Gunhilde Elizabeth “Beth” Tucker, a long-time resident of Marysville, Wash., died peacefully on Nov. 22, 2008, in Bellingham, Wash. at the age of 101.. Gunhilde was born on July 26, 1907, in Mount Vernon , Wash. Her immigrant parents were Peter Michael Sather from Norway and Elfrida Marie Larson Sather from Sweden. Gunhilde grew up on a farm in Mount Vernon and graduated from the newly-built Mount Vernon High School in 1925.
She earned her life-time teaching certificate from Bellingham Normal School, graduating in 1927.
Beth married Thomas Tucker in 1929, and they both taught in Neah Bay for two years. They lived in Edmonds for 25 years before moving to Marysville in 1959. For a number of years Beth taught either full or half days in several Marysville elementary schools. She and Tom were faithful members of the Marysville United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and served on the Board of Education. They were also members of Friends of the Marysville Library.
The Tuckers lived in Marysville for 41 years and moved to Bellingham in 1999.
Beth loved music and was a gifted pianist. Among her many pleasures were reading, taking long walks, flowers, sharing coffee with friends, and traveling with Tom. Together they visited all 50 states and traveled to Canada, Mexico and Europe .
Beth and Tom were happily married for 71 years and had four daughters: Marilyn (Larry) Richardson of Bellingham, Dorothy (Rick) Railston of Yakima, Wash., Judith (Jim) Johnston of Clinton, B.C. and Patricia (Bob) Raichle of Kent, Wash.
Gunhilde was preceded in death by her husband Tom, her two brothers, Henry W. Sather and Kenneth A. Sather of Mount Vernon, and her sister Mabel L. Brandt of Seattle. She is survived by her four daughters, eight grand children, and six great-granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008 , at 2:00 p.m. at the Freeborn Lutheran Church , 2304 – 300th St. NW, Stanwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the food bank of your choice or to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 800 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225.
