Today’s obituary notices:
- Martha Poole Wrye Ames
- Forrest Donald Wahlstrom
Martha Poole Wrye Ames, 92, passed away peacefully at her Weatherly Inn home on May 28th, 2013. She is home with the Lord! She was born in Tacoma on July 10, 1920 to John and Mabel (Poole) Jones.
From her earliest years, strong faith, church and Sunday school, were central to family life. Inspired by the talents of her father and grandfather, both prominent Tacoma soloists, Martha enjoyed involvement in all things musical, performing in community and church choirs, in Stadium High School operettas, and in later years, as a member of the Lyric Singers, Sweet Adelines, and New Sound Singers. Martha was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, member of the Lydia Fellowship, STARS, and Golden Girls of Stadium High School. In recent years she enjoyed traveling, visiting family, attending musical performances, and plays. She valued and enjoyed many life-long friendships as well as her new friends.
Martha graduated from Stadium in 1939, then attended Racine Business College, and was later employed by the State of Washington as an executive secretary.
She married Kenneth M. Wrye of Tacoma in St. Louis, MO in 1942; he passed away in 1969. She married John Ames in 1973 and he died in 1999. Martha is survived by four children: Ginny Cole (Frank) of Denver, CO, Ken Wrye (Laurel) of East Sound, WA, Timothy Wrye (Sally) of Morgan Hill, CA, and Mary Anne Freccia of West Seattle; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Martha is also survived by her two step-children, Cathy Ames Binder of Roy, WA, and Michael Ames of Ellensburg, WA.
Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian in Tacoma at 2pm, on Wednesday, June 5th. Viewing will begin at 1PM in Ferguson Chapel at the church. Reception will follow the 2pm service. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to ministries of First Presbyterian Church.
Forrest Donald Wahlstrom passed away May 29, 2013 in his sleep at home. Don was born April 4, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the Navy at age eighteen, serving on the USS Copahee. After his discharge in 1946, Don settled in Tacoma. He married and had three children. In 1978, he married June.
Don owned American Western Memorial from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. He received national recognition for the Veterans Memorial at Washington Memorial Park SeaTac. His architectural stonework graces many historical markers around the Puget Sound area. His work includes the original Living War Memorial in Tacoma, the Medal of Honor Monument at the State Capitol, and the Harry Truman Memorial at Mt. St. Helens.
Don loved cars and owned 63 in his lifetime. He was quick to help others and had a smile and story for everyone. He was a member of the Monument Builders of North America, the VFW, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, the Golden Era Car Club, and the Oldsmobile Club of America, PS Chapter.
Don’s daughter, Cheryl, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, June; sister, Elaine; son, Jim; daughter, Reenie; stepdaughters, Corinn and Colleen; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 12:00-12:45 p.m. with service following at 1:00 p.m. at New Tacoma Cemetery’s Chambers Creek Chapel, 9221 Chambers Creek Road West, Tacoma, Washington.