Howard Stiles

1930 - 2025

Howard Gunerius Stiles, 95, of Marysville, Washington, went home to be with the Lord on August 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Howard was born on April 14, 1930, in Blaine, Washington, and grew up in Sumas, Washington. He spent the vast majority of his life in Snohomish County, where he was known for his kindness, warmth, faith in Jesus Christ, and ever-ready "dad" jokes.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954, stationed primarily in Verdun, France, where he was assigned to a fire station. Following his military service, Howard worked as a Mailer in the mailrooms of numerous newspapers, including The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Seattle Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and several other smaller publications.

Howard loved the outdoors and was happiest when traveling, camping, and exploring. He took his family on countless road trips, instilling in his children a love for adventure and the beauty of nature. He was also an avid supporter of Seattle's professional sports teams and followed them faithfully through the years. Above all, Howard loved the Lord and sought to live in a way that reflected his faith.

Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Glenna LaVelle Stiles, to whom he was married from January 8, 1954, until her passing on July 3, 2009, and by his second wife, Lillian Wattum, whom he married on July 9, 2011, and who passed away on October 31, 2022.

He is survived by his children: Virginia (Ginny) Stiles, Jim Stiles, Sandy Anderson, and Judy Stiles; nine grandchildren: Mandy Russell, Joshua Dunbar, Melina Dawson, Shanell Stewart, Sheree Carsen, Jake Kaasen, Jessica Wellen, Jeremy Stiles, and Jeff Stiles; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Howard's passing came after a month-long stay at Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood, Washington. On his final day, many family members gathered to share one more day with him, a gesture that deeply touched him.

Planning for his celebration of life service is underway.

Howard will be remembered always as a gentle, kind man whose faith, humor, generosity, and love for family enriched the lives of all who knew him.