Mildred Bean Heller, 90, of Mount Vernon passed away March 14, 2007 in Mount Vernon. She was born Nov. 7, 1916 in Erwin, Tenn., to Charles and Mary (Edwards) Bean. In 1920 the family “moved out west” and traveled from place to place as her father worked for the railroad in logging camps.
The family settled in Dewey Beach. After graduating from high school, Mildred went to Bellingham Normal School (now Western Washington University) and obtained her teaching certificate. Mildred taught for over 35 years, serving in Bellevue, Oak Harbor, Coupeville and Skagit Valley, including a one-room schoolhouse in Erling, located between Clear Lake and Big Lake.
She married Albert Heller in Mount Vernon on April 19, 1941 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Al died in 2001.
Mildred is survived by her daughter, Marilee Abbott of Sedro-Woolley; one brother, Robert Bean of Mount Vernon; two granddaughters, Mary Ann Broffman of California and Celest Abbott of Camano Island; and a special friend, caregiver (and former student) Karen Watson of Burlington. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive her. Her son, Melvin Heller, and her three brothers, James W, Robert H, and William E, all preceded her in death.
At Mildred’s request, no formal funeral services will be held. There will be a gathering of family and friends on Sunday, March 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Bridge, 301 S LaVenture Rd, Mount Vernon. This will be a celebration of Mildred’s life. Please come and bring your favorite story. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to your favorite charity.
You may share your memories of Mildred, and sign her online guest register at www.kernfuneral
home.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.
Leeta Ilene Arbuckle
Leeta Ilene Arbuckle, 79, died at Whispering Firs Adult Family Home, Coupeville, on March 13, 2007. She had been a resident of Whidbey Island for the past two years.
Leeta was born July 20, 1927 in Perry, Okla., to Charles and Lydia (Ingram) Reedus. She was married to John Arbuckle. Leeta and John moved to the San Bernardino area more than 50 years ago. They were active in church and the community.
Leeta was employed as a seamstress and designer for Maybee, Inc. for several years before medically retiring. She loved to paint and cook and never met a stranger. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life.
Leeta is survived by her daughter, Rita Stephenson and husband Dan of Oak Harbor and son Steven Arbuckle of San Bernadino; and by three sisters, Vel West of Burbank, Calif. Wanda Gifford of Atascadero, Calif., an Nova Johnson of Okla.; and one brother, Chuck Reedus of Idaho. Five grandchildren and four great- grandchildren also survive. Her husband John. L. Arbuckle preceded her in death in 1995.
Leeta Arbuckle will be buried in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Calif., with her husband John.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. San Bernadino arrangements are entrusted to Mark B. Shaw Funeral Home, San Bernardino, Calif. Online obituary and register book is located at www.burleyfuneral chapel.com.
