Odessa Vicinity Deaths File

Ashley: “Bertha Ashley, age 90.—Passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 29^th, 2005 at her home in Spokane, WA, where she lived for 57 years. She was born May 21, 1914 to Abraham C Jantz at Ruff, WA. Baptized at the Menno Mennonite Church in Ruff, she attended Terrace Heights Baptist Church in Spokane. She is a graduate of Harrington High School, attended Kinman Business College, and worked in office administration and retail before retiring as a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur A Ashley; brothers, Howard Jantz of Davenport, WA, and Cornelius Jantz of Odessa, WA. Surviving her are son, Roderick Ashley, daughter-in-law Amanda Baines Ashley and granddaughter, Hannah Mary Ashley, of Portland, Oregon; sister, Irma King of Spokane; brother, Merlin Jantz of Odessa; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Funeral service April 2, 2005, 2 p.m. at Riverside Mausoleum, Riverside Memorial Park.” (Spokesman-Review: 4-02-2005)

Barker: “Graveside service for Charles W Barker, 81, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Sunset Mausoleum in Fairmount Memorial Park. Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr Barker, who died July 8, was a longtime resident of Deer Lake, WA, before moving to Odessa five years ago. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II, and owned and operated a car renovation shop for many years. Mr Barker was a member of the Deer Lake Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Eunice; a daughter, Linda Kuch, of Odessa; a brother, Carl Greathouse of Nutter fort, WV; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: 7-13-2002)

Dobson: “Dorothy L Dobson, Age 80.—Entered into rest Nov 16, 2001. Survived by two sons, Terry and his wife, Judy Dobson, Seattle, WA, Dennis Dobson, Spokane, WA; one daughter, Claudia and her husband, Don Warwick, Syringa, ID; five grandsons; five great grandchildren; one sister, Georgia Mae Lofgren, Yakima, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, in 1995. They had been associated with A & K Meats of Spokane for 30 years. Dorothy was a member of the Unity Church of Truth, Nu Life, the Elks Auxiliary, and the Eagles Auxiliary where she often took part in the fashion show. She was a member of the Senior Environmental Corps, the Metaphysical Research Society, the Women’s Club, the South Hill Senior Center and the BOF. She had a compassion for wildlife, especially wolves, loved life and loved to dance. Memorial service 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 20, 2001 at Unity Church of Truth, Spokane. Riplinger Funeral Home in charge of cremation.” (Spokesman-Review: 11-18-2001)

Guffin: “Clara Guffin.—Entered into rest March 3, 2005 in Spokane. Born to John and Paulene Tipke on December 31, 1909 in Odessa, WA. Her parents had moved to Odessa in 1908 from Redwing, MN. They later returned to Minnesota and then moved to Sherwood, ND in 1914. She attended Eslen Valley School, moving to Canfield Gulch, Otis Orchards, WA, in 1925. At the age of 16, she moved into Spokane and worked at Commercial Creamery and Edge Cliff Sanitarium. She met her husband to be, Lloyd Guffin, and they were married on Dec 7, 1931. Their marriage lasted 71 years and Lloyd predeceased Clara in Jan 2003. Clara is survived by their three children, Len, Les and Karen (Cronin); 13 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 3 ½ great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; a sister, Erma Ostrum; a brother, Ray Tipke; two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Tipke of Hayden Lake, ID, and Dorthy Guffin of Spokane; numerous cousins. Clara liked to crochet, sew, and cook. She really enjoyed bowling. She was a member of the Women of the Moose Bowling League, the Mixed Lutheran League, and the Firemen’s Woman League. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 6, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Mausoleum Chapel at Fairmount Memorial Park Cemetery. Riplinger Funeral Home, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman-Review: 3-05-2005)

Haas: “Gloria B (Becker) Haas.—Passed away Feb 14, 2003 after a 15 year battle with cancer. Gloria was born in Wilson Creek, WA Oct 26, 1933 to August and Louise Becker. Gloria graduated from Central Valley High School in 1951. She lived in Alta, CA for the last 27 years. She is survived by her husband, Casey Haas; daughters, Cynthia Key, Patricia Heisterkamp, Kim Haas and son Kenneth Haas; six grandchildren and one great grandchild; brothers, Bud and Betty Becker, Marvin and June Becker and Jerry and Margy Becker; numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will be 10:30 a.m. April 8 at Pines Cemetery with memorial to follow at 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ, Veradale.” (Spokesman-Review: 4-06-2003)

Jolliffe: “Harriet Ann Jolliffe, age 82.—Long-time Ephrata resident and wife of the late past Grant County Assessor, Glenn ‘Jolly’ Jolliffe, passed away Thursday, Feb 13, 2003 at McKay Healthcare & Rehab Center in Soap Lake. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb 17, 2003 at the United Methodist Church in Ephrata with Rev Richard Coghill officiating. Interment will follow in the Ephrata Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. Harriet was born Feb 15, 1920 to the late Henry & Anna (Schorzman) Schiewe in Odessa, WA where she was raised and educated. She married Glenn ‘Jolly’ Jolliffe on April 13, 1941. They moved to Ephrata in 1950, where they owned and operated Jolly’s Drive In and Vonette’s Restaurant. Jolly passed away in 1969. Harriet was a longtime employee of the Grant County Public Utility District and retired in 1982. She was a member of the Columbia Basin Orthopedic Guild. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Von Dell Bennion-Hebert and Doug Hebert of Seattle, WA, and Glennette and Roger Paulk of Kaiser, Oregon; two grandsons and five great grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: 2-16-2003)

Koch: “Martha Naomi (Walter) Koch, 87, of Wenatchee, passed away Wednesday, Dec 11, 2002, at Blossom Creek with family members at her side. She was born Oct 25, 1915, in Odessa, to Conrad and Anna Marie (Weber) Walter. She was preceded in death by her husband, L W Koch. They had been married 55 years when he passed away in 1990. She and her husband ran the L W Koch Co (lumber and truss company) in Wenatchee for 25 years. They were members of Grace Lutheran Church. Martha belonged to the Order of Eastern Star, Zenith Chapter #55, and served as Worthy Matron and as Grand Representative of Pennsylvania. She is survived by her two daughters: Vada and her husband, James Stewart, of Cashmere; and Marla Koch, of Spokane; six grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, and seven sisters. Funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 18, 2002, at Betts Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery.” (Wenatchee World: Dec 2002)

Kroetch: “William Joseph ‘Bill’ Kroetch, age 61.—Passed away Dec 4, 2002 at Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene, ID. Bill was a resident of Spirit Lake, ID, where he had been living for the past 10 years. He is survived by his son, Larry Kroetch of Post Falls, ID; daughters, Karrie Bright of Spokane, WA, Sherrie Gerrior of Suquamish, WA; seven grandchildren; four sisters, Jan Klasen of Ephrata, WA, Joan Moran of Spokane, WA, Cathy Wilson of Lethbridge, Alberta, Margret Tracy of Odessa, WA; two brothers, Dick Krutch of Bainbridge Island, WA, Greg Kroetch of Spokane, WA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Serene Kroetch; and brothers, Charles Kroetch and George Kroetch. Bill was a member of the Spirit Lake Lyons Club; he enjoyed hunting and being in the outdoors; and spending time with his friends and family. He will be missed. Services will be held Saturday, Dec 14, 2002 at 11 a.m. at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Spirit Lake, ID.” (Spokesman-Review: 12-08-2002)

Lesser: “Visitation for Amelia ‘Mickey’ Lesser, 88, will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Spokane Memorial Gardens. Mrs Lesser, who died Wednesday, was a 60 year Spokane resident. She was born in Odessa, WA, and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad. Survivors include a son, Allen Lesser; two daughters, Marlene Kramer and Karen Collins; two sisters; 10 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: 2-02-2002) (Edit: Conrad Lesser of Lincoln Co and Amelia Horak of Lincoln Co were married 23 Feb 1933 in Davenport, by George Hering, Justice of the Peace, with witnesses Roscoe Janke and Adam Walter.)

Luher: “Service for Elsie G (Luiten) Luher, 96, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Riplinger Funeral Home. Mrs Luher, who was born on a farm near Odessa, WA, died Wednesday. She was a resident of Pullman for 67 years. She attended a one-room country school near her home and then graduated in 1923 from Odessa High School. She married Herbert Luher in 1924. Mrs Luher’s first job was as a secretary at a law office. She also had worked as a bookkeeper. She worked at Washington State University as a senior clerk in the duplicating and mailing department for many years, retiring in 1962. She was a member and past president of the Pullman Federated Women’s Club and the Pullman Business and Professional Women’s Club. She also was a member of the Senior Center, the AARP and several bridge clubs. Her husband died in 1951. Survivors include two sons, Floyd Luher of Los Alamitos, CA, and Jack Luher of Spokane; a sister, Erma O’Leary of Vancouver, British Columbia; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: 11-17-2001)

Lutz: “Merna M Lutz, 69, a longtime George resident went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 17, 1999 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Born on Aug 19, 1929 to Leo and Beuhla I (Prall) Duggan at Stella, NE. Merna , moved with her family as a young girl to Hagerman, ID. Married Alvin J Lutz on Nov 4, 1951 at Clover, ID, and moved to the George area in 1956 where they developed a farm north of George. In 1964 they built their home in Geroge where she still resided until her death. Mr Lutz preceded her in death in 1972. Mrs Lutz was a former member of the BPW of Quincy, charter member of the Happy Homemakers, Georgettes, and the quilting group, named George Citizen of the Year in 1997, was editor of the yearly George Crier, Bi-Centennial chairman, in the Who’s Who of women of the world and the town historian. She also served on the Community Hall board, and helped every year with the baking of the George Washington birthday cake, and a member of Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in George. Survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Roy and Tammy Lutz of Wenatchee; son, Randy and his children, Ryan Lutz of George, Charmain, Casey and Brandon Lutz of Everett, Jim and Linda Lutz and their children, Alia Jo, Matthew and Nicholas, all of Wenatchee; daughter and son-in-law, Katrina and Frank Rodriguez and their children, Ashley, Alyx and Colby Rodridgues, all of George; brothers, Marvin Duggan of Buhl, ID, Wyman Duggan of George; sister, Marge Sligar of Twin Falls, ID. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 1999 at 1 p.m. from the Quincy Valley Cemetery with funeral services to follow at 3 p.m from Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in George. Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel in Quincy in charge of arrangements.” (Wenatchee World: 4-20-1999)

McKinley: Eileen LeBaron Baldwin McKinley, age 89, died Sept 29, 2002 at Central Washington Hospital. Eileen was born in San Ysidro, CA on Sept 15, 1913 to Mattie (Scaman) and Charles Baldwin. She was the oldest of four sisters. When she was 8, her parents moved to Richmond, CA. She held her first teaching job in 1938 in a one-room schoolhouse in the tiny community of Mina, CA, where she met her husband, James McKinley. They were married on July 31, 1943 in Atlanta, GA where James was waiting to go overseas during WW II.Her husband died in 1990. Survivors included her daughter, Ann Wilson and husband, Keith of Wenatchee; her daughter, Margie Leslie and husband, Mike of Oregon City, OR; her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She ahs one surviving sister, Charlotte Hicks and her husband, Irby, of Ferndale. Her husband and two sisters preceded her in death. Memorial services will be held at the Wenatchee Brethren Baptist Church United on Oct 13, 2002 at 1 p.m. Pastor Sam Detwiler and her son-in-law, Keith Wilson, will officiate. Arrangements are assisted by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee. (notes from Wenatchee World: 10-03-2002)

Olesberg: “Memorial service for Jo Ann Hoefel Olesberg, 76, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene. Mrs Olesberg, who was born in Odessa, WA, died Thursday. She grew up and attended school in Ritzville, WA, and moved with her family to Spokane, where she graduated from Lewis and Clark High School. Mrs Olesberg worked as an apprentice in the printing field for six years and became a journeyman compositor and linotype operator. She married J Richard ‘Dick’ Olesberg in 1948 and they settled in Minnesota, where she worked in the printing field. They moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1952. Mrs Olesberg was active in the 3-C’s Women’s golf and bowling leagues and was a member of the Coeur d’Alene PEO and First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed traveling and took a yearly trip to Birch Bay, WA, to crab and clam, and also spent summers at the family lake cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Her husband died in 1996. Survivors include two sons, Mark Olesberg of Coeur d’Alene and Dale Olesberg of Beaverton, OR; a daughter, Jean Sherich of Hayden, Idaho; and five grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: April 2001)

Pfeifer: “Betty Jean Pfeifer, 72, of Soap Lake, died Saturday, Dec 28, 2002, in Ephrata. She was a former resident of Odessa, and had been a school bus driver in Wilson Creek for several years. Survivors include her husband, Ray Pfeifer of the home; a daughter, Marilyn Santangelo of Eindhoven, Netherlands; a son, Lyle Pfeifer of Ellensburg; and a brother, Duaine Childers of Almira. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa, the Rev Don Smith officiating. Arrangements are by Strate Funeral Home, Davenport.” (Spokesman Review: 1-01-2003)

Randall: “Elvera Mae (Lenhart) Randall, ‘Toni’, age 72.—of Riverview, Michigan went to be with the Lord on Sept 8, 2002. Elvera was born on May 5, 1930 in the Ritzville, WA area to Anna and Jacob Lenhart. She graduated from Odessa schools and Sacred Heart School of Nursing. She met her husband in Michigan and later married where they lived until her passing. Loving wife of Harry; dearest mother of Robert Randall and Heidi ‘Dean’ Gainer; dear sister of Clarence Lenhart, Florence Griffen, Rachel Anderson and Erma Kautz; grandmother of Michael and Matthew Randall. A celebration of life was held at the Crown Point Club House in Riverview on Saturday, Oct 5, 2002 from 2-5 p.m.” (Spokesman-Review: 10-09-2002)

Schiffler, Fred: Fred Schiffler, age 72, pioneer resident of Davenport for many years, died at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane late Saturday evening, following a long illness. Mr. Schiffler underwent an operation about a month before his death, and was thought to be getting along nicely when pneumonia set in, and he grew worse steadily for the last few days before his death. Funeral services were held at Hazen & Jaeger’s chapel in Spokane Tuesday afternoon at 1 PM. Rev C. A. Hodshire of the Davenport Methodist church preached the funeral sermon, assisted by Rev Lange of Spokane. Interment was in Riverside Park Cemetery in Spokane. Pallbearers were E. Zellmer, William Beck, August Zellmer, Fred Mauser, Mr. Wagner and Mr. Wideman, all of Spokane. A number of Davenport friends of Mr. Schiffler attended the funeral. Mr. Schiffler was born in Germany Apr 13, 1854. He came to the United States in June, 1881, and settled in Blue Earth, MN, where he resided until 1901, when he came to Washington. He resided in the Bluestem district for many years, and, after retiring from farm life, moved to Davenport, where he lived until his removal to the hospital in Spokane. He was married Aug 22, 1878 to Pauline Koch, who survives him. He is also survived by two daughters, Mrs. L. J. Miller of Davenport and Mrs. W. G. Mauser of Spokane, and two sons, Hugo Schiffler of Bluestem and Fred E. Schiffler of Portland, as well as by 5 grandchildren. All of the children and their families with the exception of Fred E. Schiffler were present at the funeral. (Submitted)

Schuster: “Marjorie Pearl Schuster, age 92.—Entered into rest March 4, 2003 in Ellisville, MO. She was born Aug 29, 1910 in Lamona, WA. She had resided in Spokane for 80 years and moved to St Louis, MO five years ago. Marjorie was a long-time member of Audubon Park United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the German-American Society, Corbin Community Center, Lady Elks #228, and the BOF Lodge. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn and Dr Steven Rowan of Ballwin, MO; granddaughter, Jonna Rowan Needle and grandson, Austin G J Rowan; and one great grandchild, Spencer; and numerous relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Al J Schuster on March 18, 1994. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Monday, March 10, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at Riplinger Funeral Home with Rev Dr Keat B Yeoh officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park. Riplinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman-Review: 3-08-2003)

Williamsen: “Memorial service for Rev Stanley Sigvald Williamsen, 81, will be today at 11 a.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church in Medical Lake. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Born in Chicago, died Sunday. A resident of Spokane for 16 years, attended Altgeld Grade School and Calumet High School in Chicago and served in the Army Signal Corps during WW II. Graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, WA, 1953 graduated from Luther Seminary in St Paul, MN. Served at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Tacoma and Zion Lutheran in Ferndale, WA., at the Petersburg Lutheran Church in Petersburg, Alaska. Returning to Washington he served at Zion and Christ Lutheran in Davenport, WA, and Our Savior’s Lutheran in Almira, WA. After retirement, Rev Williamsen served as pulpit supply for about 17 congregations throughout Eastern Washington and Idaho. He wrote the book, ‘Forgiveness Therapy’, enjoyed woodwork, stained glass and participating in the construction of various homes. He was an Eagle Scout and was a Cub Scout leader in Petersburg. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Rosalie; two sons, Timothy and Michael; two daughters, Lori and Susan; a brother, Tom; and three grandchildren.” (Wenatchee World: 11-21-2003)

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)

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