Richard Dick Ralph Roedell

Richard passed away at home with family at his side. He was born on November 2, 1931 to William N. and Maud C. (Parker) Roedell, in Quinlan, Oklahoma. He was the 8th of 11 children. After the birth of the 11th child, his mother passed as a result of a spider bite. Now motherless, the state was going to take the kids, ages 3 months to 15 years. Richard’s dad packed up the kids so they could all stay together bringing them to Everson, WA. Richard graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1951. He was then inducted into the Army. In 1954, Richard married Anna Mae Horn, they were married for 20 years and had 4 children. Richard’s career included working at Great Western Lumber Co. in Everson for 9 years. He then worked for H and H products. When Intalco opened, he began working there, retiring in September 1996. In October of 1983 he married Ruth M. Nordberg, whom he loved dearly and was forever grateful for her. Dad had a love for the outdoors which included fishing and gardening, with tomatoes being his passion. He would sell hundreds of gallons of plants to friends, relatives, and small retailers. He shared his awesome vegetables with everyone. His hobbies also included coin collecting, bowling, woodworking, and spending time at the Silver Reef Casino. He was a great handyman, giving his time freely to help work on projects for family and friends. Richard loved his family, often calling his siblings on holidays and birthdays. He was greatly loved by family and friends. His wit and humor were loved by many and will be dearly missed. “You behave now, and if you don’t… call me.” He is survived by his wife of 34 years Ruth; sons Steve and Mark Roedell; daughter Shari (Allan) Gitts; stepchildren, Twila Bancroft, Les (Debbie) Wright and Ruth (Doug) Neufeldt; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Wayne Roedell; sisters Florence (Art) Goodwin, Erma Westoby and Alice Engstrom. Preceded in death by his parents; son Greg and 6 siblings. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 14, at 2:00pm at Moles Farewell Tributes Ferndale, 2039 Main St. Ferndale Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice, (whatcomhospice.org). Richard’s family wishes to thank Whatcom Hospice for the care they gave to Richard and the family.

Richard Dick Ralph Roedell

November 2, 1931 - September 23, 2017