LaVerne Arlene Retherford

LaVerne Arlene Retherford, a longtime resident of Grays Harbor, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Channel Point Village in Hoquiam, Washington. She was 88.

Born on July 31, 1938, in Republic, Michigan to Frank and Helen Waline. She was raised in Republic until early adulthood, she later moved to Waukegan, Illinois. She met the love of her life, Edward Retherford. The 2 fell in love and were married on October 15, 1955, in Woodstock, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised 4 children: Edward, Richard, Ginger Ann, and Virginia.

LaVerne continued to pursue her interests and completed beauty school, beginning a career as a beautician, a profession she truly adored. In 1956, the family moved to the Harbor. In 1995, after a brief time living in Texas, LaVerne and her husband returned to the Harbor, where they would ultimately settle and make their home. LaVerne worked as a waitress at the Quinault Lodge, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She loved the people she met and took great pride in her work there.

LaVerne was a devoted and faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where her faith in the Lord was an important part of her life. She was a lifelong learner who loved discovering new things and developing new talents. Her many hobbies included sewing, crocheting, oil painting, and cake decorating. She took classes whenever she had the opportunity, including cake decorating, guitar classes, and oil painting. Through her love of painting, she became a talented artist, creating beautiful works that reflected her creativity and joy. Music was another special part of LaVerne’s life. When her children were younger, she loved country music and enjoyed taking her daughter to concerts. She especially cherished getting her and her daughter all dolled up and spending special evenings together enjoying the music and making memories. Above all, LaVerne will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the joy she brought to those around her. She had a genuine love for people and a beautiful way of making others feel welcome and cared for. Her loving spirit, creativity, faith, and devotion to her family will remain treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward G. Retherford; parents, Frank and Helen Waline; her sisters: Linda Sue White and Irene Holloway, and her nephew, Michael Nault.

LaVerne is lovingly survived by her 2 sons: Edward F. Retheford, and Richard Retherford of Hoquiam, Washington; her 2 daughters: Virginia (Doug) Krikava, of Rio Vista, California, and Ginger “Ann” (Denny) Tice, of Humptulips, Washington and ; stepdaughter, Debbie (Bill) Felton, of Coeur De Alene, Idaho, and the many loving members of Debbie’s family. LaVerne is also survived by her sister, Diana (George) Bauer, of Troy, Illinois; 3 grandchildren: Tanya Kroum, Brent Kain, and Sean Tice; 2 great grandchildren: Kaylen Kroum and Payton Kroum; niece, Michelle Frost; and nephews: Ray Nault, David Nault, Mike Frost, and Steven Knight. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Channel Point Village for the compassionate and loving care they provided.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM in the chapel of Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. A funeral service will be held at Fern Hill Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM located at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Washington. Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.