Edward W. Niehl, beloved educator, coach, mentor, community leader, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at the age of 102. Ed was born on March 5, 1924, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Burien, Washington. He attended Highline High School, where he excelled in athletics, participating…
Category: Obituary
Obituary
A Parkland Leader – William Giddings
[ Editor: Many knew him as a chemistry professor at Pacific Luther University. The rest of us across Pierce County knew him from many public events. Bill and Roxy Gidding have been iconic in the realm of public activism and community participation. And yes, Roxy is still at it. I saw her May 7 at…
Obituary: Wayne Cooke
Mr. Wayne T. Cooke (5/10/1931-1/16/2026) was born in Seattle, Washington and attended Queen Anne High School. He received his teaching degree from the University of Washington, launching his life-long passion as an educator. Early in his career he taught in Morocco and took exploratory trips across Europe. These trips ignited his love for the mountains,…
Obituary: Jordan (Jay) Reifel
Tacoma, Washington – Dr. Jordan (Jay) Murray Reifel, Jr. passed peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Patti, on April 7, 2024 at their winter home in Dana Point, California. Jay was born a baby boomer in Pasadena, California, and graduated from San Marino High School (1968). As a 4th generation Pasadenan, he was…
Obituary: Roger H. Lincoln Jr.
Roger H Lincoln Jr. December 6, 1956 – February 27, 2024 Parkland, Washington – Roger Lincoln Jr. passed away in Parkland WA February 27, 2024. Born in Tacoma to Roger and Mary, he was the 2nd of 7 children. Growing up on Lake Spanaway, he knew every inch of the neighborhood. He enjoyed scaring his…
Obituary: Shirley Grace Mathis
Today the Pierce Prairie Post, a division of the Spanaway Community Association is paying tribute to a former member, Shirley Mathis. Her daughter Theresa contacted us because she passed away October 15, 2023. When the Spanaway Community Action Network and Celebrate! Spanaway were really active, she was one of our tireless volunteers. Rest Peacefully Shirley….
Obituary: Grace Arlene (Jensen) Carrier
Grace Arlene (Jensen) Carrier, 82 years young, member of the Jensen Sisters singing trio, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020 from complications with pneumonia. The Post was notified by her loving sister, Barbara Gelman. Arlene was born June 2, 1938, the youngest of three sisters in the Jensen family of Parkland. The three sisters have…
In Memorium: Charles “Chuck” H. Overra
OBITUARY Charles “Chuck” H. Overaa (1/2/1927-2/16/2018) was born to Lee Roy and Caroline Overaa. He was a life long resident of Spansway, Washington. He attended Spanaway Grade School and was a graduate of Kapowsin High School in 1944. After driving logging trucks for his father, he entered the United States Navy and was honorably discharged…
Another community legend passes
[Editor note: Jim was so instrumental in so many ventures, but was always careful to remain behind the scenes. I know we all can thank him for the beautiful photographs in the Pierce Prairie Post, but he would never admit to helping us get the beautiful camera we use. Rest peacefully Jim – condolences to…
A Memorial for Chris Virdell
ELK PLAIN, WA — Over two years ago, Chris Virdell disappeared. Eight months ago, his remains were found. One month ago, the identity of his remains were disclosed. The Virdell family had the shock, horror and sadness to relive. The case is far from solved. The family is still not in possession of his remains. What they…
Alexander Sherrell – Obituary
Alexander Sherrell Alexander Sherrell left this earthly world on Thursday, September 5, 2013. Alex was born July 16, 1987. When the boy whose smile could light up a room grew into a man, that smile never changed. He walks on to heaven joining his father, Terry Sherrell; his paternal grandfather Howard Sherrell and his maternal grandmother…
For all the car lovers who pass on
By Marianne Lincoln Last Thursday, I wrote the following poem for my son’s father-in-law who passed away last week. After wandering around the LeMay car show and a few others last weekend and taking a few select photos of angel hood ornaments, I came up with the following poem. If you have recently lost a…
JoAnne Matson, 39 year FP Board Member passes
JoAnne Matson passed away June 22, 2013 at age 84. She was born in Alhambra, CA on May 31, 1929 to Gluck W. Riley and Ellen Brock Riley. She moved to Seattle in 1941 with her mother. JoAnne married Emerson N. Matson Jan. 10, 1948. He preceded her in death. She served on the Franklin…
June 10 Memorial for Senator Carrell
Olympia, WA — Residents of Washington’s 28th Legislative District and members of the public are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, on Monday at the state Capitol in Olympia. Carrell, who was laid to rest Wednesday during a small, private ceremony attended by family and close friends, passed away…
Dixie LeMay Archer – Obituary
Dixie Lee LeMay-Archer Passed from her visit on earth and took the hand of God on March 28, 2013. She was born in Aberdeen, WA on July 14, 1954, six minutes after her twin sister Debbie. Dixie had a strong faith in God and truly loved the Lord. Her favorite times were spent with family…
Glenn and Bonnie Hull, December 2012
OBITUARY Glenn and Bonnie Hull Glenn E. Hull, 79, and Bonnie J. Hull, 72, husband and wife, passed away Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, 2012, respectively. They resided in Gig Harbor since 1971, and were beloved by the community. Glenn was best known as a music educator in both Peninsula and Bethel school districts. He…
A Celebration of JP Patches 11 am today at McCaw Hall
The life and legacy of J.P. Patches (played for more than 50 years by Chris Wedes) will be remembered at a memorial on Saturday September 8th in McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. Wedes passed away July 22 after a long battle with myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Chris Wedes good friend, Pat Cashman, will lead “A…
Obituary: Kristi and Violet Holmes
Kristi and Violet Holmes Mother and daughter left this world on August 28th. Kristi was a lover of people. In her life she served the chronically mentally ill. She provided in-home daycare; she was an avid charitable worker. She loved people. Violet was a cuddle-bug and loved her laptop computer. At 15 months of age…