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OBITUARIES
Mankin
Robert LeRoy Mankin
Robert LeRoy Mankin died March 21, 2014, at Careage of Whidbey at the age of 86. He was born July 22, 1927, in San Bernardino, Calif., to Harry and Maude Mankin. He graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1945 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the V-6 Program. With the end of the war at hand, he was discharged as a Fireman First Class. Following his military service, Robert was hired by the San Bernardino Police Department as a motor officer. Two years later, he became a member of the California Highway Patrol, a position he held for the next 30 years. He began his career as a motor officer and retired as a senior sergeant in the El Cajon, Calif., office. He served in Barstow, East L.A., West L.A., Orange County, Oceanside, San Diego and El Cajon. Robert was married to Carolyn “Suzi” Speck on July 22, 1976, in Mexico. Robert was not one to sit back and retire, so he attended college and received his degree in small boat engine repair. Moving to Lake Mead, Nev., Robert and Suzi opened a boat shop associated with the 7 Crowns Resort. Robert eventually earned the rating of master mechanic and did not retire until 2005. In 2005, they left Lake Mead and made Oak Harbor their new home. Robert had an incredible gift for math and engineering and could solve or repair anything. He was a gifted storyteller and loved to share his wealth of jokes and often served as a master of ceremonies at various events throughout his life. Robert is survived by his wife, Suzi of Oak Harbor; children Robert E. Mankin of Ojai, Calif., Patricia A. Mankin of Vista, Calif., and Sharon J. Fergot of Denver, Colo.; stepchildren Misty Speck of Seattle,and Michael Speck of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three much-loved
grandchildren, Katie Fergot, Billy Mankin and Murphy Mankin. Robert was very proud to have achieved being a Master in the Fallbrook Lodge No. 317 in Fallbrook, Calif. and was a life member of that lodge. His memberships included the Royal Arch Masons of California, Triangle Chapter 155, a 32-degree member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Valley of San Diego Orient of California, a member of the Garfield Lodge No. 41 of La Conner, Wash., a 60-year masonic membership at the Whidbey Island Lodge, No. 15, F&AM, and was a member of the American Legion George Morris Post 129 of Oak Harbor. Graveside funeral services for Robert Mankin will be held at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, Colton, Calif., where he will be laid to rest with his parents. Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences for Robert in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www. wallinfuneralhome.com
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allin Funeral Home & Cremation
1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447
Eisenhauer
Beulah Mildred Eisenhauer
Beulah Mildred Eisenhauer, 103-plus years, of Coupeville died in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Homestead Adult Care, where she had been staying. Teacher, gardener, craftsperson and one who insisted she wasn’t a “Polyanna” but always chose a smile over a frown, Mildred was an inspiration to others. She was born on Feb. 21, 1911, in Alexandria, Neb. She was the eldest daughter of Carl and Mamie Averill. After earning early credits in high school, something unusual for that time, Mildred married Philip
George Eisenhauer on May 25, 1928. They rented a farm adjacent to Philip’s childhood farm home in Jefferson County, and farmed there before and after moving to the nearby town of Gladstone, where Phil also sold seed for crops and was an insurance agent for Bankers Life, now Principal Life Insurance. They raised six children to become responsible citizens. Mildred worked several jobs outside the home, including as a retail clerk, in floral shops and in newspaper work. She accomplished all this while raising six children and attending colleges in Fairbury and Crete, Neb. Mildred earned a teaching certificate, graduating from Doane College, and she taught in several rural schools in Nebraska before moving to Granite Falls, Wash. where she taught in the elementary school while Phil drove school buses. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Washington University and continued teaching in Granite Falls School District until her retirement. She served as president of the Granite Falls Educational Association, served on the Granite Falls School Board and was a director on the Board of Educational Service District 189 for 10 years. Mildred and Phil were long-time members of Zion United Church of Christ in Gladstone, Neb. Mildred was active as a Girls’ Guild leader, a member of the Women’s Guild, a Sunday school teacher and a church camp counselor. She was chosen as Nebraska State President of the UCC Church women’s organization and has continually served in leadership roles in church groups both locally and regionally, including moderator of Arlington United Church for several terms. After moving to Rolling Hills near Oak Harbor in 1991, Mildred became an active member of the Coupeville United Methodist Church, involving herself in the United Methodist Women in various capacities. After retiring, Mildred spent time traveling in various parts of the world and visiting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mildred has lived a life of volunteer service: She was a 4-H leader, a charter member of the Friendly Thursday Club in Jefferson County, Neb., and organized Girls’ Guild and a middle school girls’ club. She worked with troubled children, both in the
classroom and in sheltering runaway girls — wards of the court. She was a member of Snohomish County Citizens’ Review Board to help the courts’ decisions concerning dysfunctional families, and she sponsored a Polish refugee family in her home until they learned English and obtained employment. In Island County, Mildred volunteered at the Fort Casey Lighthouse and Oak Harbor Senior Center in the gift shop, and more than once was a judge for History Day entrants. Her memberships included Fairbury Nebraska Business and Professional Women, charter member of the Friendly Thursday Club in Jefferson County Nebraska, County Extension Club and Church Women United. After moving to Washington in 1961, she also was a member of NEA, WEA, the Granite Falls Alumni Association, Friends of the Library in Granite Falls and in Coupeville, Lady Lions in Granite Falls, United Methodist Women, UMC Covenant Group, Coupeville Garden Club, Historical Societies in both Snohomish and Island counties and WSU Beachwatchers. Honors received during her life included the PTA Golden Acorn Award, Granite Falls Alumni Award as outstanding educator, Granite Falls Grange Citizen of the Year, Educational Service District Award for Service and nomination by the Granite Falls faculty for teacher of the year. Mildred gained the admiration and gratitude of her peers, family and friends for her tireless service to others throughout her life. Survivors include four of her children and their spouses, the Rev. Dr. Philip L. and Patricia Eisenhauer of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Dr. Richard D. and Ardith Eisenhauer of Marysville, Wash.; Judith and Mauro Losz,of Middletown, Ohio; and Joann and John Roomes of Coupeville with whom she lived for nine of the final years of her life. Mildred is also survived by one brother, Kenneth Averill of Caldwell, Idaho; son-in-law Lawrence Kientz of Junction City, Kan.; 20 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sundry nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends. Mildred was preceded in death by Philip, her husband of 50 years (1978); parents Carl and Mamie Averill; an infant daughter, Karen Lou (1938); her eldest daughter, Janice Kientz of Junction City, Kan. (2012); son David Eisenhauer of Graford, Texas (2012); four sisters; five brothers; and a grandson, Gregory Eisenhauer. A memorial service is
Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Whidbey News-Times
2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Coupeville United Methodist Church. Services and burial will follow at Zion United Church of Christ in Gladstone, Neb., where she will buried next to her husband. Mildred suggested memorial contributions may be made to the Zion United Church of Christ, Gladstone, Neb.; the First United Methodist Church, Coupeville; and Oak Harbor Senior Center. Please visit Mildred’s page in the Book of Memories hosted at www. wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.
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allin Funeral Home & Cremation
by five grandchildren, Daja Faulkner, Joshua Soyke, Alexander Soyke, Scarlett Lynn and Wyatt Lynn. A memorial service was held on 1 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor, with Gary Wallin as Certified Life Celebrant. A private internment will take place at Oak Harbor’s Maple Leaf cemetery. Please visit George’s page in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
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allin Funeral Home & Cremation
1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447
1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447
Burton
Pearson
George James Pearson
George James Pearson entered into heaven on March 29, 2014, after a courageous fight with brain cancer. George was born on July 26, 1955, in Trenton, Mich., and grew up in Ecorse, Mich. After high school, he volunteered for military service, during which he served with distinction as a Navy Seal. Following his discharge, George attended Detroit Barber College and had a 30-year career as a barber. In 1993 he achieved his dream of opening his own barber shop. He owned and operated George’s Barber Shop in Oak Harbor for 20 years until his health issues forced him to close. George enjoyed working with the public and was known for his sense of humor. He always had a joke or humorous story to share with customers and friends. George had a lifelong interest in music and found pleasure playing the guitar. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Pearson; his wife, Candie Pearson; and his five children, Susan Faulkner, Audrie Soyke, Steven Pearson, Jesse Lynn and Megan Pearson. George is also survived
James G. Burton Jr.
James G. Burton Jr. died Thursday, March 27, 2014, at HomePlace in Oak Harbor at the age of 87. He was born in Seattle on June 11, 1926, to James and Florence Burton. James served 23 years in the U.S. Navy and 15 years in civil service as an electronic technician. He enjoyed woodworking, photography and traveling. James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanette, and five children, Lana Burton of Oak Harbor, Rex Burton of Missoula, Mont., Rita Fulkerson of Tehachapi, Calif., Christopher Burton of Virginia Beach, Va., Michelle Hoffman of Renton, Wash., and Suzanne Scales, of Bonnie Lake, Wash. Also surviving are grandchildren Jenika Burton, Mike Grant, Bryan Kelley and Roxanne Grant; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, James Comrada of Vancouver, Wash. James was cremated and, at his request, no services were held. His care was entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. Please visit James’ Book of Memories page hosted by the funeral home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
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allin Funeral Home & Cremation
1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447