The Shine Cemetery is a small family cemetery in Port Ludlow, Washington. This historic cemetery owes its beginnings to Philip Noah and Melissa Jane (née Slyter) Rasler. Philip, a Civil War Veteran serving with the 11th Regiment Michigan Infantry, came to the Pacific Northwest after the war.

Philip Noah Rasler and Melissa Jane (née Slyter) Rasler

In 1903, Philip and Melissa Jane purchased two government lots in Squamish Harbor (an area known as “Shine-Gri-La”, or Shine) from R.W. Barto. A one-acre parcel in one of these lots was allocated as a private family cemetery later that same year.

Philip (highlighted) with a group of men clearing the parcels in Squamish Harbor.

Philip Noah Rasler died on March 30, 1904, and is believed to be one of the first burials in the Shine Cemetery. The property was awarded to the Shine Cemetery Association in 1919.

Philip Noah Rasler’s Headstone
Philip N. Rasler’s Funeral Card

Many descendants of Philip and Melissa Jane are also laid to rest in this location, including two of their children: Charles Shannon Rasler (1875-1949), Angenetta “Nettie” (née Rasler) Garten Howe (1884-1963).

The Philip and Melissa Rasler Family (Buckley, Washington, 1901)
rear: John, Angenette, Daniel, Ladora, Charles, Daisy, Nancy, Betsy
front: Jonas, Philip Noah, Melissa Jane, Philip, Jr.

For more information about other interments at the historic Shine Cemetery, please visit this cemetery’s page on FindAGrave.com.