Odessa City Cemetery 

                                                                         Obituaries submitted by Marge Womach

Page Da through Der

Dahm, Norrita Greenwalt Knutsen,  (d. 1987; b. 1937; TS; OC; obit) “Norrita Mae Greenwalt Dahm of Spokane, born in Odessa May 6, 1937 to Ben and Edna Greenwalt, died Aug 14, (1987).  She attended elementary school in Ritzville, then graduated from Odessa High School. Active in 4-H and Girl Scouts, she was also a member of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls and of the Junior Grange. She was a member of the Rudolph M Stump Post 105 Legion Auxiliary.  Mrs. Dahm is survived by her husband, Charles, at the family home; by 3 sons: Craig Knutsen of VA, and Chet and Clayton Dahm of Spokane; by 2 daughters: Candy Bundrock of NY and Cathy Dahm of Spokane; by her mother, Edna Baker of Odessa; by two brothers, Marvin Greenwalt of Pomeroy and William Greenwalt of Spokane; by 2 sisters: Judy Groh of Harrington and Sally Romo of Reardan; and many other relatives and friends. A wake and social gathering was held in honor of Mrs. Dahm at the Women’s Club in Spokane on August 19 for all relatives and friends.” (Odessa Record: 8-27-1987)

Dammel, Carl,  (b. 10-14-1907; d. 4-19-2007)  Carl Dammel, died April 19, 2007, in Odessa, at age 99.  He was born on Oct 14, 1907, in Paha to John and Rosina (Pflugrath) Dammel.  He is survived his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Dammel of Mohler;  by his son Stanley and Debby Dammel, of Odessa, one stepson, Jasper and Marilyn Womach, of Virginia, and one stepdaughter, Marge Womach, of Mohler, seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren, two sisters, Rose Law of Sultan, WA and Pauline Lundburg, of Minnesota, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Edna Dammel, and one brother, Walter Dammel. He was a member of the Heritage Church, a former commissioner of Lincoln County Hospital District #1, and a member of Odessa Union Warehouse, Harrington Golf Course and Odessa Lions Club. He was an avid bowler and golfer. Memorial services were held Wednesday,
April 25 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Odessa with Pastor Tim Hauge officiating. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (Odessa Record: 2007; Dammel-Pflugrath family series published Oct 14, 2007 in honor of his 100^th birthday which he did not remain to see.)

Dammel, Edna (Lobe),  w/o Carl  (d. 12-29-1963; b. 3-03-1913; TS; OC) “Edna Dammel. Died: 12-29-1963, Odessa, WA. Father: John Lobe; Mother: Lydia Reich; Spouse: Carl; Birth: 3 March 1913, Odessa, WA; Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln County Health death and burial cards)  “Funeral services for Edna Dammel, 50, were held from the United Congregational church on Tuesday afternoon, with burial in the Odessa Cemetery. The Rev B. M. Schafer officiated. Soloist at the service was Gordon Swyter of Ritzville, with Mrs. Ruth Suchland as organist. Pallbearers were nephews, including Robert Heider of Ritzville, Walter Heider of Lind; Melvin and Larry Gust, Ritzville; Gary Lobe, Lind, and Mike Presto, Cheney.  The daughter of a pioneer family, Mrs. Dammel was born in the Batum area of March 3, 1913, attended the Batum and Lauer schools. In 1926 the family moved to the Lind-Ralston area and she completed her schooling at Ralston.  On Sept 15, 1935, she married Carl Dammel of the Lind area. Mr. Dammel was with the Standard Oil Company and they spent some time at Washtucna, then going to Portland where they remained for 4 ½ years while Mr .Dammel worked with a foundry company. In 1946 an opening came with Standard Oil at Odessa and the family moved here. Later they left the oil company and started farming operations, continuing their home in town.  Mrs. Dammel was active in many circles and a member of the United Congregational church and its groups.  Survivors include her husband, Carl Dammel, and one son, Stanley; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Lobe, Odessa; two sisters, Mrs. Esther Gust, Ritzville, and Mrs. Ruth Gillis, Washtucna; four brothers, Otto Lobe, Lind; Lewis Lobe, Ritzville; Everett Lobe, Quincy; and Eugene C. Lobe, Bremerton; several nephews and nieces.” (Odessa Record: Jan 2, 1964)

Dashiell, Helen (added; b. 7-27-1919; d. 8-23-2010)  “Helen Dashiell died Monday, Aug 23, 2010. She was born to Charles and Lena Schell in Ruff July 27, 1919, where she attended grade school. She then attended high school in Marlin but spent her senior year at Hartline High. She completed secretarial school in Spokane, where she met and married her husband Dick Dashiell, who was attending barber school. After the passing of Dick’s father, they moved to Marlin to run the town tavern and barber shop. They raised their family there until they moved to Odessa in 1963.  Helen was active in community charities, church and the hospital guild. Upon retirement, she and Dick wintered in Apache Junction, AZ until his passing in 2001 and spent the last six years of her life at Guardian Angel Homes in Liberty Lake.  Helen is survived by her son Charles (Judy) Dashiell, Georgetown, Texas, daughter Jeannette (Gary) Wraspir, Liberty Lake and daughter Kathy (Rich) McKinney, Sacramento, CA, sister Betty (Gordon) Littig, Alexander, VA, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Richard (Dick) Dashiell, parents Charles and Lena Schell, sister Darlene Kagele, granddaughter Cynthia Wraspir and baby grandson Richard Edward Dashiell. There will be a family memorial at the Odessa Cemetery at a later date.” (Odessa Record: 9-02-2010; photo)

Dashiell, Richard Edward,  (d. 1967; b. 1967; TS; OC; shown in E-12-24 by Suchland)

Dashiell, Richard L.,  (added) (Feb 22, 1918-Jan 5, 2001) “A service for Richard L. (Dick) Dashiell, a long-time resident of Marlin and Odessa, will be held Wednesday, Jan 17, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Church in Odessa.  Mr. Dashiell, who was 82 years old, died Friday, Jan 5, 2001, at his winter home in Apache Junction, AZ.  He was born Feb 22, 1918, in Spokane, the son of William C. and Bertha (Haines) Dashiell.  He served in the US Navy during WW II. He married Helen Schell, of Ruff. For many years, he owned and operated the Marlin Tavern and Barbershop. He was a member of the Marlin Gun Club, served for many years on the Marlin School Board, was a past commander of the American Legion and a member of the Legion’s Forty and Eight.  The Dashiells moved to Odessa in 1963, where he was manager of the VFW Club until his retirement. He was a member of the Odessa Lions Club, the Odessa Golf Club and the English Congregational Church. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Helen, his children Chuck and Judy Dashiell, of Woodbury, MN; Jeannette and Gary Wraspir, of Liberty Lake; and Kathy and Richard McKinney, of Sacramento, CA; 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. He served on the Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Grant County Democratic Party Committee. Strate Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: scrapbook item undated)

Davies, Absalom,  (added) d. Oct 3, 2004 obit)  “Absalom (Ab) Davies, a long-time resident of Odessa, died Sunday, Oct 3, 2004, at the Four Seasons Assisted Living in Coeur d’Alene after suffering several heart attacks. He was 88 years old. He was born May 13, 1916, in Carbonado, WA.  After high school graduation in Issaquah, WA, Ab worked for Shell Oil Company in Spokane, as a vocational instructor at McNeil Island correctional facility, owned and operated ‘Sky Ranch’, a flight school and restaurant in Issaquah and finally was successful as an aerial applicator in and around Odessa and Eastern Washington.  He and his wife Marjorie were married in Issaquah in 1938. They moved many times, finally settling in Odessa, where they lived for 51 years. Ab enjoyed many years after retirement, traveling to Mexico with Marjorie, spending summers fishing in the Campbell River in Canada and eventually enjoying their winters in Yuma, AZ.  He spent the balance of his days at his home in Odessa. Recently Ab and Marge moved from their Odessa home to Coeur d’Alene to be near their daughters.  Ab is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie; a brother, Daniel Davies (and wife Ethel), of Bothell, WA; two daughters, Peggy Salo (and husband Gale), of Rathdrum, ID; and Kathy Beals, of Coeur d’Alene; 7 grandchildren, Wendy Cronrath (and husband Nathan), Elizabeth Hawn (and husband Scott), Vicki Breland (and husband Mike), Rebecca Miller (and husband Brian), Betse Boughal (and husband Paul), Lora Brewster (and husband Mark) and John Beals Jr. (and wife Carrie); 18 great grandchildren; two nieces, and one nephew. Private interment will precede the memorial service. Yates Funeral Homes and Strate Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 10-17-2004)

Davies, Marjorie Davidson,  (added) (d. 8-26-2009); “Marjorie Davies died Aug 26 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with her family by her side. She was born in Minneapolis, MN, the eldest of two daughters. The family moved west, finally residing in several locations in Washington State.  After graduation from Davis High School in Yakima, she attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, then worked as a secretary before her marriage to Absalom Davies. She and her husband moved to Odessa, where they raised their family and resided 61 years. Marjorie enjoyed music, singing in choirs and small ensembles. She was an accomplished pianist who accompanied her sister, her daughters, small groups and choirs and played for her own and others’ enjoyment. She was a member of the English Congregational and Heritage churches in Odessa. She was also a member of the Palettes Art Club and Eastern Star and a co-leader of a 4-H club.  Her focus in life was family. In 2004, Marjorie and her husband moved to Coeur d’Alene to be near their daughters, and she moved to Coeur d’Alene Homes Assisted Living in July 2008. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, Milnor and Jessie Davidson, her sister Eleanor, an infant son, and her husband of 66 years, Absalom Davies.  She is survived by her daughters, Peggy (Gale) Salo, Rathdrum, Idaho, and Kathy (Les) Wigen of Coeur d’Alene; brother-in-law Daniel Davies, Leavenworth; 7 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 nieces and one nephew.  A memorial service will be held at Heritage Church in Odessa Oct 3, 2009, at 11 a.m. with private inurnment following the service. English Funeral Home of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Strate Funeral Home of Davenport are caring for the family.” (Odessa Record: 9-03-2009)   

Davis, Charles E.,   (d. 5-11-1911; 64 yrs; TS; OC; obit) “The people of Odessa were greatly shocked to learn Thursday of the death of Charles E Davis, who passed away at his home in this city at 2:15 p.m. yesterday after an illness of less than 30 hours; duration. The deceased was taken ill Wednesday morning but was about the streets nearly all day and very few people even knew of his illness. The cause of death was acute indigestion. Deceased was born in Ohio 64 years ago and has resided in Odessa for 11 years. He is survived by a widow, two sons, Will Davis of Odessa and A G Davis, who resides in Missouri, and one daughter, Mrs. Geo Dobson of this city; also two brothers and two sisters, Wm Davis of Seattle, Harry Davis of American Falls, Idaho; Mr. D. Uppinghouse of Spokane, and Mrs. Thos Fritzpatrick of Parry, IL. The funeral was held from the home this afternoon, Rev Tonge officiating, and interment took place at the German Lutheran Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 5-12-1911)

Deife, Arthur,   (d. 9-16-1999; b. 12-27-1913; TS; OC) “Funeral services for Arthur Deife were held Tuesday, Sept 21, at the Heritage Church in Odessa. Mr. Deife, who was 85 years old, died Thursday, Sept 16, 1999, at his home in Odessa. He was a lifetime resident of the Odessa area.  He was born in Marlin on Dec 27, 1913, the son of Wilhelm and Louisa (Hemmerling) Deife. He farmed north of Odessa until 1975, when he retired in Odessa.  Mr. Deife was a past member of the board of directors of the Odessa Union Warehouse Cooperative, a past member of the Lincoln County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee and a member of the Odessa Grange. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and gardening. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen, in 1974, four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include  his wife of 25 years, Emma, at the home; five children, Marjorie and husband Neal Graeber and Noreen and husband Ron Side, all of Spokane; Dale and Nancy Deife and Susan and husband Doug Roller, all of Odessa, and Kathy and husband David Swartz, of Moses Lake; three step-children, Leota and husband David Greenwalt, of Odessa; Darryl and wife Lois Sackmann, of Somis, CA, and Janet Sackman, of Spokane; 12 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, John Deife, of Odessa, and Robert Deife and Walter Deife, both of Cheney; two sisters, Elsie Duff, of Walla Walla, and Lorene Heimbigner, of Ritzville, and numerous nieces and nephews. The Rev Charles Smith officiated at the funeral. Interment was at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record-Sept 23, 1999)

Deife, Fred,   (d. 1974 b. 1887; Suchland listing only with burial shown in E-02-33; obit)  “Funeral services for Fred Deife were held from the UCC in Odessa Monday afternoon. He had been a resident of a Spokane nursing home prior to his death on Nov 29, (1974).  Mr. Deife farmed in the Ruff area until after his marriage to Leontina Stoller on Oct 27, 1912. The couple moved to a farm north of Odessa where they farmed until retirement to Odessa in 1953.  Fred Deife, son of Wilhelm and Katherine Deife, was born in Odessa, Russia, on May 13, 1887. He moved to the United States and Odessa in 1894.  Surviving are his wife, Tina; four daughters, Alma Johnson of Spokane; Mildred Thompson and Norma Campbell of Tulsa, OK, and Elaine Schauerman of Odessa; 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Louise Weishaar of Odessa, Margaret Deife of Seattle and Martha Nash of Vancouver. One son, Velmer, preceded him in death, killed in action in the Armed Forces in 1945. Dr B. M. Schafer officiated at the funeral service. Delores Cook was organist. Vocal music was presented by a quartet: Del Kirstein, Gene Frieske, Sue Schafer and Ione Zeiler. Interment was in the Odessa Cemetery under the direction of Strate Funeral Home.” (Odessa Record: 12-05-1974)                          

* Deife, Henry,  (KIA on 3-04-1945)  body to Arlington

Deife, John,  h/o Laura  (d. 1972; b. 1900; TS; OC; obit) “John Deife of Odessa passed away in Spokane on Oct 13, after an illness of several weeks. He had been transferred to Spokane after being taken ill and spending some time in the hospital here in Odessa. He was 72 years old. Mr. Deife was born May 28, 1900 at Odessa, Russia. He was the son of Wilhelm and Katherine Deife. On June 3, 1921 he was married to Laura M. Wichertsheimer in Rathdrum, Idaho. She survives him at the home.  The couple have one son, Donald Lee Deife, of Spokane, and four grandchildren. M. Deife is also survived by one brother, Fred Deife of Odessa, and three sisters, Lucy Weishaar of Odessa, Margaret Deife of Seattle, and Martha Nash of Vancouver. There are also numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Deife farmed north of Odessa until 1948.  That year he went into partnership with Gus Weber at the Odessa Lumber Co. In 1961 he became sole owner, and retired in 1968. Funeral services were held from the English Congregational Church Tuesday morning at 11 a.m.  Burial was in the Odessa Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 19 Oct 1972)

Deife, John Edward,  “John Edward Deife died Sept 15, 2008, at the Odessa Convalescent Center. He was born Sept 24, 1921, in Odessa to Wilhelm and Louisa Deife and was the seventh child in the family. John was  a life long resident of Odessa, attended the Odessa schools, served as ASB president and was on the football team. He graduated from Odessa High School at the top of his class in 1940.  John met Mildred Smith, a new teacher in town, at a dance. She was from Cheney, and they were married April 19, 1947, in Medical Lake. John and Mildred had three children, Ed Deife (Dee) of Odessa, Teresa Stone (Barry Kirkeeng) of Grapeview, WA, and Monica Deife (Masato Kuwahara) of Sakurai, Japan.  John was a wheat farmer, cattle rancher, commercial fisherman and later in life, a securities salesman. He was always proud of his German and Eastern Washington heritage. John knew and shared information and stories about the geology, history, plants and animals of his home town and the surrounding area.  John joined the Odessa Grange and remained an active member for sixty-one years. He held many offices in the Odessa Grange and cooked more than a few hamburgers! He was a member of the Odessa Flying Club and was the first president of the Odessa Alumni Association. John seldom missed a Grange meeting, card party, picnic or an Alumni Banquet. John was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church.  One of John’s interests was capturing solar energy, and he spent a good deal of time building a solar heater long before being green was considered cool. He continued to work on perfecting his solar heating system until he was unable to be at home any longer. His natural curiosity and problem-solving skills enabled him to tinker and re-use all sorts of material long before ‘use it up, re-use and recycle’ became a lifestyle slogan. John was a fisherman who managed to catch fish even with three small children in the boat. Those same children have all also inherited his gardener’s green thumb.  John was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Emil, Arthur, Harold, Henry and Walter and three sisters, Martha Gieselman, Elsie Duff and Ruby Pfeifer. John is survived by his wife of sixty one years, Mildred; their three children; one sister, Lorene Heimbigner (Herschel) of Ritzville and one brother, Robert, of Cheney. Known as Grandpa, John will be remembered and loved by his four grandchildren: Michael Stone of NY City, Tyler Stone (Adelee) of Chandler, AZ, and Toshi and Julia Kuwahara of Sakurai, Japan. A Rosary service will be held Sunday, Sept 21, 2008, at 7 p.m., and funeral mass will be held Monday, Sept 22 at 11 a.m., both at St Joseph Catholic Church in Odessa with Father Mike Ishida officiating. Concluding services and interment followed at Odessa Cemetery.  Strate Funeral Home of Davenport is in charge of the funeral arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 9-25-2008)

Deife, Katherine,  w/o Wm  (d. 10-06-1938; b. 5-25-1861; TS; OC; Strates) “Kathryn Deife. Aged: 77 yrs 4 mos 11 days. Dated: Oct 6, 1938. Spokane.” (St Mathews Congregational Church ledger) “Katherine Deife. Residence: Odessa, WA. Death: Oct 6, 1938, E 1703-15^th. Informant: Miss Margaret Deife, 301 S Howard. Birth: May 25, 1861, South Russia. Age: 77 yrs 4 mos 11 days. Female, white, widowed, housewife. Date last worked: June 1938. Occupation: housewife, 50 yrs. Husband: William Deife. In US: 34 yrs. Father: Simon Deife, born Russia. Mother: not obtainable. Cause of death: carcinoma of liver. Physician: Dr J. L. Bird. Relatives: 4 sons: Wm, Fred, John of Odessa, and Samuel, St Maries, Idaho; 4 daughters: Mrs. Wm Quast and Miss Margret Deife of Spokane; Mrs. Kenneth Nash of Vancouver, WA; Mrs. Fred Weishaar of Odessa. 2 brothers; 25 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren. Physical: Gray hair, gray eyes, 5 ft 1 inches; 150 lbs.” (Mortuary Ledger)

Deife, Laura Wichertsheimer,  w/o John  (d. 1988; b. 1898; TS; OC; obit) “Laura Mae Deife of Spokane, a long-time Odessa resident who was born in Morning Sun, Iowa Sept 20, 1898, passed away April 12, (1988). She had lived in Spokane for the past two years.  A graduate of Cheney Normal School (now Eastern Washington University), she was married in June 1921 to John Deife at Rathdrum, ID, where she had grown up and graduated from high school. After they established residence in Odessa, the couple were among the founders of Odessa Grange 931 in 1930, and she was its first lecturer. She had been a member of the local Grange ever since. It was said of Mrs. Deife that even in the final months of her life she was able to make a listener laugh—and she had been voted ‘funniest girl’ in her high school graduating class. Survivors include a son, Donald Deife of Spokane; and two sisters: Martha Loafstrom and Marilla Wallace, along with four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John. Funeral service was held at the English Congregational Church, Odessa, on April 15, Rev Cynthia Scanlin officiating. Concluding services and vault interment followed at the Odessa Cemetery, Strate Funeral Home in charge. Casket bearers were Art Deife, Wes Gates, Bob Deife, Bob Newman, Johnny Deife and Don Mattson.” (Odessa Record: 4-28-1988)

Deife, Leotina,   (d. 1974; b. 1893; Suchland only, showing burial in E-02-32; obit)  “Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec 30 at 11 a.m. for Mrs. Fred Deife who died on Dec 25, 1974. She had been a resident of a Spokane nursing home. Dr B. M. Schafer officiated at the services held at the UCC. Interment was in the Odessa Cemetery. Leontina, daughter of George and Caroline Stoller, was born on March 10, 1893 in Yankton, SD.  When still a small child she moved with the family to Portland, OR, to Marlin, and then Wheeler, WA.  She attended public schools in Portland and Marlin. Leontina was married to Fred Deife on Oct 27, 1912. The couple had one son and four daughters. Velmer was killed in action in the Army in 1945. Mrs. Deife was a member of the United church, a long-time member and past president of Ladies Aid Society, a member of United Daughters, and a charter member of the Memorial Hospital Guild. Survivors include the four daughters, Alma Johnson of Spokane, Mildred Thompson and Norman Campbell of Tulsa, OK, and Elaine Schauerman of Odessa; 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; as well as five sisters, Mrs. Emma Laib of Ritzville, Miss Elsie Stoller of Kelso, Miss Agness Stoller of Denver, Mrs. Minola Harris of Spokane, and Mrs. Edna Neher of Boise.” (Odessa Record: 1-02-1975)

Deife, Louisa,  w/o Wm W.  (d. 1961; b. 1888; TS; OC; Suchland listing showing burial in E-06-24

Deife, Lucy, "Lucy Deife, daughter of Gottlieb Hemmerling and his wife Louise, nee Jeske, was born on 12 June, 1888 in Alt Elft, Bessarabia, Russia. She was baptised as a child, and in her youth she received the appropriate religious education followed by confirmation. She married Wilhelm Deife on 6 September 1906. Their marriage was blessed with 13 children, 3 of whom preceeded their mother in death. Lucy's husband passed away in 1958. Lucy came to America in 1902, and lived her life on a farm north of Odessa. She was a loyal member of the United Congregational Church in Odessa and served God in many ways as long as she was physically able. She was a true child of God, and lived her life as she believed. At her death, she was 72 years, 10 months and 7 days old. Surviving Lucy are 10 of her children: Emil Deife of Spangle, Martha Gieselman and Elsie Stumph, both of Walla Walla, Arthur, John and Robert Deife, all of Odessa, Harold Deife of Albany, Oregon, Ruby Pfeifer of Wilson Creek, Lorene Heimbigner of Ritzville, and Walter Deife in the service; 3 brothers: Christ and Emanuel Hemmerling, both of Odessa, and Fred Hemmerling of Spokane; 2 sisters: Lena Raugust and Lydia Frieske, both of Spokane; 30 grandchildren and many friends and acquaintances. May those who mourn find comfort in the Lord. Odessa, Washington H. G. Pfeiff, Pastor." (Translated by B. Heimbigner from German from the Kirchenbote Vol. 79, #32, 8 June 1961 for the Odessa Museum.)

Deife, Marcine,  (added;  d. June 4, 2004 obit)  “Funeral services for Marcine (Hardung) Deife were held on Wednesday, June 9, at Heritage Church in Odessa. Mrs. Deife, who was 77 years old, died on Friday, June 4, 2004, in Spokane, following a 3 year illness with cancer. She was a member of one of the earliest pioneer families. She was born Feb 27, 1927, in Odessa, the daughter of David and Mary (Hoff) Hardung. She was graduated with the Class of 1945 of Odessa High School and was graduated with honors from Washington State University in 1949. She obtained a master’s degree from Eastern Washington University in 1972. She taught history and political science at Spokane Community College. She married Robert Deife in Odessa on Nov 26, 1949. They operated a ranch in the Odessa area, making their home at the ranch as well as in Spokane. Marcine was a life-time member of the Heritage Church in Odessa, where she taught Sunday School and served as a church deacon. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and served as a regional provincial leader for chapters in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. She was an active leader in politics at local and state level. She was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1972. She was past president of the Big Bend Chapter of the American Society of Germans from Russia, past president of the Odessa Readers Club and a member of the Spokane Valley PEO.  She and her husband Robert enjoyed traveling. they visited 29 foreign countries and much of the US, where Marcine always studied the area’s history and culture. She enjoyed playing bridge and hearts, and she spent many hours in her garden.  Marcine was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Joe Hardung, and one great-grandchild, Cassandra Evavold. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert, at the home; six children, Linda Deife, of San Diego; Julie Deife and husband Bob Belinoff, of Albuquerque, NM; William Deife and wife Jayne, of Odessa; Mark Deife and wife Suzanne Kane, of Seattle; Jan Stevenson and husband Dale, of Lind, and Jean Lewis and husband Robert, of Minneapolis; 9 grandchildren, and one great grandchild; two brothers, Herb Hardung, of Spokane, and Lavene Hardung, of Mesquite, NV; and a sister, Lucille Gustafson, of Port Angeles, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. Pastor Larry Snyder officiated at the funeral. Concluding services and interment followed at Odessa Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: June 10, 2004)

Deife, Velmer, (added) (WW II; d. 1945; b. 1921; OC; Cong.; Suchland showing burial in E-02-31) “Wilmer Deife. Born: 16 Jan 1921; Died: 15 March 1945; Burial: 27 May 1949.” (Congregational Church ledger by Eslinger) “The body of Second Lietuenant Velmer M. Diefe, shot down over Germany March 15, 1945, while serving as co-pilot of a B-17 bomber, is arriving home today. Funeral services will be held from the UCC on Friday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, the Rev E. J. Eslinger officiating. The combined veterans groups of Odessa will have charge of military honors at the cemetery. The body will arrive in care of the Strate Funeral Home. A military escort will meet the train. Born, Jan 6, 1921, north of Marlin, Velmer Diefe took most of his schooling at Marlin, completing his senior year and graduating with the Class of 1939 from the Odessa High School. He attended school at Cheney, enlisting in the air corps in 1942, while still at college. He was called in 1943, about 6 weeks before graduation, and following his training was commissioned a second lieutenant in the air corps. Acting as pilot, he was awarded the air medal with two oak leaf clusters. The purple heart and presidential citation were awarded posthumously. Survivors are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Deife; four sisters, Mrs. Alma Johnson, Spokane; Miss Mildred Deife and Mrs. Norma Campbell, Tulsa, OK; and Mrs. Elaine Schauerman, Odessa, and his maternal grandfather.” (Odessa Record: 26 May 1949)

Deife, Wilhelm,  h/o Katherine  (d. 9-19-1934; b. 8-25-1857; TS; OC; obit; Cong; Strates) “William Deife. Residence: Odessa, WA. Death: 9-19-1934, 5:30 a.m., Odessa, WA. Informant: John Deife, Odessa; Birth: Aug 25, (1857), Russia; Age: 77 yrs 24 days. Male, white, married, retired farmer. Last worked: 1917, after 50 yrs in occupation. Wife: Katherine Deife. Length of residence in Odessa: Fall of 1917, 17 yrs. In US: 30 yrs. Father: William Deife, born Russia; Mother: (unknown) Kopenstine, born Russia.  Previous residence: Russia. Physician: L. J. Bonney. Leaves: wife, Mrs. Katherine Deife; 4 sons: William Deife, Odessa; Fred Deife, Odessa; Sam Deife, St Marys, ID; John Deife, Odessa; Daughters: Minnie Quast, Odessa; Margaret Deife, San Francisco, CA; Lucy Weishaar, Odessa; Martha Deife, Vancouver, WA; 25 grandchildren. Physical: Gray hair, blue eyes, 5 ft 4 inches; 240 lbs.” (Mortuary Ledger) “William Deife. Aged: 72 yrs 0 mos 24 days. Dated: Sept 24, 1934. Burial: Odessa, WA.” (St Mathews Congregational Church ledger) “Funeral services for William Deife, 77, pioneer resident of the Odessa region, who died here on Wednesday morning, were held from the St Mathews Congregational church on Sunday, the Rev J. Wacker officiating, assisted by the Rev C. E. Schoenleber. Pall bearers were selected from neighbors and friends and included the following: Con H. Eckhardt, Henry ____ ......  Weishaar Sr., Jacob Maier and Wentel Weber. Burial was made in the Odessa Cemetery, with H. H. Strate in charge. Mr. Deife had lived in the Odessa region for 30 years, coming here from his birthplace in Russia. Here he lived for many years on a wheat ranch north of town, later retiring and making his home in town.  Survivors include his widow, Katherine, at the home; four daughters, Mrs. Minnie Quast and Mrs. Lucy Weishaar, both of Odessa; Miss Marguerite of San Francisco, CA, and Miss Martha, of Vancouver, WA; four sons, William, Fred, and John, all of Odessa, and Sam of St Maries, Idaho, and 25 grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 9-28-1934)

Deife, Wilhelm W.,  h/o Louisa  (d. 1958; b. 1884; TS; OC; burial shown in E-06-23)"Wilhelm W. Deife, son of Wilhelm Deife and his wife, was born on November 4, 1884 in Odessa, Russia. He was baptised as a child, and in 1896, following rigorous instruction in God's Holy Word, he was confirmed. He came to America in 1904, and made the area around Odessa, WA his new home. He was a farmer his entire life. In 1906 he married Louise Hemmerling. Of their 14 children, 4 preceeded their father in death. Over the past year, Wilhelm was in poor health and spent a bit of time during this period in the hospital. His death came suddenly on May 24, 1958, following a heart attack. At his death, Wilhelm was 73 years, 6 months, and 20 days old. In addition to his wife, Wilhelm is survived by the following children: Emil of Spokane, Harold of Albany, Oregon, Arthur, John and Robert, all of Odessa, and Walter in the service. Mrs. Waldo (Martha) Gieselman of Walla Walla, Mrs. Fred (Elsie) Stumpf and Mrs. Hershel (Lorene) Heimbigner of Ritzville, and Mrs. Howard (Ruby) Pfeiffer of Wilson Creek; 3 Brothers: Fred and John of Odessa, and Sam of Roseberg, Oregon; 3 Sisters: Mrs. Margaret Deife of Seattle, Mrs. Fred Weishaar of Odessa and Mrs. Kenneth Rash of Vancouver; 29 grandchildren and many friends and acquaintances. May those who mourn find comfort in the Lord. Odessa, Washington H.G. Pfeiff, Pastor" (Kirchenbote, Vol. 76, #36 of 3 July 1958; Translated from German by B. Heimbigner for the Odessa Museum)

Deife, Wilmer,  (same as: see Velmer Deife) (WW II)  (d. 1945; b. 1921; OC; Cong.) “Wilmer Deife. Born: 16 Jan 1921; Died: 15 March 1945; Burial: 27 May 1949.” (Congregational Church ledger by Eslinger)

Delzer, Christina Janke,   (d. 11-02-35; b. 11-16-1878; w/o Ludwig; TS; OC; Strates; dc)  “Delzer, Christina.  Died: 11-02-1935.  Birth: 11-16-1878, Russia;  Married: Ludwig Delzer.  Father: Christoph Janke;  Mother: Justina Not obt.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health death card) “Birth: 16 Nov 1877; Died: 2 Nov 1935, age 57 yrs 11 mos 16 days. Gatte, 4 sons, 2 daughters.” (Congregational Church ledger by Schwabenland) “Christina Delzer. Residence: Odessa, WA. Birth: Nov 16, 1878, Russia.  Death: Nov 2, 1935, 12:30 p.m., at home in Odessa, WA. Age: 56 yrs 11 mos 16 days. Informant: Ludwig C. Delzer. Female, white, married, housewife. Last worked: Oct 1935. Time spent in occupation: 1897. Wife of Ludwig C. Delzer. Length of residence in Odessa: Aug 10, 1935. Previous residence: 4 miles north of Odessa. In US: 53 yrs. Father: Christoph Janke, born Russia; Mother: Justina Janke, born Russia. Physician: L. J. Bonney. Leaves: husband, Ludwig C Delzer; sons: Richard G. Delzer, Odessa; Edwin K. Delzer, Odessa; Calvin L. Delzer, Odessa; Herbert T. Delzer, Odessa; Daughters: Adline C. Luce, Spokane; Ruth K. Schoessler, Sunnyside, WA; 10 grandchildren; 2 Sisters: Mrs. John Haase, Odessa, WA; Mrs. John Heimbigner, Odessa, WA. Physical: Dark hair, blue eyes, 5 ft 6 inches; 160 lbs.” (Mortuary Ledger) “Christina Delzer. Female, white, married, housewife. Birth: Nov 16, 1878, Russia; Death: Nov 2, 1935, Dist #6, Odessa, Lincoln Co, WA. Father: Christoph Janke, born Russia; Mother: Justina (not obtainable), born Russia. Informant: Ludwig Delzer, Odessa, WA. Cause of death: cerebral thrombosis; Contributory: cardiac edema. L. J. Bonney, MD. Burial: Odessa Cemetery, H. H. Strate, undertaker, 11-05-1935.” (WA State Register of Death) “Christina Janke Delzer, born: 16 Nov 1877, Mannsburg, South Russia, to Christoph Janke II and Justina Janke. Married: Ludwig Christian Delzer on 22 Jan 1897, Fessenden, ND. Mother of 11 children: Richard W (1897-9), Richard G (1900), Adelina C. (1902), Edwin K (1903), Helmut Ludwig (1905-7), Calvin L. (1907), Helmut F. (1909-10), Herbert T. (1911), Ruth J. (1913), Lillian (1915-1915), and Benjamin (1920-1920). (Source: family history)

Delzer, Elsie H. Ramm,  (d. 1998; b. 1908; TS; OC; obit)  “Funeral services for Elsie H. Delzer, a native and long time resident of Odessa, were held on Tuesday, Dec 1, at Heritage Church in Odessa.  Mrs. Delzer, who was 90 years old, died Saturday, Nov 28, 1998, in Coeur d’Alene.  Elsie Helen Ramm was born on the family farm south of Odessa on Nov 13, 1908, the third child in a family of 10 children born to Gottlieb Ramm Jr and Mary (Hemmerling) Ramm, Odessa pioneers. She attended school in Odessa, walking from her farm home into town, in the days before school buses. At a very young age she had to help take care of babies and younger children in the family at home, and she also worked for others. Later she would recall that she baby-sat and patched wheat sacks at the same time.  She married Richard G. Delzer, a member of another pioneer Odessa family, in Davenport on March 26, 1927. They made their home north of Odessa near Pacific Lake. Richard had homesteaded the farm in 1920. On the homestead property was Delzer Falls and Bob’s and Tule lakes. Her husband Richard was the last in the area to farm with horses. Together, Richard and Elsie always raised a big garden, milked cows, raised chickens, pigs, rabbits and a few ducks, turkeys, geese and white pigeons. They worked long, hard hours with daily chores. Many Odessa residents benefited from the eggs and creams the Delzers delivered to their doors. They also sold carrots and other vegetables to Odessa grocery stores and townspeople. Elsie also cooked and picked apples for a few years during the apple harvest at Stratford.  She was known for her excellent cooking and baking. She also canned fruit, vegetables and jams and jellies. She found time to crochet, tat and sew. Through the years, she enjoyed entering vegetables, baked goods and crocheted items at local and county fairs. Richard and Elsie raised five children on the farm, Della Jane, Bonnie Jean, Marianne, Harvey Richard and Devonna Mae.  In 1969, they sold the farm and moved into Odessa. Elsie continued with her hobbies, and she also enjoyed growing flowers, of which tulips were her favorite.  Richard died in 1985. In October 1988, Elsie moved to Spokane and lived at the Cambi Retirement Apartments to be near two of her daughters. In October 1997, she moved to Lifecare Center in Coeur d’Alene, where she remained until her death. Elsie was a member of the Heritage Church in Odessa and a charter member of Odessa Grange #931.  She is survived by two daughters, Marianne Schelin, of Coeur d’Alene; and Devonna Bonney, of Elgin, OR; a son, Harvey Delzer, of Odessa, and a stepson, Walter Hamilton, of Tacoma; one brother, Emil Ramm, of Walla Walla; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; two daughters, Della Melaas and Bonnie Milward; two grandchildren, Melvin Achey and Michael Hamilton; two sisters, Martha Hardung and Florence Giese; and 6 brothers, Albert Ramm, John Ramm, Elmer Ramm, Harold Ramm, Leroy Ramm, and LaVern Ramm. Pastor Arthur Finney officiated at the funeral. Interment was at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 12-03-1998

)Delzer, Julianna Katie Krause Reddinger: (added; b. 1872; d. 1958) “Funeral services were held on Friday for Julianna K. Delzer, who died at a Spokane nursing home, where she had spent several months. Services were held at a Spokane chapel, the Rev E G Klein officiating. Burial followed with graveside services in the Odessa Cemetery.  Mrs. Delzer was a resident of North Dakota and came here several years ago to wed an Odessa pioneer, Ludwig C Delzer, and they made their home here until advancing old age caused her to enter the Spokane home for care.  Mother Delzer was born in Odessa, Russia in 1872. On Feb 29 she would have been 86 years old. Her parents came to the United States and settled in New Leipzig, North Dakota, later moving to Hebron, North Dakota. Her maiden name was Julianna Katie Krause. She married Mr. Delzer at Odessa, WA, in 1936. She had been ill for the past three years and had been in a nursing home for much of that time. Two sons and one daughter came from Montana and North Dakota to the funeral.” (Odessa Record: Jan 1958; Beck data card collection) “Julianna K. Delzer. Died: 31 Dec 1957, age 85, Spokane, Spokane Co, WA.  Father: Jacob Krause. Mother: not shown. Spouse: not shown.” (WA State Death Records: batch id #281689)

Delzer, Richard Gottlieb.  (d. 8-09-1985; b. ns; s/o Lud; OC; dc)  “Delzer, Richard Gottlieb.  Died: 8-09-1985, Davenport, WA.  Mother: Christine Janke;  Father: Ludwig Delzer.  Spouse: Married-Elsie Ramm.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health death card) “Richard Gottlieb Delzer. Male, white, age 85. Birth: March 22, 1900, WA. Death: Aug 9, 1985, Lincoln Hospital, Davenport. Cause of death: respiratory arrest, due to embolism. Spouse: Elsie Ramm. Dan Husky, MD, Strate Funeral Home. Burial: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA. Father: Ludwig Delzer. Mother: Christina Janke. Informant: Mrs. Elsie Delzer of Odessa.” (WA State Certificate of Death) “Richard Gottlieb Delzer, a life-time resident born on a farm north of Odessa March 22, 1900 to Ludwig and Christina Delzer, died August 9, (1985) in Davenport.  In early life, he attended a country school near the farm, then homesteaded in 1920. In March, 1927, he was married to Elsie Ramm in Davenport, a union to which four daughters and a son were born. The couple stayed on the family farm until 1969, when they moved to Odessa. He was a member of the Odessa United Congregational Church and a charter member of the Odessa Grange. Preceded in death by his parents, by a daughter and by two brothers, Mr. Delzer is survived by his wife, at the family home; by sons Harvey Delzer of Odessa and Walter Delzer of Tacoma; by three daughters, Della Melaas of Spokane; Marianne Achey of Coeur d’Alene, ID; and Devonna Mackie of Elgin, Oregon; by tow sisters, Adline Luce of Spokane; and Ruth Schessler of Grandview; by a brother, Edwin Delzer of Spokane; by 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren, along with many other relatives.  Funeral service was held Aug 12 at the UCC, Rev R. E. Middleton officiating. Concluding services and vault interment followed at Odessa Cemetery under the direction of Strate Funeral Home.  Casket bearers included Brian Finkbeiner, Alfred Wiest, Dean Witt, Thomas Litzinger, James Goetz, and Keith Schafer.” (Odessa Record: 8-15-1982)

Densow, infant of L.C., (added; d. 9-04-1908 obit; DC; not shown in Suchland’s listing of burials for the cemetery.) “The infant child of L. C. Densow died about midnight last Thursday. Interment was in the Odessa Cemetery. Rev Redfern officiating.”  (Odessa Record: 9-11-1908, Irby Column) “Infant Densow. White, male, single.  Birth: Aug 27, 1908; Death: Sept 3, 1908; Age: 7 days. Birthplace: Irby, WA.  Father: Louis Densow; Mother: Mabel St Peter. Chief Cause of Death: Convulsions, 7 days. Contributing Cause: congenital. Place of death: Irby, WA. Physician: H. Mitchell, Sept 4, 1908. Village of Irby, Lincoln County.” (Return of a Death. State of WA)

Deptuch, Edna Leitz,  (d. 1985; b. 1912; TS; OC; Suchland’s listing shows this burial in B-03-02; no research was done to obtain death record.) (double listing, see also Leitz)  “Edna Deptuch. Died: Sept 1985, Yakima, WA. Last residence: 98908. Birth: 6-06-1912.” (SS Death Index)

Derr, Cory:  “Cory Derr died July 25, 2012 at his home in Spokane . He was 45 years old.  He was born July 2, 1967, to Richard and Gloria (Martin) Derr. He grew up in Odessa and attended school in Odessa , graduating in 1985.  He is survived by his father Richard (Dick) and wife Priscilla Derr, his mother Gloria Martin and husband Herb Usher, sister Lisa (and Richard) Schott, stepbrothers Brian Usher and family and Justin Usher and family, two stepsisters Sherri Barnes and family and Teena McCoy and family.  He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harold and Viola Derr and Roger and Dorene Martin.  He enjoyed visiting with friends and listening to music. A graveside memorial will be held Friday, August 3, at 1 p.m. at the Odessa Cemetery . Memorials may be made to the Heritage Church , Odessa .  Strate Funeral Home, Davenport , is caring for the family.”  ( Odessa Record: 8-02-2012)

Derr, Ellsworth Herbert,   (d. 10-08-46; b. 2-21-1923; s/o Jacob; OC; Strates; Cong) “Ellsworth Derr.  Birth: 21 Feb 1923; Died: 8 Oct 1946” (Congregational ledger by Eslinger) “Ellsworth Herbert Derr.  Residence: Rural, Odessa, WA. Place of death: Ephrata Hospital. Age: 23 yrs 7 mos 17 days. Male, single, white, in Army. Birthplace: Ritzville, WA. Father: Jacob Derr, born Walla Walla, WA.  Mother: Mollie Scheller, born Russia. Burial: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA. Funeral: United Cong. Church, Friday, 2 p.m.; Interment: 10-11-1946. Ck remitted by Jacob Derr.” (Mortuary Ledger) “Pvt Ellsworth Derr, one of three seriously injured Friday night when their light car crashed into a stolen parked truck, loaded with baled hay, during a rain storm near the Burke intersection, died at the Columbia Basin hospital at Ephrata on Tuesday evening. Funeral services will be held from the UCC at 2 o’clock on Friday, the Rev E. J. Eslinger officiating. Burial will be in the Odessa Cemetery under the direction of the Strate Funeral Home. Ellsworth Derr was born at Ritzville on Feb 21, 1923, and grew up in this area, attending the Odessa schools. He left for army service on April 18, 1946, serving five months and 20 days. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Derr, Ellsworth had spent the past four months in the Fort Lewis hospital, and was enroute home for a visit. He was riding with two companions, a civilian from Spokane, who sustained a badly cut throat in the accident, and a sailor from Kalispell, Mont., who was sent on to his home by airplane on Tuesday. At the hospital it was found that Derr had sustained a possible fractured skill, broken ribs and a shattered leg. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Derr, two brothers, Harold and Floyd, Odessa, and one sister, Mrs. Harold Suchland.” (Odessa Record: 10-10-1946) “The state patrol arrested Bernie Budwell, 20, of St Louis, near Granger, Wash., this week, Kittitas County sheriff’s officers reported. He is accused of stealing a loaded hay truck near Cle Elum last week and driving it east to Vantage where he was involved in an accident that resulted in the death of Pvt Ellsworth Derr, Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 10-17-1946)

Derr, Floyd L.,  (added)  “Funeral services for Floyd L. Derr, formerly of Odessa, were held Wednesday, Dec 10, at the Heritage Church in Odessa. Mr. Derr, who was 88 years old, died Friday, Dec 5, 2003, in University Place, WA.  He was born at the family farm southeast of Odessa on Jan 5, 1915, the son of Jacob and Mollie (Scheller) Derr. He went to work at a young age in 1929. He married Lillian Schibel, and they farmed until retiring in 1981. In 1987, they moved to University Place and continued to live there until his death. His service in the US Army during world War II interrupted his farming activities. He received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military service. Floyd was a charter member of the Odessa VFW Post #7395 and the American Legion. He was a member of the Heritage Church in Odessa and the Odessa grange. He is survived by his wife Lillian, one daughter, Patricia Hays, and one granddaughter, Sharia Hays, all of University Place; one sister, Alice Suchland, of Odessa, and numerous nieces and nephews. Floyd was preceded in death by two brothers, Ellsworth Derr and Harold Derr, and by twin grandsons, Shandy and Shaley Hays.  Pastor Larry Snyder officiated at the funeral. Full military graveside services followed at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record-Dec 11, 2003)

Derr, Harold,  (burial shown by Suchland in B-08-49, have obit of 12-23-1982

Derr, Harold Leo,  h/o Marie  (d. 12-13-1982; b. 6-23-1919; TS; OC; dc)  “Derr, Harold Leo.  Died: 12-13-1982, Odessa, WA.  Mother: Mollie Scheller; Father: Jacob Derr; Spouse: Marie Brodin.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health death card)   “Funeral services were held for Harold Derr on Thursday, Dec 16, 1982 from the United Congregational Church at 11 a.m.  Harold passed away at his home in Odessa on Monday, Dec 13, 1982. Pastor Randy Middleton officiated.  Harold Derr was born on the family farm south of Odessa to Jacob and Mollie Derr on June 23, 1919. He remained on the family farm, where he lived and worked the land until retiring and moving to Odessa in 1972.  He was baptized and confirmed in the UCC and was a lifelong member. On Nov 24, 1940 he was married to Viola Ramm. To that union two sons, Jon Derr, Renton, WA, and Richard Derr, Odessa, were born.  On June 16, 1967 he was married to Marie Draper. Harold loved farming, loved the land and had a meticulous approach to having things done in an orderly manner. He cared for others and was always looking for ways of helping his friends and neighbors.  Preceding Harold in death were his parents and younger brother, Ellsworth Derr. Survivors include his wife, Marie; two sons, John of Renton, and Dick and daughter-in-law, Gloria of Odessa; two step-children, Barbara Jo Draper of Wilbur and Gary Draper of Seattle; one sister, Alice Suchland, Odessa; one brother, Floyd Derr, Odessa; 6 grandchildren, Corey and Lisa Derr, Odessa; and Mike, Julie, Stacie Marie, and Christopher Draper, Seattle. Providing special music for the service were Delbert and Delores Cook who sang, ‘Beyond The Sunset’ and ‘Blessed Assurance’ accompanied by Wilma Schmidt at the organ.” (Odessa Record: 12-23-1982) 

Derr, Henry Jr.,  h/o Katherine  (d. 1-10-1965; b. 7-12-1887; OC; dc)  “Derr, Henry Jr.  Died: 10 Jan 1965, Odessa, WA;  Birth: 12 July 1887, Sutten, Nebraska.  Spouse: Katherine Derr;  Mother: Anna Marie Seibel;  Father: George Derr.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” “Henry Derr died of a heart attack at Memorial hospital on Sunday, Jan 10. He was 77 years old. Funeral services were held at UCC Wednesday afternoon. Henry Derr was born to George and Maria Derr in Sutton, NE, on July 12, 1887. AS a child he came to Washington. On Feb 2, 1911 he married Katherine Eckhardt. In Feb 1961 they celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. Survivors include his wife, Katherine; three daughters, Mrs. R. N. (Erma) Kissler, Davenport; Mrs. Clarence (Carolyn) Hemmerling, Odessa; and Mrs. R. E. Suchland, Odessa; two sons, I. M. Derr, Van Nuys, CA; and Arthur C. Derr, Puerto Rico; (two sons, Howard and Alvon, preceded him in death), one brother, Reuben, Ritzville; one sister, Mary Thiel, Ritzville; 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Mr. Derr was a member of the United Congregational Church.” (Odessa Record: 1-21-1965) (Edit: Henry Derr Sr is buried in Ritzville’s Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery)

Derr, Howard,  (1920-1944) (d. 11-20-1944; b. 6-06-1920; TS; bur: ’48; OC; Strates; obit) “The body of Pfc Howard H. Derr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Derr Jr., of Odessa, will be brought home for burial on Sunday. Derr, who served with the field artillery, was killed in action, Nov 20, 1944, in the south European theatre. The Strate Funeral Home will have charge of the services, which will be held from the UCC, the Rev E. .J Eslinger officiating. Burial will be in the Odessa Cemetery. Derr’s body was given a military burial at the United States Military Cemetery at Epinal, France, in the Vosges Valley, from where it was brought home for burial. Derr is the second of the 12 Odessa war victims of World War II to be brought here for burial. The body is due to arrive under military escort on Friday morning, and will be met by members of the American Legion, this group also assisting with the services and the military funeral at the graveside. The church service is set for 2 o’clock. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Derr, Jr., three sisters, Mrs. R. N. Kissler, Mrs. Clarence Hemmerling and Mrs. Reinhold Suchland, Odessa; three brothers, Alvon H. Derr, Spokane; Iorwerth Derr, Los Angeles, CA, and Arthur Derr, student at Washington State College.” (Odessa Record: 5-13-1948) “Burial services for Pfc Howard H. Derr, whose body was brought back from France for burial, were held from the UCC Sunday afternoon, a military funeral service following at the Odessa Cemetery. The Rev E. J. Eslinger officiated at the church service and veterans from the local service men’s groups had charge of the cemetery observances. Pallbearers were former schoolmates, including Donovan Birge, Chewelah; Joe Schiewe, Olympia; Weldon Richardson, Paul Hoefel, Winston Weber and Alvin Wacker, Odessa.  Killed in action Nov 20, 1944, Derr’s body had been buried at a military cemetery at Epinal, France, and from there removed here for burial.” (Odessa Record: 5-20-1948)

Derr, Jacob,  h/o Mollie  (d. 2-25-1956; b. 7-18-1889; TS; OC; dc)  “Derr, Jacob.  Died: 2-25-1956.  Birth: 7-18-1889, Walla Walla, WA.  Spouse: Mollie Derr. Father: George Derr.  Mother: Katherine Seibel.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health death card)  “Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon from the United Congregational Church for Jacob Derr, 66, who died Saturday morning at his home here. The Rev E G Klein officiated, with burial in the Odessa Cemetery, under the direction of the Strate Funeral Home.  Musical numbers were brought by the church quartet, including Mr. and Mrs. Henry Walter, Mrs. Henry Hopp and Harold Hoefel.  Pall bearers were Henry P. Wacker, John Hopp, Robert Hoefel, H. B. Schafer, Albert Kirstein and E. M. Hemmerling.  Mr. Derr was a lifetime resident of Washington.  He was born in Walla Walla on July 18, 1888. In the year 1913, he was married at Ritzville to Mollie Scheller. They farmed in the area south of here until nine years ago, at which time they built a home in Odessa and retired.  Survivors include his wife, Mollie, at the home; two sons, Floyd and Harold Derr, Odessa; one daughter, Mrs. Alice Suchland, Odessa; 5 grandchildren; two brothers, Henry Derr, Odessa, and Reuben Derr, Ritzville; one sister, Mrs. Mary Thiel, Ritzville.” (Odessa Record: 3-01-1956) 

Derr, John,  (d. 1912; b. 1836; TS; OC; obit) “John Derr, an aged resident of this city, died this morning from abdominal tumor, aged 77 years, following a long illness. Deceased was a native of Russia, and emigrated to this country 24 years ago, settling near Walla Walla in this state. Four years later he took up a homestead south of Odessa, where he resided until he moved to town in 1904. He is survived by a widow, two sons, George and Henry, well to do farmers living south of this place, and three daughters, one of whom resides near Ritzville, another at Portland and the third is in Russia. The funeral will be held from the German Congregational Church Sunday afternoon.” (Odessa Record: Aug 16, 1912)   “John Derr.  Male, white, married, farmer.  Birth: Oct 3, 1835, Russia; Aged: 76 yrs 10 mos.  Father: (not given), b. Russia; Mother: Elisabeth Dietz/Gietz (illegible). Informant: Geo Derr.  Death: Aug 16, 1912, 10 a.m., Odessa, Lincoln County. Cause of Death: obscure abdominal tumor, diagnosis not positive. Duration: unknown. H. Mitchell, MD, Odessa.” (WA State Certificate of Death; burial not given)

Derr, Katherine Eckhardt,   (d. 2-11-1987; b. ns; w/o Henry; OC, dc)  “Derr, Katherine.  Died: 2-11-1987, Odessa, WA.  Mother: Anna Goetz.  Father: Conrad Eckhardt.  Spouse: Henry Derr.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health death card)  “Katherine Eckhardt Derr of Odessa, born in Alma, Nebraska Nov 1, 1891 to Conrad and Anna Eckhardt, passed away at the Odessa Memorial Convalescent Center Feb 11, (1987).  She came with her parents to WA at age 3, and the family settled first in Bickleton. They moved to Odessa when she was 17, where in 1911 she was united in marriage with Henry Derr Jr. The couple had seven children. They operated the Odessa Bakery and later had a rooming house. Mrs. Derr previewed the current ‘Bed and Breakfast’ idea, too, opening her home as a tourist home many years ago.  She was baptized on Christmas Day, 1891, and confirmed in the Christian faith April 8, 1906. She was a member of the UCC, where she was active in the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Memorial  Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary and was a Gold Star Mother.  Her husband preceded her in death in 1965, but Mrs. Derr maintained her own home until the last few months, when she moved into the Convalescent Center. Also preceded in death by two sons: Howard, who was killed in action during World War II, and Alvon, who died in 1951, she is survived by three daughters: Ruth Suchland and Carolyn Hemmerling of Odessa and Erma Kissler of Ritzville; by two sons, Arthur Derr of Memphis, TN, and Milton Derr of Lebanon, OR; by a daughter-in-law, Hilda Wagner Derr; by 3 sisters: Clara Kissler and Lydia Hopp of Odessa and Julia Hagelganz of Portland; and by 21 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  Funeral service was held Feb 13 at UCC, Rev Randall Griffith officiating. Concluding service followed at the Odessa Cemetery.  Casket bearers were Tim Suchland, Dick Suchland, Ted Suchland, Ed Smith, Paul Hopp and Rick Haase.” (Odessa Record: 2-26-1987)

Derr, Lillian Schibel  (b. 11-20-1921; d. 3-27-2010; added)  “Lillian Derr died March 27, 2010, in University Place, WA. She was 88 years old. She was born Nov 20, 1921, in Odessa to Henry and Katie Schibel. Lillian grew up in Odessa, attended the Odessa schools and graduated with the class of 1939. She attended and graduated from the Kinman Business College in Spokane.  She was employed with Inland Empire Rural Electric in Spokane.  She married Floyd Derr Jan 4, 1947. They retired from farming in 1981. In October 1986, they moved to Tacoma to be near their family.  Lillian was a lifetime member of the Heritage Church. She was also church treasurer and active in the ladies church auxiliary. She housed missionaries who were in the area and was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 55 years. Lillian is preceded in death by husband Floyd Derr, one sister Dorothy Gallaway and two grandchildren, Shandey and Shanley Hays. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Hays of University Place, her granddaughter Sharia Brock and her husband Adam Brock of Clinton, Miss., her sister Lucille Underwood of Odessa, her brother Donald Schibel of Odessa and nieces, nephews and many friends.  Lillian’s family remembers her as being caring, loving and sincere. Her love of others and God was quiet and very personal. She was always willing to help others who were in need. She was devoted to her family, proud of their accomplishments and loved them dearly. Lillian has passed form this life, but she will not be forgotten by those who love her.” (Odessa Record: 4-08-2010; photo)

Derr, Mollie Scheller,   (d. 9-01-1969; b. 3-08-1892; OC; dc)  “Derr, Mollie.  Died: 9-01-1969.  Birth: 3-08-1892, Russia.  Widowed. Father: Heinrich Scheller.  Mother: Anna Schafer.  Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health death card) “Funeral services for Mrs Mollie Derr, 77, were held at the UCC of Odessa on Thursday, Sept 4, at 2 p.m. with the Rev B. M. Schafer officiating. Interment was in the Odessa Cemetery.  Pallbearers were grandsons: Richard Derr, James Suchland, Jack Suchland, and nephews: Ivan Walter, Leon Walter and Walter Scheller.  Musical numbers were rendered by Mrs. Frances Weishaar and Mrs. Ruth Suchland, accompanied by Mrs. Delores Cook. Mollie Derr, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Heinrich Scheller, was born on March 8, 1892 in Russia. In 1889 she came to Old Mexico with her family. Later, they moved to Oklahoma, then to Washington where in 1904 they homesteaded near Warden. In 1906 they moved to the Odessa area. She was baptized and confirmed in the Congregational tradition in her youth and was married to Jacob Derr at Ritzville on Nov 4, 1913.  They made their home on a farm south of Odessa until 1947, when they built a home in Odessa and retired.  Her husband preceded her in death on Feb 25, 1956, also one son in 1946. She was an active member of the United Congregational Church and the Ladies Aid Society for many years.  Mrs. Derr maintained her home until July of this year when her health failed and she entered the nursing home. She passed away on Sept 1, 1969. Survivors include two sons, Floyd and Harold; one daughter, Mrs. Harold (Alice) Suchland, all of Odessa; 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild; two brothers, Henry Scheller of Odessa and George Scheller of Ritzville.” (Odessa Record: 9-11-1969)

Derr, Viola,   (d. 2000; b. 1922; TS; OC; obit) “Viola was born on April 29, 1922 in Odessa to Gottlieb and Mary (Zier) Ramm. She grew up in Odessa attending school here and graduating from Odessa High School in 1940.  In the early 1960s she attended Kelsey-Byrd Secretarial School and after school she worked at Boeing as a secretary. She worked for Boeing for 17 years before retiring in 1986. Viola passed away in Renton on May 17. She is survived  by two sons, Jon Derr, of Renton, and Richard Derr and his wife Priscilla, of Odessa; two grandchildren, Cory, of Odessa, and Lisa, of Spokane; four sisters, Freda Braun of Odessa, Laura Medlin, of Rialto, CA, Marie Braun, of Clayton, WA, and Marjorie Erickson, Marysville, WA. There are also numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Helen Martin and Frances Ramm. She was an avid Seattle Mariners fan. In 1992, at the age of 72, she had a kidney transplant. Memorial services were held at the Heritage church. Pastor Larry Snyder officiated. Services were directed by Strate Funeral Home of Davenport.” (Odessa Record: 5-25-2000)

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Odessa City Cemetery Obituaries, Odessa, Washington,  submitted 

to the WAGenweb March 2006 by Marge Womach

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