Fern Hill Funeral Home

10/08/2025

Robert Donald Ruecker

Robert (Bob) Ruecker, 77, passed away surrounded by family on September 24, 2025. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He married Patricia (Patty Ancich) in 1986. Those that were lucky enough to know him, loved him for his sense of calm, his voice of reason, and his ability to solve any problem that came before him.

Bob was the son of Leonard (Rick) and Alberta Ruecker of Aberdeen, Washington. He was raised alongside his sister Beverly in the family home in Aberdeen. He attended Robert Gray Elementary, Miller Junior High, and Aberdeen High School before attending Washington State University for college. He was a lifelong Cougar fan. Bob returned to the harbor to work at and eventually run the family business. The family-owned Sunset Hardware store was a landmark in downtown Aberdeen for decades. When the store was eventually closed, Bob began working in the cellular phone industry as it became an emerging technology.

Bob retired from Verizon and filled his time with roles in human resources at Grays Harbor Paper and the Westport Shipyard. He also served as an interim athletic director at Grays Harbor College. He was a longtime member of the board of directors at Aberdeen Federal Bank and later Anchor Savings Bank. He volunteered on the YMCA board of directors and through Rotary.

Bob enjoyed boating, joining the Sea Scouts as a teen and building his first boat as a young man. Countless hours were spent sailing in Puget Sound and beyond. He and his wife Patty were longtime members of the Olympia Yacht Club. Their children and grandchildren shared in outings throughout the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and Puget Sound. Bob visited Princess Lousia Inlet by boat and believed it to be the most beautiful place on earth.

Bob loved his family and friends. He was a loving father to his two daughters, Jennifer and Diana. He was a doting grandfather to his three grandchildren Gretchen, Elias, and Marcus. When Gretchen danced and acted, Bob was there. When the boys played lacrosse or ran track, Bob was there. He truly loved to watch the kids do the activities they enjoyed.

Bob is survived by his wife Patty, his daughters Jennifer (Ryan) Sandvig and Diana (Andrew) Thomé; his grandchildren Gretchen, Elias, and Marcus, and his sister Beverly (Dan) Wick. His large extended family included the Ruecker family, the Ancich family, and the Quigg family.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at the Aberdeen Log Pavillion on Saturday, November 22, from 12-3pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choosing or the YMCA of Grays Harbor to provide scholarships to area youth. Please take a moment to share your memories and notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

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10/08/2025

Ronald Lee Renner Jr.

Ronald (Ronnie) Lee Renner Jr.March 14, 1980 – September 22, 2025

Ronald (Ronnie) Lee Renner Jr. passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 45. He was born on March 14, 1980, in Indiana.

The son of the late Ronald Renner Sr., Ronnie is survived by his loving mother, Carol Renner; his sister, Carrie Harrington; his brother, Carl Adam Renner; and his three children, Carol Hull, Isaac Renner, and Kameron Renner.

Ronnie was a man of many skills who found joy in working with his hands and was always happiest outdoors — fishing, making dreamcatchers, and discovering new adventures to share. Through life’s many challenges, his love for his family never wavered. He was at peace with God and showed us that even in the face of adversity, pain, and struggle, it is possible to live with compassion and love.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the lessons he passed on. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the life he lived and will forever hold close the memories we shared with him.

At this time, no formal services are scheduled. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell's Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.

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10/03/2025

Robert John Bloch

Robert Bloch, peacefully passed away in his home on September 18, 2025. He was 52. Robert left behind wife, Krista, and many family and friends all of whom know who they are will miss his humor and love that he showed for all the people in his life.

Robert was born on March 7, 1973, in Wisconsin. Before meeting his wife, Robert hadn't gone far from his home state. Their relationship started through one of their mutual friends. Robert saw a picture of Krista at the friend's house and asked if he could talk to her. Krista responded by passing on her address only, for a while they exchanged letter and then called each other every day. As phone bills mounted, Krista asked home if he would be willing to come visit over the fourth of July holiday weekend. He agreed and tickets were found for him to fly out to Washington. On this trip, they visited her family, and Robert got to see the ocean for the first time. On the beach he asked her to marry him on the third day they spent together in person. After moving to Washington, she and Robert took many trips to places by the ocean, and he always loved listening to the roar of the ocean and spending time relaxing. It always brought them back to that first day of the rest of their lives together.

He also enjoyed playing any kind of game, when he and his wife were first married, they spent each weekend with friends playing board and card games. Each weekend was full of laughter, snacks, and fun. He made everyone laugh with his humor and kindness. Even after moving to Washington, they kept the game days alive with her family for a while. Recently, Robert spent more time playing video games as he had throughout life, at times when it was something that didn't require jumping (as his wife has no hand-eye coordination) they would relax on a weekend and play together. He often told her that his favorite moments in his life were when they were together just being alone and doing something silly.

He loved watching sports and was proud of his time playing baseball in high school. Robert especially loved football each new season their home would ring with shouts of excitement and frustration while he watched whatever game he could find. But he especially loved watching his Washington Commanders, even though they didn't always do well, and would call and text his family in Wisconsin sharing what they could about each game if he was unable to watch it on the west coast. Because of his love of football, his favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. He was happy to spend time with family, have something nice for dinner, and watch football. The simple expression of love made him happiest.

Krista liked watching competition food television and enjoyed cooking either solo or together. As they grew as a couple, Krista encouraged him to learn to cook more things and try out different places to eat. Eventually one of their favorite activities together was watching competition baking shows and telling the competitors on the television what they were doing wrong, even though neither of them were very good at baking. Placing bets on the outcomes of who was going home or who would win and spending time the evening cooking in their tiny kitchen as a team. Robert always told her that if she ever found a recipe she wanted to try out, he was more than willing it make it for her. Even when things were difficult or new, he was willing to do anything to make her happy.

A Note from Krista: My husband was the most intelligent person; he was kind to everyone he met and had some magic way of making everyone feel comfortable. He was great at making up stories to make me laugh, and occasionally he would come up with a funny, dirty song. He recently helped me survive through a very hard time for me mentally, when I didn't think I could make it. I will love my husband and miss him (some days a little and others a lot) for the remaining days of my life until I see him again.

At this time no formal services are scheduled. A family gathering will take place at a later date. Please take a moment to share your stories, memories, or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell's Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

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10/03/2025

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10/02/2025

Charles "Corkey" Francis Perry

Charles “Corkey” Francis Perry passed away peacefully at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, Washington on September 1, 2025. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, on June 18, 1943, to Alma Beatrice “Bea” Starr and was later adopted by Raymond “Bun” Perry.

Corkey grew up in logging communities and started his working life with his dad as a choker setter at age 13. When his dad needed help falling timber, he was always willing to step in, especially if it meant missing school. He graduated from Enterprise High School and Shasta Junior College in northern California, then joined the U.S. Air Force. He was proud of his military service, spending two years stationed in Japan before volunteering for Vietnam, where he served as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged on March 21, 1968.

Upon his return, Corkey moved to Hoquiam, Washington, to be with his grandparents and continue his education. He loved scuba diving for fishing gear in local rivers and log driving with his grandpa, earning him the CB call sign “River Rat”. While attending Grays Harbor Junior College, he met his future wife, Jean Curtis, in the college library. They were married on August 22, 1969.

Corkey completed his education at Washington State University (WSU), earning his degree in Forestry and Forest Management. After graduating, he worked for Weyerhaeuser, the Quinault Indian Nation, and finally his dream job as a longshoreman with Local 24 in Aberdeen, Washington, retiring in 2003.

He was a Master Gardener through the WSU program and spent his retirement years working in the yard and beachcombing with Jean.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Jean; daughter, Kelli, and son-in-law, Craig Bishop; son, Dan Perry, and daughter-in-law, Danielle; and five grandchildren, Emily, Jake, and Trace Bishop and Charlie and Lily Perry.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam, Washington.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be left for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

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10/02/2025

Carol Frances Carpenter

Carol Frances Carpenter, 80, former Satsop, Washington resident, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Heritage House in Buckley, Washington.

Carol was born on December 17, 1944 in Shelton, WA to Frederick Thomas and Georgia Frances (Bliss) Smith. She attended Port Angeles High School after her family moved to Sequim, Washington.

Carol married Edward A. Carpenter on August 17, 1964 in Tokyo, Japan. He passed away on October 13, 1985.

She worked as a waitress for many years in Sequim and Shelton, Washington. And as a meat wrapper at markets in Shelton and Tacoma. She later drove a school bus on McNeil Island. She also worked as a flagger on Old Hwy 99, Mt St. Helens Road and other construction jobs. She lastly worked for Anderson Blueberry Farms in Mossyrock, Washington before retiring in 1993.

Carol enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, playing cards, doing puzzles and babysitting her grandchildren.

Carol is survived by three daughters: Toni (Leroy) Bramer of Shelton, Washington, Castlee Ann (Tom) Damrow of Tennessee and Carlea Diane (Mike) Carlson of Mossyrock, Washington; eight grandchildren: Michael (Brandie) Beacraft, Matthew Beacraft, Tyler (Nicole White) Morgan, Kailene (Kyle) Phipps, Jordan Kratsch, Robert Morgan Jr., Bryce (Katelinn) Carlson and Jamie Carlson; Ten Great Grandchildren: Maggie Beacraft, Alicia Beacraft, Allison Beacraft, Caleb York, Quentin Beacraft, Luke Phipps, Alayna Morgan, Caleb Morgan, Connor Morgan and Callum Carlson; two great great grandchildren: Mason Beacraft and Jordan Deoliveira; a brother, Thomas (Ingrid) Smith of Kennewick, Washington; an Aunt, Florence Heckenlively of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Carol was preceded in death by a great grandson Kaniel Johnson.

Inurnment will take place in a private service at Satsop Cemetery, Washington. A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

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10/01/2025

Alva Connell Fizz Beck

Alva Beck, who most knew as Beanie, age 69 from North Cove, WA passed away on September 15, 2025, in Grayland, Washington surrounded by his three children and their families.

Beanie was born on January 13, 1956, in Aberdeen, Washington to Levy LeRoy “Fizz” Beck and Edna Mae Johnson. He grew up and attended school in the areas of Westport, Grayland, and Tokeland. Beanie was a third generation fisherman out of the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, with years spent in Lake Chelan as a night crew manager for Trout Blue Chelan, Apple Factory. He worked as a powerline crew member for Wilson Power Company, and spent many years working on the cranberry bogs in Grayland.

Beanie is preceded in death by his wife of over 30 years, Carolyn Beck; mother to his 3 children, Blanche “Cissy” Jones; father, Fizz Beck; mother, Edna Beck; sisters: Terry Williams and Jo Lickiss; and brother, Mike Beck.

Beanie is survived by his wife, Kathy Meddaugh, and her 3 children; Son, Keith (Sarah) Beck; Daughters; Chanda (JJ) Robertson and Sarah (Matt) Beese; step-daughter, Jennifer (Jackson) Stepp; brothers: Pete, John, and David Beck; sisters: Kahty Ruder, Elizabeth Beck, and Cynthia Yaryan; grandchildren: Kobe (Katelyn Doyle) Beck; and Carsen and Colten Beese; step-grandson, Kyle Stepp; and great great grandson, Kaysen Stepp; along with many beloved nieces, nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Beanie’s honor on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12:30 PM located at the Grayland Community Hall. 2071 Cranberry Road, Grayland, WA 98547. A luncheon reception will follow. Please take a moment to share your memories or condolences for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

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10/01/2025

Leslie John Gilbert

Leslie John Gilbert, 62, known for his empathic and inviting nature, left us on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Born on September 22, 1962, in Hollywood (Los Angeles), California.

Les was raised in various suburbs of Los Angeles County, graduating from high school in 1980. He then went on to attend the University of California, in Berkeley focusing on a career in music. He was an incredibly gifted pianist, who was working on the mastery of all Chopin’s repertoire at the time of his death. Circumstances took him out of college and into various careers that afforded him the opportunity to converse and be the extroverted and social man many would come to know and love. Les worked as a security guard on the Signature private airstrip in Las Vegas and as a waiter in various restaurants. Because of his social nature and gregarious spirit, he truly enjoyed connecting with others and became a jack of all trades. Les also built remediation for asbestos and after helping to nurse a friend through cancer he was inspired to become a technician with a radiation/oncology office. His favorite career, however, was as a long-haul truck driver with his own business for over ten years. He was able to travel, seeing many states and delighting in the cultures and diversity within them. He loved being able to embrace differences while celebrating that we are all essentially the same.

On March 18, 2005, Les had his first date with Eva Blue who became the love of his life from that night forward. On April 29, 2006, Les married Eva in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The couple made their home in Henderson, Nevada for fifteen years before becoming ready for a change in climate and population, when they moved to Aberdeen, Washington. Once here Les became an early morning fixture at the local YMCA where he continued building his social circle, making new friends and brightening people's days every time he visited.

Les’ musical skills were not limited to his passion for piano but included both the violin and clarinet. He found comfort and solace in connecting with the world through music. Les’ soulful melody will continue to reverberate through his family and friends for many years to come.

Les is reunited with his father, Leslie Walter Gilbert, and his fur-babies: Jarvis, Genette, August, Freddie, and Sammie.

Les leaves behind his loving wife, Eva; aunt Kathleen Hawley, brother-in-law Lazaro Olvera and sister-in-law Anna Olvera and nephew, Jason Olvera and his wonderful fur-babies, Archie the dog and cats: Harley and LuLu.

No formal services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers at a formal service, please donate to the American Cancer Society in Les’ name. Please take a moment to share your memories and condolences for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

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10/01/2025

Wanda Marie Gates

Wanda Marie Gates

Knock Knock

Who’s there?

Wanda wish you a beautiful and joyful life.

Wanda was born in Randle, Washington to teenage parents. She spent her childhood running the woods with a cowbell, raising her siblings, throwing cow patties at cute boys and stuffing homemade biscuits in her pockets. Her family moved to Juneau, Alaska where she continued looking out for her brother and sister as well as having new chores. Without electricity, there was water to carry from the river to the house, firewood to be split and stacked, and a generator to be started in the morning. She had been honing her sense of humor for quite some time, including putting a stuffed elk head in her brother’s bed before turning on the generator for light. She graduated from Juneau Douglass High School and began to pursue an education in botany at the University of Washington. Her wandering spirit led her astray before she finished college and as she was so fond of talking about, she hitchhiked across America. She took all kinds of jobs, picking tomatoes, planting trees, cleaning houses, dory fishing, even working for The Port of Grays Harbor. She loved talking about getting stuck in a home-made chastity belt that had to be cut off at the Hoquiam Police Department. (It’s real, I saw the article.) She lived a rowdy life for a few years and made some questionable choices, as 20-somethings do. She bought her house for $7000 and moved into it via dump truck load. She worked at Scott’s Store for a while where she met my dad, John. They enjoyed cruising logging roads, camping, fishing, hiking and drinking.

When I was born, she wanted a different life for me. She cleaned houses and babysat so that she would be there anytime I needed her. She became more active in her church, in fact, becoming the go-to, for helping set up and clean up for events. She widened her circle of care for anyone and everyone in need. “She would give you the shirt off her back.” Many times, we went without because she’d determined that someone else in the valley needed resources more than we did. She was the first person to show up with food, and hands ready to work, whenever tragedy struck the community. By the time I was school-aged, she began driving the school bus, much to my chagrin. Yet her helping hands spread even further. She made all kinds of deals with students- “if you bring your grades up, I’ll make you any kind of pie you want.” After what seemed like hundreds of pies, I know she was the reason quite a few students tried out for sports, had new school clothes and shoes, paid for pictures, had food to eat, and ultimately graduated high school. She always wore the craziest earrings, if anyone bought or made her earrings, she would proudly wear them and gush about the gift-giver.

She eventually retired from driving school bus and being a yard guard. She still cleaned houses to help make ends meet, but her favorite job was being Grammie Goof.

She dedicated her whole life to the improvement of her community and loved ones.

The world needs more people like my mom.

Her passing left a gaping hole in this world and if she were here now, she would say, “Love each other, be kind, be grateful, share what you can, pay it forward, someone is always worse off than you are.”

I love you, mom.

10,000 sparkling stars

5,000 raging rivers

2,000 snowy mountaintops

And

1 infinite heart

Wanda’s Last Birthday Party will be a potluck celebration on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, from 12:00pm-3:00pm at the Wishkah Valley School Gymnasium. Please take a moment to share your memories, stories, and notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.

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10/01/2025

Lawrence Darrell Lind

Lawrence D. Lind

April 20, 1946 - September 11, 2025

Lawrence D. Lind, 79, of Aberdeen Washington passed away on September 11, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, WA due to a heart attack. Larry was a resident of Olympia, having moved there in 2024.

Born on April 20, 1946, in Aberdeen to Alton H. and Agnes (Passick) Lind, Larry grew up in Grays Harbor and graduated from J.M. Weatherwax High School in 1964. He went on to attend Grays Harbor Community College and later earned his degree from Utah State University where he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Larry dedicated his professional life to law enforcement, beginning his career with the Grays Harbor Sheriff's office before joining the Aberdeen Police Department. He served the community with commitment and integrity, retiring as a Sergeant after 23 years. Over the course of his career, Larry became known for his expertise: he was one of the first officers in Washington State to be recognized as an expert on ma*****na identification in Superior Court, and he also taught at the Washington State Police Academy on credit card theft.

In addition to his police work, Larry was passionate about tennis and was a certified member of the USPTA. For more than 20 years, he shared his love of the sport by teaching tennis throughout the Harbor. He also loved German Shepherds, cherishing many dogs over the years, with his all-time favorite being Xanto. He owned and operated a Baskin-Robbins ice cream store on the Harbor for a number of years.

Larry married Beate Wahl in 1985, and though they later divorced, his life was enriched by the many friendships he maintained throughout the years. In 1996, Larry met Judy Paul, and together they built a life of love and companionship for 29 years. He embraced Judy’s children and grandchildren as his own, always offering support, encouragement, and joy. He especially treasured playing golf with the Paul family’s three sons.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and his aunt Betty Passick. He is survived by his partner, Judy Paul, and her children: Greg and Marcie Paul, Brian and Paula Paul, John and Michelle Paul, and Kristen Paul. He will also be lovingly remembered by step-grandchildren Brandon, Jennifer, Taylor, Regan, Peyton, Aaron and Sarah.

A private family service will be held on October 3rd to honor Larry’s Life. Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.

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09/27/2025

Our normal office hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday and 9am-12pm on Saturday.
The office is closed on Sunday. 🙂

If you would like to schedule a time to make sure we will be in office, you are always welcome to call us at: (360)532-0220

09/22/2025

Phyllis Polly Keyser

Phyllis Polly Keyser, 100 years, former Ocosta resident and former Ocean Spray office clerk, passed away September 5, 2025 at the Broadview Care Center in Seattle, Washington. Phyllis was born on December 31, 1924, in Ocosta, Washington to Chester and Anna (Grossman) Roberts. She grew up in Ocosta and graduated from Ocosta High School in 1942 and then attended the University of Washington.

Phyllis was first married to the father of her daughters, Alfons Johnson, in 1944. In 1963 she was married to John Hubbard, the love of her life. He passed in 1975. She then married Edward Keyer, also of Ocosta. She and Eddie very happily spent their golden years together. Phyllis worked for the Ocean Spray cranberry cannery in Markham, Washington and retired after 30 years of service. She loved traveling in her motorhome and was an avid fan of football and baseball. She enjoyed reading the newspapers, cruises, and traveling to Hawaii with her sister, Maxine. She loved listening to music and being with her family and grandchildren at gatherings and events.

She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn (Tony) Pangilinan of Kirkland and Cheryl (Denny) Thomas of Yelm. Stepdaughter, Joann Forrester, of Renton. Four grandchildren, Kevin (Beth) Thomas of Phoenix, Frank (Scherry) Thomas of Little Rock, Heidi Thomas of Yelm and Michelle (Vernon) Shear of Renton. Her great grandchildren are Vanity (Karl) Brown of Los Angeles, Matthew and Joel Thomas of Phoenix, Jennifer (Tyler) Kirkevold of Renton and Spencer (Jordan) Shear of Renton. Her great-great grandchildren are Lorenza and Zion Brown of Los Angeles and Easton and Declan Kirkevold of Renton. She was preceded in death by brothers Edgar and Edmond Roberts (twins), Roger and Rodney Roberts (twins) and sister, Maxine Ku**er.

There will be a graveside inurnment service for Phyllis on Saturday, September 27th, at 11:00 AM at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, WA. A Reception will follow at the Aberdeen Elks Lodge #593. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell's Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

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