Mary Churchill Arbuckle

Mary Churchill Arbuckle, 90, passed away in her sleep on January 21, 2011 in Seattle.  A long time resident of Cordova, Tennessee, Mary moved to Seattle in 2005 to be closer to her daughter after the death of her beloved husband, C.J. Arbuckle.

Mary was born in Parsons, Kansas in 1920 to B.F. & Erma Churchill.  She spent her early years & young adulthood with her parents and brothers, Frank and Chic, in this rowdy and loving family.

Mary worked in support of the World War II effort at the Aluminum Company of America plant in Alcoa, Tennessee.  Serving as the only woman in her unit, she was proud to play a participating role in the support of our troops, which included both of her brothers.

In 1948, she married George VanHuss and raised her daughter, Cherie Clausen.

With her marriage to Charles J. Arbuckle in 1965, she gained 3 more children, Frankie Younglas, Tom Arbuckle and John Arbuckle.  She spent the next 39 years with her childhood friend, Chuck.  She would dance at every opportunity, loved Dixieland jazz, found delight in beautiful gardens, was devoted to conservative politics and appreciated a good joke…able to dish it out and take it with equal enthusiasm.

Mary spent the last 2 ½ years of her life in the loving and skilled care of the staff at Gonzaga House. Her final years were filled with smiles and good humor even during the most difficult times.

She is survived by her children and 8 grandchildren, Sean, David, Kira, Brenna, Del, Diane, Deanna and Debbie.  She was preceded in death by grandson Michael and brothers, Frank and Chic Churchill.

Remembrances may be made in Mary’s name to Seattle Jazz Ed, 3405 S. Alaska St., Seattle, WA  98118.