Odessa Vicinity Deaths

                                                                                    burial location elsewhere

                                                                     Submitted by Marge Womach    

                                                                                                                     File 7                                                                                               

                                                                    ___________________________________________

Banta:  Mamie E McCoy Banta died Dec 15, 2005 after a lengthy illness. Mamie was born in Irby, WA on Nov 7, 1912, to Clement and Albertina (Carlen) McCoy. The family moved to Spokane Valley when Mamie was a young girl and she graduated from West Valley High School in 1930. In Sept. 1947 she married James Banta and they settled in Millwood, WA, where they raised two children, Kathy and Norm. Mamie and James (in 2001) donated their bodies to the Willed Body Program at Washington State University. Mamie is survived by her daughter Kathy and husband Chuck Stewart of Spokane, her son Norm and wife Debbie Banta of Oak Harbor, WA; and grandchildren, one niece and three nephews. A memorial service will be held at Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, Spokane on Jan 28, 2006. Hennessey Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in charge, Spokane, WA.  (notes from Spokesman-Review: 1-25-2006) 

Brown:  Mildred M Brown, age 92,--Born Dec 14, 1911 in Downs, WA; entered into rest April 14, 2004 in Spokane, WA. She is survived by her children and spouses: Shirley and Ed Carr, Robert and Pat Brown, Donald and Judy Brown, Herb and Sandra Brown, Lyle and Debbie Brown; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Evelyn Schirmer; brother, Clarence Graupman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Everett C Brown in 1999. Mildred was a very avid Seattle Mariner baseball fan. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Riplinger Funeral Home, Spokane. Interment will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park.” (Spokesman-Review: April 2004)

Carpo:  “Attempting to alight from a fast freight train as it passed through Odessa, a transient, Harry Carpo, 31, recently a resident of Dryden, fell over extra ties at the track side, sustaining serious head injuries.” (Odessa Record in July 12, 1990, 50 Yrs Ago, representing 7-12-1940; no death record obtained)

Clark:  Forrest J Clark, Lutheran Pastor ‘Fory’ Clark, age 80, a resident of Astoria, Oregon, passed away on Jan 20, 2004 in Astoria. He was born Apr 2, 1923 in LaCrosse, WI, the son of Forrest Johnson Clark and Della Johanna Hoyne Clark. He married Solveig Dorothy Rynning on Oct 4, 1947 in LaCrosse, WI…  Services at Peace Lutheran Church, Astoria, OR. Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, Astoria, OR in charge of arrangements. (notes from Spokesman Review: 2-01-2004, lengthy) 

Dickey:  Charles B Dickey, of Othello, passed away Friday, April 3, 2009, at Othello Community Hospital. He was 61 years old. Charlie was born Spokane, April 21, 1947, to Charlie and Faye (Jefferies) Dickey. He grew up in Spokane where he received his primary and secondary education.  Charlie married Janice Lee Engstrom in Spokane, just prior to enlisting in the Army. They are the parents of Brian, Sean and Kristina. They later divorced. He served in The Army of United States of America from Jan 1969 to June 1974. A veteran of Vietnam he received the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and the Air Medal. He attended Drill Sergeant School at Fort Lewis, graduating March 26, 1971. Charlie received an Honorable Discharge June 1, 1974. Charlie attended Spokane Falls Community College receiving a Associate in Arts degree June 6, 1974. He continued his education at Eastern Washington State College, Cheney. Charlie graduated March 19, 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He began his teaching career at McFarland Junior High School later transferring to Othello High School… Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Faye Dickey. He is survived by his sons, Brian Dickey, Elk, OK; and Sean Dickey, Othello; daughter, Kristina Dickey and one grandson, Michael Anthony Dickey, Odessa. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello. Carver Family Funeral Home, Othello, is taking care of arrangements.” (excerpt Odessa Record: 4-09-2009)

Elmer:  “Word has been received that Hulda Elmer died in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 11, (1963), at the hospital where she had worked as a nurse. Miss Elmer spent about 10 years in the Ruff area, having come here to take care of her mother, the late Mrs Joshua Elmer, during that period. Following the death of her mother she returned to her hospital duties. During the period since she left here, about five years ago, two brothers, David and Daniel, have died. Surviving member of the Elmer family is Rudolph, a retired taxi cab driver in Spokane.”  (Odessa Record: 8-22-1963)

Elmer:  Martha Elmer. Died: 20 Sept 1956, age 89, Ruff, Grant Co, WA. Father: not given. Mother: Billeter.” (WA State Death Record: Id #281629; widow of Joshua Elmer)

Finney:  Ruth Frances (McKnight) Finney, 86, of East Wenatchee, WA died Dec 25, 2007. Born Oct 12, 1921, in Sioux County, NE to Tom and Leona (Kinion) McKnight. As a young woman, she moved out west, starting in California and eventually settling in Washington. She was working as a cook in her own café when she met Herbert Theodore Finney. They married April 29, 1953, at Coeur d’Alene, ID. They lived and worked in Washington and Oregon while raising six children. Ruth returned to the work force in her early 50’s, in the fruit industry. After a few years she went to work at Lamb Weston in Quincy. Everywhere she went, she was known for her sunny disposition, sense of fun and her cinnamon rolls. She retired in her early 70’s. Ruth will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Survivors include her daughters, Colleen Conner of North Pole, AK and Sheila Patterson of Cheney, WA; sons, Mick Finney of Odessa, WA, Terry Finney of Redmond, WA and Pat Finney of Indiana; sisters, Wilma Bone of CA and Wanda Laws of Scottsbluff, NE; brother J C McKnight of Rupert, ID; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert; one son, Kevin; one grandson, JD; her parents; and one brother, Kenneth McKnight. Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec 31, 2007, at Telford’s Chapel of the Valley in East Wenatchee with Bob Anderson and Craig Stockwell officiating. Services will conclude in the Chapel of Telford’s Chapel of the Valley. Private interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee. Arrangements by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.” (Wenatchee World: 12-30-2007)  

Follmer:  “Visitation for Esther Ruth (Schaefer) Follmer, 95, will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene. Graveside service will be Monday at 1 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Mrs Follmer, who was born in Odessa, WA, died Monday.  She moved to the Spokane Valley with her family when she was 10 and graduated in 1927 as Central Valley High Schools valedictorian. She married Math Follmer in 1931 and they farmed on the Rathdrum Prairie until retiring in 1968. The couple moved to Post Falls in 1969. Her husband died in 1997. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, flowers, crossword puzzles and gardening. Survivors include nieces and nephews, Maggie Fraze, Ralph Schaefer, Helen Triechel, Robert Schaefer, Wayne Moeller and Walter Blackmer.” (Spokesman-Review: 10-27-2004)

Geisler:  Thalia Marie Geisler, age 88, died Jan 18, 2003. A memorial service to  honor Thalia was held Feb 2, 2003 at First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, WA. Born Thalia Marie Shook on Oct 1, 1914 to Arthur and Mabel Shook, she became the younger sister to Mervin and Agatha (Shown), who have preceded her in death. Thalia grew up in Spokane. On April 8, 1948 Thalia married George Fancher Geisler, living together until his death in 1982. Thalia was an educator and librarian. Heritage Funeral Home, Spokane, WA is in charge of arrangements. (notes from Spokesman Review: 2-02-2003) 

Goetz:  Ralph L Goetz passed away on January 29, 2004 at Central Washington Hospital. Ralph was born to Frederick and Emelia Goetz on April 23, 1928, in Cashmere, WA; the youngest of 12 children.  Cashmere was his life-long home. He married Jewell Schmaltz on February 26, 1950. He was an independent trucker, owner/operator of Goetz Trucking, Inc. He later worked as a truck driver for Valley Tractor of Wenatchee. He served in the US Army as an anti-aircraft artillery gun crewman as a young man. Ralph was known for his generous spirit. He enjoyed helping anyone in distress, be it an auto accident, a mechanical problem or a kind listening ear. He was a fun man with a magnetic personality who could talk his way out of any uncomfortable situation and had a colorful remark for everything. He had a wonderful community spirit. He enjoyed building and driving the Cashmere float and was honored for 44 years of dedicated service to the Cashmere Fire Dept, the longest member in their history. Ralph was an affectionate and dedicated father. His four children could always count on him for the fun and frivolous throughout their lives. They never did without the things they thought they needed—cars, motorcycles, horses, snowmobiles and many wonderful weekends at the Lake Wenatchee cabin. He had a large extended family who could always count on him whenever they needed him, and sometimes when they didn’t. He is survived by his wife, Jewell; his daughters, Christine (Grant) Cayton, Nancy (Kerry) Lamus, Claudia Boyle; his son, Michael Goetz. He was adored by his grandchildren, Connie, Kelsey, Cortney, Colby, Bryce and Carson. Papa, we will miss you. Services will be held on Saturday, Jan 31, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Monitor at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Jones & Jones.” (Wenatchee World: Feb 2004; scrapbook item)

Guenser:  Arthur J Guenser died Saturday, Dec 13, 2008, in Seattle, at the age of 88.  He was born to George and Willow Guenser in Havre, MT, on July 20, 1920. He moved to Seattle with his family in 1937 and graduated from Broadway High School in 1938.  He enlisted in the Navy in February, 1942. He served in the South Pacific as an aerial photographer’s mate first class until being honorably discharged in December, 1945.  He met Helen LeDuc, his wife of 62 years, early in 1945, and they were married at Sacred Heart Church in Seattle on Aug 3, 1946. They made their home in Seattle where they raised four children.  Art worked as a photographer at McBride and Anderson, as a lithographer at Acme Press, North Pacific Bank Note Co, and then moved to United Graphics, retiring in 1983. He enjoyed ‘moonlighting’ as a professional wedding photographer. His passion for photography enveloped his entire life, memorializing his travels, family events and friends over the years. Art was also an avid fisherman and gardener and sang in the choir at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Seattle, where he organized a group of male singers who became known as the 89th Street Deacons and performed for local events and organizations. Art was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine; father, George, mother, Willow; and brother, George Jr. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Seattle; his sister, Rita Cornell of Odessa; and four children, Jerry (Christine) of Kirkland; Bob (Judy) of Bellingham; Kathy (Mel) Jantz of Odessa; Jim (Kelly) of Kirkland; 8 grandchildren: Bradd (Stephanie); Josh (Krista); Carissa Gottlieb (Rich Sim); Emily Gottlieb; Melissa (Randy Petersen); Alex; Jessica; Courtney; and a soon-to-be great grandson. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, Dec 20 at 10 a.m.  Rosary will precede Mass at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. A reception will follow at Jubilee Hall. Private family burial will be held at Holyrood Cemetery following the reception. Arrangements entrusted to People’s Memorial Association.” (Odessa Record: 12-18-2008)

Heimbigner:  Lorene Heimbigner died Dec 10, 2008, at the age of 85.  She was born at home in Marlin Oct 15, 1923, to William and Louisa Deife.  She grew up outside of Odessa along with six brothers and three sisters.  Herschel Heimbigner came into her life on Aug 2, 1943, and they were married Jan 13, 1946, two weeks after he was discharged from the Army. Her husband remembers that Lorene was known for her delicious cooking and for being a wonderful wife and mother to their four sons.  Along with Hersh, Lorene was an active member in the Thousand Trails RV Club. She loved to travel in their RV and meet old friends and new. She also loved to play cards and bingo.  She lost her oldest son, Greg, in 2005, and is survived by her husband of 62 years and her sons Ross, Bruce and Rod, along with seven grandsons, two granddaughters and three great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec 15 at Zion-Philadelphia Church in Ritzville.” (Odessa Record: 12-18-2008)

Humberg:  Herm Humberg, a former resident of Odessa, died unexpectedly of a cerebral hemorrhage, it is reported here. He and his wife, Kathy, had lived here while he was employed by the State Highway Department. Anyone wishing to contact Mrs Humberg may do so by writing to 3001  288th South, Federal Way, WA. 98003.” (Odessa Record: 4-17-1975)

Krug:  Edward J Krug, age 84, a resident of Connell, WA, passed away on Saturday, Oct 9, 2004 in Spokane at Deaconess Medical Center. Edward J Krug, the son of Wilhelm and Emma (Dettman) Krug, was born Feb 15, 1920 in rural Adams County near Hatton, WA. He graduated fro Lind High School in 1939… Edward married Ethel Leona Lave Sept 28, 1941 at Sprague, WA. Together they raised their family and farmed until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of Gideon Lutheran Church… Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Ethel Krug; a son, Roger Krug and wife Svetlana of Pasco; two daughters, Linda Cougher and husband Harry of Kellogg, ID, and Gleen Johnson and her husband Royal of Monmouth, OR; a brother, Wilbur Krug and wife Betty of Connell; sister Velma Bierman of Lind; grandchildren… Graveside service and vault interment will be held Oct 15, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Connell Lutheran Cemetery on Warehouse Rd, followed by a memorial service and celebration of his life at 11 a.m. at Gideon Lutheran Church, Connell, WA. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA is in charge of funeral arrangements.” (Spokesman-Review excerpt: 10-13-2004)

Loebsack:  Leland Glenn Loebsack died March 3, 2005 from complications of emphysema. He was born July 27, 1931 in Waterville on the family wheat ranch his parents homesteaded. He graduated from Waterville HS and attended WSU for one year before he was drafted into the army. His tour was in Korea as a radio operator. When he was honorably discharged in 1954, he came back to Waterville and married his sweetheart, Janice Arlene Cook of Wenatchee on Sept 24, 1955. They lived on the family ranch and raised 3 children. They were married for 40 years when he lost Janice to lung cancer. Leland was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Beatrice (Love) Loebsack and his wife Janice. Survivors include his son, David Loebsack and his fiance’ Pam, who are at the ranch; daughters, Kristie Loebsack of Chelan and Karen McDonald and her husband Jeff of Entiat; his brother, Lawrence Loebsack and sister-in-law Dolores of Waterville; his sister, Lucille Smith of Independence, Missouri. He has 8 grandchildren. Service of Commemoration will be Friday March 11, 2005, at 11 a.m. from the Community Center at the Waterville Fairgrounds, with Pastor Craig Rayment officiating. Committal Service and Interment will follow at Waterville Cemetery.  (notes from Wenatchee World: undated, relative submitted)

Lake:  Marie Rose Lake, 99, long time resident of Peshastin, died Saturday morning, Oct 1, 2005, in the Cashmere Convalescent Center. Born Marie Rose Kuch on March 14, 1906, to Christian and Julia (Jasman) Kuch at Odessa, WA, as a young girl the family moved to Portland, Oregon and in 1915, moved to Peshastin, where Marie grew up and received her education, graduating from Peshastin High School in 1924. Oct 11, 1928, she married Lloyd Lester Lake at Wenatchee and they made their home in Peshastin. Marie loved her family and cherished her grandchildren. She was a 55 year member of the Peshastin Assembly of God and truly loved her Lord.  Survived by her son, Lewis Lake; daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Jarvis Boyce, all of Peshastin; 2 grandchildren, Greg Boyce and Heather Boyce, both of Peshastin and 2 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Lake. A Memorial Service of Commemoration for Marie Rose Lake will be held in conjunction with the Sunday Service to be held at 11 a.m. Sunday morning, Oct 9, 2005, in the Peshastin Assembly of God, 8353 Lake Street, Peshastin, with Pastor Larry Wooten officiating. Private interment will be in the Peshastin Cemetery. Ward’s Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, is in charge of arrangements.” (Wenatchee World: 10-04-2005)  

Maahs:  “Funeral for Esther F Maahs, 90, will be Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley. Thornhill Valley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Mrs Maahs, a 30-year resident of Spokane, died Friday. She was born in Davey, NE. She was a homemaker and a member of the Nebraska and Washington Old Time Fiddlers associations and Redeemer Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald. Survivors include four daughters, Dorothy Sieverkropp of Veradale, Darlene Wasemiller of Greenacres, Marilyn Carlson of Lamona, WA, and Anna Mae Allen of Spokane; a son, De Verne Maahs of Spokane; a brother, Kenneth Hanson of Davey; 19 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: 6-07-2003)

Michaelsen:Ludwig Michaelsen, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Odessa passed away at… where he later took up a homestead. In 1869, he married Katherine Holmann, who was a faithful helpmate until her death in Odessa 11 years ago. They had seven sons, William L, Louis J, Edward H, George A, Julius C, Henry E, and Alfred M Michaelsen, and all of them survive their parents. Louis, Edward and George still live near the old home in Nebraska. All the other boys are residents of Odessa. Grandpa Michaelsen was a man of generous impulses and his death has brought a cup of sorrow to his relatives and friends. He accepted life as it came. He had born adversity bravely and enjoyed prosperity quietly. Besides his immediate family, he leaves many friends to mourn his death. His four sons went to Spokane yesterday and completed funeral arrangements. The body was brought to Odessa today and the funeral will be  held at the English Congregational Church next Sunday. The following day, W L Michaelsen will take the remains to Nebraska, where they will be laid to rest beside those of his wife.”  (Odessa Record excerpt 8-11-1922, damaged copy)

Michel:  Russell Michel, 96, died Tuesday, Feb 3, at the Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center. Michel served in the US Army Signal Corps in 1942 and was then transferred to Military Intelligence. He was discharged in 1945 as Master Sergeant. He is preceded in death by his daughter Marian Michel. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Beck Michel; sons Warren Michel Swenson, of New York City, and George R Michel (Dolores), Yakima; daughter Christine Michel Dawson and husband David of Aberdeen, WA; three grandchildren, Michelle Dawson, Brennan Dawson and Rhiannon Dawson and one sister, Mabel Michel Evans. A private family memorial is pending.” (Odessa Record: 2-12 & 19-2009)

Pfaff:  Stanley M Pfaff, 72, a resident of Garfield, WA, passed away Feb 9, 2004 at Spokane, WA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb 12, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the Garfield Christian Church, Garfield, WA. Interment will follow at the Garfield Cemetery, Garfield, WA. He was born on July 10, 1931 at Ruff, WA to Michael M and Katherine (Ottmar) Pfaff. He attended his schooling at Garfield, WA, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1949… Survivors include his wife Margaret Pfaff at the family home at Garfield, WA; two sons, David and his wife April, Farmington, WA, Kenneth and his wife Karen Pfaff, Spokane, WA; three brothers, Elmer Pfaff and Stewart Pfaff, both of Garfield, WA, Gary Pfaff, Lewiston, ID; five grandchildren… He was preceded in death by four brothers, Daniel, Cleve, Leroy, and Harold Pfaff. Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is in charge of arrangements.” (excerpt Spokesman-Review: 2-11-2004)

Resteivo:  Gail (Haase) Resteivo, age 55, of Moreno Valley, CA passed away on Wednesday, Sept 24, at Reche Canyon in Loma Linda, CA. She was born on Feb 17, 1948 to Bert and Betty Haase in Odessa, WA. She had been employed at Riverside County Mental Health since 1990. Ms. Resteivo is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jeff Patricia; grandsons, Anthony and Matthew; step-granddaughter, Christina, all of Corona, CA; her mother, Betty Haase of Moses Lake, WA; sisters, Pattie (Jarrel) Anderson of Ephrata, WA, Carlene (Mike) O’Konek of Moses Lake; and nephews, Jason (Katie) Anderson of Everett, WA, Jared O’Konek of Seattle, WA, and Derek O’Konek of Moses Lake, WA; niece, Kylie Anderson of Spokane, WA. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her father Bert Haase. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, Sept 30, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Church in Odessa, WA with Pastor Eric Frey officiating.” (Spokesman-Review: 9-28-2003)

Riley:  Alma (Goetz) Riley died on Thursday, Oct 5, 2006, in Tempe, AZ, where she resided for the past year with her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Jim Harris.  She was born in Marlin on Feb 25, 1917, to John and Emma Goetz. She moved to the Spokane area after high school graduation to attend college at Eastern Washington College of Education.  In Spokane, she met Marvin Riley, whom she married on Oct 6, 1940. Alma and Marvin had two children: son Gary and his wife Kathleen who reside in Fort Bragg, CA, and Joyce Harris, of Sun Lakes, AZ.  She is survived by one brother, Alvin Goetz, of Odessa, six grandchildren, Garth Riley, Jennifer Hoates, Blaine Smith, Kyle Smith, Harrison Riley and Laine Riley, and four great grandchildren, Ceri Riley, Marcus Riley, Ellie Hoates and Bryn Hoates. Alma dedicated her life to family and friends and is remembered by them for her kindness, her wit, her loving nature and her great cooking. A family memorial service will be held in July in the Odessa-Marlin area to celebrate her life and her loving spirit.” (Odessa Record: 10-19-2006) 

Rowe:  Esther M Biermann Wellsandt Rowe died Feb 9, 2006 in Moses Lake. She died from complications of a stroke. Esther was born in Lind, WA, Aug 30, 1921, to Henry and Hattie (Labes) Biermann. She graduated from Lind High School in 1939. She married Lloyd Wellsandt in 1940. They had two children, Truman and Tamara. They later divorced and she married Clinton Rowe in 1955. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brothers Bill, Richard (Pep) and Emil Biermann, and sisters Lisette Steffen and Ella Schoessler. In addition to being survived by her two children and grandchildren, she is survived by a brother Ted Biermann of Lind and sister-in-law Velma Biermann of Lind.  (details from Spokesman Review: 2-12-2006)

Schoesler:  James D Schoesler, age 72, passed away on March 24, 2003 in Spokane, WA. He was born on Oct 29, 1930 in Harrington, WA to Elmer and Bertha Schoesler. He was raised in Ritzville, WA and graduated from Ritzville High School in 1948. He then attended Whitworth College and Eastern Washington University. He married Marilyn Edwards on Oct 8, 1950 in Ritzville. James was a wheat farmer for 40 years and then moved to Spokane, WA and became a banker until his retirement… James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn; sons, Randal Schoesler, Concord, CA, Donald Schoesler, Spokane, WA, Gary Schoesler, Odessa, WA, Thomas Schoesler and wife, Melanie, Colbert, WA; daughters, Jo Ann Wagner and husband, Craig, Spokane, WA, Mary Ann Whitney and husband, Craig, Liberty Lake, WA; grandchildren, Keri and Christopher Wagner, Sarah and Emily Oestriech, Logan, Raeann, and Margo Schoesler, Connor Whitney; brother, Gerald Schoesler and wife, Dorothy, Ritzville, WA. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church, Spokane, WA.  Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman-Review: 3-26-2003)

Schoonover:  “Mrs Emma Kathryn Beck Schoonover, 97, died Saturday in the Lincoln Hospital, Davenport, where she had been a patient for the past 10 years.  Final services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Manito Presbyterian Church, Spokane, with interment at Greenwood Memorial Terrace. Pall bearers were nephews of Mrs Schoonover and the Robertson Funeral Home of Wilbur was in charge of arrangements. Mrs Schoonover, widow of the late Warren N Schoonover, one of the founders of the Town of Odessa, is an early-day pioneer of Lincoln County, having homesteaded in this area.  She was born in Wheatland, Clinton County, Iowa, on June 18, 1876, and came west in 1901 with her parents, the late George C Becks, who settled in Spokane and vicinity with eight other sons and daughters. Several members of the family staked out homesteads in the Odessa and Marlin area. She married Warren N Schoonover in Spokane in September 1904. Mr Schoonover, who passed away in 1933 started the first store and real estate office in Odessa and was an early-day grain buyer. He sometimes carried gold dust by horse back from the bank in Ritzville in payment for grain. The Schoonovers spent many years in Odessa and later moved to Spokane. She was a member of Westminister Congregational church and Deborah Chapter. She was also a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Mother’s Club. She resided in Spokane for over 40 years, making her home for many years at Riverview Terrace. She is survived by two sons and a daughter: John A Schoonover of Boise, Idaho; M Victor Schoonover of San Mate, CA; and Mrs Albert (Florence) Geib of Wilbur, WA; four grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of the 13 children of the George Beck family.” (scrapbook item: undated; died:  July 1973)

Schuster:  H Gordon Schuster, age 81, died Aug 4, 2004 at North Central Care Center. He was born on Jan 8, 1923, in Wilbur, where his parents, Henry and Ella (Wilken) Schuster, farmed. He graduated from Wilbur High School in 1940, attended WSU to 1943 from where he enlisted in the Army Infantry. Gordon is survived by his wife, Carol; one daughter, Iantha Sidell of Mercer Island; and one son, Gregory Schuster of Spokane, WA; two step-sons, Kelly Strantz of Spokane and Mitch Strantz of Spangle. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and several cousins. Riplinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (notes from Spokesman Review: 8-08-2004)

Singer:  Peter F Singer, 91, of Danville, died Saturday, March 25, 2006, in Odessa. He was born in Danville, where he lived his entire life working as a farmer.  Survivors include his children, Jim Singer of Danville; Katherine Marr of Wenatchee, Sally Siegel of Odessa and Sherry Johnson of Wauconda; and his sisters, Louise Clark of Grand Forks, BC; and Emily Duncan of Colville. Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Republic Cemetery. Arrangements by Bergh Funeral Service, Oroville.” (Wenatchee World: 3-29-2006) 

Snook:  Melvin Joseph Snook died Jan 28, 2006 at his home in Orofino due to infirmities of age. He was born in Wilson Creek, WA on May 24, 1902, the son of Eugene Clayton and Frances Davis Snook. He moved with his family to Rathdrum, Idaho in 1911 when his father joined his brother in a logging venture. The family again moved, this time to Spirit Lake in 1915, where Mel finished elementary school. Mel met a schoolteacher, Agnes Reford, in 1926 at a Charleston dance in Spokane, WA. They married and settled in Spirit Lake. Four children were born of this union: Mary Lou, Frances Lee, Bill and Evelyn. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Lou Dion and husband Joseph, Evelyn Olsen; son, Bill Snook and wife Bea; grandchildren… ,12 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Agnes, daughter Francis Lee; grandson, Gene Snook; sisters: Bonnie Snook, Wilma Norell, Mildred Rodgers, Iva Snook, Lila Snook, Bernice Snook, Jean DeSart; and brother Wayne. Memorial service at Pines Hills Chapel in Orofino on Feb 2, 2006; Burial at the Riverside Cemetery. (excerpt of Spokesman Review: 2-01-2006)

 

Snowden:  Ronald Dean Snowden, Sr, age 66.—Former Adams County Sheriff passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at his home in Ritzville from heart failure. He was born April 3, 1936 in Yakima, WA to Wilton and Ina Bailey Snowden. He was the youngest of seven children. He attended school in Richland graduating from high school there in 1955… He married Arlene Bestul Feb 22, 1958 in Orofino, ID in 1959. Ron joined the WSP and worked as a radio operator in Kennewick before completing his training at the WSP academy… Surviving is his beloved wife of 45 years, Arlene, at their Ritzville home; son Ron, Jr, and his wife Kami and their children Ryan, Michael and Tahnee, all of Cheney; son Chris and his wife Sydnee in Wilbur, WA; son Dan and his wife Kelly in Prince Albert, SK and numerous brothers-in-law;aw, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters and two brothers. A service celebrating Ron’s life will be held April 1, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville, WA with Pastor Sandra Sparks officiating. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA in charge.” (excerpt Spokesman-Review: 3-29-2003)

 

Strutzel:  Bernadine L ‘De De’ Davis Strutzel, 92, a 75 year resident of the Cashmere-Monitor area, died Sunday evening, Dec 11, 2005, in the Cashmere Convalescent Center. She was born Bernadine L Davis on Feb 1, 1913, to Bradford and Mary (Schoonover) Davis of Odessa, WA. The family moved to America Falls, ID, where she received her early education and then attended high school in Spokane, Kellogg, Idaho, and Leavenworth and in 1930, she graduated from Cashmere High School. On Nov 29, 1933, she married Leo Strutzel at Wenatchee. They operated fruit orchards in Monitor… She is survived by her son, Michael (Sondra) Strutzel of Monitor; sister, Mary Lou LaVigner of Cashmere; grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband , Leo in 1981. Ward’s Funeral Chapel of Leavenworth is in charge of the arrangements. (extracted from Wenatchee World: 12-13-2005) 

Taft:  Kathleen Mitchell Tate died peacefully with her family by her side on Dec 23, 2005 after suffering a stroke. A memorial service will be held Jan 2, 2006 at the Davenport Hotel. Mrs Taft was born June 9, 1907 in Wilson Creek, WA to Charles and Elizabeth Mitchell. She graduated from Ephrata High School in 1923. In 1938 she married Willard ‘Duke’ Taft, who died in 1971. After completing law school Mrs Taft taught at Spokane’s Kinman’s Business University.  Mrs Taft is survived by her niece, Barbara Sloop, her grand-nieces/nephews, and second cousins. (notes from very detailed obit in Spokesman-Review: 12-31-2005) )

 

Thorpe:  Glen D Thorpe, age 85, passed away April 23, 2004 in Spokane Valley. He was born July 30, 1918 in Harrington, WA, the son of George and Emily Thorpe. Glen grew up in Edwall, WA. He worked for may years as a truck driver for United Truck Lines, Inland Motor Freight and Garrett Trucking and also worked in construction for some time before retiring. Glen was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, fishing and duck hunting. He was a member of the Teamsters union as well as the Eagles. Glen is survived by his loving wife of almost 16 years, Verna; daughter, Judie Thorpe; granddaughter, Chris King; and great granddaughter, Mikayla King; and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as his wife’s children, Linda, Kenny, Wes, Karen and Michael. Glen will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hennessey Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.”  (Spokesman-Review: 4-25-2004)

Underwood:  Margaret Underwood died Feb 20, 2009. She was born Nov 16, 1921 near Soap Lake. Her parents, Francis George Norman and Pearl Hughes Norman, were farming north of Soap Lake. Margaret was the third of four children.  Margaret attended elementary school in Adrian and high school in Ephrata. She married Howard Underwood, Sr, in Sept of 1940. They farmed near Creston, moved to a wheat farm near Hartline and eventually retired to a home in Wilbur. Margaret moved to a Memory Care Center in Yakima in 2006.  Margaret wrote articles of local interest for The Odessa Record, Gold Historian, Spokesman-Review and numerous other books and publications. She was shy about mentioning her hobbies, however, was talented in writing, art, music and sewing and enjoyed volunteering at the museum and walking in various 5-kilometer events. Margaret and Howard were ‘Persons of the Year’ in Wilbur due to numerous volunteering efforts, and Margaret was runner up for Senior Queen of Wild Goose Bill Days in 2005. Margaret is survived by her faithful cat, Spooky; one sister, Ann Winkler of Soap Lake; a daughter, Norma Webber (Jack) of Shelton; a son, Howard Underwood Jr, (Donna) of Yakima; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Underwood, Sr; a brother, Francis Norman, and a sister, Pearly Foxley. At Margaret’s request, there will be no services.” (Odessa Record: 2-26-2009) 

Wagoner:  Edith (Toni) L (Benham)(Boyce) Wagoner, died Saturday, Feb 14, 2009, in Colville.  She was born March 7, 1937, to George and Helen Benham in Douglas, Wyoming. She graduated from Blackfoot High School and married Donald C Boyce on Aug 7, 1957, in Lewiston, Idaho.  While raising her children, she was both a homemaker and an administrative assistant for Sunshine Mines. Later on she became an office manager for Key Home Center and worked for the Lewiston Morning Tribune and the Lewiston Grain Growers Association. She enjoyed a good novel, baking, knitting, crocheting, her flower gardens, golf, getting together with friends to play cards, and summers with her grandchildren.  Edith is survived by her son, Steven Boyce (Sue) of Hillsboro, OR, her daughter, Ramona West of Tigard, OR, three grandchildren, Sarah West, Cody West and Joshua Boyce; two great grandchildren, Hannah Shaw and Marvin Shaw; brother Jim Benham; former husband Don Boyce; and her companion Roy Linney. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jo Grimes. A memorial service has been planned for a later date. The Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Colville is in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 2-26-2009)

Warren:  “Mr and Mrs Frank Ransom received word last week that her father, Roy Leo Warren, had passed away in Spokane. Mr and Mrs Warren had lived in Marlin for about a year before moving to Spokane. Graveside services were held at High Valley Memorial Gardens in Ellensburg, Saturday, Sept 23.” (Odessa Record: 9-28-1978, Marlin News)

 

 Wolsborn:  Esther Martha (Oster) Wolsborn died March 18, 2009 in Spokane. She was 90 years old. Esther was born into the family of Christian Oster and Mary Schafer on July 1, 1918 in Ruff, WA. She was one of ten children which included Pauline Walter, John Oster, Christian Oster, Violet Nerheim, Harold Oster, Eleanor Gasaway, Evelyn Bass, Joyce Andres and Betty Helmer.  Esther lived in Ruff, Lamona, and Odessa in her early years and worked on farms and picked apples in the Wenatchee area. On July 24, 1937, she married David Wolsborn and moved to Spokane in 1940. Their son, Gerald, was born two years later. During WW II, Esther worked at Galena and after the war she found employment at Sears and worked there for 30 years.  An animal lover, Esther always had a dog or cat and often took in strays. She loved to garden and shop. Northtown had a special place in her heart. Esther belonged to the Women of the Moose for many years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dave.  Esther is survived by her son and his wife, Gerald and Tina Wolsborn of Occidental, CA; a grandson, John Wolsborn, Washington, DC; three granddaughters, Susan Hongisto, San Francisco, CA, Erin Wolsborn, San Francisco, CA, and Jennifer Wolsborn, San Diego, CA; great grandchildren, Ursula, Matilda, Zachary, Annabelle, Ava, and Benjamin. A funeral service was held Wednesday, March 25, 2009.” (Odessa Record: 4-09-2009) 

==============================================

 Submitted to the Lincoln County, Washington, GenWeb,

 May  2009, by Marge Womach.

======================================================
      USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
          free information on the Internet, data may be used by
          non-commercial entities, as long as this message
          remains on all copied material. These electronic
          pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
          or for presentation by other persons or organizations.
           Persons or organizations desiring to use this material
          for purposes other than stated above must obtain the
          written consent of the file contributor.
          This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb.         
======================================================

© Copyright  2009  WAGenWeb