Curnow Funeral Home & Cremation Service

05/01/2026

Emma Loraine Vogel

Emma Lorainne Vogel, lovingly known as Emma “Roo” Vogel of Tacoma WA, died on March 26th, 2026 at aged 59.For 30 years, Emma was a vibrant part of the Bernadette Jones Adult Family Home. She was the heart of a chosen family, cherished deeply by Chandra Jones, her “sister” and guardian, Bernadette Jones, Debbie Clinger, Carol Meyers, Reno Bigornia, Joanne Johnson, Crystal Nuss, Kimberly Rader and so many, many others.

Emma attended MultiCare Adult Day Health for over 20 years and Metro Parks Daytime Actives Center where she had many friends. Emma loved music, Little Golden Books, activities and her rocking chairs, of which she owned many over the years. Emma brought joy to all who met her.

Emma was the most significant person in Chandra’s life, and their bond was one of deep love, devotion, and unwavering connection. Emma inspired those around her in profound ways. Emma was not just a sister; she was an inspiration. It was because of Emma that Chandra became a social worker and a tireless advocate for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Though Emma faced challenges early in life, she never let them define her. Instead, she lived with warmth, resilience, and an unwavering ability to love others.

Emma was deeply loved and deserved attentive, compassionate care that honored her dignity and needs at every stage of her life. In her final chapter, those closest to her witnessed care that fell far short of that standard. We are heartbroken and angered by what we experienced and by the condition of Emma’s care. It is our belief that she did not receive the level of attention, responsiveness, and respect that she deserved.

Our grief is compounded by these concerns, and we feel a responsibility to speak plainly about them. Emma’s life mattered. She deserved to be safe, valued, and properly cared for at all times.

In her memory, we will continue to advocate for accountability and for stronger protections for vulnerable individuals, so that others receive the dignity and care that Emma deserved.

Chandra wishes to express her deep gratitude to Bernadette for all her love, care and dedication to Emma and all the residents she cared for in her home until she retired in 2022. A very special thanks to Debbie Clinger for all of her care, love, support and advocacy of Emma in her last month of life.

To my Emma Roo, I love you sissy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Down Syndrome Society.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

View Emma Loraine Vogel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/29/2026

Kenneth Paul Ellington

Kenneth Paul Ellington of Tacoma, Washington passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 69 after a six-year battle with cancer.

Ken was born on May 15, 1956, to Darwin and Carol Ellington, the third of their four children. Growing up in University Place, he was a wild and adventurous boy who spent his time playing on the family property in Gig Harbor (“the farm”), playing army in the neighbors’ yards, and modifying bicycles. As he got older, he became known as the “jock” of the family. He attended Curtis High School, where he played football, basketball, and track.

Ken attended Washington State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. In 1980, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, an education he put to good use throughout his storied career with Boeing, where he served in many capacities. After 27 years with the company, he retired in 2015 as a Senior Procurement Agent.

Ken found his life partner, Marie Leach, in 1987. She brought two wonderful daughters into his life, and together they had a son, Jonathan. Many memories were made barbecuing, taking road trips, and practicing sports together. In his free time, Ken loved working on home projects, restoring his classic MG, going boating, playing tennis, and having a beer with friends.

Kenneth Ellington leaves behind his partner, Marie; his son, Jonathan (Jessica); stepdaughters Laura and Elizabeth; siblings Stephen (Suzann), Lawrence (Caroline), and Janis (late husband, Andrew); grandchildren Amari and Cas; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Carol.

Ken was known for his vast knowledge of just about everything, paired with a quick wit that kept those around him smiling. He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving father, papa, partner, brother, and fun-loving friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please join his family for a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 16, from 2–6 p.m. at North End on Pearl (5037 N Pearl St, Ruston, WA 98407). Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

View Kenneth Paul Ellington's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

On October 4th, Team Curnow had the privilege of participating in the city of Sumner's Walk on Main Street for Breast Cancer.

We all got decked out in all pink and gathered in the streets of Sumner to support the fight against Breast Cancer and help build awareness!

We also raised $700 for the cause, through donation to MultiCare Cancer Foundation from our family and friends!

We had an amazing time...it was truly a great experience.

Thank you all for being a part of this event!! You are the best!

10/20/2025

On August 21st, our very own funeral director intern Renae Larson got to go out into the community for her very first time.

Renae shadowed Bryan Sherwood on a visit to Linden Grove Health Care Center in Puyallup Washington. They provided the team at the facility with our funeral home brochures, business cards, current pricing and a small bag of goodies!

Our goal is to visit the community at least once a week.

Thank you so much Renae and Bryan for your commitment with community outreach!

07/25/2025

🏳️‍🌈🌈 On June 29th, the Washington Market of FPG Funeral Homes spent the day at the 2025 Seattle Pride event in Downtown Seattle, Washington. This included representatives from Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Beck's Tribute Center, Curnow & Hill Funeral Homes, Klontz Funeral Home and Edwards Memorial Funeral Home - who came together to connect with the community!

Our funeral homes are passionate about celebrating inclusivity! We truly believe in the value of outreach- not only to educate our community on the funeral industry, but to show them that we are an ally who will honor their lives authentically.

Each one of our locations sent branded swag to the event - and it was so fun to get all the teams involved in brainstorming items to represent their Funeral Homes.

Carla Jester (Lead Administrator Extraordinaire from Funeral Alternatives) then organized 50 bags for each Location filled with the Branded items and different kinds of fun candy and tied with rainbow ribbon to pass out during the event.

Thanks to our Family Service Advisor, Morgan Whittingslow, we were also able to give people the opportunity to win 2 tickets to the Seattle Kraken!

Caitlan Messecar (Administrative Assistant - Curnow & Hill Funeral Homes) then created a QR code that participants would scan to enter to win. After scanning, they would let us know if they were interested in learning more about Pre-Planning for Funeral Arrangements. We got a great response to this and cannot wait to follow up with those who marked yes!

Swag and fun drawings aside, the best part of this event was the PEOPLE!!! Being able to speak with those who came to the booth ... about the lives of those they have loved and lost... To learn their stories, to hear about their experiences, and to hear how they want to be remembered was something our teams will never forget. It was truly something special. It reminded us of the impact we can make by being present.

A HUGE shout out to the team members who showed up and spent their Sunday volunteering in their community (not all pictured) & to those who were not able to attend but who helped behind the scenes.

The teamwork that was displayed for this event was one for the books! We can't wait for our next market-wide outreach!

07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.

07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.

06/29/2025

Writing letters can be a powerful way to navigate mourning, allowing you to express emotions that might feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled tips, examples, and a free writing prompt you can download.

Discover the healing power of letter writing after loss and how it can help with grief. Find expert tips and resources to guide you through the process.

06/15/2025

06/13/2025

This Father’s Day, we celebrate and remember the fathers and father figures who left an indelible mark on our lives. Their guidance and love remain with us always. If you’re looking for thoughtful memorial or sympathy gifts to celebrate your dad, click the link below. https://www.afterall.com/memorial-store/gifting/top-gifts-loss-of-a-father.html

06/08/2025

It’s said that you cannot pick your family, but for many of us, our best friends become our family. And when they pass away, the loss can feel insurmountable. Click the link below for gentle coping mechanisms if you’re mourning the loss of a dear friend.

Discover practical ways to cope with the grief of losing a friend, including emotional support strategies and self-care tips to help you heal.

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason we gather, reflect, and stand together in gratitude.

We honor not only their service, but the lives they lived — the families they loved, the dreams they carried, and the legacy they leave behind.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, or the people who paid it.