Three Die In Blaze

Marysville, Wash. – Three elderly persons were killed late Tuesday night as fire destroyed a pair of mobile homes near this Snohomish County town, authorities say.

The victims were identified by the county coroner’s office, as Merlin Atkins, 70, his wife, Mildred, believed to be in her 60’s and her mother, Mary Hudson, 92.

A spokesman for the county fire marshal’s office said the blaze apparently started in the front portion of the trailers, which were hooked together as a single living unit.

Atkins apparently tried to help his wife and mother-in-law to safety but was overcome before any of the three could escape, officials said.

The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA) – Thursday, December 8, 1977

Mrs. Mildred (Hudson) Atkins, 66, formerly of Sumner, Illinois died Tuesday, December 6, 1977 in a mobile home fire in Arlington, Washington.

Mrs. Atkins was born in Richland County Illinois daughter of Charles and Mary (Walker) Hudson. She married Merlin Atkins in 1932. He died Tuesday, also.

Surviving are a son, Russell C. of Auburn, Wash.; daughter, Mrs. Mary Davis of Las Vegas, Nev.; sister, Mrs. Ava Pasley of Emmett, Idaho; several grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services at Sivert Funeral Home, Sumner with burial in Sumner Cemetery.

The Decatur Herald (Decatur, IL) – Friday, December 9, 1977