Mary Alice Likkel

Mary Alice Likkel, 89, stepped into the presence of her Savior on December 1, 2025, after many years of living with dementia. Although we miss her very much, we are thankful that she now has a fully restored mind, clear, whole and free of confusion or forgetfulness.
Mary was born on September 29, 1936, in Coffey, Missouri to Seigel and Hazel Barber, and the family moved to Bellingham when Mary was a young girl. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings-Roberta, Ronnie, Carol, and Margaret-of whom she was the last surviving. After graduating from Bellingham High School, she began corresponding with an Army corporal stationed in Korea, Berk Likkel. When he returned home, the two were married on November 18, 1955, in Lynden, where they built their life and raised their five children. Mary was a devoted stay-at-home wife and mom, and enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crochet. After selling Berk's Towing in the mid-1990s, she and Berk spent many happy years traveling through the US and Canada in their motorhome. She was a wonderful, involved grandma to her nineteen grandchildren, always ready to babysit, and faithfully taking them for special "birthday dates" as they grew. She was also blessed with twelve great grandchildren.
Mary was saved by Christ and loved Him with all her heart. She and Berk were faithful members of New Life Fellowship Church for many years, and Bible Study Fellowship and other Bible studies were an important part of her life. In later years she rarely missed Monday morning coffee with her dear group of friends at the Fairway Cafe.
Berk, her beloved husband of nearly 69 years, passed away in 2024.
Mary is survived by five children: Brenda Scarlett; Brian (Janet) Likkel and children Shannon (Chris) and Sheena; Julie (Robert) Clark and children Melissa, Emily (Caleb), Samantha (Jeremy), Ali (Carson), and Brad (Payton); Jeff (Leslie) Likkel and children Dylon, Zak, and Jace; and Jennifer (Paul) Jardinski and children Jessica, Jacob (Cheyanne), Daniel, Emma (Enoch), Micah (Delaney), Grace, Elijah, Lydia, and Mary. She is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren.
A graveside service with family will be held on Tuesday December 9, where Mary will be laid to rest beside Berk. A memorial service is planned for January 2026.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.