Category: Obituaries

Ruth Fay Howlett Ruth Fay Howlett, was born October 9, 1982 to Billy and Linda Zackuse and went to join her ancestors, October 11, 2019. Ruth loved fishing with her Dad, gambling, hanging out with her friends, taking her kids out, going for walks, and watching the Seahawks. She worked at the Tulalip Bingo, Arby’s, and Wendy’s. Ruth leaves behind her parents; children, Brianna, Steven, Tony, Aaliyah, and Lola. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Ruth Zackuse; sister, Lydia, uncle, James Zackuse, cousin, James Zackuse Jr., cousin, Josh Spencer, as well as other aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be missed dearly but never forgotten by loved ones. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 1-2pm at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. Interfaith services will be 6pm at the Tulalip Gym. Funeral services will be October 17, 2019 at 10am at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Milton Floyd Childers left our side to be with the Lord on June 18, 2019. Milt lived, loved, and worked on the Tulalip reservation for many years. We will miss him deeply.

Submitted by Barbara Lowe

May 29, 1964 – Sept. 5, 2019 Gail Morris, born May 29, 1964 in Tacoma, WA, passed away on September 5, 2019 in, Tulalip, WA. Gail loved to travel with her cousin Ronnie, spending time seeing rivers, oceans, and mountains. She especially loved animals, spending time in her garden, family reunions, and family home visits. Gail loved local outings such as going to Deception Pass, Mount Baker, and Point Defiance. She loved to give back – often making care packages and donating to animal charities. She was a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes. Gail is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Paul Morris; father, Beaufort Paul “Pinky” Lavelle; grand-parents, Matthew and Amanda Paul; loving aunts, uncles, cousins; and her pet, Gemini. She is survived by her brother, John Morris; sisters, Joan Morris and Donna Bob; cousin/brother, Ronnie Ancheta; aunts, Donna Paul and Katherine “Chickie” Paul; special cousin, Sharon DeFevers; niece, Casey May Morris; numerous cousins; and loving dog, Coco and cat, Boo. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Celia, Charita, Abigail, Brisa, Paz, and Kathryn for taking such good care of her. Special thank you to Les Parks for all his help and supporting the family. Funeral services will be September 12, 2019 at 10am at the Tulalip Tribal Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Ricky Marlon Spencer April 13, 1957 – Sept. 5, 2019 Richard “Rik” Marlon Spencer was born on April 13, 1957 to Richard and Violet Spencer in Everett, WA, and passed away September 5, 2019 in Tulalip, WA. Rik loved to spend time beading, playing bingo, collecting coins and sports cars, and commercial fishing. He also loved fighting fires. Rik would also dedicate his time to supporting ceremonial activities and helping families. Rik is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Spencer II and Violet Napoleon; sister, Viola Cheer; brothers, Clifford Paul Spencer, Richard Spencer III. Rik is survived by his brother, John Harvey Sr; sisters, Teena Muir and Jennifer Stanley, as well as numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be a gathering on September 10, 2019 at 1pm at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. There will be an Interfaith service at 6pm that same evening at the Tulalip Tribal Gym. Funeral services will be September 11, 2019 at 10am at the gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

SEPTEMBER 14, 1949 – AUGUST 11, 2019

Jeannette Jean Williams, 69 of Tulalip, went to be with the Lord on August 11th 2019. Jeannette was born September 14th 1949 in Yakima, to Leo and LeValla Charles. As a young girl, she was always smiling and loved helping in any way she could, especially cooking. She met the love of her life, Henry, got married and shortly after moved to British Columbia, where she became a stepmother to his daughters. After Henry passed away in 1994, she moved back to Tulalip to care for her mother and be closer to her family. Jeannette was well known for her gift of crocheting and her love of playing bingo. Her favorite past time was just being around family, especially watching her Mariners and Seahawks games.

Jeannette is preceded in death by her husband Henry Williams; her parents Leo and LeValla Charles; brothers, Leo and Joseph; sister LeValla Charles; grandparents George and Madeline Johnny and Nora and Pete Dillon; stepdaughter Lita and numerous cousins and friends.

Jeannette is survived by her sisters, Rose Charles, Virginia Charles, Madeline Adams; brother George Charles; special nephews William Burchett Jr.(Katherine), Joseph Charles, special niece Rosemary Valencia(Roberto); very close great-nephew Desmond, and very close great-nieces Faith, Arielle, and Priscilla; close cousins Mildred, Vivian and Bobby and numerous friends and family.

Visitation will be held at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home on August 16th at 9:00 am. Services will begin at 10:00am. Burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

God gave us such a kind, loving, gentle, sweet, caring and patient lady, we were blessed to have her in our lives. If we can take something from her life to celebrate it, let it be these characteristics.

Alice Louise Henry Sept. 3, 1963 – August 8, 2019 Alice was born in Everett, WA, to John and Barbara Henry. Alice was the oldest daughter of six siblings. Alice was raised in Tulalip, WA, a fisherman’s daughter. She also loved riding her horse as a young girl. Alice also resided in Upper Skagit for a period of her life. Alice was a great daughter and sister dedicated to taking care of her family from a young age, which came to the decision of dropping out of school to work for Burger Mill to take care of her mom and little sisters. That didn’t stop her education – she continued her schooling, getting her GED and numerous certifications which later lead to her working for Upper Skagit as a Domestic Violence Advocate and Nurse’s Aide in an adult family living facility. Alice worked in Sauk-Suiattle for Northwest Intertribal. She also worked as a firefighter for the Upper Skagit County Forestry. She loved her job at Tulalip Nike Outlet and was dedicated to working as an office automation clerk, accounting technician, and reality specialty at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Alice was a humble servant of God who loved praying and studying the word of God. Alice was a dedicated member of the Tulalip Worship Center and loved watching and listening to Jimmy Swaggart. Alice is preceded in death by her parents, John and Barbara Henry; sister, Louise; brothers, Adrian and Randy; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her sisters, Kerri Henry and JLee Henry. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 1pm at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. An evening service will be 6pm that same evening at the Tulalip Tribal Gym. Funeral service will be August 14, 2019 at 10am at the Tulalip Tribal Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Sunrise: February 2, 1969 Sunset: July 15, 2019 Crystal Lynn (Gobin) Wassillie was born on February 2, 1969 to parents, Rhonda Faye Gobin and James Morris, Sr. and made her journey to the ancestors on July 15, 2019. She was raised with the greatest teachings by the strong women in her family; an unbreakable bond with her mother who taught her to be a giver to the community, sharing unconditional love to all. Crystal was a proud Tulalip Tribal member and spent most of her life on the Tulalip Reservation where she raised her four children: Dustin, Taylor, Marlee and Carter. Crystal lived life to the fullest and especially enjoyed spending her time garage saleing, dancing at Travelers 1, 2 and 3, any and all cultural events, camping with her children in Chelan, WA, being surrounded by family and friends, most especially her grandchildren, and she loved casino hopping. She was proud to serve her community by any means, working in numerous positions for the Tulalip Tribes including various positions at the Tulalip Casino, Caregiving, and the ARMS program with Family Services. She leaves strength and love behind in her children: Dustin (Cody), Taylor, Marlee, Carter, Shelby, Hayden and Tatiana; her mother, Rhonda Faye from Tulalip Bay; grandkids, Aaliyah Hatch, Diego Moses, Gracelynn Hatch and Nizhoni Phair; aunties, Valda (Herb), Helen (Dave), Debbie (Dean); uncles, Billy (Teri), Jonny (Candy), Tony (Judy), Mike (Rae Anne); brothers, Jim (Christina), Joe (Deanna), Lindy (Dora), Steve (Danielle), Brodie, Junior and Joey Lugo; sisters, Alicia Lugo, Paula Hatch and Martina Myers; and special friends, Karen Zuehl, Sara Lacy and Raylynn Davis. She was welcomed on the other side by the love of her life, David James; also greeting her, grandmothers, Ebey, Nonie and Donie; fathers, James Morris, Sr., Jerry Torres and Gerald Lugo, Sr.; aunties, Marilyn Lewis, Wendy Young, Marilyn and Merri Morris; cousins, Teddi Shane, Gordy Hawk II and Spencer Morris; and her fur babies, Sissy and Macho. Crystal will be missed by many family and friends and remembered for the love and light she shared on her walk. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. with an Interfaith Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gym. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Carol was born Carol Jean Shiplet in Monroe, WA, at her grand-parents’ home. She died two days shy of her 81st birthday.

Carol was born on her mother’s birthday. Her parents were Dorothy Ellen (Aldridge) Shiplet and Emory Luther (Million) Shiplet. She started off her first few years in Skykomish, WA, and then down in the Ravenna/Greenlake area where her father was a fireman. She went to Lincoln High School. She met and married Larry Leroy Cepa. Carol was a spouse of a Tulalip Tribal member. They were married for 57 years. They started married life in Lake City, Ballard, then Edmonds, WA. They had three children: Laurie, Dennis and Lisa. Carol loved camping and fishing with the Galer’s and Bjerkness’s. She had an in-home day care for 16 years. She retired as a reconcilement clerk in the banking industry. She was also the bookkeeper for a diaper service she and Larry owned and were partners in for several years in Ballard. She loved sewing and was very talented, especially doll clothes. Carol would dress dolls that were refurbished, giving to children at Christmas time. She made beautiful teddy bears. She made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for children at Fred Hutchinson hospital. She used to hold and rock babies at Children’s Hospital. She made donations to charities that corrected children’s cleft palates. She had a special relationship for these charities as she had a jaw that was damaged in childhood. She was one of the first patients in Seattle to get tooth implants. Carol loved dogs and cats, her eyes would light up when she would see them walk across the room or jump up in her lap. She also really enjoyed playing pinochle with friends and her mother until she could no longer drive to the card parties. Her last projects were sewing pillows and gowns for Hospice and tying lap quilts with her mother and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Carol leaves behind her children, Laurie Cepa, Dennis Cepa and Lisa Cepa; her sister, Peggy Trim (Larry) and brother-in-law, Danny Stamaris. She leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Larry Trim (Lois), Mark Trim (Janet), Louis Trim (Kelley), Lois Brown (Tom), MaryJo Trim, Terry Parker (Pam), Sherry Guzman (Pete), Ennette Brumbaugh, Ron Burns (Donna), Brad Burns (Josie), Jim Barrie (Evelyn), Craig Barrie (Rochelle), Sunny Golden (Doug), Daniel Stamaris (Heather), Don Stamaris (Michelle),Rose Ward (Karl Miller), Dean Fewkes, Tom Aldrich, Scott Aldrich, Stacy Wallace, Martin Cepa, Adam Cepa, and Carolyn Cepa. She is predeceased by her husband, Larry L. Cepa and parents, Emory and Dorothy Shiplet. Alzheimer’s stole a beautiful person from us too soon. Her smile and laughter will be missed.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 10 am at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home located at 804 State Avenue, Marysville. Burial will follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite Alzheimer’s research charity.

Scheiyenne Lane was born on June 19, 1993 in Everett, Washington to Galen and Regina (Zackuse) Lane and returned to the creator on July 4, 2019. 

Scheiyenne, an enrolled member of Tulalip Tribes, lived all of his life in Tulalip, Attended Tulalip and Marysville Schools, graduated in 2011. At the age of 4 Scheiyenne started playing basketball at the Everett Boys & Girls Club. He also enjoyed playing little league baseball, worked summer youth and had an opportunity to work at the Tulalip Resort Casino in the buffet restaurant in which he enjoyed working with the chefs there. He also worked with Tulalip Housing Maintenance mowing lawns. “Schei”, “Ton Ton”, “Double T” or “Bo Boy” were the nicknames his loved ones called him. His most favorite past times were playing video games, x-box, grand theft auto, call of duty, Halo, Mario, and also loved skateboarding, snowboard-ing, and surf boarding, roller blading, speed skating, listening to all his favorite music, swimming, traveling to Hawaii with his mom, dad, and sisters, Sheniece and Temryss. And travelled to Puerto Rico with brother, Dakotah and sister-in-law, Jessie. He was a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews, Luz, Koda, Solana, and Isis Rose. Above all else Scheiyenne loved and cherished time purse seine fishing with his dad. Also loved growing up and hanging with his cousins, Breland and Shylee. Scheiyenne was a very giving, selfless, loving person. He wore his heart on his sleeve, he was a gentle spirit. He was quick to uplift people even if he was suffering himself. He had a very infectious, contagious laugh! He always wanted to lighten people’s spirits, we will miss him forever!! 

Our beloved Scheiyenne is survived by his Father, Galen and Mother, Regina Lane, siblings: Sheniece (Eric) Lane, Dakotah and Jessie Lane, Temryss and (Orion) Lane; nieces and nephews, Luz, Dakotah, and Isis Rose Lane, and Solana Edenshaw,; Grandparents, Gene and Marie Zackuse, Uncle’s, Junior (Jolene) Zackuse, Nathanial (Bugz) Zackuse, Jerard (Tabitha) Zackuse, Great Uncle’s, Harold (Juju) and Darlene Joseph, LeRoy and Judy Joseph, Kenneth Joseph; Great Aunts, Karen and Cy Fryberg, Judy and Tony Gobin, Carmen and John Burke; Great Great Uncle LeRoy and Lila Henry, Great Great Uncle Eugene (Stubby) Henry, Great Great Aunty’s, Annette Napeahi, Virginia Bill and Mary Jo James, Great Great Uncle Pete Henry. All from Tulalip. From the Lummi Tribe, Uncle Sonny and Jeanette Lane, Uncle Pat, Uncle Fred (Ronnie) Lane, Uncle Willie (Aileen) Lane, Uncle Michael (Terika) Lane, Aunty’s, Laverne Lane, Marcelline (David) Lane, Tina and Tony Julius, Doreen Lane, and Vernell Lane. Great Great Aunty Alice Scott, and Godparents, Vernon Jr. and Jeanette Lane. Preceded in death by Grandparents, Vernon and Nancy Lane, Great Grandparents, Harold (SLO-Jo) Joseph and Loretta James, and Pauline Comenote, Aunt Joanne Lane, and Cousin Michael Lee Joseph. 

Visitation will be held Monday, July 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home with a Rosary service to follow at 6:00 pm at the Tulalip Gym. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

“UNAHOY” Bernard Michael Williams III Sunrise – June 15, 1971 Sunset – July 5, 2019 Bernie leaves behind his mother, Judi Patrick; siblings, Francis (Karlene), JoAnn (Landry), Rose Buck, Rueben Reeves, and Marvin Edwards, including aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He loved his family, especially his grandkids, Preceded in death by his father, Bernard Williams, Jr., his sister, Clarissa Williams, and daughter, Melodie Williams. He loved music and taking drives, he was lead singer for the Spee-Bi-Dah singers, traveling to pow wows, driving to different states. He worked at the Tulalip Casino, dealing Craps and making life-long friends that became a second family. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan – that was his team. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 9:00 am at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.