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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
Russell Fulkerson Obituary
May 13, 1930 - April 8, 2025
Puyallup, Washington - Russ grew up in Aberdeen Washington and after graduating college in Bellingham spent his entire adult life in the Summit View area of Pierce County. He married June Dillman on June 21, 1952 and together they launched their teaching careers in the Franklin Pierce School District, retiring in1982 after 30 years.
In retirement, Russ enjoyed his annual stint at the Puyallup Fair where he connected with many former students as an usher in the Grandstands. Committed to service he spent many years as a volunteer through Celebrate Seniority driving the mobile health unit, fitting bike helmets, and his final years as a greeter and guide at Good Samaritan Hospital. He faithfully led the Fitness Class at the Summit United Methodist church and could be seen walking at the South Hill Mall for years with June and in more recent years with Linda. He was active to the end of his life and passed suddenly at home.
Russ was preceded in death by his wife June of nearly 60 years, his oldest daughter Ruth Anderson, his youngest daughter Julene Wallis and Julene's husband Jim Wallis. He is survived by his middle daughter Susan Fortin (husband Marty), grandchildren Kyle Wallis (wife Jordin) and Kate Fortin (partner Graham Parman), great-grandchildren Will and Ben Wallis, son-in-law Burr Anderson, daughter-in-law Barbara Wallis, close friend Jan Estep. Russ is also survived by his dear friend and loving companion of eight years, Linda Halterman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Puyallup United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 24 at 1:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Fulkerson
5 Entries
Linda Bruns Gaines
May 25, 2025
The service for Russ was a wonderful tribute to a man who had so many admirable qualities. I echo my sister's tribute of how he affected our family. I got to be in the wedding as a 14 teen year old and I have never forgotten that. I am giving in the name to a scholarship program for young people who are going to be teachers.
Carolyn Bennett Benum
May 25, 2025
Mr. Fulkerson was a special teacher and friend.
Karen Bizak-Marr
May 24, 2025
I graduated from FP in 1972. Mr. Fulkerson was always one of my favorite teachers. RIP...
Liz Brown
May 12, 2025
Russ was married to my cousin June. I remember attending their wedding when I was 7 years old. It was the first wedding I had gone to and seemed magical to me.
Russ was much loved by my family. It was a happy occasion for us when they came for a visit.I believe my parents considered him worthy of their special niece June
A memory of Russ was at a family reunion picnic where I was in charge of my very active 2 year old grandson. Being so considerate, Russ offered to take him to the playground where they happily played and gave me a much needed break!
Kay and Jerry Hartley
May 3, 2025
We knew Russell Fulkerson through his son in law, Jim Wallis. Jerry Hartley coached Jim in both swimming and water polo at Puyallup High School and later was invited to stand for Jim when he married Julene. Russ and June supported their daughter, Julene, and her husband, Jim, throughout their lives. One couldn't find better, more loving people than Russ and June Fulkerson.
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