Kenneth Phillip Yarab went to be with his Heavenly Father on Jan. 4, 2024 at the age of 82 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on the Fourth of July in 1941 in Sandusky, Ohio to Emil and Helen Yarab. He met his future wife, Peggy Ann Taylor, in San Diego, California, while playing tennis at Helix High School. Ken and Peggy were married Sept. 1, 1962, in San Diego and had four children before moving to Chehalis, Washington in 1978.
After 48 years of marriage, Peggy passed away. Two years later, Ken married Margaret Perugini, on April 13, 2013, in Bellevue. They moved to Lynden in 2020.
Ken was active in every parish he attended throughout his life. He taught religious education classes for over 20 years at Catholic parishes in Chehalis, Bellevue and Lynden. He had a long career as a restaurant owner, manager and business entrepreneur.
Throughout his life, Ken was an avid volunteer in both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club and Toastmasters. He would say that his greatest joy came from saving the lives of unborn children over the course of his life by volunteering for various pro-life organizations. He enjoyed hiking and the outdoors. One of his accomplishments was summitting Mt. St. Helens at the age of 71. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His family will always remember his positive attitude, impeccable honesty, perseverance, steadfastness, and strong faith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Perugini of 11 years; sister Leslie Moran; his four children: Therese Hein (John), of Kettle Falls, Washington; Gerry Yarab of Tucson, Arizona; Juanita Pilon (David) of Olympia, Washington; and Helen Schemm (Tom) of Port Angeles, Washington. Ken is additionally survived by 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The family requests you consider donating to a crisis pregnancy care center or pro-life organization in honor of Ken. A memorial service was held on Jan. 10, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lynden.
