All Obituaries

John Philip Strojan passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at his family home on Trout Lake, surrounded by those he loved. He was 54 years old. John was born on January 23, 1972, in Dallas, Texas to Vince Strojan and Sandy (Olson) Strojan. He spent his early childhood in Texas before returning with his family in 1979 to the family farm in Fife, Washington, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and a deep appreciation for hard work. From an early age, John embraced every ...

"Richmond “Richy” Merced Garcia died June 9, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. Richy was born May 3rd, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was the second child of Ed Garcia and Kirstin Lambrecht, sandwiched between her older brother Carson and younger brother Grey. Throughout her life, Richy was an utter joy. Pleasant, empathetic and was always eager to engage in whatever life had to offer. Despite her pleasant demeanor, Richy was extremely competitive from a young age. This, ...

Lawrence (Larry) Stevens, 70, passed away in Tacoma, Washington on April 21, 2026. Born in Tacoma on October 14, 1955, Larry grew up in South Tacoma with loving parents Eugene and Marian, and close family friends Mimi and Patricia Georgetti. Many a road trip to Reno, stuffed in the back of a station wagon with Pat and Mimi’s daughter Kathy G, were among some of Larry’s best childhood memories.  Larry attended Visitation Parochial School before moving to Gray Junior High, he ...

Claire Ipolani Hellam was born on August 6, 1969, in Okinawa, Japan, to Clarence and Sakiko Young. She lived there until the age of five when she moved to Marina, California. She spent her childhood in Marina, graduating from Seaside High School in 1987. She continued her education at Monterey Peninsula College and then San Jose State University, where she graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1998.  She worked in marketing/communications, sold Mary Kay cosmetics, was a ...

Julie was a loving, caring, and kind soul who was known for her compassion and strength. She died at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma due to surgical complications on April 12th 2026. Julie was born in 1963 to parents Charles Wicks and Miriam Day Wicks and spent most of her life living in Corvallis Oregon. Julie was a bright and social child who loved to learn and had an easy time making friends. After high school she attended Pacific Lutheran University where she majored in education with a ...

Gene Arnold Tuffs, 90, of Auburn, died April 7, 2026 in Auburn, WA.   He was born March 1936, to Charles and Ida Tuffs in Deer Creek, Minnesota. He was number 10 of 11 siblings.   Gene attended West Seattle High School, Everett Jr. College, and served in the National Guard. Gene is survived by his wife of 66 years, Susan, and three children Eugene, Cheryl, and Dawn.  Three grandchildren, Jessica, Kyle, and Kristopher and two great-grandchildren, Cameron and ...

Phil was born April 4, 1945, in Natick, Massachusetts to Rachel Wheat White and then-Lt. Harlow Hayden White. His father had been called to serve in the European theater as an Army Air Corps pilot. Phil attended his mother’s college graduation in 1946 in a baby carriage. The family moved to Lockport, NY in 1947, then Mishawaka, IN. in 1950, then South Bend, IN in 1951. He attended Stuckey School through 8th grade, when the family moved to Warwick, RI, in 1959. After a year at Samuel ...

Elaine Stotsenberg Smith (Peters), a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and world traveler, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Born on March 4, 1930, in McHenry, North Dakota, Elaine lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, love, and dedication to her family and passions. Elaine spent her early years in the farming community of North Dakota before moving to Farmington, Washington during her youth. She attended school in Farmington until her final ...

Jim loved his family, friends and life itself.  He always had a smile for everyone he met.  He passed away on March 22, surrounded by family with the assurance that this life was only a stop on the way to being together again with God. Jim was born on May 25, 1930, in Columbia Falls, Montana, the 14th of 20 children of Bradford and Pearl Adams Leighty. When his father died, 17-year-old Jim, as the oldest son at home, took over managing the farm for his mother and siblings.  ...

John S. Brongil, 63, of Tacoma, WA passed away on March 19th, 2026. Born on March 24th, 1962 in Tacoma, WA, he was the beloved son of John and Pauline Brongil. He grew up in Tacoma and is a graduate of Lincoln High School. John was known for his sharp wit, strong personality, deep loyalty, and pride in his children. A devoted father, John was the kind of man who knew how to work hard and play harder. He spent 34 years working at the United States Post Office, where he was respected for his ...