Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Families in Centralia, WA

Dorothy Vanbuskirk

Dorothy Vanbuskirk

Apr 14, 2025

Dorothy VanBuskirk, a woman of remarkable spirit and inspiring vitality, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025. Born to Anton and Virgie Anderson on February 1, 1931, in Wenatchee, WA, Dorothy radiated a warmth that could light up the coldest winter day. Her infectious laughter and spirited personality touched everyone who had the pleasure to know her. In the words...

Carol Ponder

Carol Ponder

Apr 13, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother went to be with The Lord on Sunday April 13th, 2025 at the age of 91 while resting peacefully at her home of 73 years on H street in Centralia, Washington with her loving daughter Marilyn at her side. She was the first borne of Johnny and Frances Matteson on July 13th 1933 at...

Madonna Frazier

Madonna Frazier

Apr 11, 2025

In loving memory of Madonna L. Frazier Madona L. Frazier, 88, passed away after a brief illness from lung cancer April 11, 2025. She was born September 11, 1936. Madonna was proceeded in death by her husband, William Frazier, of 66 years of marriage and had four children; Ken (Tara) Frazier, Linda (Pat) Frazier-Reilly, Cinda (Dave) Seitz and Nancy Jean...

Donna Unzelman

Donna Unzelman

Apr 6, 2025

Donna (Lloyd) Unzelman 10/7/30-4/6/25 Donna is survived by her children, Debbie (Randy) Long and Karla (Dennis) Delaney; three grandchildren, Jordan Gill, Mallory Long, Tori Stanek: and her three great grandchildren, Isabella, Liam and Kohen. Donna Unzelman will be laid to rest April 24th at 1pm at Claquato Cemetery located at 142 Stearns Rd Chehalis Washington.

James Smiley

James Smiley

Apr 6, 2025

Jim Smiley was born in March 1943 in Puyallup, Washington, to James and Sylvia Smiley. He was the second of five children. They moved to Mount Vernon, Washington, where he graduated in 1961. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving eight years in the reserves. He met and married Bonnie Fitch in 1966. Jim drove truck for Milkey...

Wayne Gleason

Wayne Gleason

Apr 4, 2025

Wayne Gleason, born to Elsie and Harry Gleason on August 28, 1944, in Bellingham, a Chehalis Valley native who dedicated his life to serving veterans and his community, died April 4, 2025, in Aberdeen, after a long and stubbornly resisted decline in his health. Wayne is survived by his brother, Gary Gleason, and sister-in-law, Karen; his nephew Brian Gleason and...

Charlotte Mcgee

Charlotte Mcgee

Mar 28, 2025

Charlotte Arlene McGee, a life-long resident of Lewis County, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025. Born on June 4, 1930, in Centralia, to parents Alan and Leota Neely, Charlotte was a creative, resilient, hardworking, patient woman. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She will be missed by her family and friends. Charlotte enjoyed gardening; flowers, vegetables...

Steven Gunsolley

Steven Gunsolley

Mar 22, 2025

Steven Raymond Gunsolley, known affectionately to many as Gunner, was born on May 30, 1948, in Chehalis, Washington. A charismatic man known for his dedication to his family, Steve lived a full life reflective of his loving and generous nature before his passing on March 22, 2025. Steve was born to Raymond (Buss) and Donna Gunsolley May 30, 1948 in...

Gene Melohn

Gene Melohn

Mar 10, 2025

Gene Farrel Melohn passed away on March 10, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday on February 18th amongst family and friends. Gene grew up in Albert City, Iowa, where he held the longest field goal record in high school football for many years. After serving in the Military, he returned to the Iowa family farm...

Gary Erb

Gary Erb

Mar 10, 2025

Gary Erb passed away on the morning of March 10, 2025, at the age of 75. On a stormy, January day in 1950, the world got a little crazier when Gary Erb was born in Tacoma, Washington to Al and Helen Erb. His family, which included his older brother, Alan, moved to Santa Clara, California when he was five years...

Tiffany Simmons

Tiffany Simmons

Mar 8, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Tiffany Helen Simmons, loving daughter and cherished sister. Tiffany was born on May 26, 1986, in Centralia, Washington, and passed on March 8, 2025. She resided in Oakville, Washington, where she created a home filled with love, laughter, and a unique sense of style that was all her own. Tiffany was a...

Janis Jenkins

Janis Jenkins

Mar 1, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Janis Ruth Jenkins, or "Jan," "Mom," "Momma," "Grams," "Grandma Jan" as she was affectionately known to those close to her. Born on February 12, 1943, in Oroville, CA, Janis graced this world with her vibrant spirit for 82 years until March 1, 2025. A resident of Centralia, Washington for the...

Kenneth Halphide

Kenneth Halphide

Feb 27, 2025

Kenneth Halphide, 93, husband, father and brother passed away in Centralia, WA on Feb. 27, 2025. Ken was born in Williston, ND on Oct. 1, 1931. Married Georgian (Pazzin) Halphide on Jan. 30, 1959, in Seattle, WA, had one son Keith (wife Kathy). Served as an Army medic and assistant platoon leader during the Korean Conflict caring for wounded in...

James Shultz Iii

James Shultz Iii

Feb 26, 2025

James Alton Shultz III Jr., known to his family as Jay and to others as Jim, passed away on February 26, 2025. He was born to James Shultz II and the late Patricia Jones Shultz on August 2, 1958, in Olympia, Washington. James, a smart and charismatic individual, spent most of his life in Washington, residing in Tenino, Seattle, New...

John Novotny

John Novotny

Feb 23, 2025

John George Novotny John George Novotny was born on February 21, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 23, 2025, in Monument, Colorado. He was 88 years old. John was married to his wife Shirley for over 56 years, from their wedding day on December 14, 1957,...

Ellen Givens

Ellen Givens

Feb 18, 2025

It is with great love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen "Dot" Givens on February 18, 2025. Born on July 15, 1939, in Portland, Oregon, Dot was a woman of remarkable spirit and vitality. Her life was a tapestry of creative expression, professional accomplishment, and generous love for her family and community. She was a beacon...

Nancy Lamb

Nancy Lamb

Feb 12, 2025

Nancy Lamb was born Nancy Lynn Ward in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Leonard and Jonnie Ward on October 20, 1947. She was the third of four children. Later, her family moved to Mossyrock, Washington, where she spent most of her childhood. She graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1965. After high school, Nancy traveled to Tacoma, Washington, to attend beauty...

Patricia Hugill

Patricia Hugill

Feb 8, 2025

Patricia Ellen Hugill was born August 17, 1940 in Kodiak, Alaska and passed away peacefully in her sleep February 8, 2025 in Chehalis, WA. She grew up in Centralia in her family home on H street. She had fond memories of her childhood friends and neighbors. Her grandparents, Sidney and Ellen Plummer, established and ran Twin City Sand & Gravel...