Myrna Louise (Baker) Ford
August 14, 1935- December 29, 2022
Myrna Louise (Baker) Ford was born in Madison, KS on August 14, 1935, to Robert and Mildred Louise (Ray) Baker.
The family moved to California when Myrna was 7 years old. She grew up in the San Bernardino area and attended Colton Union High School where she met her future husband, Harold Phillip “Phil” Ford.
After graduation, she immediately entered nurses training at the California Hospital in Los Angeles. She and Phil were married on November 8, 1955 and she graduated as an RN in July of 1956.
Thanks to the USAF, in 1962 their family, which now included Denise Marie and Debra Susan, moved to El Cajon, CA. Myrna worked in many different aspects of nursing and, while working, earned her BSN from San Diego State University in 1971; later, when she had reached management levels but realized that she missed patient care, she spent two years commuting between San Diego and UCLA to earn her Master of Nursing degree in 1982.
She then worked as a Nurse Practitioner at Kaiser until her retirement in 1991. With schooling completed and an empty nest, Myrna and Phil took up square dancing and dune buggying.
After retirement, they were full time RVers for two years, and then spent eleven years in Granbury, TX where they enjoyed golfing with numerous friends and Myrna appreciated having the time to read, knit, and sew. They also added international travel to their wanderings.
In 2004, they relocated to Sequim, WA. Myrna became very active in the community, volunteering at the free clinic, preparing taxes, and taking leadership roles at Sequim Community Aid. She enjoyed exploring family history with the Clallam County Genealogical Society, playing bridge, and, in later years, playing farkle and watching Jeopardy with her friends at 5th Avenue.
P.E.O., an organization whose aim is to support women through friendship and assistance in meeting educational goals, became an integral part of her life – she had many dear P.E.O. sisters.
As a teenager, Myrna had been very active in Rainbow Girls, being appointed Grand Representative to Kansas, and as a young woman, in Eastern Star. In Sequim, Phil renewed his Masonic and Shrine affiliations and she participated in many fun activities and trips with these good friends.
Throughout her life, Myrna loved to write verse, to create personalized greeting cards for loved ones, and to have African violets in her kitchen window.
Myrna died on December 29, 2022 at the age of 87 following a fall which resulted in a hip injury.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil; her younger daughter, Debbie Thompson; her parents; a sister, Kathleen Anderson (John); and a brother, Richard. She is survived by her daughter, Deni Pulte (Tom); two sisters, Charlon Williams (Rex) and Chiwah Slater; and three grandchildren, Meghan Pulte-Ralls (Derek), Katie Pulte Kufeld (Matt), and Jeffrey Thompson.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) in Sequim on Wednesday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Sequim Community Aid, Olympic Medical Center Foundation, or TUMC would be appreciated.
Jean Bernice (Carey) Klahn
March 6, 1933 – January 24, 2023
Jean Bernice (Carey) Klahn
Jean was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on March 6, 1933, to Catherine “Kate” Carey and adopted at birth by Kate’s twin brother Tom Cary and his wife Bernice.
She grew up in Wyoming, Montana, and Washington. Due to her father’s job as a crane operator with the Operating Engineers, they moved frequently; Jean attended 13 different schools. She graduated from Forks High School in 1951.
After graduating, she traveled to San Francisco with her best friend, Joan. Jean returned to Forks after that adventure and worked as a waitress at the Forks Café.
One day a handsome GI, named Fred “Buzz” Klahn returning to his hometown from the Korean War walked into the restaurant and became the love of her life.
Jean and Buzz were married on July 31, 1953. Son Fritz was born in 1954, daughter Melodee in 1955, son Jack in 1958 & daughter Mary in 1963.
In the late 60’s she had the contracts for two mail routes; Jean delivered mail from Forks to Lake Quinault every day while Buzz’s Mother ran the local route. In the early 70’s they bought the Hoh River Resort which they operated for several years. They built a home on the Hoh River after selling the resort.
Recognizing a need, she created a trendy women’s clothing store, Fun Fashions in downtown Forks. After selling that successful business they reinvested by purchasing, The Blue Collar Deli & Mini Mart in Carlsburg in 1985. Jean drove from the Hoh River to Sequim every day to run the business while Buzz continued his work as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Forks. Eventually Buzz retired and they relocated to reside Sequim.
Jean and Buzz sold the Mini-Mart and opened Jean’s Deli in a converted church in downtown Sequim. She ran Jean’s Deli for 20 years, selling it a few years after Buzz passed away in 2001.
Jean lived independently until 2021. A fall at home compounded by several injuries resulted in her moving to assisted living. Jean passed away at Sherwood Manor & Assisted Living on January 24, 2023.
Jean enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, reading a mystery novel a day, and never missed a Mariners game. Her greatest joy came from her family, which continues to grow, her 8th great grandchild will arrive this May.
She is survived by her son Fritz (Glenda) Klahn, of Forks, WA daughter Melodee Moores, of Sequim, WA son Jack Klahn, of Poulsbo, WA and daughter Mary (Terry) Wanzer of Ketchikan, AK. Grandchildren Melissa (Michael) Sterrett, Sarah (Taylor) Thorson, Thomas (Brianne) Moores, Katelyn Klahn, Emily (Brandon) Johanson. Great-grandchildren Zachary & Alexis Sterrett, Norah & Declan Moores, Xavier Thorson and Aria & Cole Johanson, sisters Mary Wallace and Goldie Southwood, numerous nieces & nephews and her former son-in-law, Lyman Moores.
Jean was preceded in death by brothers Tommy Carey, Jim Wallace & sister Edie Campbell, her parents & husband Fred “Buzz” Klahn.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” for the excellent care and compassion that she received while she resided at Sherwood Manor and Assisted living.
A celebration of life will be held February 11, 2023, at Forks Assembly of God, 81 Huckleberry Lane, from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Leah Marie Ford
Leah Marie Ford of Port Angeles died from complications of sarcoidosis at home surrounded by family, on Jan. 27, 2023.
She was 46.
A complete obituary with service details will be published in an upcoming edition.
Sign an online guestbook for the family at drennanford.com.
Fred Cauffman
March 19, 1951- January 24, 2023
Fred Cauffman
Fred Cauffman died Tuesday, January 24, at his home in Sequim.
His heart belonged to many places and many spaces, including northern Virginia where he was born March 19, 1951 to Myrtle Berry and Elmer Cauffman. The third of four brothers, Fred ran wild through the countryside, but found stability when he moved in with Tommy and Sandy Berry and Sandy’s dad Mote Olive. Mote was the first to recognize his potential and also to rein in the wildness within him, at least a little. At his side, he learned to drive a tractor and sharpen a knife.
King George High School found Fred a few more passions in life: football, basketball, baseball, and the introduction to his future wife, Bonnie, whom he married in 1970.
I’ve spent most of my life searching for that four-leaf clover
Yet you ran with me, chasing my rainbows
Honey, I love you, too. That’s the way love goes.
After high school graduation in 1969, Fred enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and his love of the Coast Guard would last his whole life. The choice of their home in the flight path of the HH-65s from Air Station Port Angeles could not have been coincidence. The CG channeled his curiosity and tenacity into a position as a flight mechanic where he served for 10 years, attaining the rank of Petty Officer, 1 st Class.
Both of his children were born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, at his first duty station.
Turning a wrench would be a continuous thread for Fast Freddie. He worked on helicopters in the private sector and anything with an engine from diesel logging equipment to small engines to inboard and outboard boats. It even took him to adventures in the Pribilof Islands of Alaska. He was known to trade his skills for fresh seafood whenever the opportunity presented.
Fred was known by many to be a source of a hand up when someone was in need. With his children and grandchildren, he shared a passion for Christmas and the necessity of a go-bag with a good pocketknife and numerous flashlights. One can never be too prepared.
Although his parents and brothers Mike and Skip predeceased him, Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Bonnie; his son Eric and wife Shannon; his daughter Danielle and husband Jake; grandchildren Hunter, Hannah, Bailey and Madeline; his nephew Gideon; and his brother Barry and sister Yvette.
At Fred’s request, there will no services. Any memorial donations are gratefully accepted at Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.
Blue days, all of them gone
Nothing but blue skies from now on
Naida Valentina Jimenez-Baker
Born: July 24, 1932
Died: January 29, 2023
Naida was born in San Francisco, CA then raised by her Filipino parents in Hollywood CA. She had three brothers, and when her father remarried she would have two half-brothers and one half-sister. Naida attended Hollywood High School and became interested in dancing. She was often mistaken for Hawaiian descent, not only because of her appearance but she especially enjoyed dancing the Hula.
Naida danced in local Los Angeles dinner clubs and in Hollywood movies such as “The King and I” starring Yul Brynner, and “Back to Bataan” starring John Wayne. Her career eventually led to live performances in other U.S. states including Las Vegas, Nevada; traveling with bandleaders including Johnny Ukulele. Eventually, Naida met and worked with guitarist/singer Byron Baker, whom she married.
Naida and Byron settled in Carson, California with their seven children, and in 1972 retired from the entertainment business. After their children had grown up, the duo relocated to Sequim, WA in 2003, where they lived until their deaths (Byron passed away in 2015, and Naida just recently in January of this year). Naida always maintained the “aloha spirit” of love and friendship, and therefore liked by the people she met.
