George F. Ansley
August 19, 1927 - January 16, 2023
An August 13 Celebration of Life has been set in Port Townsend for the late George F. Ansley, who passed away January 16, 2023, at age 95. He was a former Boeing engineer and had lived in Port Townsend for more than 30 years.
George was born Aug. 19, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Frank and Helen (Green) Ansley.
In 1951 he graduated from Goddard College in Vt., with a degree in natural science. In 1953 he married Jane Braham, a college classmate. They moved to Washington and settled near Issaquah, where they raised four children. Jane was a teacher and counselor. George specialized in non-destructive testing of aircraft components during his 30-year career.
In retirement, the couple moved to Port Townsend in 1991, where George's chief interests were salmon fishing, tending his large garden, and introducing his grandchildren to natural science. He also helped repair bicycles as part of the Blue Bills service group.
After Jane's death in 2018, George remained at the family home, accompanied to the end by his cat, Ginny.
He is survived by his children -- David, Joyce, Barbara and Darel -- as well as four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Friends and acquaintances are invited to join the Aug. 13 memorial service. For details on time and location, please phone Barbara at (509) 607-2367.
Marvin H. Ackerman
June 30, 2023
On June 30 our dad completed his life's journey in Shelton.
Dad was born in 1934 in Volt, Mont. to Gottlieb and Christina. His family later migrated to the little town of Quilcene, Wash. where he grew up on the family farm with his 12 brothers and sisters. Dad graduated Quilcene High School in 1953 and started his long career life.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army, spending a short time in Germany before returning home to work in the logging industry. Dad drove a logging truck for many years before becoming a diesel mechanic, welder, business owner and jack of all trades. Because of his work, he made many long-lasting friendships.
Dad is survived by only three of his siblings: his older sister, Tillie Springer, youngest sister, Betty Jane Singleton, and youngest brother, Elmer. He is also survived by five of his six children: Lori Ackerman (Dave Clevenger), Kelli Root (John), John (Sandra), Jimmie (Leila) and David (Maria). His daughter Louise Bennett and his wife Terry, preceded him in death. Marvin has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandcildren. As one of 13 siblings, he also has numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dad lived a very long life of 88 years, was loved by many and will surely be missed by all.
His Memorial service will be held on Aug 12th at 1pm at the Masonic Temple in Quilcene.
John Robert Barlow Jr
June 17, 2023
John Robert Barlow Jr. passed away June 17, at St. Peter’s Hospital from what began with undiagnosed diabetes. John Robert Jr. is survived by his parents John and Connie of East Olympia, and sons John III, Nicholas, Brandon, his nephews Xavier and Makhi Odoms and his sisters, LaVay Odems, M’Lee Barlow and Reola, and Marty Loonis.John boasted about “my three sons.” He loved astrology and history and family were very important.
He provided care for his 107-year-old grandmother Lola Bowen-Stancil and relief when anyone needed help with a project. John graduated from Chimcaum, Wash., and worked as an oiler and a safety officer at Widco Mines for 25 years. He recently worked for Washington State for the past 15 years. As a consummate outdoorsman, John enjoyed spending his leisure time hunting and fishing. John loved to involve his family in group gatherings and took on the role of master chef, always saying, ‘It just needs a little more seasoning.’ John supported his sons and nephews in their sports and adventures. John had a drive to teach anyone how something worked. He was quick to tell a joke or reminisce. John will be missed. Services will be held at Forest Grove Cemetary, Tenino, Wash. Aug 5 at 11 a.m.
Matthew Lee Caldwell
May 14, 1958 - May 9, 2023
Services will be held for Matthew “Coach” Lee Caldwell on Saturday, August 5, at St. Marys’ Star of the Sea at 1335 Blaine Street in Port Townsend. The rosary will take place at 10:40 am and the funeral mass will begin at 11 am.
A reception will follow at noon in the church hall. Please bring your favorite stories and fondest memories of Matt to share. Cemetery inurnment will be at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4299 San Juan Avenue, Port Townsend.
Verna Francis Munn
August 18, 1929 - May 22, 2023
In loving memory Verna Francis Munn, 93, who passed away May 22.
Verna was born to Clarence Verne Rice and Velma Lavina Rice in Whittier, Calif., where she grew up with her brother Roland and sister Elsie.
She was a graduate of SPU and UW Nursing School specializing in OB-GYN. During these years she met Hector John Munn Jr. They married on June 12, 1953.
She spent most of her life in Newberg, Ore. with her husband, Hector, where they raised two boys, Jim and Bruce.
Verna loved her work as an OB-GYN Nurse at Newberg Community Hospital, Verna not only helped deliver most of the babies in Newberg, but also their baby’s babies for over 20 years! Her hobby was making beautiful wedding cakes for family and friends.
After retirement, Verna and Hector studied the French language in Belgium and then travelled to Kigali Rwanda Africa as missionaries several times to help build schools. After Africa, they moved to Port Townsend.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband Hector John Munn Jr., her sister Elsie Seese and daughter in-law Sandra Lynn Munn. She is survived by sons James Hector Munn (Sheryl) and Bruce Stewart Munn (Susan), brother Roland Rice of Santa Ana, Calif. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Verna asked that her ashes be placed next to her husband Hector in the Quilcene Cemetery. A private service for the family will be held in Quilcene on August 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. reception to follow.
The family would like to thank the staff at Friendsview Manor for Mom’s incredible care in her later years.
Joe Rutter
A Celebration of Life for Joe Rutter will be held on Saturday, July 29, from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Port Townsend Vineyards, 2640 W Sims Way. We invite you to bring stories and memories of Joe. Please RSVP to Maria at (415) 999-5184.
Matthew Lee Caldwell
May 14, 1958 - May 9, 2023
Services will be held for Matthew “Coach” Lee Caldwell on Saturday, August 5, at St. Marys’ Star of the Sea at 1335 Blaine Street in Port Townsend. The rosary will take place at 10:40 am and the funeral mass will begin at 11 am.
A reception will follow at noon in the church hall. Please bring your favorite stories and fondest memories of Matt to share. Cemetery inurnment will be at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4299 San Juan Avenue, Port Townsend.
Ralph Henry Williams
February 21, 1932 - June 29, 2023
Ralph Williams, 91, passed away at a memory care facility in Viroqua, Wis. on June 29, 2023. He lived in Port Townsend for more than 50 years. A full obituary will be published at a later date.
