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May 4, 1925
November 12, 2012
Midge Allene Church (Mullins) passed away peacefully on November 12 in Sequim.
She was born to Denver and Myrtle Short on May 4, 1925 and was the fifth of 14 children. She grew up in the Smoky Mountains of Virginia.
She was training to be a nurse when she met the love of her life, Foister Church, when she winked at him in a dime store. Foister soon convinced her to marry him, and she became an instant mother to Foister's son, Kelly.
Midge and Foister came to Washington state in the 1950s, and loved the "live off the land" culture of the Olympic Peninsula and settled here. They raised four of their children in Forks, and Midge had one daughter, that came to her heart later in life, who grew up in Michigan.
Midge grew up in a musical family and sang and played the guitar all of her life. During her youth she sang at local churches with her sisters, and they earned the nickname of the Sacred Short Sisters.
Midge enjoyed camping with her family, going to the ocean (especially at LaPush) dressing in the latest fashion, and talking to anyone who would listen about her faith in God.
She had 18 grandchildren who were the joy of her life. They gave her the affectionate name of Granny Arrowroot due to her love of natural foods and herbs.
At her death she had 20 great grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Midge was preceded in death by her husband, Foister, and her daughter, Margaret.
Surviving children are Juanita Appleby (John) of Florida, Kelly Church (Gayle) of Port Townsend, Mary Lou Williams of Sequim and Dr. Tre Normoyle (Brent) of Olympia.
A memorial service will be held in Forks at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on December 8 at 2 p.m. A private family service to celebrate her life will be held in Sequim on December 1.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Northwest Raptor Center, 1051 Oak Court, Sequim, WA 98382.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our Momma, been ten years since you left, seems just like yesterday and seems like forever. You were the best Mom and Grandma ever. We miss you. You were our strength and our refuge. Tre and I meet every year on the anniversary of your passing, we cry, we laugh and we share memories and watch the video Travis made for you. My comfort is in knowing you are with Dad and Our Maggie. Love you always and forever!
Mary Lou Williams
November 13, 2022
Mary Lou
November 13, 2022
Mary Lou
November 13, 2022
Our Momma, ten years have passed since you left us. Seems like yesterday. We miss you so much and have never quit needing you. You were our refuge, our quide through both good and bad times. The pain never leaves, even after all this time. We know you are watching over all of us, we have felt your presence many times. You were the best Mom and Grandma ever. Hug Dad and Maggie for me. Love you forever and always! Skeemo
Mary Lou
November 13, 2022
Our Mom, Wishing you were here. Think of you every day and miss you beyond belief. Would love to hold you again. Skeemo
June 15, 2013
Mom, four months today. Miss u beyond belief. Travis found his picture, thank you! Would give anything to hold you again.You will be a Great Grandma again this month. Lanai Lou Nicole. I will hold her for you. Love u so much Mom. You were the best!
Skeemo
March 12, 2013
Found some more pictures yesterday and mom lights a candle for you every night. I can't find that pic of me and grandpa if you get a chance could you guide me too it...Love you...Travis
February 17, 2013
You will be missed.
Heather Olson
February 16, 2013
Almost three month Mom. Maggie's birthday was yesterday. We all miss you so much, you were our everything. Love u, Skeemo
February 3, 2013
I light a candle each night for you, does not replace the candle of light that has been taken from us.
ML
December 11, 2012
It will be a month tomorrow since you left us. Miss you so much. It feels like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. You were the best Mom and Grandma in the world. I will love and miss you forever.
Skeemo
December 11, 2012
nothing lasts forever, but i will always love you, granny. i couldn't have made it this far without you.
shanny town
December 10, 2012
Aunt Midge was always special to me. I will miss her greatly. She always seemed to have a great attitude. Remember the years when Mom and she would tell family stories and sing songs.
Colleen Brown
November 29, 2012
The days since she has passed do not seem as light . she will truly be missed, and she has truly touched my heart and life .
chrystal Parkhurst
November 26, 2012
FIVE GENERATIONS OF CHURCH GIRLS
TRAVIS
November 23, 2012
Your missed dearly...Thank you for everything granny...Love Travis
Travis Chapman
November 23, 2012
Couldn't of asked for a better grandma. Miss her dearly
Erica Chapman
November 21, 2012
A piece of my heart is gone with our Mom. Miss her so much, love her the most. ML
November 20, 2012
You will be wholeheartedly missed Granny. I love you so much!
Jill Stewart
November 20, 2012
I loved her wicked sense of humor, how she would get so "tickled" when you least expected it, her love for her family and her Creator. Her determination, her steadfastness, to live her life as she saw fit is an example for us all.
Gail
November 20, 2012
My heart goes out to Granny Midge's family, it is so hard to lose someone so large and kind of heart. Her spunk will be remembered and truly, truly missed.
Melonie
November 19, 2012
Skeemo Williams
November 19, 2012
She was the best Mom ever, cannot imagine my life without her in it. She gave her all to her kids and grandchildren always.
November 19, 2012
I light a candle in honor of Mom. She loved all of her children and her many grandchildren. That is her legacy...and her love goes on...
Tre Normoyle
November 19, 2012
She was one grans lady i met her at the store where i worked in Forks she always had a big smile.She will greatly missed.Helen
Helen Medley
November 19, 2012
I wish I could be there with you and send you all my love.
I have fond memories of Grandma Midge that will forever stay close to my heart.
Ashley Appleby-Kennard
November 19, 2012
Travis Chapman
November 19, 2012
Travis Chapman
November 19, 2012
Travis Chapman
November 19, 2012
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