Columbia Funeral Service

04/03/2026

Harold William “Bill” Dolph, Jr.
1933 - 2026

Harold William “Bill” Dolph, Jr, passed away at home on March 29, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, proud Marine, and gifted artist, Bill lived a life shaped by service, creativity, and quiet dedication.

Bill attended RA Long High School with the Class of 1952. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1958 and was stationed in Japan during his enlistment, carrying great pride in his service throughout his life. After returning home, Bill found love when he met his wife, Donna. They were married and together raised three children—Bill, Jeff, and Deanna—building a family that remained at the heart of Bill’s life.

Bill worked for many years at Weyerhaeuser and retired in 1996 after a long and steady career. In 1995, he experienced the great loss of his beloved wife, Donna.

Beyond his work and family, Bill was an artist at heart. He had a deep love for painting and photography and was drawn to modern art and cars, often combining those passions in his artwork. His paintings reflected a modern artistic style, capturing motion, form, and color with a unique personal touch. Through his art and photography, Bill found both joy and self-expression.

Later in life, Bill found companionship and love again when he married Ferryl. Through this marriage, Bill was blessed with step-sons Rick, Bob, Randy, Russ, and Ryan. Together, Bill and Ferryl enjoyed traveling and sharing the quieter pleasures of retirement, appreciating time spent together and the beauty of the world around them.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ferryl; his children, Bill, Jeff, and Deanna; his step-sons Rick, Bob, Randy, and Russ; his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brothers Mike, John, and Larry. He is preceded in death by his wife Donna, his step-son Ryan, and his sister Joanne.

Bill will be remembered for his service to his country, his devotion to family, his steady presence, and his creative spirit. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, extended family, and the art he so lovingly created.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at a Celebration of Life gathering on April 11, held at the LCC Rose Center for the Arts, anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Bill are welcome to come share memories, stories, and honor a life well lived.

04/02/2026

In Memory of Carolyn Ann Skyles.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, at noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse at 2884 N Pacific Ave, Kelso, WA 98626 for Carolyn Skyles who died March 29, 2026, of natural causes.
Mrs. Skyles was born Carolyn Ann Adams, June 19, 1942 in Winslow, Navajo, Arizona, to LeRoy Adams and Helen Cornelia (Bostwick) Adams Caviness. She grew up in Winslow and attended grades 1-12, graduating from Winslow High School in 1960. Carolyn attended college receiving her AA degree in 1962 from Eastern Arizona Junior College in Thatcher AZ, and her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics (minor in Art) in 1964 from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff AZ. She did graduate work at Brigham Young University.
Carolyn taught school in Metler, CA and Inglewood, CA. She married Albert Lucian Lewis, Jr. April 2, 1966 in Mesa, Arizona. They had six children. They were divorced November 23, 1979. Carolyn married Eugene Miscal Skyles June 14, 1980 in Salt Lake City, UT.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her Father and Mother and granddaughter Julie. She is survived by her husband Eugene and by the following children of her first marriage: son J. Degen Lewis (wife Angela), their children Arianna, Derek (wife, Libby), Lydia, Anneliese, and Claira of Pleasant Grove, UT; daughter Jennifer M. Ward of Lake Forest Park, WA and her children Megan (husband Armando), Holly, and Sam; son John E. Lewis (wife Tamara) of Wasilla, AK, his children Albert (daughter Carina) and Madeline; son Daniel E. Lewis (wife Christina) of Nagoya, Japan, his daughters Yukari and Lisa Ishizuka (husband Matthew, daughter Luna); daughter Mariam B. Brunner (husband Jeffrey) of Dahlonega, GA and their children Riley Brunner (wife Amanda), Amelia Scott (husband Conrad and daughter Willow), and Jeannette Brunner (husband Hunter Hulsey); daughter Erin A. Lewis (wife Katrina) of Pacific Grove, CA and her children Beverly, Jane, and Scott. Also by daughter from her second marriage Virginia M. Kindle (husband Christopher) of Longview, WA and her children Morgan Davis (husband Chance), Nolan, Cameron, Layne, and Dylan. Also by three children of her second husband’s first marriage, (all ten children were raised together); son Nicklas L. Skyles (partner Jenny Wood) of Sand Point, AK; Jeffrey T. Skyles of Salem, OR and his daughters Dawn (children Marlis and Eli) and Katherine; and Paula R. Rineman and her children Zachariah, Alexander, and Adrianna of Lincoln City, OR. She is also survived by her brothers Donald Adams of Colorado Springs, CO, Burton Adams of Winslow, AZ, and sisters Diane (Adams) Hoke of Winslow, AZ, and Helen (Adams) Sheehan of Glendale, AZ.
Carolyn was always active in her church and served in many callings there. She liked to sew, quilt, read and do Family History. Her family notes that she was excellent at so much more than there is room to list here and dearly loved by many.
Burial will be in the Whittle and Hubbard Cemetery in Castle Rock, Washington.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse at 2884 N Pacific Ave, Kelso, WA 98626

Zoom link for service: https://zoom.us/j/93077063600?pwd=3jU2AToZqZBM0V6gdr6DNUe6xqjYMg.1

03/12/2026

03/09/2026

MAGGIE (LINDA) LEE SCHRADER
October 15, 1953 – March 3, 2026

Maggie Lee Schrader of Little Valley, New York, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at her home in Kelso, Washington.
Maggie was a cherished sister, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Grace Schrader; her sister, Paula Berrier; her brother, Allen Schrader; and her youngest daughter, Jennifer Laurel Hornstein (Kovak Schrader). She is survived by her sister, Catherine Binger (Roy); her eldest daughter and son in law, Candyce (Candy Hahn) and Kevin Dostert; her five grandchildren, Dylan Couch (Cayla), Courtney Couch, Mackenzy Couch, Damon Hornstein, and Grace Hornstein; and Keith Bejema, the dear friend who stood by her side through many chapters of her life. And lastly, her beloved dog, Quivers.
Maggie lived with a free spirit and an open heart, following life wherever the wind carried her. She embraced the world on her own terms, with courage, and independence. After sixteen years bound by a wheelchair, she is now free to walk, run, and dance with the loved ones who went before her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Rest in peace Maggie.

02/21/2026

Joel S. Stehman
1973 - 2025

Joel Scott Stehman, 52, passed away due to cancer November 7, 2025 at the Hospice Care Center in Longview, WA.

Joel was born August 3, 1973 in Longview, WA. He attended Longview elementary and middle schools, R.A. Long High School, and Kelso High School. He did well in school and enjoyed playing baseball and soccer.

Joel loved skateboarding and it was rare to see him without his board. He could master new tricks with style and was considered a local legend. His passion for skateboarding was matched only by his skill, inspiring everyone who watched him.

Joel had an amazing ear for music, and loved playing guitar. He was often the first to share new bands with his friends and family and would go see live music in Portland and Seattle whenever he could. As a guitar player and musician, he could effortlessly improvise with passion and joy rarely seen in this world.

Joel also enjoyed fishing, bowling, and watching the Mariners games with his stepdad, Dave. They would laugh, enjoy the game, and Joel would root for his favorite player Cal Raleigh.

Joel was a kind and witty renegade. He was also a very thoughtful and compassionate person which came to him naturally.

Joel is survived by his daughter, Samantha (and her children Vienna and Juni); son, Leiland; mom/stepfather, Randi and Dave McKee; sister, Rashelle McKee; father, Mike Stehman; half brothers Dylan and David Stehman; neice, Cy; and cousin (who was more like a sister), Andy Ferguson. Additional survivors include aunts, and numerous cousins. He is also survived by many amazing close friends that meant a lot to him.

Preceding him in passing away, were his grandpa, George Allen; uncle, Skip (Leslie) Allen; grandparents Cap and Ruth Stehman; and great-grandparents, L.D. and Henrietta Johnson.

He did the best he could to enjoy the last chapter of his life before God took him to heaven. Joel will be dearly missed by his family and close friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Joel at Columbia Funeral Service on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. In honor of Joel, please wear your favorite band t-shirt, favorite sports team shirt, or come as you are.

01/27/2026

Wilson (Will) Virgil Strock Jr., age 58, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2026, at St. John's Medical Center from cardiac arrest, surrounded by his loved ones.

Will was born on January 20, 1967, to Bill and Colleen Strock. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1985 and spent the majority of his life working in the building trades, learning much of his craft alongside his father while growing up.

Will enjoyed fishing and hunting, but music was his true passion. He loved playing bass and found great joy in watching his nephew perform with his band. He cherished watching his youngest niece ride her horse and was incredibly excited about becoming a great-uncle in April. He was especially fond of his cats that he had throughout the years.

Will is survived by his best friend and wife, Michelle Schnell-Strock; his parents, Bill and Colleen Strock; his grandmother, Shirley Eslick; his sister, Terrisa Remmers (Caleb); his brother, Jon Strock; nephews, Aaron Hightower, Shawn Strock and Cory Strock; and nieces, Chelsea Hightower and Roxy Remmers.

Will had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor, and a kind heart. He was deeply loved by his family and many friends and will be remembered for the warmth and laughter he brought into their lives.

Cremation has taken place. A private pre-celebration of Will's life was held with close family on his birthday. A larger celebration of life with friends and family will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Michelle Schnell at Fibre Credit Union.

01/14/2026

Mary Sharon Crawford
1938-2026

Mary S. Crawford of Lacey, Washington died January 11, 2026 at the age of 87.

Mary was born in Woodland, WA on December 18, 1938, to Raymond and Esther Lucas. She grew up in Kalama, WA and graduated from Kalama High School in 1957. Mary also graduated from Lower Columbia College, and attended Central Washington University and graduated from City University.

She Married Darold M. Crawford on November 11, 1960, at the Kalama Methodist Church. They made their first home in Tacoma, moved to Bremerton and Kalama, and eventually moved to Longview in the 1970’s. Mary worked for the Longview School District for thirty-two years and retired in 2008. Upon retirement she and Darold moved to Panorama City, a retirement community in Lacey.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brother, James Lucas from Kalama and her husband Darold. She leaves behind two children, Teresa of California, and Scott of Wilsonville, Oregon, and six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed sewing, crafts, cooking, flowers, traveling when possible and watching sports. But most of all she loved her UW Huskies (Dawgs) and Seattle Seahawks. We all knew when football was on she would get so involved with her games! She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Lacey. Mary loved spending time and making things for all her grandkids and great grandkids. She would light up when any of the grandkids would walk into the room to see her.

In the days before her passing she loved watching her son put together lego sets, sometimes she would help put them together. She even got to do a few sets herself. Mary had touched so many people's hearts, we are sad to see her go. But she is now with husband, her parents and watching over us.

A funeral service is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday 1/15/2026 at the Columbia Funeral Service chapel with Glenn Dunnam officiating. A concluding service and interment will take place at the Kalama IOOF cemetery. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so from 11 am to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be made to the panorama benefit fund, 1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey, WA. or Faith Lutheran Community Center, 7075 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacy, WA.

01/09/2026

In Memory of Chris Von Schirmer

A wise man once said, "The first thing you have to know is yourself."
And Chris Von S did!

Grab a hot beverage and a sweet treat to learn about the man himself ~ his words, his photos, his memories, his accomplishments. Take your time, go onto the pages often and see the world from his perspective. Read his biography and see the places he cherished most, along with his family and pets:

Chris Von S ~ A True Renaissance Man: http://www.von-s.com/www.Von-s.com/Home.html

Chris was a true Renaissance Man as quoted by Todd Fisher. Talented musically, skilled at (almost) everything he set out to accomplish. He was born a genius, but "had no say so in the matter" he liked to quip! He absolutely LOVED the outdoors, especially Mountains with Unparalleled Views! That's probably why he chose the Great Pacific Northwest in which to live and experience all the things he loved about Washington State. In his home he built a map of WA State and framed it with rope lights.

He also loved to travel out west and for several years had a place in Wyoming with his wife. He was adventurous and a treasure seeker / hunter / explorer. You can say "Adventure" was his middle name! He was a truthful, righteous and God-fearing man. {Perhaps God wanted him to lead the angels in singing the song he wrote and arranged - "Anthem for the Righteous"

Chris was a father to 2 boys - Conrad and Caleb (now in their 20's) - whom he raised in the home that he built, and he was most proud of them. (They too went on many adventures growing up like exploring Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA, and the traditional camping trip in August at the Lower Lewis Falls, WA)

He was also a loving partner to Rachel whom he met in Anaheim, California, over a dozen years ago. They had many hiking adventures together and, during football season, can be seen cheering on the Seattle Seahawks. Von S wrote the rock anthem, "All In" and wanted it to be heard at every game, but especially when the Hawks go the Superbowl! A search on YouTube will reveal the 4 part, "Making of" ALL IN, which every fan knows is the Truth on game day - whether you watch at home, go to a friends, go out in public, or to the actual stadium - you are a 12.

When Chris was not working on his Estate, Chris & Rachel enjoyed going to various Washington State AVA's for wine tastings. Perfect pairings to his gourmet food he liked to prepare, such as Pasta Von S; Salad Von S; Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad, etc.

In Autumn 2025, Chris suddenly became ill, having a medical event and eventually being told via a CT scan that he had a tumor in his brain. Although every single person that Chris knows were totally shocked by this news, Chris fought and fought hard, he did. He had radiation treatment, had the "source" removed, yet this horrible cancer (known as Melanoma) continued to grow and eventually IT won the battle - January 2, 2026.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 3:00 pm - Chris will be interred at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (Dist. 6) - Mt. Pleasant Road - just 2 miles off Old Hwy 99

All are welcome until sundown ~ See you there!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a kind donation to help Chris' family:

Chris' Story: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-von-ss-family-battle-legal-medical-crisis?attribution_id=sl%3A6a7b4a7b-1ec1-4a98-a740-1c6c52ccbfcf&lang=en_US&ts=1767906292&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_te&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&fbclid=IwY2xjawPOaIVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFpQmo5NWhhSldIZ213ejdrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvQ1QkD-fsbL7sXoEb0fW3FvSBM00rlu-6H5UxQ4qvcg4-pMGU6sP4fBwIwx_aem_FrQiy5A_4DroCGcsjyoPSw

01/08/2026

In Memory of Betty Ann Erickson

Betty Ann Erickson, age 80, passed away on December 15, 2025, at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington, after a brief illness.

Born December 5, 1945, in Waterloo, Iowa, to the late Gilbert and Edith Paustian, Betty was a graduate of North Tama High School and attended Ellsworth Junior College. She was deeply involved in her community, serving more than 20 years on the board of the Cowlitz County Public Facilities District and actively supporting the Columbia Theatre. She also belonged to many other civic organizations over the years.

Betty currently worked at Willow Grove Marina, where she served as Harbor Master beginning in 2010.

She enjoyed gardening, women's college basketball—especially the Iowa Hawkeyes—and loved the University of Washington Huskies football team. She also cherished returning to Iowa for class reunions. She will be fondly remembered for her love of the color purple and her well-known disdain for chicken.

She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Plate and Tia Anderson; grandsons Chase Nunez-Plate and Spencer Anderson; sister Joyce Faustian; brother Ronnie Paustian; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held January 17,2026, from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at the Cowlitz County Events Center, 1900 7th Ave, Longview, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Women Breast Cancer Foundation (https://www.komen.org) or in care of her grandson, Chase Nunez-Plate 521 SW Forest Grove Dr, Bend, OR 97702.

Obituary written and provided by family.

01/02/2026

Happy New Year! 🎆🎊 We have calendar inserts ready!

If you are in need of 2026 inserts, please stop by or give us a call. We will deliver. We are extremely limited on the thermometer holders at this time.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We will be out of office from December 24th until December 28th. We will be returning to regular business hours Monday, December 29th.

As always, we are still available 24/7 if you’re needing immediate assistance with a loved one.

12/19/2025

Some gorgeous florals for your Friday afternoon💙