obitsodessacitycemwak

Walter, Anna, (d. 5-11-1967; b. 1-02-1888; TS; OC) “Anna Walter. Died: 5-11-1967. Birth: 1-02-1888, Russia; Widowed; Father: Heinrich Scheller. Mother: unknown; Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards)-“Anna Walter.—Her home, Odessa, WA. Survived by 4 sons, Herbert Walter, Leon Walter, Weldon Walter, Ivan Walter, all of Odessa; 2 step-daughters, Mrs Ada Jantz, Walla Walla, WA; Mrs Martha Oliver, Odessa, WA; 2 step-sons, Jacob Walter, Jr, and Solomon Walter, both Odessa, WA; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; 2 brothers: H H Scheller, Odessa, WA; George Scheller, Ritzville, WA; one sister, Mrs Molly Derr, Odessa, WA. A member of the United Congregational Church and Ladies Aid of Odessa, WA. Funeral services Saturday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m. from the United Congregational church of Odessa. Rev B M Schafer officiating. Interment Odessa, Cemetery.” (Spokesman Review: 5-13-1967; Geo Beck data card collection)

Walter, Anna Rachel, (d. 1995; b. 1898; TS; OC) “Rachel Walter, who came to Odessa 77 years ago to teach in a country school where one of her first duties was to instruct some of her German-speaking pupils in English, died early Saturday, June 3, 1995. She was 96 years old. Her death resulted from pneumonia, for which she had been confined to Odessa Memorial Hospital for a week. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, June 8, at St Joseph Church in Odessa. Interment will follow at Odessa Cemetery. Anna Rachel Macdonald was born Aug 16, 1898, in St Paul, MN. She was one of nine children of Edward D and Anna (Daly) Macdonald. When she was 2 years old, she moved with her family to Tacoma and later to Seattle, where she spent her childhood. Her father was in charge of acquiring right of way for the Northern Pacific Railway throughout the Pacific Northwest. In 1914 the family moved to Spokane, and in 1918, Rachel was graduated from high school at Holy Names Academy in Spokane. The US had entered World War I, and there was an acute shortage of teachers in the public schools. The summer she finished high school, Rachel attended an accelerated teacher training course conducted by Cheney Normal School (today Eastern Washington University). That fall, she was certified to teach school. In later years, she was to recall that she had a choice of schools, the two-room school at Deep Creek or the Walter School, a one-room school with 20 pupils in eight grades 3 miles south of Odessa. She chose the Walter School because it offered the best pay--$90 a month. We have often reflected on this decision. Had she chosen Deep Creek, we wouldn’t be the same person or in the same place we are today. Rachel was active and alert, although legally blind, until her illness last week. She regularly corresponded with grandchildren, other relatives and friends in spite of her handicap. One day in early spring we were commenting on the work load at The Record and our wish that we had more personnel to help. ‘Maybe I could write something,’ my mother said. We didn’t think much about this until the following week, when she presented us with a handwritten manuscript describing her arrival in Odessa and her first impressions of the country school. We had hoped to print this as a feature next fall when the school term would begin. However, it seems fitting to include in this report excerpts of the story she wrote: ‘I’d always wanted to be a teacher, and I was eager for a teaching position, but I had never imagined going into a rural area, where the demand for teachers was greatest at that time,’ she wrote. ‘I’d never lived or even visited in the country. Dan Roloff was the chairman of the board of the Walter School. He met me at the Great Northern depot in Odessa when I arrived on the train at 10:15 in the morning. He took me to his home, where his wife and family had lunch ready. On the way to the Roloff farm, I didn’t see a single tree. I couldn’t believe this. I had visions of walking to school down a shady lane. This, however, was wheat country, and I soon got used to it and eventually grew to love it. In my strange surroundings, I was extremely grateful to the kindness shown me by Con and Martha Walter, in whose home I was provided with room and board. Two of the Walter children, Roy, then 8 years old, and Robert, who was 6, were my pupils. They, like every one of the pupils, were bright and polite youngsters. Some of the children—I remember especially little Fritzie Loeffelbein—could speak no English on the first day of school. About a week after I began staying with Con and Martha Walter, Con’s cousin, Jacob Walter Jr., stopped by their farm. He was 22 and had a farm down the road. He drove a Ford Model-T run-about which seated two. His visits became more frequent. It was the beginning of our courtship. A nationwide flu epidemic closed down all public gatherings, including the Walter School, in November. Schools reopened the following January. Jake proposed to me when we drove out to McDermott’s Grove on Crab Creek on Armistice Day, Nov 11, 1918. We were married the day after Christmas...’ Rachel completed her term of teaching at the Walter School and then devoted the rest of her life to being a mother and housewife. She and Jacob operated a wheat ranch in the Batum area as well as Lakeview Ranch on Pacific Lake, which they built into a world-class Shorthorn beef ranch. They retired from ranching in 1973 and continued to live in the home they had built on Second Avenue in Odessa in 1946. Jacob Walter died in Nov 1993, a month before the couple would have observed their 75^th wedding anniversary. Rachel Walter was a past president of the Odessa Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, of which she had been a member for 40 years. She served on the inland Empire council of Girl Scouts for many years. At the time of her death, she was the oldest member of St Joseph Parish in Odessa. She had been active in the St Joseph Altar Society for 60 years. As recently as three years ago, she was baking kuchen for the Altar Society’s Deutschesfest sales. Survivors include a son, Donald Walter, of Spokane and Odessa; two daughters and their husbands, Carol and Don Evavold of Spokane, and Joanne and Harold Keller, of Mount Vernon, WA; one sister, Flora Picard, of Jacksonville Beach, FL; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. The Rev Cornelius Verdoorn, pastor of St Joseph Church, will officiate at the funeral service today. Nine of the 10 grandchildren will be present to act as casket bearers.” (Odessa Record-June 8, 1995) “Anna Rachel Walter. Died: 6-03-1995. Birth: 8-16-1898, MN. Widowed; Father: Edward D. MacDonald; Mother: Anna J Daly. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards)

Walter, Benjamin, (d. 1987; b. 1913; TS; OC; obit) “Benjamin Walter of Odessa, born north of town at the family farm on March 23, 1913, passed away Aug 20, (1987) in Spokane. He was one of 15 children born to George and Katherine Walter, and he spent his life working the ranch with his father and brother, Carl, until his retirement in 1978. In 1960 he was married to Tallulah Brown, and they lived in Odessa until her death in 1986. After that time, he traveled a bit, including a trip to Mexico with his step-daughter and her family. He is survived by three step-children and their families: Dennis and Pat Voye of Seattle, and their son David; Jim Stephens of Alaska and his children, Rachael and Daisy; and Jack Stephens of California. Other survivors include a brother David of AZ; 5 sisters: Hannah Huddle of Davenport; Martha and Margaret of Spokane; and Alva and Esther of Seattle; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held for Mr. Walter Aug 25 at the English Congregational Church, Rev Robert Shofner officiating. Cremation followed. Services were directed by Strate Funeral Home. Honorary bearers were Louis Frederick and Stanley Wraspir. Casket bearers included Sam Homberg, Jim Lyons, Dick Laney, Steve Grub, Wally King and Wayne Braun.” (Odessa Record: 8-27-1987)

Walter, Carl, (d. 1977; b. 1914; TS; OC) “Carl Walter. Died: 11-06-1977. Birth: 8-21-14, WA. Spouse: Ruth Giese. Father: George Walter. Mother: Katherine Kaufman. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and Burial card, underscoring of the 4 was on the card) “Carl Walter, retired wheat farmer of Odessa, died unexpectedly after a very brief illness at Memorial Hospital early Saturday morning. Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon from the English Congregational Church, Rev Douglas Roberts officiating. Burial was in the Odessa Cemetery, Strate Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Carl Walter was born on Aug 21, 1914 at Packard, WA, the son of George and Kathryn Walter. He attended Odessa schools and was married to Ruth Giese on March 1, 1941. The couple had two children, Richard and Carol Ann. Walter farmed for 39 years. He was a member of English Congregational Church. In addition to his wife, Ruth, at the family home, he is survived by his children, Richard, Odessa, and Carol Ann Michels, Louisville, KY; his grandchildren: Rachel and Brad Michels and Shad Walter. Surviving brothers and sisters are Ben Walter, Odessa; Dave Walter, Chicago; Alva Walter, Seattle; Margaret Walter, Spokane; Martha Walter, Spokane; Elizabeth Scrupps, Odessa; Esther Wilson, Seattle; and Hannah Huddle, Harrington. Honorary pallbearers were Gus Weber, Herb Walter, Louis Frederick, Jacob Knoell, and Stanley Wraspir. Casket bearers were Wayne Braun, Ed Zeiler, Wilbert Schott, Jake Reihs, Jim Walter and Jim Scrupps. Organist for the service was Ruth Suchland. Vocalists were Delores Cook and Peggy Salo.” (Odessa Record: 11-10-1977)

Walter, Clara, (added) “Clara Walter died Sunday, Sept 4, 2005 in Odessa. She was 85 years old. The daughter of Bernard and Helena Klosky, she was born Jan 24, 1920 in Detroit, MI. She was graduated from Deaconess Nursing School in 1942. Clara married Weldon Walter on Nov 9, 1950, and they made their home in Odessa. In 1969, she went to work for Odessa Memorial Hospital, where she served for 30 years. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Weldon; by her sons, Morgan of Edmonds, WA, and Ryan and his wife, Deborah, of Odessa; two granddaughters, Angela Shira and her husband Jeff, of Burien, WA, and Lori Barker, of Spokane; four great grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Scheller, of Odessa, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother and an infant sister. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept 9, at 11 a.m. at Zion-Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa. Pastor Don Smith will officiate. Concluding services and interment will follow at Odessa Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 9-08-2005)

Walter, Conrad, (d. 1-20-1930; b. 12-21-1858; TS; OC; Cong) “Conrad Walter, Sr. Aged: 71 yrs 1 mo. Dated: Jan 23, 1930. Burial: Odessa.” (St Mathews Congregational Church ledger)

Walter, Conrad Jr., (d. 1950; b. 1885; TS; OC) “Conrad Walter, Jr. Died: 8-17-1950, Odessa, WA. Father: Conrad Walter, Sr.; Mother: Mary Hoffman. Spouse: married; Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards) “Conrad Walter, son of Conrad and Maria (Hoffman) Walter, born in Walter, Russia on 24 June 1885.... 1892 to America and to Walla Walla, Washington.... To farm near Odessa. On 9 July 1908 married Martha Graedel, to whom were born three sons and one daughter... Member St Mathews Congregational church.... Died: 17 August 1950, age 65 yrs 1 mo 23 days. Leaves to mourn: widow, 4 children, 90 year old mother, one brother Heinrich in Odessa, 5 grandchildren...” (loose translation with major portions missing of “Der Kirchenbote” of Sept 21, 1950)“Odessa, Wash., Aug 18.—Funeral services are scheduled Monday in the Odessa English Congregational Church for Conrad Walter, Jr, 65, Odessa pioneer, who died Thursday at his home. Plans call for two ministers, the Rev R W Pruitt, Colville, recently pastor of the Odessa church, and the Rev E J Eslinger, pastor of the United Congregational Church. Mr. Walter, who retired from active ranching 11 years ago, came to America from Russia at the age of 7 and lived in this vicinity most of his life. He was prominently identified with Odessa civic life, a director of the Odessa Union Warehouse company and active member of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include his widow, Martha, at the home; three sons, Roy and Robert, Odessa, and Richard, Marlin; one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Kissler, Spokane; five grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Con Walter, Sr., and one brother, Henry, of Odessa.” (Odessa Record: Aug 1950; scrapbook item)

Walter, Donald E: “Donald E Walter, editor and publisher of The Odessa Record since 1991, died this week, Monday, April 14, 2008, at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center. He was 83 years old, and would have turned 84 in May. He will be remembered as someone who turned The Odessa Record into an award-winning publication that served its readers well with local news they could not get anywhere else. This native son of Odessa spent most of his ‘retirement’ pouring his energy and resources into his hometown newspaper. When the previous editor, Tom Bertsch, wanted to retire, concerned citizens approached Don about taking over the paper and keeping it going. Having recently retired to Spokane after working in public relations jobs in California for most of his career, and having built a beautiful new home there, he was not at all sure he wanted to take on such a responsibility. But take it on, he did. With a college degree in journalism and experience early in his working career at Stars and Stripes, the newspaper for military personnel overseas, at the paper’s bureau in Paris, France, it was a good fit. Seeing his hometown move forward into a more prosperous future became a point of pride and a mission. Odessa citizens and civic entities had talked about a sewer system for years and years, but nothing had ever gone beyond the talking stage. Using the powers of editorial persuasion, Don was instrumental in swaying public opinion in favor of finally taking action, and today the sewer system is a reality. The realignment of State Route 21 was also a matter of much debate for many years. Because it is a major trucking route, the fact that SR 21 made several sharp turns within the town limits before exiting the other side of town had been a source of complaints from the trucking industry, as well as of damaged signs located at those corners, for a very long time. Again, The Odessa Record under Don Walter was behind the project with editorials and news stories until it, too, became a reality with SR 21 taking a straight path through Odessa. The one project that Don never did see materialize was a straightshot thoroughfare between Odessa and Moses Lake. Not long ago, he broached the subject once again in an editorial, more in terms of wishful thinking than of promoting a specific project already on a drawing board somewhere. Most recently, he came out in favor of designating trails and roadways for off-highway vehicle use. He saw it as a way for more people to be able to enjoy the beauty of the Channeled Scablands, while at the same time allowing small rural towns like Odessa the opportunity to benefit economically from the OHV riders who would come to use the trails. Don was a promoter of Odessa’s future, but he was also well in tune with its past. His family’s ancestors were among the earliest settlers of the region. On his father’s side, the family members were German-speaking immigrants from the Volga region of Russia. The village of Walter in Russia, he used to tell visitors with obvious pride, was founded by one of his ancestors. Once the family was established in the Odessa area, having homesteaded a wheat farm, a country school known as the Walter school was also named after his family. Some years later, his grandfather Jacob Walter, Sr, was one of the co-founders of the Odessa Trading Company, and his father, Jacob Walter, Jr, was a noted wheat farmer and cattle rancher. His mother was an educator, Anna Rachel MacDonald, who had come from Spokane to teach at the Walter country school. They had been married nearly 75 years, when his father died in 1993. After his mother died in 1995, Don, continued commuting from Spokane to operate the newspaper in Odessa until finally selling his Spokane home and moving permanently into the Odessa home his parents had built and resided in since 1946. When his parents bought the land for their new home, they purchased quite a large piece of property. They donated the parcel adjacent to their home to be used for the construction of Odessa’s hospital which was completed in 1950. When he took over at The Record, Don also bought the building that housed it at the southwest corner of First Avenue and Division Street and set to work restoring it in places and modernizing it in many others. In 1993, he opened Record Square in the same building. It was intended to serve as a mini-mall, offering space to vendors of everything from quilting supplies to flowers to baked goods, lattes and wine. Having lived in France and subsequently in southern California for much of his working career, Don became something of a wine connoisseur over the years. He owned a successful wine shop in California for a time and then used his expertise in setting up the Record Square Wine Ship as a destination for finding top-quality Washington-grown wines. Don remained a confirmed bachelor throughout his life. He lived for his work and never felt the need to be a family man, he told one of his employees recently. On the other hand, he remained very close to his family, retiring in Spokane to be nearer to his aging parents and always remaining very close to his two sisters, Joanne and Carol, and all 10 of his nieces and nephews. Throughout his long illness this past year, family members have sent gifts and cards and have come to visit whenever they could manage it. When his condition became critical this past week, his sisters came immediately to be at his bedside. Most of our readers know that Don had been in ill health for some time. He had severe back pain for the last several years of his life, and several surgeries were unable to correct the problems. His most recent surgeries were in July 2007 and again in early 2008. Every few weeks he would begin to recover and feel good enough to come back into the office of The Records, only to be beset again by nerve and muscle pain in his legs or the persistent drug-resistant staph infection that he had been fighting since last July. Ultimately, the staph proved to be truly drug resistant, as the infection came roaring back to life only days after he was released from the hospital when blood tests had showed no indication of infection. Don Walter lived a full and interesting life. He enjoyed his many visits to Paris to visit old friends and see what had changed in his absence. He often said that his work at the Paris bureau of Stars and Stripes was the best job he ever had. He could be urbane, cosmopolitan and worldly, but he never forgot his roots. He was a farmboy at heart, who could still talk wheat farming or cattle ranching with local folks. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. The Odessa Record, the Town of Odessa and all of us who knew him, are poorer for his loss.” (by Terrie Schmidt-Crosby in Odessa Record: 4-17-2008) “Funeral services for Donald E Walter, who passed away on Monday, April 14, 2008, will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. Following the service, family and friends will gather for refreshments at the Odessa Community Center. A Rosary will be said on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church.” & “Don Walter’s graduation picture from the class of 1942 at Odessa High School.” (Photo Caption) & “Don Walter Legacy Lives On. Top: A favorite picture of Don Walter working in the garden, believed to be out at the Walter farm. Bottom, back row, left to right: Jacob Walter, Jr, Don Walter, Rachel Walter. Front row, left to right: JoAnne Keller and Carol Evavold.” (Photo Captions, Odessa Record: 4-17-2008) “The End of an Era. Top: Don Walter in the 1950s, working as bureau chief for Stars and Stripes newspaper in Paris, France. Bottom, counterclockwise from left: Carol Walter Evavold, mother Rachel Walter, Don Walter and JoAnne Walter Keller.” (Odessa Record: 4-17-2008) Burial in Odessa Cemetery.

Walter, Elizabeth, (d. 1983; b. 1890; TS; OC) “Elizabeth Walter. Died: 2 Feb 1983, Spokane. Spouse: Henry Walter, deceased; Birth: 23 Aug 1890, Nebraska. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card) “Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb 7, 1983 from the UCC in Odessa for Elizabeth Walter who passed away in Spokane on Feb 2, 1983 at the age of 92 years. Pastor Randy Middleton and Pastor Daniel Cronrath officiated at the service. Elizabeth Walter was born on Aug 23, 1890, the daughter of John and Anna Schafer at Hastings, NE. On April 6, 1911 she was married to Henry Walter. To this union one daughter was born. Henry and Elizabeth farmed four miles south of Odessa until retiring to live in Odessa in 1948. Henry Walter passed away in Dec 1973. Elizabeth was preceded in death by four sisters, two brothers and her parents. A resident of Odessa for 80 years, Elizabeth was an active member of St Matthews and UCC for many years. She was also a member of the Odessa Hospital Auxiliary. In May 1981 she moved to the Riverview Terrace Retirement Home in Spokane. Survivors include one daughter, Evelyn, and son-in-law, Paul Shugert; grandson, Robert Shugert and wife Margaret; great grandchildren, Carie Ann and Robert Eric Shugert; step grandchildren, Wendy, Richard and Drew Campbell; sister, Martha Cordes; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Sacred selections of ‘Tell It To Jesus’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ were sung by the congregation and ‘How Great Thou Art’ was sung by Delores and Delbert Cook. Accompanist at the organ was Wilma Schmidt. Casket bearers were Reuben Scheller, Roy Walter, Richard Walter, Reubin Kissler, Robert Walter, Dave Jasman and Emanuel Bartalamay. Concluding services and vault interment were in the Odessa Cemetery with Strate Funeral Home in charge.” (Odessa Record: 2-10-1983)

Walter, Gene Arden, (added; unconfirmed burial) d. 3-01-2009; “Gene Arden Walter died March 1, 2009, from complications of a stroke. He was born July 29, 1937, in Odessa to Herbert and Verna (Holbrook) Walter. He grew up in Odessa and attended school in Odessa. In February 1955, he joined the US Navy where he served until being discharged on Aug 15, 1958. After being discharged he returned to Odessa where he worked for King Brothers Ranch for a while before going to work at the Odessa Trading Company where he worked for several years. After leaving OTC, he took over the family farm and also started his own trucking company. After retiring from farming and from trucking he went back to work part time for the Odessa Trading Company where he was working until his death. He is survived by two sons, Luke Walter of Spokane, and Bradley Walter of Florence, AZ; along with five grandchildren, Catlin, Jake, Ryker, Faith and Brandon. He is also survived by one brother, Warren Walter, of Othello, and a sister, Alice McKissen of Grand Coulee, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Verna Walter. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Odessa Community Center with Pastor Jon Hayashi officiating. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, is caring for the family.” (Odessa Record: 3-12-2009)

Walter, George, (d. 1909; b. 1868; TS; OC) "George Walter, a well known and old time farmer living in Graedel precinct, on the western border of this county, was caught in the tumbling rod of a threshing machine operated by himself and Wm Schmidt Monday afternoon and killed before assistance could reach him. Funeral services were held Tuesday. Walter was a man about 45 years old and leaves a wife and five children. He had operated the machine some seven years and was known to be a careful man." (The WA State Journal: 8-26-1909)

Walter, George, (d. 9-03-1919; b. 1900; TS; OC; Cong) “George Walter. Aged: 18 yrs 11 mos 19 days. Dated: Sept 3, 1919. Burial: Odessa.” (St Mathews Congregational Church ledger)

Walter, George, (added) d. Oct 1952 “George Walter. Died: 10/52 (Oct 1952). Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card)

Walter, George K., (d. 8-10-1941; b. 7-15-1876; TS; OC; Strates; Cong) “Mr Geo K Walter; Residence: Odessa, WA. Death: Aug 19, 1941 at 5 p.m. at Odessa at residence; Informant: Jacob Walter. Birthplace: Russia. Date of birth: July 15. Age: 65 yrs 25 days. Male, white, married, retired farmer. Occupation: at ranch. Date last worked: 8 yrs ago. Wife: Margaret. Length of residence where death occurred: 8 yrs in town. How long in US: since 1902, 39 yrs. Father: Conrad Walter born Russia; Mother: Anna Margaret Bernhardt born Russia. Cause of death: carcinoma of stomach. Physician: Dr Bonney. Wife: Margaret at home; 4 Sons: Jacob, Ben, Carl and Dave, all of Odessa; 7 Daughters: Mrs. Fred Scrupps, Seattle, WA; Miss Margaret Walter, Odessa; Miss Molly Walter, Cheney; Mrs. Jack Wilson, Seattle; Miss Alvina Walter, Seattle; Miss Martha Walter, Odessa; Mrs. Ralph Huddle, Harrington. 2 Brothers: Jon in Nebraska, Jacob at Mohler. One Sister: Mrs. Katie Betz, Tacoma; 5 grandchildren.” (Mortuary Ledger) “George K. Walter. Died: 8-10-1941, Odessa, WA. Birth: 7-15-1876, Russia. Father: Conrad Walter. Mother: Anna Margret Bernhardt. Spouse: Married, Margret. Burial: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards) “Geo K Walter. Aged: 65 yrs. Dated: Aug 10, 1941. Burial: Odessa.” (St Mathews Congregational Church ledger) (Edit: First wife was Elizabeth Katherine Kauffman, mother of Lydia, who died in 1931, see also)

Walter, Henry, (d. 1973; b. 1889; TS; OC) “Henry Walter. Died: 12-11-1973, Odessa, WA. Father: Conrad Walter; Mother: Mary Katherine Hoffman. Spouse: Elizabeth Schafer. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards )“Mr Henry Walter, the son of Conrad and Mary Katherine, was born in Walter, Russia on Feb 24, 1889. He came to the United States to Hastings, Nebraska, in February of 1893. After only one month there he moved to Walla Walla, WA. In 1898 Henry moved with his family to Ritzville and after one year, to the farm south of Odessa. He lived on that farm until 1945 when the family moved to Odessa. In 1955, they returned to live on the farm until 1968 when he moved back to Odessa. Henry was united in marriage to Elizabeth Schafer on April 6, 1911. God blessed this union with one daughter, Evelyn. He was a farm operator all of his adult life. Henry was a member of the Congregational Church since 1898. In this church he was a faithful and consistent servant of God, Sunday School superintendent, deacon, member of numerous boards and committees and the choir. He was baptized and confirmed in the Congregational tradition. Henry spent the last four years of his life in the Odessa Nursing Home. He died on Dec 11, 1973, at the age of 84. He leaves to mourn his departing, his wife, Elizabeth; one daughter, Evelyn Shugert of Spokane; one grandson; two great grandchildren. Memorial services were held in his honor at the United Congregational. Church Dec 14, 1973 at 11 a.m., Dr B M Schafer, officiating. Interment was at the Odessa Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 12-20-1973)

Walter, Herbert, (d. 1990; b. 1908; TS; OC) “Herbert Walter.—Passed away June 26, 1990 in Odessa, WA. His home Odessa. He is survived by two sons and their wives: Gene and Kathy Walter, Odessa, WA; Warren and Myra Walter, Othello, WA. One daughter and her husband, Alice and Jack McKissen, Grand Coulee, WA. Four brothers: Leon Walter, Weldon Walter, Ivan Walter, and Jake Walter, Jr., all of Odessa. One sister, Ada Jantz, Odessa, WA. He was a member of the Heritage United Church of Christ of Odessa. Funeral Services Thursday, June 28, 1990, 1 p.m. at the Heritage UCC Sanctuary, Odessa, Wa. Rev Glenn A. Gettinger, Officiating. Interment Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, in charge.” (scrapbook obit) “Herbert Walter of Odessa, born Sept 17, 1908 to Jacob and Anna (Scheller) Walter, Sr., passed away June 26 at the Convalescent Center here. He was a retired wheat farmer. He was married to Verna Mae Holbrook June 24, 1936. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother Sol Walter and a sister Martha Oliver, all of Odessa, he is survived by...” (Odessa Record excerpt July 5, 1990) “Herbert Walter. Died: 6-26-1990. Birth: 9-17-1908, WA. widowed. Father: Jacob Walter, Sr. Mother: Anna Scheller. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death & burial cards)

Walter, infant, (added) d. 9-10-1929 “Infant Walter. Died: 9-10-1929, Odessa, WA. Father: George Walter; Mother: Katie Kimble. Spouse: unmarried. Buried: Odessa, WA.” (Edit: This burial card does not specify cemetery, other references spell Kimble as Kimball. See also Robert Lee Walters, died 1931, but card does specify Odessa Cemetery.)

Walter, J. J., (d. 1970; b. 1902; TS; OC) “Jacob J. Walter. Died: 12-19-1970, Odessa, WA. Father: George Walter. Mother: Katherine. Spouse: Sarah Scrupps. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card) “J. J. Walter was killed about 3:45 Saturday afternoon when crushed by a tractor he had been operating at the farm located seven miles east of Odessa. He had been using the tractor to clean the corral. The accident was discovered by Mrs. Walter who noted the running tractor. Last rites were conducted at the English Congregational Church Tuesday morning with Rev Albert Hausauer officiating. Delores Cook and Ione Zeiler were vocalists. Ruth Suchland was organist. Pall bearers for the services were Jake Reihs, Paul Schafer, Frank Wraspir, Bill Jessett, Henry Michaelsen, Jr., and Fred Stehr. Honorary pall bearers were Rick Walter and Bill Huddle. Burial was in the Odessa Cemetery with the Masonic Lodge conducting the graveside service. Jacob J. Walter, son of George K. and Katherine Walter, was born in Walla Walla on June 11, 1902. As a young boy he came to Odessa with his parents. He attended school here. On Sept 3, 1939, he was married to Sarah E. Scrupps at Seattle. They have farmed and raised cattle at the home ranch seven miles east of town since 1939. Mr. Walter was a member of the English church for at least thirty years and had served as a deacon and delegate to church conferences. He was a member of the Odessa Grange, and past master of the Odessa Masonic Lodge. He helped organize the Odessa Soil Conservation District and was one of its first supervisors. Mr. Walter is survived by his wife, Sarah E., at the home; three sons, James R., of Odessa; Ronald G. and Robert J. of Spokane; 6 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Ben and Carl of Odessa, and Dave of Filla Park, IL; six sisters, Margaret and Martha of Spokane; Hannah Huddle of Harrington; Esther Wilson and Alva Walter of Seattle; Elizabeth Scrupps of Odessa. Three sisters and one brother preceded him in death.” (Odessa Record: 24 Dec 1970)

Walter, Jacob, (d. 1993; b. 1896; TS; OC) “Jacob Walter Jr. Rosary will be recited for Jacob Walter Jr. at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Odessa, WA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church followed by burial at the Odessa Cemetery. Mr. Walter, 97, died Sunday (Nov 14, 1993). He was born in Walla Walla to a pioneer family that came by wagon to the Odessa area before the turn of the century. When he was 3, his family journeyed by wagon via Lyons Ferry on the Snake River to the Odessa area, where they homesteaded near the present town of Odessa. Mr. Walter graduated from Odessa High School in 1916. At his death he was the school’s oldest alumnus. He also attended Washington State College. He married Rachel Macdonald of Spokane in 1918. Mr. Walter was a prominent wheat farmer, cattle rancher, purebred beef breeder and community leader in the Odessa area. His ranch, Lakeview Ranch, became a world-renowned shorthorn beef ranch. He held several positions with the American Shorthorn Assn and was also a member of the Inland Empire Shorthorn Assn, the Washington Cattlemen’s Assn and the Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Assn. He was one of the organizers of the Tri-County Livestock Fair, established in 1947. It lasted for 20 years. Mr. Walter was director of the Odessa Trading Co, a firm his father co-founded in 1927. He was also a director of the Odessa School Board during the 1940s. He retired at age 76 but remained active. His last public appearance was Sept 22, when he and his wife were grand marshals of the 23^rd annual Deutschesfest Parade. Survivors include his wife, at the home; a son, Donald Walter of Spokane and Odessa; two daughters, Carol Evavold of Spokane and Joanne Keller of Mount Vernon, WA; 3 half-brothers, Leon Walter, Weldon Walter and Ivan Walter, all of Odessa; 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.” (scrapbook obit) “Jacob Walter Jr, 97.—Passed away Nov 14, 1993 in Odessa. His home, Odessa. He is survived by his wife of nearly 75 years, Rachel Walter, at the home; three children, Carol and her husband, Don Evavold of Spokane, Donald Walter of Spokane and Odessa; and Joanne and her husband, Harold Keller of Mt Vernon, WA...He was preceded in death by his sisters and brother, Ada Jantz, Sol Walter, Martha Oliver, and half-brother, Herbert Walter, and one great-great granddaughter....Strate Funeral Home, Odessa, WA in charge.” (scrapbook obit) “Jacob Walter, Jr. Died: 11-14-1993. Birth: 8-19-1896, WA. Father: Jacob Walter, Sr.; Mother: Katherina Hill. Spouse: Anna Rachel Macdonald. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards)

Walter, Jacob Sr., (d. 4-05-1943; b. 11-13-1870; TS; OC; Strates; Cong) “Jacob Walter, Sr. Residence: Odessa, WA. Place of Death: Odessa residence. Male, white, married, retired rancher; Birth: Nov 13, 1870 in Russia; Death: Apr 5, 1943. Age: 72 yrs 4 mos 22 days. Father: Nicholas Walter, born Russia; Mother: Lizzie Buderus born Russia. Physician: L. J. Bonney. Burial: Odessa Cemetery; Funeral: Pilgrim Cong. Church, April 11, 1943, 2 p.m., Rev Hausauer.” (Mortuary Ledger) “Jacob Walter, Sr. Male, white, married, retired rancher. Died: 4-05-1943 at 12:53 p.m., Odessa, WA. Birth: 11-13-1870, Russia. Father: Nicholas Walter, born Russia. Mother: Lizzie Buderus, born Russia; Spouse: married (Anna, age 55). Informant: Leon Walter of Odessa. Residence: Odessa, 44 yrs; In US, 51 years. Cause of Death: heart failure, due to gradual starvation, due to Parkinson’s disease. L. J. Bonney, MD, Odessa. Burial: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA, on 4-11-1943; H. H. Strate, Funeral Director.” (WA State Certificate of Death & Lincoln Co Health death and burial cards) “Jacob Walter, Sr. Buried: 4-11-1943 in Odessa; age: 72 yrs 4 mos 22 days; nerve disease.” (Rev Hausauer’s Funeral Ledger) “Jacob Walter, Sr. Died: 7 Apr 1943; 72 yr 4 mos 22 days; nerve disease.” (Congregational Church ledger by Rev Hausauer) “Funeral services were held for Jacob Walter, Sr, 73, prominent pioneer, who died last Monday after a long illness, were held from the Pilgrim Congregational church on Sunday, the Rev A. Hausauer officiating, with burial in the Odessa Cemetery under the direction of the Strate Funeral Home. Pallbeareres included pioneer friends and business associates, Sol Reiman, J. C. Michaelsen, Emanuel Salo, Fred Kramer, W. C. Raugust and Tobert Hoefel. A native of Russia Mr. Walter came to America in 1892 and was one of the early homesteaders, building up a vast wheat acreage during his life. He helped organize and held offices in many of the Odessa business corporations. Survivors include the widow, Mrs .Anna Walter, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Emil Jantz, Walla Walla; and Mrs. B. A. Oliver, Odessa; six sons, Jacob Jr., Solomon, Herbert, Leon and Ivan, all of Odessa; and Weldon, with the army in North Carolina. Weldon was permitted a furlough in order that he might attend the funeral.” (Odessa Record: 4-15-1943) “Jacob Walter Sr., early resident of the area, raised a good sized family that now carry on in many positions in the community, coming from Russia as a young man, in 1892, working on a farm until 1899, when he homesteaded three miles south of Odessa, where he farmed in association with his brother, Conrad Walter, who died in 1930. He had married before leaving Russia, to Katy Hill, and four children were born to them; Jacob Jr., Ada (Mrs. Emil Jantz), Solomon and Martha (Mrs. Basil Oliver). The first wife died in 1906. He married Anna Scheller, a native of Russia, who came to the United States with her parents in 1899. Her family had first settled in Mexico after coming to the new world, and homesteaded near Ritzville in 1901. Born to this union were Herbert, Leon, Weldon and Ivan.” (Odessa Record: 8-23-1951)

Walter, Jan Martha, (d. 5-17-1970; b. 7-11-1959; TS; OC) “Jan Martha Walter. Died: 5-17-1970, Odessa, WA. Father: Jerry Walter. Mother: Barbara Bell. Spouse: unmarried. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards) “Jan Walter, 11 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Walter, died early Sunday morning at the family home south of Odessa. She had been afflicted with a brain tumor. Rosary was held Monday evening at St Joseph Catholic church in Odessa. Mass was held for her on Tuesday morning at the church with Father Anton Flour officiating. She was buried in the Odessa Cemetery, Strate Funeral Home in charge. Jan had been injured in a school playground accident on Nov 19, 1968. She underwent brain surgery in Spokane in early February, 1969, however her condition had deteriorated in recent months. Civic groups in the area have participated in fund-raising events to assist in payment of incurred medical expenses of the family. The Odessa Riders Club was among those organizations. Jan Martha Walter was born July 11, 1959, at Wilbur, daughter of Barbara Bell Walter and Jerry Walter. She died Sunday morning, May 17, at her home after an extended illness. Jan is survived by her twin sister, Joy, a brother, Bruce, and another sister, Sheri; her parents; her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sol Walter of Odessa; her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Bell of Wilbur; and her great grandmother, Mrs. Blanche Bell of Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 21 May 1970)

Walter, Jeanette M., “Jeanette M Walter died on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, in Spokane. She was 88 years old. She was born on Oct 14, 1918, in Odessa, the daughter of Lewis and Nellie (Austin) Weik. She graduated from Odessa High School with the class of 1936. She attended Cheney Normal School and Washington State College. Jeanette was a member of the Heritage Church in Odessa. She was a Cub Scout den mother and a member of Alpha Delta Phi and Fi We. She was a member of the Holiday Ramblers and the Good Sam Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, fishing and knitting. She was a teacher at Marlin for a couple of years, and she taught kindergarten at her home for several years. She is survived by her three sons, Noel Walter and Robin, of Spokane; Forey Walter and Barbara, of Spokane; and Wade Walter and Vici, of Odessa; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, and two brothers, Joseph and Harold Weik. Funeral services were held on Monday, April 16, 2007, at the Chapel at the Odessa Cemetery. The Rev Jerry Malone officiated. Interment was at the Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: April 2007)

Walter, Katherine Elisabeth, (d. 11-09-1931; b. 1875; TS; OC; (Kaufman); Cong) “Eliz. Kaufman Walter, Frau Geo K., Aged: 56 yrs. Dated: Nov 9, 1931. Burial: Odessa.” (St Mathews Congregational Church ledger; edit: this is the first wife of Geo K. Walter.)

Walter, Katriena, (d. 8-30-1906; b. 11-25-1872; TS; OC;) (edit: first wife of Jacob Sr.)

Walter, Leon I., (d. 4-05-2001; b. 4-19-1915; TS; OC; obit) “Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 10, at the Heritage Chapel for Leon Walter. Mr. Walter, a member of a pioneer Odessa area family and a lifetime resident of Odessa, died in Odessa on Thursday, April 5, 2001. He was 85 years old. He was born April 19, 1915, in Odessa, the son of Jacob and Anna (Scheller) Walter. He attended the Odessa schools and was graduated from Odessa High School and Eastern Washington University. Leon married Jeanette Weik on Oct 19, 1940 in Odessa. He was employed by the Odessa Trading Company, where he was manager of the parts department for many years. He was a member of the Odessa Golf Club, Holiday Ramblers and the Good Sam Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanette, of Odessa; three sons, Noel Walter, of Spokane; Forey and wife Barbara Walter, of Spokane; and Wade and wife Vicki Walter, of Odessa; 6 grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers, Weldon Walter and Ivan Walter, both of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pastor Larry Snyder officiated at the funeral. Interment was at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 4-12-2001)

Walter, Lydia, (d. 6-20-1939; b. 11-14-1908, single; TS; OC; Strates) “Lydia Walter. Residence: Odessa, WA. Death: June 20, 1939 at 9:56 p.m. at Sacred Heart Hospital. Birthplace: Walla Walla, WA; birth: Nov 14, 1908; Age: 30 yrs 7 mos 6 days. Female, white, single, housekeeper. Father: George K Walter, born Russia; Mother: Katherine Kauffman, born Russia. Physician: Dr Rotchford. Relatives: Father and Step-mother: Mr. & Mrs. Geo K Walter, Odessa; 7 sisters: Mrs. Fred Scrupps, Seattle, WA; Margaret Walter, Odessa, WA; Mollie Walter, Odessa; Esther Walter, Odessa; Alva Walter, Seattle; Martha Walter, Seattle; Mr. Ralph Huddle, Harrington, WA. 4 brothers: Jake Walter, Ben Walter, Carl Walter, and David Walter, all of Odessa. Hair Blond; Eyes: Hazel; Height: 5’ 4.5”. Weight: 120 lbs.” (Mortuary Ledger) “Miss Lydia Walter of Odessa, who passed away June 20, was a sister of Mrs. Ralph Huddle. Funeral services were held at the Odessa St Matthews Congregational Church, on Friday, June 30. Her father, step-mother, seven sisters and four brothers survive.” (Citizen: 7-07-1939) “Lydia Walter, 32, who died Tuesday night after a short illness, will be buried at 2 o’clock Friday from the St Matthews Congregational Church, the Rev M. J. Galle officiating, with burial in the Odessa Cemetery, under the direction of the Strate Funeral Home. Miss Walter was born in Walla Walla, Nov 14, 1906, the child of George and Elizabeth Walter. In 1906 she came to Odessa with her parents, locating on a ranch north of town. Following the death of her mother in 1931, Miss Walter took charge of the household for her father and the younger brothers and sisters. She was taken to the hospital on Monday, death following at 11 o’clock Tuesday evening. Survivors include her father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. George K Walter, Odessa; 7 sisters: Mrs. Fred Scrupps, Alva and Martha Walters, Seattle; Margaret, Mollie and Esther Walter, Odessa; Mrs. Ralph Huddle, Harrington; 4 brothers: Jacob J., Ben, Carl, and David Walter, all of Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 6-22-1939) “Funeral services for Lydia Walter, 32, who died last Tuesday, were held from the St Matthews Congregational Church... Miss Walter was born in Walla Walla in 1906 and came to Odessa with her parents in 1912. On Monday, June 19, she was taken to a hospital, where death came on Tuesday. Survivors include...” (Odessa Record: 6-29-1939)

Walter, Margaret E., (d. 8-03-1988; b. 4-05-1905; TS; OC) “Margaret E. Walter of Spokane, a former Odessa resident who was born April 5, 1905 in Walla Walla to George K and Katherine Walter, passed away in Spokane August 3, (1988). She was the fifth child of 14 born to the family. Between 1928 and 1950, she worked for Pacific Telephone Company in Odessa, then moved to Spokane when the company closed the Odessa office, converting to automatic dialing. In Spokane, she worked as chief toll operator from 1950 until her retirement in 1970. Ill health forced her to enter a nursing home in 1983, where she remained until her death. Miss Walter was a member of the American Telephone Pioneers and of the American Business and Professional Women's Assn. She is survived by four sisters: Martha Walter of Spokane, Hannah Huddle of Harrington, and Esther Wilson and Alva Walter of Seattle; by a brother, Dave Walter of Mesa, AZ; and by several nieces and nephews. Memorial services were held Saturday, Aug 6, at the Odessa Cemetery Chapel, Rev Cynthia Scanlin officiating. Burial followed at the cemetery, Strate Funeral Home in charge.” (Odessa Record- Aug 1988 undated)

Walter, Martha, w/o Conrad (d. 1975; b. 1886; TS; OC) “Martha G. Walter. Died: 2-26-1975. Birth: 3-23-1886, WA. widowed. Father: Gottfried Graedel. Mother: Bertha Billeter. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards) “Martha G Walter, born March 23, 1886, at Ballard, WA, passed away after an illness of 19 days at the Odessa Memorial Hospital on March 26, 1975. She had had the flu for about three weeks when she entered the hospital. Otherwise she was in excellent health and had walked up town as usual about a week before. Her husband, Conrad Walter, Jr., had preceded her in death in August 1950. To mourn her passing are three sons: Roy and Bob of Odessa, and Dick of Moscow, ID: one daughter, Dorothy Kissler, of Spokane; three sisters, Mrs. Beth Miller of Rosalia; Mrs. Mae Spickerman of Portland, OR; and Mrs. Hedwig Pfief of Yakima; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Martha was a member of the English Congregational Church, a true Christian with love for her fellow man. Her first love was the church and its many activities and obligations. She sang in the choir for many years, and last year, upon retiring, she was presented with a Bible. She was secretary of the Christian Education Committee for many years and was secretary at the time of her passing. She has been a Sunday School teacher as long as many can remember. She missed her first Sunday of teaching because of illness on Feb 9^th of this year and was real concerned about it. Martha was a member of the Pioneer Association and a true Washington Pioneer having lived here all her life. She was honor member of the Historical Society and a Senior citizen. Martha served as leader of Girl Scouts for which she received many honors. She was chairman of the Heart Fund and March of Dimes for many years. In 1967 Martha received the certificate of award in recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community and State of Washington. In 1969 Martha was given the award for being considered an expert home gardener and successfully completing the testing of new roses. Her rose garden was her pride and joy. She has held offices in the Order of Eastern Star, the VFW Auxiliary, the Legion Auxiliary, the Odessa Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Odessa Grange. It can be said ‘Martha was a friend to man’ and her creed was ‘service’. She might have said—‘I am not of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatsoever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got to hold for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible as long as I am able.’” (Odessa Record: March 6, 1975)

Walter, Martha Schmidt, (d. 1992; b. 1907; TS; OC) “Funeral services for Martha Schmidt Walter, 84, were held Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church. Mrs. Walter died June 10, 1992, in Spokane following a long illness. She was born in the family farm southwest of Odessa on Sept 23, 1907, the daughter of John and Mary Brenner Schmidt. She had lived most of her life in Odessa, except for a time when during her girlhood when she lived with her family in Puyallup, WA, and in recent years, when she was a resident in convalescent homes in Moses Lake and Spokane. She married Sol Walter in 1926. They operated a wheat farm 3 ½ miles south of Odessa as well as a cattle ranch on Crab Creek west of Odessa. Mr. Walter died in 1986. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Ladies Aid and the choir. She had been a 4-H mother and shared many of her husband’s interests in the cattle and livestock business. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Walter was preceded in death by one daughter, Janet Smith; one grandson, Rodney Walter, and one granddaughter, Jan Walter; two brothers, John Schmidt and Henry Schmidt, and five sisters, Katherine Schafer, Elizabeth Schafer, Lena Grening, Anna Schmidt and Freda Peterson. She is survived by three sons, Wayne Walter and his wife, Rita, of Chetwyn, BC, Myron Walter, of Liberty Lake, and Jerry Walter and his wife, Barbara, of Odessa; one son-in-law, Don Smith and his wife, Mavis, of Odessa; sixteen grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Marie Zastrow, of Stockton, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. The Rev Scott Jurgens officiated at the funeral. Cindi Luiten and Toni Jean Standford were soloists. Sharon Eide was organist. Casket bearers were Tom Weishaar, Bill Blue, Mike Walter, Mark Smith, Tom Walter and Bruce Walter. Honorary bearers were Greg Walter, Sid Smith, Ron Sherwood, Russell Walter, Colby Smith and Ron Heidenreich. Interment was in Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record-June 18, 1992) “Martha S Walter. Died: 6-10-1992. Birth: 9-23-1907, WA. Widowed. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card)

Walter, Martha, (Miss) (d. 5-06-1997; b. 10-09-1911; TS; OC) “Martha Walter, a former Odessa resident, died at the Odessa Convalescent center on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, at the age of 85. Martha was born Oct 9, 1911, to George K and Katherine Kauffman Walter in Quincy and grew to adulthood in the Odessa area. She attended cosmetology school and practiced in Odessa for several years before moving to Spokane. She had several shops in the Spokane area, and practiced that profession until failing health forced her into retirement. She is survived by a brother, David A. Walter, of Mesa, AZ; a sister, Esther Wilson, of Seattle; two sisters-in-law, Sarah Walter, of Odessa, and Ruth Walter of Odessa; a brother-in-law, Ralph Huddle, of Harrington, and 15 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9, at the Odessa Cemetery Chapel. Interment will follow at Odessa Cemetery.” (Odessa Record-May 8, 1997) “Martha Walter. Died: 5-06-1997. Birth: 10-09-1911, Quincy, WA. Spouse: never married. Father: George K, Walter. Mother: Katherine Elizabeth Kauffman. Buried: Pacific NW Crematory, Spokane, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death cards)

Walter, Maryy, (d. 8-28-1958; b. 12-06-1859; TS; OC ) “Mary Katherine Walter. Died: 8-28-1958. Birth: 12-06-1859. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health burial card)

Walter, Naomi R., (d. 1991; b. 1905; TS; OC) “In Memory Of Naomi Rebecca Walter. Born May 21, 1905, Sprague, WA. Passed Away Feb 17, 1991, Odessa, WA. Funeral Services, Wednesday, Feb 20, 1991 at 11 a.m., Heritage United Church of Christ Sanctuary. Rev Glenn A. Gettinger, Officiating. Concluding Services and Vault Interment Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA. Casket Bearers: Earl Null, Bill Hardt, Harold Kern, George Gies, Jerry Walter, and Hank Scrupps. Honorary Bearers: Ruben Fink, Al Schiebner, Louis Kremsreiter, Elmer Walters, Clem Groh Jr.” (Funeral Program) “Naomi Rebecca Walter. Died: 2-17-1991. Birth: 5-21-1905, WA. Father: William J Canady. Mother: Rebecca Fees. Spouse: Roy Albert Walter. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card) “Service for Naomi (Canady) Walter, 81, of Odessa, WA, will be at 11 a.m. today at Heritage United Church of Christ in Odessa. Burial will follow at the Odessa Cemetery with Strate Funeral Home in Davenport, WA, in charge. Mrs. Walter, who died Sunday, was born in Sprague, WA, and graduated from Almira High school in 1924. After her marriage to Roy Walter in 1961, they had a wheat farm south of Odessa. She was a member of the Washington Wheat Growers Association. Active in community affairs, she had been an Inland Empire Fair judge for many years and had been a 4-H leader in the Govan/Almira area. Mrs. Walter had been a member of the Grange for more than 50 years and also was a member of the Pomona Grange and a 7^th Degree member of the National Grange. Survivors include her husband, Roy; one son, William Tolonen of Spokane; one daughter, Enza Smith of Seven Bays, WA; two sisters, Faye Cates of San Diego, CA, and Dorothy Tolonen of Clarkston, WA; 5 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.” (Spokesman Review: 2-20-1991) “Naomi Rebecca Walter of Odessa, born May 21, 1905 in Sprague to William and Rebecca Canady, passed away here Feb 17, 1991. She was the first of six children, and when she was nine months old, the family moved to the Grand Coulee area to establish a homestead. She attended Columbia Valley school, then continued her education traveling by stage and rail to the Hartline school. She graduated from Almira High School in 1924, putting herself through school by working at a dairy where she milked 32 cows each morning and night. She then attended business college and worked as a telephone operator in Almira. She was a general agent for an insurance company and an agent for a securities company. After she left high school, she was active working with area youth. She had a 4-H class of girls for many years, and became an accredited judge at county fairs from 1950 to 1981. She and her husband Roy owned and operated a wheat farm south of Odessa, and they ran a bowling alley restaurant here with daughter Enza. She was a community participant in a number of organizations, including the WAWG; the Pomona and WA State Grange, in which she held many offices, and was a 7^th Degree member of the National Grange. She was a member of the Heritage UCC, where she served as president of the pulpit committee and was an area director. Mrs. Walter is survived by her husband, Roy, to whom she was married in Dayton on Sept 1, 1961; by a son, William Tolonen of Spokane; by a daughter, Enza Smith of Davenport; by two sisters, Faye Cates of San Diego, CA, and Dorothy Tolonen of Clarkston; by two sisters-in-law: Berdina Canady of Grand Coulee and Viola Canady of Wilbur; 5 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Two brothers and a sister preceded her in death. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, Feb 20, at Heritage United Church of Christ, the Rev Glenn Gettinger officiating. Interment followed at the Odessa Cemetery, Strate Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 2-21-1991)

Walter, Osa A., (d. 10-16-1999; b. 7-26-1918; TS; OC) “Osa Walter, of Bremerton, WA, formerly of Odessa, died Sunday, Oct 17, 1999, in Bremerton. She was 81 years old. She was born in Davenport on July 26, 1918, the daughter of George and Ida Claypool. She married Robert W. Walter on Dec 25, 1934 in Odessa. The couple farmed south of Odessa for many years, and later retired, moving to Odessa. Mrs. Walter was a homemaker. She was a charter lifetime member of the Odessa VFW Auxiliary. She moved to Bremerton 1 ½ years ago. She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Robert Walter, in 1995; one son, William Walter, three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by one son, Jon and wife Tupe Walter, of Bremerton, and one daughter, Roberta Stehr and husband Bob Waiting, of Spokane; three granddaughters, two grandsons, four great granddaughters, one great great granddaughter and one great great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Oct 23, at 11 a.m. at Odessa Cemetery. Pastor Charles Smith and Pastor Larry Snyder Jr. will officiate. Strate Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record-Oct 21, 1999)

Walter, Robert Lee, (added) “Robert Lee Walters. Died: 8-23-1931, Odessa, WA. Birth: 27 Nov 1930, Odessa, WA. Father: George Walters. Mother: Kattie Kimball. Spouse: unmarried. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card)

Walter, Robert W., (d. 5-06-1995; b. 6-29-1911; TS; OC) “Robert Walter, a lifetime resident of Odessa, died Saturday, May 6, 1995, in Ritzville. He was 83 years old. He was born in Odessa on June 29, 1911, the son of Conrad Walter Jr. and Martha (Graedel) Walter. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Walter Sr., were among the first settlers in the Odessa area. He was graduated from Odessa High School in 1931. He married Osa Claypool on Dec 25, 1934, and they farmed south of Odessa until he retired in the late 1970s. They later moved into Odessa, where they made their home until his death. He was an organizer and charter member of the Odessa Riders Club. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Osa Walter, at the home; one son and his wife, Jon and Tupe Walter, of Bremerton, WA; one daughter and her husband, Roberta Stehr and Bob Waiting, of Spokane; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Roy Walter of Odessa, and Richard Walter, Of Moscow, ID; one sister, Dorothy Kissler, of Spokane; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, William C Walter. Funeral services will be Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. at the Heritage United Church of Christ Chapel in Odessa. The Rev Larry Pierson will officiate. Interment will be at Odessa Cemetery. (Odessa Record of May 11, 1995) “Robert William Walter. Died: 5-06-1995. Birth: 6-29-1911, WA. Spouse: Osa Alice Claypool. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card)

Walter, Rodney Allen, (d. 7-23-1961; b. 1-24-1950; TS; OC; LL) “Rodney A. Walter. Died: 7-23-1961. Birth: 1-24-1950. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health burial card) “Walter, Rodney Allen. Died: 23 July 1961; Birth: 24 Jan 1950. Son of Wayne and Reta Walter.” (Odessa Christ Lutheran Ledger) "Rodney Allen Walter, 11, died Sunday of injuries he had received Thursday night when

Walter, Roy A (d. 2000; b. 1909; TS; OC; obit) “Funeral services for Roy A Walter were held on Tuesday, May 2, at the Heritage Church in Odessa. Mr. Walter, who was 90 years old, died Saturday, Apr 29, 2000, in Odessa. He was a lifetime resident of Odessa, born May 6, 1909, the eldest child of Conrad and Martha (Graedel) Walter Jr. Roy grew up on the family farm 4 ½ miles south of Odessa. He attended the Walter School and later the Odessa Schools. He was a wheat farmer and cattleman, operating the family farm throughout his adult life. He was a member of the Odessa Grange, a seventh degree member of the National Grange, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Lincoln County Pomona Grange and the Odessa Riders Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Naomi and one brother. He is survived by his wife Ella (Beck) Walter at the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Enza and Bill Smith, of Seven Bays; five grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Kissler, of Spokane; and one brother, Richard (Dick) Walter, of Moscow, Idaho; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. Pastor Larry Snyder officiated at the funeral. Interment followed at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: May 2000)

Walter, Ruth, (Giese) (added) , “A funeral service will be held for Ruth (Giese) Walter at 11 a.m. today (Thursday), Apr 24, at the Four Square Church (formerly the English Congregational Church) in Odessa. Mrs. Walter, who was 82 years old, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at her home in Odessa. She was born in Odessa on Nov 9, 1920, the daughter of Daniel and Minnie Giese. She grew up in Odessa, attending Odessa schools and graduating from Odessa High School with the Class of 1939. She married Carl Walter on March 1, 1940. The couple farmed until retiring and moving to Odessa in 1975. She was a member of the English Congregational Church and the Heritage Church, following the merger. She is survived by her two children, Rick (and Kim) Walter, of Odessa, and Carol (and Rich) Michels, of Louisville, KY; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; one sister, Marilu Quast, of Spokane; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Giese of Moses Lake, and Alberta Giese, of Hillsboro, OR; numerous nieces and nephews, and the Michels Family (a special extended family to her). She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl in 1977 and three brothers, Danny, Bud and Manny Giese. Pastor Tim Hauge will officiate at the funeral. Interment will follow at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record-April 24, 2003)

Walter, Sarah Scrupps, (added; b. 7-20-1911; d. 3-15-2009) “Sarah Walter died March 15, 2009, in Odessa at the age of 97. She was born July 20, 1911 in Odessa to Charles and Margaret (Frawley) Scrupps. She was a lifetime resident of Odessa where she went to school through the eighth grade. Sarah married Jacob J Walter in 1939 in Bremerton. They lived seven miles east of Odessa until 1999, at which time she moved into the Quail Court assisted-living facility in Odessa. She was a lifetime member of Morning Star Chapter of Eastern Star. She was a member of the English Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday School classes for 17 years. Sarah is the mother of three sons: James R and June of Odessa, Ronald G and Linda of Spokane, and Robert J (Jay) and Kay of Greenacres. She has nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, William, Frederick, Charles H (Hank), John and James Scrupps and two sisters, Clara Francis Groh and Annie Williams and her husband, Jake, who died in a farm accident in December of 1970. Sarah had many hobbies, and one was cooking. She specialized in pies, cakes, cookies and coffee cake. Many pies were donated to the Lions Club Turkey Carnival and the pie and coffee booths at Deutchesfest. Her Washington Nut Pie and Chocolate Cream Pie were her specialties as was her made from scratch Angel Food cake. She also enjoyed raising chicken. Many friends and relatives received dozens of eggs and frozen chickens. She shared the special dill pickles from her garden with many after canning them. One of the secrets of her successful dill pickles was using in each jar the horseradish root that also grew in her garden. Each fall when it was butchering time on Thanksgiving weekend, Sarah led the family making of sausage and cutting up the pork. Then she rendered lard, made head cheese and also made homemade soup. Graveside services will be held Monday, March 23, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Odessa Cemetery, Odessa. Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Church in Odessa. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, is caring for the family.” (Odessa Record: 3-19-2009)

Walter, Solomon, (d. 1986; b. 1900; TS; OC) “Solomon Walter. Died: 7-11-1986, 4 miles south of Odessa. Father: Jacob Walter Jr., Mother: Katherine Hill; Spouse: Martha Schmidt. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death card) “Solomon Walter of Odessa, born to Jacob and Katherine Walter south of the community Feb 21, 1900, passed away here July 11, (1986). He received his early education in a rural school near the family farm, then spent his adult years farming and working with livestock, an interest he maintained throughout the years. Baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith, Mr. Walter was married in August, 1926 to Martha Schmidt in Christ Lutheran Church, and to the union were born three sons and a daughter. The couple moved into Odessa in 1969 when they retired. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, of the Washington Cattlemen's Association, and of the Odessa Grange. Preceded in death by his parents, by his daughter Janet, by his sister Martha Oliver and by two grandchildren, Mr. Walter is survived by his wife, Martha; by three sons: Myron and Jerry of Odessa and Wayne of British Columbia, Canada; by a son-in-law, Don Smith of Odessa; by a sister, Ada Jantz of Odessa; by 5 brothers: Jacob Jr., Herb, Leon, Weldon and Ivan, all of Odessa; by 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and a great great grandchild; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Tuesday, July 15 at Christ Lutheran Church, Pastor Daniel Cronrath officiating. Interment followed at the Odessa Cemetery with Strate Funeral Home in charge. Casket bearers included Greg Walter, Tom Walter, Bruce Walter, Mike Walter, Russell Walter, Colby Smith, Sidney Smith, Mark Smith, Brad Finck, Ron Heidenreich, Gary Buchman, Bill Blue, Tom Weishaar and Ron Sherwood.” (Odessa Record: 7-17-1986)

Walter, Tallulah Lee, (d. 1986; b. 1914; TS; OC; dc) “Tallulah Lee Walter. Died: 4-09-1986, Odessa, WA. Spouse: Benjamin Walter. Father: Charles Wagner Brown. Mother; Mary Genevra Huggins. Buried: Evergreen crematorium, Spokane, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death cards) “Tallulah Lee Walter of Odessa, born Oct 24, 1914 in Shound, TN to Charles and Mary Brown, passed away here April 9, (1986) following an extended illness. A 1933 graduate of Lewiston High School who then attended Lewiston Normal School, she went to Deaconess School of Nursing, Spokane, and graduated there in 1938. During World War II, she served in the US Army as a nurse, stationed primarily along the west coast. In 1943, she married James Stephens, and to this union three children were born: sons James and Charles, and daughter Patricia. After the marriage was terminated in 1956, she moved to Odessa and was employed at Odessa Memorial Hospital for a number of years beginning in 1957. Later, she worked at both the Soap Lake Hospital and the Ritzville Hospital. In 1960 she married Ben Walter and the couple made their home in Odessa, where she enjoyed bowling and golf while her health permitted. Preceded in death by her parents and by three brothers, Mrs. Walter is survived by her husband Ben, at the family home; by two sons, Jim Stephens of Anchorage, Alaska and Charles (Jack) Stephens of Portland, OR; by a daughter, Pat Voye of Seattle; by three sisters: Ruth Hopkins of Clarkston, Nancy Turner of Seattle and Mary Bacon of Citrus Heights, CA; by 3 grandchildren and by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was conducted April 12 at the Odessa Baptist Church, Rev Myrl Thiesies officiating. Cremation followed, with inurnment at the Odessa Cemetery under the direction of Strate Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Steve Grub, Lloyd Tebow, Wayne Braun, Myron Walter, Wally King and Jim Winfrey.” (Odessa Record: 4-17-1986)

Walter, Verna Mae, (d. 1971; b. 1913; TS; OC) “Verna Mae Walter. Died: 1-24-1971, Odessa, WA. Father: Zelas Holbrook. Mother: Inga Goserud. Spouse: Herbert Walter. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death and burial cards) “The community was saddened Sunday afternoon, Jan 24, to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Herbert V. Walter. She was on her way home from church at the time, it is reported. Memorial services for Verna Mae Walter were conducted yesterday at 1 p.m. from the UCC, the Rev B. M. Schafer officiating. Burial was in the Odessa Cemetery. School was dismissed before lunch on Wednesday to make it possible for the bus drivers, teachers and other school personnel to attend the service. Verna Mae, the daughter of Zelas and Inga Holbrook, was born on Feb 2_, 1913 in Shelby, MT. She moved to Colfax as an infant and lived there until 1934 when she moved to the Odessa area. She was united in marriage to Herbert V Walter on June 24, 1936. To this union two sons and one daughter were born. Mrs. Walter was active in the educational and civic life of this community. She taught the Kissler elementary school southwest of Odessa for two years and has been an instructor in the Odessa elementary school for 10 years. She was a charter member and past president of the Odessa PTA, on state committees of this organization; a member of the Odessa Education Association. Mrs. Walter was active in the Cub Scout program and a long time member and past president of the Royal Neighbors. Verna Mae was a member of the Congregational church since 1934, being baptized and confirmed in that tradition. She served as a Sunday school teacher . She was also a member and past president of the United Daughters. Survivors include her husband at the home; sons Gene of Odessa and Warren of Othello; daughter Alice McKissen of Grand Coulee; grandson, Luke Walter of Odessa and one brother, Gordon Holbrook of Palouse.” (Odessa Record: 28 Jan 1971)

Walter, W. C., Bill, (d. 1973; b. 1954; TS; OC) “William C. Walter. Died: 9-15-1973. Buried: Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA.“William (Billy) Walter.—His home Odessa, WA. He is survived by his parents, Mr and Mrs Robert W Walter, Odessa, WA; one brother, John L Walter, US Navy, Honolulu, Hawaii; one sister, Mrs Roberta Stehr, Spokane; his grandmother, Mrs Martha Walter, Odessa; 3 nieces, 2 nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept 19 at 11 a.m. from the English Congregational Church, Odessa, WA. Pastor Douglas Roberts officiating. Interment Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA. The body will lie in state at the Strate Funeral Home, Odessa, WA, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 18.” (Spokesman Review: 9-18-1973) “William Conrad (Billy) Walter was born Aug 30, 1954, and was 19 years old at the time of his death. His parents were Mr and Mrs Robert W Walter. He attended school in Odessa, graduation from Odessa High School in 1972. He attended Spokane Community College last year and planned to attend again this year. He was a member of the English Congregational Church, where services were held on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., with Pastor Douglas Roberts officiating. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include a sister, Roberta Stehr; a brother, John L Walter, presently serving with the Navy at Honolulu, Hawaii; his grandmother, Mrs Conrad Walter; three nieces, two nephews, and a great nieces.” (Odessa Record: 4-20-1973; Geo Beck data card collection)

Walter, Weldon, (b. 11-10-1921; d. 10-09-2006); “Weldon Walter died on Monday, Oct 9, 2006, in Odessa at the age of 84. He was born in Odessa on Nov 10, 1921, to Jacob Walter Sr. and Anna (Scheller) Walter. He is survived by his sons, Morgan Walter, of Edmonds, WA, and Ryan Walter and Deborah, of Odessa; two granddaughters, Angela Shira and Jeff, of Spokane, and Lori Barker of Spokane; four great grandsons; one great granddaughter; one brother, Ivan Walter, of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Clara, as well as four brothers and two sisters. Weldon was a 1940 graduate of Odessa High School and a member of the Zion-Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the US Army Air Corps. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Post in Odessa. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct 14, 2006, at the Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Don Smith officiating and were followed by concluding services and interment at Odessa Cemetery. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 10-26-2006)

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