Archive for March, 2010
Philip Kliavkoff
Philip G.
Kliavkoff
Born: July 12, 1924
Died: March 21, 2010
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Philip G. Kliavkoff on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Briarwood Health Center in Issaquah, WA. We are happy to inform you that his final days were peaceful, he suffered no pain. Over the last number of years he has battled Alzheimer’s. All of us, his wife Susan, daughter Maria, son George, daughter-in-law Ellen, and grandchildren Delaney and Henry wish to thank you for your friendship and support.
Philip was born on July 12, 1924 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He was the youngest of three brothers. He attended military academy and was sent directly into battle during World War II. He performed with distinction fighting the Nazis on the Hungarian front. He fought bravely, was twice wounded and was a highly decorated officer of the Bulgarian Army. He refused to support the Soviet dominated new regime and escaped in 1950 to Greece. He lived eight years in Brazil, a country he loved, before joining his brother Dimiter in New York. There he met and married Susan, his wife of more than 48 years. Together they had two children, Maria and George. In 2003 he moved with his wife to Seattle, WA where he spent the remainder of his years.
Philip was a highly principled, loyal man of ideals. Family, friends and duty were his driving force. He loved tennis, soccer, history, nature, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He was well informed and politically astute before the reality of Alzheimer’s claimed his ability to concentrate and follow his passions. Above all he loved playing chess and backgammon; he was an accomplished player winning many trophies. He played long into his time in the nursing home. He was not religious, believing instead that a man must rely on his own inner strength and character.
There will be a Celebration of His Life held on Saturday, April 10 at 11:00 AM in the Clubhouse of Providence Point, 4265 224th Court SE, Issaquah, WA 98029. His ashes will be returned to Bulgaria where they will be received by his nephew, Georgi Klyavkov. We are planning a burial in his home town of Plovdiv on Friday, May 21st.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to the International Rescue Committee at www.theirc.org.
Verna Roberts
Verna Olga Bosse Roberts, born March 8, 1914 in Gardena, North Dakota, the eleventh child, to Carl and Emma Bosse, passed on March 22, 2010. Verna’s family moved to Snohomish County in 1920. She attended Zion Lutheran School, in Snohomish and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran in 1929. She graduated from Snohomish High School in 1934. Verna married Ernest M. Roberts on February 11th, 1949, with brother Bill and sister in law Hattie as witnesses. She had two stepsons: Bill and Don. She worked for Pacific Northwest Bell, retiring in the late sixties after 33 years of service. She was preceded in death by her husband Ernie, brothers William, Bernard, Robert, Amos, Fred, Herman and Walt and sisters, Lenora, Martha, Gertrude, Florence and Myrtle. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Family graveside services will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Snohomish, WA, with a reception following at Zion Lutheran Church, date and time to be announced. Donations in memory of Verna can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 4th & Avenue A, Snohomish, WA 98290, (360) 568-2700 or the charity of your choice.
Verna will be remembered mostly by her kind nature, independent and feisty spirit exhibited by driving well into her 95th year. Verna, like the rest of her family, loved a good game of pinochle, a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee any time of day. Verna’s 96th birthday was recently celebrated at her favorite breakfast spot, Strickers Café in Lynnwood, Washington, with family and friends. Thank you to the Strickers staff for having her breakfast on the table before she could sit down and pouring a bottomless cup of coffee. Special thanks to the staff of Richmond Beach Rehab in Shoreline, Washington where Verna resided the last few months of her life.
Dorothea Crane
What a wonderful person. The best mother anyone could ever hope for.
Her devotion and love to me was unwavering. The most important gift she gave to me, other than her unconditional love, was to instill basic values in me to prepare me for life’s events and to help guide me to a life that had satisfaction and happiness. These values included honesty, responsibility, loyalty, kindness and compassion. These were the values she lived by and although I may not have always followed them, they always remained with me giving me a foundation for recovery and for correcting mistakes.
Mom lived through the great depression and was very frugal, never talking the simple things in life for granted. Even though she was frugal, she was generous to us kids and to the community whenever the need was there. She participated in church activities, volunteered for community services and made many beautiful quilts for the University of New Mexico Children’s hospital.
Our home life was filled with family activities, vacations every year, wonderful birthday parties and holiday events. Mom was always attentive to our needs; we were never neglected. She was a great cook and we ate excellent home cooked meals, breakfast was always ready when I got out of bed. Lunch was there when I came home from school and we always ate together as a family at dinnertime. Mom consoled me when I was sad and encouraged and supported me when a challenge arose. She was always there to watch me at sporting events, help me with my homework, always encouraged me to apply myself in school and served as the den mother for our Boy Scout troop.
Her discipline was fair and firm. I can’t recall that she ever really yelled at me and she never struck me. We given freedom to make mistakes to learn on our own but Mom made sure that boundaries were established. When I found some matches and was in the process of setting the woodpile on fire in the garage with a gasoline can nearby, Mom intervened. She gently explained to me that the outcome of this endeavor may be that the garage would burn down. So that night, she let me light the fire for the barbeque.
When I got my tongue stuck to our metal fence in 20 degree weather, Mom came out of the house, smiled at me, poured warm water over me and the fence and then walked away smiling. She knew I wouldn’t do that again. One time, I began a mission of ringing all the doorbells in the neighborhood and running away afterwards. One day, when my Mom was having neighbors over for lunch, I overheard them saying that someone was ringing their doorbells all the time but there was no one there. Afterwards, Mom asked if I knew who was doing this – I said “Don Strom” did it. She just looked at me, and calmly said, you know, it would be nice if you could ring their doorbell and just say Hello and how are you to them.
Dottie was married to her husband, Barney for 49 years. They were a perfect complement to each other – mom had a quiet, somewhat introverted demeanor whereas Dad was a true extrovert. They traveled extensively and went to dinners or social events almost every week. It was a happy marriage.
My parents retired to Albuquerque and Mom moved into a retirement community after the death of her husband Barney. She immediately made close friends, as she had done wherever she had lived. In her 80’s she was active and vibrant and participated in many activities and social events. She had a stroke in 2007 and made a dramatic recovery through her will, strength and determination. The only residual affect of the stroke was difficulty in word finding. Sometimes this resulted in humorous situations that my mother would laugh at. Like when I asked her what her favorite TV show was – she said she liked to watch the “nudes”. I’m not sure but I think she actually meant the news.
We had always offered mom the option of living near us in Seattle. After her stroke, we were with the marketing staff at her retirement home. She signed the papers to move into a room providing assisted living. Immediately after signing, she announced that she was moving to Seattle. So Mom signed a rental agreement and advised she was giving notice to move all at the same time. So were have been privileged to have Mom live near us over the past two years. We became closer and Dottie grew to love my wife like she was her daughter.
She quickly made new close friends and loved her stay at the Brittany Park Retirement community. People always referred to her as a “sweetie”, she was liked by everyone and always greeted everyone with a smile.. I saw her every week. Whenever I was coming over, she always had the door slightly ajar. When I walked in I knew I was in for a dose of affection and love. Every single time she would rise from her chair, smile, open up her arms, give me a hug and kiss and tell me she loved me. Every single time. We had so much fun together, going on Ferry rides, scenic drives, going to lunch and dinner, visiting the sights in Seattle or just relaxing at our house. Dottie just loved our dog, Mattie. They became close friends and Mom always carried his favorite treats in her purse.
Mom never focused on herself – she was always inquiring about how you were doing. She rarely complained and I don’t think she ever held resentment for long as she was a forgiving person. After her stroke, she was unable to read books, which had always been one of her favorite activities. But she didn’t allow this to get her down. She enjoyed putting puzzles together instead. Mom always looked for the positive things in life. She took life on its own terms and lived the serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
She was just a sweetie in the finest sense of the word. I have been blessed to have my mom’s gracious presecence in my life. Her spirit, compassion and love will always remain with me.
Thank you Mom. I love you.
Andrew Haug
Marian “Suzy” Cravens
Marian Earle “Suzy” Cravens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many, peacefully completed her circle of life on Sunday, March 14, 2010, in Shoreline, WA. Suzy was born May 6, 1924, in Arkansas, and moved to Oakdale, Louisiana as an infant where she grew up.
She eloped three days after turning 18 to marry Armon I. Cravens, the dashing young cavalryman she met at the “five & dime” store where she worked, and their marriage continued nearly 68 years to her passing. Suzy raised her family with the utmost love and generosity and made it her personal challenge to bring her children up in an environment free of the poverty and prejudices that surrounded her own childhood.
Suzy reared her family in the San Fernando Valley of California, and after her sons left the nest she moved to Stockton, CA, where she and Armon enjoyed many years of houseboating on the Sacramento Delta. Suzy’s great love of meeting and socializing with people enriched the lives of all who met her with her warm and open hearted friendship.
When they needed greater assistance, Suzy and Armon moved to Seattle, WA, to be in the care of their first son Armon and his generous wife Carol, who made mom’s and dad’s lives comfortable and dignified. The family extends grateful thanks to all the wonderful care providers who helped mom, and, like us, came to love her.
Suzy is survived by her husband Armon, and sons Armon Craig Cravens, Seattle WA, Alan Gregory Wonderwheel, Santa Rosa, CA, and Arlen Patrick Cravens, Redding CA, and their wives, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The day before her passing she met and fondly caressed her newest great grandson, 3-week old Armon Daschiell LaMotte.
At Suzy’s request there will be no funeral service. In the future after Armon’s passing, a memorial will be held in the Stockton area when her and Armon’s ashes will be released together into the waters they loved. Please contact the family if you want to be notified of the memorial plans.
Carlene McCarthy
Carlene McCarthy-Smith, loving mother and grandmother, died peacefully March 7, 2010, she was 75.
She was born Carlene Caroline Raben on May 26, 1934 in Clearfield, South Dakota to Carl Raben and Lillian Haag. Her family migrated west during the dust bowl years and landed in Monroe, Washington. She graduated from Monroe High School and attended Seattle University for two years. She moved to Oakland, California and worked for two years before returning to Monroe.
She married Dennis McCarthy in 1958. They had three children while living in Seattle and then built a home in Maple Valley in 1964 and added four more children to their family. After 19 happy years of marriage, Dennis died in 1977 leaving Carlene with seven children at home. She went to work for the Boeing Company and raised her family. After 21 year, she retired from Boeing in 1998.
In 2004 she fell in love with and married long time family acquaintance David Smith, with whom she happily shared the last five years of her life.
Carlene is survived by David Smith of Maple Valley and his extended family. She leaves five daughters and two sons; Molly (Larry) Hughes of Coupeville, Mary (Kevin) Nelson of North Bend, Ellen (Jeff) Riley of Newcastle, Colene Good of Federal Way, Jennifer (Doug) Skuce of Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, Michael (Eve) McCarthy of Portland, Oregon and Dennis (Carrie) McCarthy of Maple Valley. She has 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters and one brother; Lois Sorenson in Snohomish, Mardella Nelson in Kent, Elaine “Rusty” Simon in Sultan and Ron Raben in Olympia and proceeded in death by her sister Billie Manning.
A funeral mass was held on March 11 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington. Remembrances can be made to Evergreen Hospice, c/ o Evergreen Health Care Foundation, 12040 NE 128th Street MS #5, Kirkland, WA 98034.
Spyder Yarnell
Spyder Yarnell
(born Michael Alan Yarnell)
Spyder Yarnell, 58, of Sea Tac, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
He was born to Harley Dale Yarnell and Ester Eileene Smith on December
20, 1951 in Salina Kansas.
Spyder was here for a good time, not a long time. Surviving polio
that was acquired at the age of 8 months as a result of a
government-mandated polio vaccine in 1952 (the year before the U.S.
government now says the polio vaccine was available), he was mobile on
crutches, active and energetic until mid-January of 2010. He loved
sharing his opinions, dining out, dragons, wizards, toys, and classic
rock and roll music. Spyder was a fun-loving kid with a good heart
who never grew up–and that was his charm.
He was survived by his loving girlfriend of 24 years, Chris Turner;
his son, Adam Yarnell, grandchildren, Evalyn Maye Yarnell and Miranda
Marvel Yarnell; his sister, Lorie McClure; and his brother, Denny
Yarnell.
He will be missed most by Molly Graf and Sean Patterson, who were more
family than friends. He will also be missed enormously by beloved
kitties , Ignatius Herculeanous Bluebell and Keylala Bluebell; as well
as cockatiel, Daisy (with whom he conversed most of the day).
Special thanks go to Janine Turner and Terry Killen for their love and
support through his short battle with Lung Cancer (diagnosed January
20, 2010).
The ‘We’re Here for a Good Time Memorial Breakfast Buffet’ will be
held on March 14th at 10:00am at Dave’s Diner and Brew in Sea Tac
(attendance by invitation only).
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to the
Shriners Hospitals for Children.
We’re Here For A Good Time
by Trooper
A very good friend of mine
Told me something the other day
I’d like to pass it on to you,
Cause I believe what he said to be true
He said:
We’re here for a good time
Not a long time
So have a good time
The sun can’t shine everyday
And the sun is shinin’,
In this rainy city,
And the sun is shinin,
Oh isn’t a pity?
That every year has it’s share of tears,
Every now and then it’s gotta rain
We’re here for a good time
Not a long time
So have a good time
The sun can’t shine everyday
Matthew Bouthillier
Matthew Romain Bouthillier of Renton, WA passed away unexpectedly in Haiti on March 1, 2010. A seasoned ER nurse, Matt was in Port-au-Prince serving earthquake survivors as a volunteer for Medical Teams International. While on the trip, Matt suffered a cardiac arrest which claimed his life at the age of 36.
Born on September 22, 1973, Matt grew up in Connecticut and Texas. He attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. While at PLU, he fell in love with Melissa Leppke, and they married on July 12, 1998. Matt and Melissa consider their two sons, Brian (7) and Logan (4), life’s most precious gift and above all, Matt cherished spending time with his family.
Matt had a tender heart and a fearless spirit. He had served as a Captain in the US Army at Brooke Army Medical Center. He was an ER nurse for Virginia Mason and Swedish Medical Center in Issaquah. Described by his colleagues and patients as an extraordinary medical professional, Matt possessed uncanny experience, skills, and wisdom for someone his age. He served his country and fellow man with courage, conviction, and care.
Matt was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, camping, and mountain climbing. His many friends and family remember him for his terrific sense of humor, his authenticity, and fierce loyalty to those he loved. Whether serving his country, saving lives, climbing mountain peaks, or playing with his boys, Matt embraced life and lived it to the fullest.
Matt is survived by his wife, Melissa, and two sons, Brian Michael and Logan James. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his mother, Dale Bouthillier, and four sisters: Gail Garcia of San Antonio, TX; Kris Gauthier, Zionsville IN; Catherine Menounos of Brooklyn, CT; and Lynn Bouthillier of Brooklyn, CT. Matt had eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Bouthillier and his father, Dr. Joseph Bouthillier.
American hero, loyal friend, loving husband and Dad – Matt’s life was brief, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
A Memorial Service open to the public will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the East Renton Community Church , 13232 156th Ave SE, Renton, WA. A Matthew Bouthillier Children’s Fund has been set up for the family at US Bank.




![4 faces of mom[1]](http://bartonfuneral.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/4-faces-of-mom1.jpg)
![Yarnell[1]](http://bartonfuneral.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Yarnell1.jpg)
![yarnell 2[1]](http://bartonfuneral.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/yarnell-21.jpg)

