Category: Obituaries

APRIL 9, 1929 – FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Richard James Muir Sr., born in Fortson, Wa. on April 9, 1929, went to join the love of his life, surrounded by family on February 13, 2025. Raised on the Tulalip Reservation at a farm known as “Dunston’s”, for many years growing up with siblings and cousins, then moving to Whitehorse.

Richard served in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 with an honorable discharge. Moving into a logging career in the Aberdeen area.

He married the love of his life, Donna, in March of 1957 and started raising their family. Richard moved his wife and family to a small home in Tacoma, Wa. and opened his own construction business “Muir Construction”. As the years past he remodeled their small home to accommodate his growing family.

In 1977, the family relocated to Tulalip and he built a new home on the family property. He began working for the Tulalip Tribes as their Construction Manager where he was able to train and mentor many young Tulalip men in the construction trade. He was responsible for the Tulalip Hatchery Construction. He remodeled the marine shed to allow the marina to have a store and restaurant for the fishermen and community. He was responsible for building the Tulalip Entertainment Center and he worked with Tulalip Housing building many homes for Tulalip families.

As a result of his work that he did with Tulalip he was made an honorary member of the Tulalip Tribes in April 2002, of which he was very proud.

He was an exemplary father, full of love wisdom and understanding. He had a great sense of humor who would always get his girls started at family gatherings (then get in trouble with his wife).

He also spent many years as a commercial fisherman beside his wife in usual and accustom fishing grounds of Tulalip. Clam digging trips annually with family in Ocean shores, camping for weeks at a time. He bowled avidly raising his children in the bowling alleys of Tacoma and Marysville. He was a skilled gardener and farmer, raising cattle and fowl.

In retirement he and his wife enjoyed spending weeks camping on their lot at Lake Connor Park, having block parties with many of their friends and family. The kids and grand-kids enjoyed camping and swimming on the weekends with them.

Richard spent many years taking daily walks around Hermosa and Totem Beach area enjoying the scenery, visiting with the neighbors while getting his daily exercise.

Richard had a life time membership to the Moose Lodge where he had many life-time friends and enjoyed live music and dancing.

He was survived by: Siblings: Dallas Muir, Rosene Leonard (Bill), Harvey Stevenson, Bernadeen Harvey (Bob), Becki Hilty, Ardella Muir, Arvella Muir and Doyle Muir.

Children: Richard Jr. (Teena), Debra, Deanna and Doreen.

Grandchildren: Nicole, SabraLee, Shiloh, Mitchell, Daniel (Cherish), Breanna, June, Sandra (Kurtis), Danielle, Chaz, Karolyn (Lynzi), Charlie, Michael (Ame), Dakotah, “Nanalilja Sissy and Christjan.

Great Grandchildren: Kecia’Ann (Tim) , Deven, Jaren, Alex, M’Kenzy, Zea’Koaho, Elyssa, Shylah, Ryelon, M’Kenya, Brayden (Daniel Jr.), Harlee’Anne, Karter, Maizleigh, Areaya, Cierra (Trevor) , Dalton (Brittney), Timothy (Matilda), Kurtis (Ariell), Kaycie, Dayla, Daylyn, Brayden, Jaxson, Paizlee, Kamelia, Lailani, Maizee, Kurtis. Jr., Damien, Greg Jr., Emmalynn, Kenneth, Carson, Makena, Payton Jr., Cadence.

Great-Great-Grandchildren: Violet, Maddox, Dylan, Maelani, Timbo, Kayson, Adonis & Braxton

Also survived by: Many close friends, nieces and nephews.

Preceded by: Love of his life – Donna L. Muir; Parent: Blanch Helm Stevenson, Robert (Curley) Muir, Kate Muir. Siblings; Margie, Peggy, Arvel, Barbara, Arlene “Sugar” & Jerry. Grandchild: Jared, Great-Grandchildren; Paul Shay Jr. and Oaklee Muir.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Susan Jane Moses, 60 of Tulalip passed away February 10, 2025 in Everett. She was born on February 2, 1965 in Snohomish, WA to Kenneth Virgil Moses Sr. and Theresa Joseph Moses. She was a firefighter and an EMT; secretary for CEO of the Quil Ceda; she worked at Tulalip Data Services. She spent her whole life praying in traditional ways; original round drum owner of Timberland creek drum, she was very active in the Coast Salish Longhouse life.

She is survived by her only Kaiser Moses; her brother Lyle Moses; and sister Myra (Hoss) Hudson and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and many loving siblings.

An evening service will be held Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. A celebration of her life will be held, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 at 10 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Edward Jesse May 9, 1973 – Perrin In Loving Memory of Edward Jesse Perrin
Born in Petersburg, Alaska; Ed Perrin lived with passion and love. A proud father, husband, and “Dice King” dealer at Tulalip Casino, his magnetic spirit lit every room. He’s survived by his wife Monique Shopbell, children, and grandchildren. His legacy of love endures. 

An evening service will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, January 30. 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Jason Lee O’Day, 34, passed away November 25, 2024 in Everett.He was born on March 1, 1990 to Patrick and Carmen O’Day in Everett, Washington. He was a member of the Tulalip Tribes. He loved his children Susan and Jason D.L. O’Day. He lived his life the best that he could. He is survived by his parents, Patrick and Carmen; brother Brian; and children Susan and Jason. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 10 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Anna Marie Contraro was born to Marie Cheer and Robert Contraro Sr. in Everett, Washington. She was a member of the Tulalip Tribes. 
She lived in the Cheer family home in Tulalip her whole life.
She spent her childhood fishing and on the beach. She shared love and knowledge with her kids. 
Anna dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She went above and beyond for everyone she cared about. Spending time with her family included traveling, cooking, and being at the beach. Some of her favorite places to go were Ocean Shores, Disneyland, and Nevada. 
She will always be the number one Husky’s fan. She raised her kids to be dawgs just like her.
She loved celebrating Halloween, going to concerts, and working at Boom City. 
She will be remembered for her selflessness, teachings, and most of all her pranks. 
Anna leaves behind her dad, Robert Contraro Sr. Siblings: Robert Contraro Jr. (Maureen Enick), Zetha Contraro, Tom (Rose) Reeves, and Danelle Gomez. Her kids: Shawntay, Cassie, Jesse, Tyler, Jasmine, Sonny, Dexter, Justine, and Rosie. Many uncles, aunties, and cousins. Numerous nieces and nephews that she helped raise and care for. Close friend, Lawanda and kids. 
She is proceded in death by her mom, Marie Cheer. Grandparents, Barbara and Arnold Sr., Katie Sheldon, and Grandpa Jim. Uncles and aunts: Stanley Cheer Sr., Patrick Cheer, Phillip Cheer, Conrad Reeves Sr., Barbara Reeves Sr., Charlene Williams, Cecil Lewis, Arnold Cheer Jr. Cousins: Stanley Cheer Jr. Kevin Cheer, Conrad Reeves Jr., Carla Cheer. Niece, Chianne Lynn Enick and nephew, Logan Charles Mclean. 
An evening service will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Funeral Services will be held, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at 10 AM at the Gathering Hall.

1968 – 2024

Kristy Marie Bill-Solomon (Buffy), 55, of Tulalip Washington and Lummi nation Passed away October 31, 2024. She was born to Joe Bill sr and Geraldine Bill on December 24, 1968 in Bellingham Washington, as a child she grew up in Lummi and you would always find her not to far from her father, she was a daddy’s girl all the way if she wasn’t with her dad you would find her with her siblings playing and learning our way of life, then later on moved to Tulalip, got a job at the old bingo hall as a floor worker and then she would become a loving wife, a caring mother and a great teacher. She had a great sense of humor but was also so kind to everyone she knew. Her family was very important to her and she always had an open door policy for everyone. She loved traveling to smokehouse and playing sla-Hal games where she would meet her friends and family plus make new friends and make great memories, she took great pride in her work, she would spend her days taking care of her children, supporting her husband and her family, she was always willing to teach her children, nieces and nephews how to cook. In her spare time she would watch movies with her children, or keep busy by making various of items. She is survived by her auntie-Loretta Tom. Her sister-Inez Bill. Her children- Daniel Bill, Benjamin Solomon lll, Marsha Tom, Lauralee Tom, Sarah Tom. Her grandchildren- Trey Solomon, Kaiden Tom, Octavia Tom, Charles Tom and another on the way. She is proceeded in death by her husband- Phillip Solomon. Her parents- Geraldine Bill, Joe Bill Sr. Grandparents- Isadore, Laura Tom. Brothers- Joe Bill, Brian Bill; Sisters- Donna Houle, Kathleen Bill, Miriam Jo Bill and Jolene Bill.

An evening service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at the Tulalip Gathering Hall at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

1935-2024

Katherine “Kathy” “Kayo” Louise Elliott, passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2024, with her daughters by her side. She was 89 years old.
Kathy was born on April 1st, 1935, in Tulalip, WA, to William and Katherine Campbell. She grew up on the reservation and in Tacoma,WA, where she graduated from Lincoln High School.She worked for 32 years as a printing press operator at West Coast Grocery. Kathy was a hardworking and independent woman, and she was able to retire in 1997 and pursue more of the things she loved to do. She enjoyed dining out and there was almost never a wrong time for ice cream. One of Kathy’s largest passions was garage sales.She always found the best deals and displayed her thoughtfulness when most of the items she purchased were for others. She was a constant presence in our lives, always there to celebrate birthdays, holidays, graduations and all of life’s special moments. Kathy’s kindness and generosity were unmatched.

Kathy had a deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren,with whom she had a special bond. She was a GREAT friend, confidant,bold yet silly individual and the strongest supporter one could find.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, William and Katherine Campbell, herson Patrick “Todd” Elliott, siblings Jeanette, Sandy, Joan,Russell, Helen, and Don and her grandson Jonathan Borchers.

Kathy is survived by her children Chris (Larry), Randy and Lauri (Jon); brothers Walt, John and Charlie;grandchildren Dawn, Jonyne, Kelsey, Julie, Kaylene, Patrick, Jr.; 12 great grandchildren; 2great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Kathy was also very fortunate to be reunited later in life with two children she placed for adoption, Walt Sutterfield and Chloe Haberlock.

Kathy was a strong-willed and devoted mother,sister, daughter,friend, aunt, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed.
“In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill.”

A memorial celebration will be held on October 26th, 2024 at 11:00 A M at the Tulalip Gathering Hall on the Tulalip Indian Reservation.

Elida Lee Parks was born on August 3, 1944 in Mount Vernon, WA to Sarah Stella Percival and Raymond Leal. Elida went to be with the lord and to be reunited with the love of her life on September 27, 2024 in Seattle, WA. 

Lee grew up in Tulalip and was a strong, beautiful, and remarkable woman. Lee was a kind, loving, and fierce soul who loved her family so much. Lee enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing bingo, and spending nights out at the casino. 

Lee married her soul mate, Mr. G, on July 25th, 1970 and from there they grew a large blended family. Glen and Lee had 12 children, 46 grandchildren, 96 great grandchildren, 24 great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great grandchild. Glen and Lee took care of many children over their lifetime and their home was shared by all. 

Glen and Lee had a life full of love and excitement. Lee was a strong fisherwoman who worked right alongside her husband, running the Lot-A-Wampum or logging and running the skidder. Lee also worked as a Cage Manager at the Tulalip Casino. She was proud to have served 15 years building up and mentoring many of her employees. She was loved by her team members. 
She is survived by her children, Teresa, Les (Tracy), Lori, Roman (DeeAnna), Bernie, Angela (Don), Lora, DeeDee, Port (Melinda), and Dennis (Christina), 167 grandchildren; brother, Paulano Leal; and many special nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Parks Jr.; and children, Rocky, Charmaine, George and many loved ones. 

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

MARCH 30, 1951 – AUGUST 9, 2024

Rita was born March 30, 1951 and passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024. Rita was a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes and enjoyed playing bingo, casino hopping, shopping, cultural events and the pow-wow trails visiting family and friends.

Rita is survived by her 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren that she loved and cherished dearly along with her brother Kirk, Sisters- Val, Nancy & Georgia , numerous nieces & nephews, and beloved family members & best friend Gayle Jones. 

Rita preceded in death by her life time partner Dana Matta, their infant son Firecloud, her parents Lawrence & Etta Jones, Brothers-Buck, BJ & Sisters-Juanita, Bonnie & Peggy. 

An evening service will be held at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall on Friday, August 16, 2024. A celebration of her life will be held, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

1963-2024

Charles Joseph Howard (Charlie) was born in Tacoma, Washington on November 15, 1963 and passed away peacefully in Puyallup, Washington on August 4, 2024. Charlie was proud to be a Tulalip Tribal Member, he was born to Leona Paul-Howard. Charlie was an amazing machinist for 36 years. He traveled extensively, loved the outdoors, played golf with family and friends, enjoyed concerts, camped at pretty much every camping area in the state. Charlie loved adventure and loved most of all sharing those adventures with his Son Eric.
Charlie is survived by his one and only son Eric Paul Howard, his sister Sharon DeFevers, nieces Lesley Cortez and Lindsay Howard, nephews Jamie DeFevers and William Howard, as well as several great nieces and nephews, cousins and a great many friends who loved him.

A celebration of his life will be held Monday, August 12, 2024 at 10 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall.