Obituary of Miriam Ramona Whitener

Miriam Ramona (Whitener) Fletcher aka Mary Bell, 80 of Kamilche, WA passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, peacefully at her home, after a long journey with cancer. Mary was born on February 25, 1938, to Percy and Ethel (Richards) Whitener of Kamilche Washington. Mary married Harold R. Ford in 1961 and then later married Irvin L. Fletcher in 1989. In the last several years she spent her time with her special friend, Martin Sequak. In her younger days, Mary worked in the food industry in Texas and Florida, and when she moved back to Kamilche, she opened Mary’s Indian Fireworks, which she operated for over 35 years. She was also known as an avid commercial fisherwoman. Mary was dedicated to her tribe and its members, always lending a hand to all who needed. She served on many boards, committees and commissions for the Squaxin Island Tribe. She was a key leader in the recovery of many AA and NA members, and her example was impeccable. She is survived by her sister Ruby Fuller, her son Donald L. Whitener, her daughters, Rebeckah Ford, Tammy Ford, Teresa Ford Pfaff, and Rachel Ford, step-children Jamie Fletcher, Daniel Fletcher, Jason Fletcher, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Irvin Fletcher, Brother David W. Whitener, Sister Martha, and son Darren W. Ford. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held January 7th, 2019.10:30 wake, services at 11:00 at the Squaxin Island Gymnasium SE 10 Squaxin Lane, Shelton, WA 98584 and burial will follow at Squaxin Island Cemetery. Meal will follow after burial at 1:30 at the Squaxin Island Community Kitchen. A viewing will be held at McComb and Wagner Funeral Home in Shelton, WA on