Obituaries

Longtime Northwest sportswriter and friend to just about everyone he ever met over a career in journalism and in the grocery warehouse industry for the former Unified/ Associated Grocers in Seattle. That one sentence can only begin to celebrate the character that Robert George Sims brought to a life of creative inspiration, always supporting and encouraging those who would come to know him as a friend or a family member.

Robert “Bob or Bubba” Sims passed away at home in his Federal Way apartment on November 20. 2019 due to an internal medical condition.

Robert Henson Merryman died on November 12, 2019 at the age of 96.  At the time of his death, he was living in the Wyatt House, an assisted living facility on Bainbridge Island.  

Bob was born in Bremerton, WA on May 9, 1923, the son of Robert Merryman, Sr. and Frances C. Merryman. He graduated from Renton High School in 1941 and enrolled at the University of Washington.  During WWII, Bob was called to active duty in 1944 as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.  He served in the Pacific theater, becoming commanding officer of his amphibious landing ship by the end of the war.

Tena Hendrie of the Fauntleroy area of West Seattle passed away peacefully on November 9, 2019, just days after celebrating her 92nd birthday with her family.  She was born Bertena Hendren in 1927, on her family farm near Dyersburg, Tennessee.  In 1950 she began a teaching career in the public schools of Dyer County, having graduated from Murray State College, but soon set her sights on broader achievements.  In 1954 she went to Japan, serving as a civilian with the U.S.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Terry Myers, who never said an unkind word about anyone, went to be with Jesus on Monday, December 2, 2019 after a full life of 80 years in West Seattle and a brief illness. 

Survived by her husband of 52 years, Phillip, children Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Laurie, daughter-in-law Jenn, sons-in-law Edward and Greg, and grandchildren Calvin Phillip and Connor Quigley, Phoebe Abigail, Ezra James and Claudia Renée, she left behind family and friends of whom she thought the world. 

It's with profound sadness I announce the passing of my mother, Cheryl Anne Kivi (Patterson), on Thursday, November 7, 2019 after a long battle of health complications.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 11, 2019 at age 77.

Matt was born September 3, 1942 in Seattle, first born of Matt and Marianne Picinich. He graduated from West Seattle High School and University of Washington. He moved his family to Enumclaw for a job opportunity at Mutual of Enumclaw, where he worked for 20 years. After his retirement, he was able to follow his passion by working at Enumclaw Golf Course.

Lloyd F. Neale, 88, passed away on November 14, 2019 in Lynnwood, WA.  He was born in Seattle, WA to Fredrick and Marjorie Neale and grew up in both West Seattle and Normandy Park, WA.  Lloyd graduated from Highline High School and later served in the Air Force at bases in Utah and California.  

After serving in the Air Force, Lloyd married Louise Hamilton in 1953.  Lloyd began a career as a shipwright and worked at a variety of companies in both the Seattle area and Alaska, finally retiring from the Washington State Ferry System.

Maybelle Helen Wagner passed away at her West Seattle home September 10, 2019. Maybelle was born to Scottish immigrant parents on January 12, 1917 in Miles City, MT. Maybelle and Joseph D. (J.D.) Wagner moved to Seattle in 1956, where they made their home in West Seattle, and where she lived until her passing. J.D. preceded her in death in 1986. She served as a nurse at West Seattle General Hospital and furthered her studies through the University of Washington in order to work with cancer patients at Harborview Medical Center. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

Gloria Stella Blanco passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was a cherished wife, mother and grandmother.

Kenneth Duane Field passed away on October 16th, 2019.  He was born in Wenatchee, WA on August 6, 1935 to William E. Field and Herdis S. Field. He is preceded by his brothers, Robert, John, and Darrell. He was dearly loved by all his family. Ken is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Field. They were married for 62 years and had seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.