered a passion of David, to be in the Marines, fly in the Air Force and attend Star Fleet Academy (Star Trek). He was also fascinated with Indiana Jones and John Wayne movies, and was heard to say, “Whiskey is good!”
He was a gifted artist and even sold some of his art in the desert, Becoming Independent of CA (when he lived for some years with his mother in Santa Rosa, California) and some here locally. David’s passion for singing gave him the privilege of singing his favorite song, Ave Maria at his church, where there would not be a dry eye in the house! He loved to talk about Jesus. His favorite sports were golfing (with his brother-in-law Bob Duncan) and bowling. He had fun competing in Special Olympics over the many years.
David loved attending anything that included Veterans. He believed himself to be a Veteran because of his dad. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in Palm Springs, California with his father. As a dedicated member of Special Olympics, he met the likes of Henry Winkler (The Fonz)) and other celebrities while competing in the desert or at UCLA was a highlight! He was thrilled to meet Farrah Fawcett when she would show up at tennis tournament fundraisers in the desert.
In later years, he enjoyed classes, dances and activities provided by Clallam Mosaic. He was ecstatic to be included in Night to Shine, the prom for those with developmental disabilities, which was started by Tim Tebow and is now worldwide. Often escorted by his nieces or one of their friends, bringing smiles beyond compare! Other interests and joys that delighted him to the end was when one would say “Happy Birthday” and “Merry Christmas”! Having a lit Christmas tree in his room all year was a big delight for David.
David is survived by his three sisters, Deborah (Tom) Dow Gallagher of Santa Rosa, CA, Suzanne (John) Hayden of Port Angeles, WA and Mary Jane Dow Duncan of Sequim, WA; his Nieces and Nephews, Evan (Emily) Dow Williamson and Bryce (Maddie) Dow Williamson of Santa Rosa, CA, Abinet Hayden and Netsanet Hayden of Port Angeles, WA, Alastair (Alec) Duncan and William Duncan, both of Seattle, WA, Danika (Mick) Duncan Dempsey of Ballina, Ireland, Clara (Frank Catelli) Duncan of Sequim, WA and his great niece, Mira Beatrix Duncan Dempsey (age 2) of Ballina Ireland. He was preceded in death by parents Ross and Irene Dow; grandparents, brother in-law Bob Duncan and a sister Nancy Janet Dow.
Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to Clallam Mosaic and mailed to Mary Jane Duncan, P.O. Box 87, Carlsborg, WA. Please write “building Fund” in the memo.
Sequim Valley Funeral chapel is honored to serve the family. (360) 683-5242. Please visit our online register book at sequimvalleychapel.com to leave treasured memories for the family.
Annalee Hermann
March 2, 1925 – October 19, 2021
Annalee Arlene Hermann age 96 passed away on October 19th, 2021. She was born on March 2, 1925 in Laramie, Wyoming the second daughter and third child of Lee and Anna Struble. She has been a resident of Sequim and Clallam County since 1947. She lived a long, full life at her rural home on Atterberry Road.
She had a happy childhood with her parents and siblings, surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. Riding horses and participating in 4-H programs. In 1943 with World War II raging, she graduated from high school and married Ward Ball. After the war, the couple started their family of six children: Sandy, Gayle, Julie, Kristy, R.T. and Gary. Divorcing in 1962, Annalee raised her family at the Atterberry Road stump ranch. In 1974 she married Trev Hermann. Trev passed away in 1998.
For seventy years she was a faithful member of the Trinity United Methodist church and a member of PEO Sequim chapter for fifty years. In 1947 she was a founding member of the Mt. View Homemakers extension club and still an active club member at her passing. Annalee loved growing flowers and vegetables, sewing clothes and baking cookies, pies and cakes. She exhibited her canning, cookies, cakes and sewing projects at the county fair for sixty nine years. Usually bringing home blue ribbons.
Retiring in 1987 and with her husband and travel trailer she visited the Pacific Ocean beaches and many of the states and Canada. Once she traveled to Alaska over the AlCan Highway. Her travels often included an accompanying grandchild.
Annalee is loved by her children, nieces, nephews, many friends, 22 grandchildren, over fifty great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren. Because of Covid a graveside service will be held for family members on Thursday – October 28th. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite local charity.
Verna Lou Lantrip
October 13, 1938 – October 8, 2021
Verna Lou Ruth Lantrip by God’s grace and because Lou made the decision to ask Jesus to forgive her of her sins and trust Him to save her, was able to go to Heaven on October 8th 2021. Just a few days before her 83rd birthday.
Lou was born October 13, 1938 in Yakima, WA. at St. Elizabeth hospital. Her father, William Horald Perkins was a WWII HERO (Bronze star, Purple heart, Gold star, Distinguished service cross.) He gave his life in the PI. Her mother was Ruth Etta Weller/Perkins who later remarried James Woodrow Wilson.
Lou was married to James Lonnie Lantrip in 1957 and they were blessed with three wonderful children.
Lou has one younger brother Fred Wilson who is married to his wife Elaine Wilson of Sequim, WA. With niece Amy, her husband Josh, and children. Yes, they were family, but also friends.
Lou lived in Yakima, Selah, Sequim, and Okagogan, WA. She worked most of her life as an “accomplished” book keeper to improve the quality of life for her daughter Debra Jane Heater of Utah and son Shannon Lee Lantrip of Washington. Lou is seeing again her second child Victoria Lynn Lantrip who God called home in 1965.
Lou lived a very simple life. She was a person WHO LEARNED TO ADAPT. She spent most of her life working for others, helping others, and making sure others were taken care of. She was a woman who tried to live for the Lord. In 1979, Lou made the decision to trust Jesus as her personal Savior. Lou tried her best to go to church, read her Bible, and APPLY what she could to guide her through life. Lou looked at the Bible as her instruction book to teach her how to live here on this earth.
After many years of living in older houses she was able to buy a brand new home. She worked many hours at her job to pay off the mortgage early. With making the decision to move to Okanogan, WA. To be closer to her son and family. She was able to retire and live off of her investments and retirement funds. Lou was able to live a happy, relaxed, and comfortable life with her son, daughter in law, and 4 grandkids. She also really enjoyed spending special time with her daughter Deb Heater, her four grandchildren, and 14 great grandkids from Utah.
A short memorial service will be held during the morning church service on October 31st at the Little Brown Church of Blyn, WA. This church is located just outside of Sequim, WA.
In Okanogan, WA. on October 30th upon the request from Lou, the memorial will be held at the Legion Park at 11 a.m. This is the place where she spent a lot of time eating a muffin and drinking her favorite coffee. Lou said she always enjoyed spending quiet time there alone. It was so peaceful for her.
Lou asked that her ashes be spread at the place she enjoyed spending time. She has also requested in “LOU” of flowers in Sequim, WA. She would like you to give a love offering to the Little Brown Church of Blyn, WA.
In “LOU” of flowers in Okanogan, WA. Please make a donation to the OK SNIP cat program.
If you would like to send a card…please send it to PO Box 668, Okanogan, WA. 98840.
Lou will be greatly missed. However her last words were…
“ I AM NOW WITH MY HEAVENLY FATHER.”
