Final Salute

Keith H. LaRue, a longtime resident of Anacortes, age 97, passed away on December 20, 2022 in Mount Vernon, Washington. Keith and his twin brother Kent were born in Oregon City, Oregon on April 16, 1925, to Robert and Eva LaRue. The family moved to Anacortes in 1934. Keith attended schools in the Anacortes School District and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter he joined the United States Navy – Construction Battalion (Seabees), after basic training on the east coast, was stationed in Okinawa, Japan until the end of World War II. Keith returned to Anacortes where he met the love of his life, Freida Kranich, they were married in November of 1947, and enjoyed 72 years of marriage until Freida’s death in May of 2020.
Keith grew up during the “Great Depression”, this experience instilled a strong work ethic in him. Keith worked at a variety of jobs, sometimes two at once, during his life time, he retired from the Washington State Ferry System, as the Anacortes Terminal Manger in 1985, after 33 years. He found retirement not to his liking and was employed at Evan’s Funeral Chapel for a number of years. He enjoyed fishing the local lakes, and the Skagit River for Sea-Run Cutthroat trout, baking and playing cribbage with his numerous friends.
Keith is proceeded in death by his wife Freida, his parents Robert and Eva LaRue, his twin brother Kent and brothers Robert and Richard, his daughter Marilyn (LaRue) Stewart and her husband Randy Stewart.
Keith is survived by his sons Robin (Kristina LaRue) of Mount Vernon, Phillip (Kristin LaRue) of Anacortes, and William LaRue of Ellensburg, Grandson Nicholas LaRue (Bryn Johns-Hunter) of Portland, Kyle LaRue of Everett, Samantha LaRue of Oak Harbor, Jessica Sweeten (Danny Gallagher) of Tacoma, and three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Keith was a Christian man of Integrity and was well respected by all who knew him.
A Funeral Service will be held on January 6th, 2023 at Evans Funeral Chapel at 1:00pm, followed by a Graveside Service at Fernhill Cemetery in Anacortes.
To share memories of Keith, please visit www.evanschapel.com.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Keith Hall LaRue, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Published by Evans Funeral Chapel – Anacortes on Dec. 27, 2022.