Aura Ester Grappe
May 08, 1915 - September 24, 2016
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Aura Ester Grappe
May 08, 1915 - September 24, 2016
Obituary
Aura Ester Grappe went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sept 24th, 2016. She was born on May 8th, 1915 to Charles and Martha Christen in Kendall, Washington. She graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1932. While picking strawberries on Orcas Island during the depression, she met Knute Grappe. They were married in Yakima Washington on Sept. 1, 1934. They lived in Fairhaven for several years before moving to Deming and raising their four daughters. Aura was also a foster mother to more than 90 children.
When her husband was transferred to San Juan Island, she had to give up taking care of foster children, but devoted lots of time to her 12 grandchildren. When they returned to the mainland, they settled on the Y Rd. and became members of Rome Community Church.
Aura loved to watch her husband play baseball, and later on was an avid Mariner fan. She had many hobbies. She loved to bowl, hike in the mountains, garden, play piano and sing, play card and board games, crochet, travel, and watch her grandchildren play sports.
Aura belonged to several organizations over the years such as the Orthopedic Club, bowling leagues, and hiking clubs. She volunteered at polling centers for many years, but no matter where she lived, she attended church, where she would usually do something involving music. She also sang with the Silver Bells.
In her later years, Aura had to slow down a little because of her poor eyesight, but she was able to live in her own home until she was 97 years old. She moved to Spring Creek Assisted living at that time and spent the last month of her life at St. Francis of Bellingham.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Knute Grappe; her daughter, Caryn Palmberg; brother, Leonard Christen; sisters, Vera Bonner, Loie Sanford, and Carol Riley; and grandchildren, Brent Golden and Erin Golden. .
She is survived by daughters, Verjean Golden (Leon), Denice Baggett (Butch), and Joanne Norris (Jim); sister, Evelyn Howell; 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be Friday, September 30, at 3:30 PM in the chapel at Moles Greenacres.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: September 30, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: The Chapel At Greenacres
- Location: 5700 Northwest Ferndale WA, WA - (Get Directions)
7 responses to Aura Ester Grappe
Charles and Shirley Milliman says:
September 24, 2016
We are praying for you and your family Joanne.God bless,
Chuck and Shirley
Gayle Rowden says:
September 24, 2016
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You are in my prayers at this difficult time. I pray for peace as you remember her together.Gayle
Michele North says:
September 24, 2016
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the promise found at Revelation 21 : 4 bring you comfort. ” And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. ” This promise will be fulfilled under God’s kingdom arrangement. I hope you will take the time to visit www.jw.org where you will find comforting scriptures, videos, and publications, that highlight the resurrection and many other kingdom blessings.
Lois Green says:
September 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss of your Mom, she was a wonderful lady, foster mom and friend. I enjoyed our time together and will miss our visits. Joanne I remember you sitting at the piano stalling to practice and her telling you to get started and you with your chin resting on your knees lol. Denice I remember you coming home from the service and you little boy, finding you an apartment over on or by C street in Bellingham. I also remember your mom likeing avacodos and taking a bite of raw hamburger, it’s funny what I remember at 17. I loved your mom and dad as my own so thank you for sharing them with me and so many others whom I’m sure their lives we’re changed as well
Love Lois
Bruce Baggett says:
September 24, 2016
I agree with the comments from Michele North regarding the promises from God at Rev. 21:4. I also like Romans 6:7 as well, “For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin”. How comforting to know that nothing Grandma has ever done will be held against her from God. Grandma used to call me Pussy Willow and Blue Boy (I never did know what that meant). We used to hike together and have scriptural discussions. I wish I was there to see her before she died. May all of us take comfort in knowing that she is not suffering anymore and is in the safest place in the entire universe, God’s memory, awaiting a resurrection to paradise and to loved ones.