Inadean “Deanie” DeGraaff, age 90, died peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2019, in Tacoma. She was known for her loving and generous spirit and fun personality.
Deanie was born Nov. 10, 1928, in Bellingham to parents R.D. (Roderick) and Mame MacDonald. She had one brother, Jack. Deanie graduated from Ferndale High School and attended Western Washington State College.
Deanie married Howard DeGraaff on Oct. 25, 1947, in Ferndale. They had two children, Kathy and Dennis. Deanie and Howard were part owners of North Washington Implement Co. They enjoyed traveling together and visited many places throughout the world.
Deanie enjoyed reading, golf, traveling, cards, knitting and music. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Lynden. She volunteered many hours in support of mental health services of Whatcom County. Deanie was an avid sports fan watching the UW Huskies, among others.
Deanie was preceded in death by her husband Howard, son Dennis and brother Jack.
She is survived by daughter Kathy (Harv) Boxum; grandchildren Mike (Linda) Boxum and Karla Boxum; and great-grandchildren Ali, Devin, Andrew and Carolyn.
You are invited to join family and friends for Deanie’s memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, May 17, in the Lynden United Methodist Church. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Whatcom NAMI (mental health), P.O. Box 5571, Bellingham, WA 98227; or Lynden United Methodist Church, 500 N. 14th St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
