Obituaries for Aug. 3, 2017

PAID PRINTED OBITUARIES

James W. Vail
January 10, 1921 ~ July 23, 2017

James W. Vail passed away at his home in Camas, Washington. He was born in Fairview, Montana to James Vail and Martha Vail (Hackett). He was the youngest of 8 children, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

He lived in Camas most of his life. After high school, he joined the Army and served in WWII, 1942-1945 in the 93rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion. He saw combat in 5 campaigns, Italy, France and Germany. He reached the rank of Sergeant and received the Bronze and Silver Stars. It was while in Germany that he met the love of his life, Hilda Raskopf.

After the war ended they returned to Chicago and married in 1946. They were married 61 years when Hilda passed away in 2008. Jim worked at the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in Camas for 42 years, first in the converting plant and later at CRD, retiring in 1983.

He and Hilda enjoyed traveling with friends and their trailers, bowling, fishing and gardening. He was and avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying fishing until only a few years ago. He was a skilled card player and loved playing with friends and family. He enjoyed watching all sports, spending time with family, and feeding the birds and squirrels. He was sharp witted and a great joke teller until the end!

He is survived by his 2 sons, Gary and wife Karen, Jim and wife Sue all of Camas, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all!

A private inurnment will be at the Camas Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub’s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to any Military Veteran’s charity. To sign the guestbook or leave a condolence, please visit straubsfuneralhome.com.

Ernestine ‘Ernie’ Marie Scarbrough
June 6, 1932 ~ July 26, 2017

Ernestine “Ernie” Scarbrough passed away with her loving husband Dale by her side on July 26, 2017, in Vancouver, Washington, after complications from illness. She was born Ernestine Marie Michels in Stayton, Oregon, on June 6, 1932.

When Ernie was three years old, her parents, Anthony and Mathilda moved to Washougal to take jobs at Pendleton Woolen Mills. As she was growing up, Ernie enjoyed the many shopping trips to Portland with her mother. They would ride the bus and visit the Tea Room at Meier & Frank and frequent the Charles F. Berg clothing store.

Ernie graduated from Washougal High School and attended Washington State University. During the summer, she worked in the bag factory at the paper mill in Camas. After college, Ernie got a full time position at the mill and worked as the receptionist for more than forty years. During most of her career there, she managed up to 1,000 phone lines on the old style switchboard system. This was the perfect job for our “Ernie” who loved to talk on the phone!

Ernie met Dale, the love of her life, at Washington State University, (WSU). Their first date was a boat ride on Lacamas Lake. Ernie and Dale were married on July 27, 1957, at St. Thomas Aquinas in Camas following a seven month courtship. At their wedding, they served Pink Champagne cake. The couple enjoyed many evenings of dancing fun, several river trips in Dale’s boat, fun times at the Sandy Swimming Hole in Washougal, and parties at local hangouts including the Wagon Wheel, The Showboat and Jantzen Beach Ballroom. Throughout her life, Ernie loved music. She loved to dance, dine out and entertain with their many friends from Camas and Washougal. One of her greatest joys was seeing the WSU Cougars win football games. For several decades, Ernie and Dale were avid fans and season ticket holders for the Seattle Seahawks and the Cougs!