Odessa Vicinity Deaths

                                                                            burial location elsewhere

                                                                      Submitted by Marge Womach

                                                                                                           File 1  Page M                                                                       

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Macdonald: see McDonald 

Mace:  “A broken neck was suffered in a head-on automobile collision near Creston on Friday night by William Gilmore, 70, old-time resident of Spirit Lake, Idaho. Mrs Gilmore escaped serious injuries. Mrs Edna Hooper, Grand Coulee, was also hurt. In the other care were Mr and Mrs Gene Mace, Deer Park, and Miss Barbara Hoag, 23, Coulee Dam. The car skidded on the slippery highway and crashed into the other car. Mr Mace, 24, was unconscious when taken to the hospital, suffering possible skull fractures, concussion and cuts. Miss Hoag suffered a broken jaw, and Mrs Mace minor injuries. Mr Mace and Mr Gilmore died later at a Spokane hospital.” (Odessa Record: 12-09-1937)

MacGinnitie:  Elizabeth E MacGinnitie died Jan 22, 1998 in Ritzville. She was born May 20, 1910, in Fountain County, IN. She married Walter F MacGinnitie on July 15, 1933. They remained in Illinois until Walter’s death in 1985 and she relocated to Ritzville in 1986, where her daughter, Nancy Weber and husband Mike reside. She was survived by two sons and the daughter, grandchildren and two sisters, Mary Pratt of Salt Lake City and Martha Simon of Illinois. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-29-1998)

Macho:  Mrs Matilda Macho, 74, died in Spokane Thursday and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery. Mrs Macho, a former resident of the Coulee City area, has made her home in Odessa with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Win Self. Born in Sweden in 1883, Mrs Macho came to the US at the age of 16 and in 1902 was married to Albert M Macho in Spokane. Mr Macho died in Spokane in Nov 1945 and she came to Odessa to make her home. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-09-1947)

Mack:  Caroline Mack died Apr 14, 2001 at her home in Soap Lake. She and her husband Bob lived in Odessa from 1955 to 1960 during which time Bob taught in the Odessa school. Memorial services were held in Ephrata. (notes from Odessa Record: 4-26-2001)

Mack:  Cheryl Lynn Mack, b. Oct 10, 1957 in Odessa; d. Jan 9, 1991 in Spokane; funeral in Ephrata; her parents, Bob and Carolyn Mack, lived in Odessa 1955-1960 where Bob taught school. (Odessa Record: 1-17-1991)

Maier:  “A former pastor of Pilgrim Church in Odessa (now the United Congregational church) died on June 2, it is reported, at the age of 88 years. Rev Karl K Maier had served here form 1922 to 1924. Rev Maier was born in Kleinneudorf, South Russia on Dec 23, 1877. He came to America in 1885. On Sept 19, 1908 he joined hands in marriage with Bertha Kraft. Three children were born in this union. The deceased was ordained to the Christian ministry on June 27, 1909 in the Congregational Church at Gackle, ND. Before his retirement in 1944, Pastor Maier served in North Dakota, Idaho, Washington and California. He served as a supply pastor as his health permitted after he retired. His survivors include his widow; two daughters; one son, Rev Elmer C Maier of beaver Dam, WI.  Interment was in the Falls View Cemetery at American Falls, Idaho.” (Odessa Record: 7-28-1966) 

Main:  George H Main, b. 12-17-1905, in Decorah, Iowa; d. Aug 14, 1980, buried Harrington’s Hillcrest Cemetery, see that file. (Odessa Record details: 8-21-1980)

Main:  (Frances) Louise Nohr Main, born 1911, died 1975, see Hillcrest Cemetery.

Marchand:  Cecil A Marchand died Jan 5, 2000 in Moses Lake, where a memorial Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with private family inurnment at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. He was born Feb 3, 1920, the son of the late Ollie and Alex Marchand. He grew up at Omak and graduated from Omak High School, then attended WSC and Gonzaga University. He married Irene Smith of Odessa on Nov 7, 1940 in Coeur d’Alene. He served in the Marine Corps during WW II in the South Pacific.  He is survived by his wife Irene, one son James; two daughters, Janet Turner and JoAnn Hochstatter, 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-13-2000)

Marchand:  Irene (Smith) Marchand, 83, of Moses Lake, died June 7, 2005 in Spokane. She was born in  Odessa on Oct 25, 1921, the daughter of Mark and Anna (Havlicek) Smith, graduating from Odessa High School in 1939. She married Cecil A Marchand on Nov 7, 1940, residing in Omak and Moses Lake. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 11, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moses Lake. (notes from Odessa Record: 6-16-2005)

Marr:  Donald David Marr, of Lind, died in Wenatchee on Oct 8, 1987. He was born May 20, 1967 to Donald R and Linda Marr. Memorial services were held at the Ritzville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness. Betts Funeral Home of Wenatchee was in charge. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-22-1987)

Martin:  Roger C Martin of Issaquah died July 25, 1988 at his home. He was born Apr 29, 1929 in Hunters. He was married in 1953 to Dorene Sliter. He was employed in Odessa at Suko Motors from 1963 to 1967. Memorial service was held July 30 at Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home. (notes from Odessa Record: 8-11-1988)

Mayberry:  Sidney A Mayberry died April 21, 1969 at Chewelah. Interment was at Greenwood Memorial Terrace in Spokane. Sidney was born in Wilbur March 15, 1909,  the son of Sidney Y and Alma Williams Mayberry.  On Nov 12, 1952 he was married. He is survived by Hannah, his wife, son Sidney L, his mother, two brothers and three sisters. (notes from Odessa Record: 5-01-1969)

Mayer:  (Mrs Nellie Lawrence Mayer) “Word was received here this week of the death of Mrs Robert Mayer, 24, Yakima, formerly Miss Nellie Lawrence of Lamona. Mr Mayer is a brother of Arthur Mayer of Odessa, who is now at Yakima.  Mary Ellen Lawrence was born on Feb 13, 1909, at Harrington, WA, and died Feb 26. She was married to Robert Mayer of Odessa in 1929 at Clarkston, WA, and later moved to Yakima in Jan, 1930, where she lived until her death. She is survived by her husband, Robert Mayer; her mother, Edith Lawrence, and her sister, Ruth Lawrence, Yakima; and one brother, Keith Lawrence, Spokane.  The funeral services were held at Yakima on Tuesday, after which the body was taken to Prosser for burial. The Mayers’ moved to Yakima to make their home several years ago, after having lived in the Odessa region for many years.  Mrs Mayer received her education in the Odessa and Lamona schools and was well known among the younger people.” (Odessa Record: 3-03-1933)

Mayer:  “Mrs Otto Mayer of Odessa died at the home of her parents, Mr and Mrs Jacob Schiewe, at Odessa, Dec 9^th. Consumption was the cause of death.” (Citizen: Dec 17, 1909)

Mayer:  “Mrs Daniel Mayer died at Portland on Oct 24, according to word received here this week. The mother of Mrs Will Schorzman, she had made her home here until some time ago, going to Portland to live. She was born in Bessarabia, Russia, Aug 21, 1860, and died at the age of 74 years, two months and three days. Other survivors include Mrs Henry Weils, Mrs Jacob Banko, George and Otto Mayer, all of CA, Julius and David Mayer, Portland, and Mrs Lucy Kaufman, American Falls, Idaho.” (Odessa Record: 11-02-1934)

Mayewski:  “Iona Motycka Mayewski, a native of Odessa, died Saturday, May 25, 1996, in Spokane following a long illness with cancer. She was 72 years old. She was born in Odessa on Feb 14, 1924, the daughter of Albin and Pauline Motycka. She attended grade school in Odessa and attended school in Davenport when the family moved there. She married Louis Mayewski on Oct 18, 1943, in Davenport. They lived in Davenport, where they raised their three children. Iona was a homemaker and worked as a cook and waitress. For the past 20 years she had lived in Spokane, where she also worked as a waitress, retiring when she was 55. She was a member of the UFW and the Corbin Center in Spokane.  She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Louis Mayewski, of Davenport; three children, Karen, Jody and Roger Mayewski, a daughter-in-law, Leslie, and a grandchild, Haley Iona Mayewski, all of the Spokane Valley, a brother, Albin Motycka, of Davenport, and two sisters, Juelanne Ferry and Marlene Yarbrough, of Spokane. A memorial service was held in Spokane on May 28.” (Odessa Record: 6-06-1996)

Mays:  John K Mays of Odessa , born at Lewiston, ID Feb 26, 1903, passed away May 6 at Odessa. He was married to Pearl Kunz in June 1925 at Chehalis, and she predeceased him in 1979. In July 1980, he was married to Addline Werner (nee Roloff), here at Odessa. A farmer for many years in the Hooper area until 1964, he then farmed west of Odessa until his retirement in 1986. Burial was at LaCrosse Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: 5-19-1988)

McDermott:  Thomas W McDermott, 80, a native and former resident of Odessa, died Feb 7, 1999 in Auburn, WA. He was born Aug 16, 1919, the son of Tom and Emma (Kuest) McDermott. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1937. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor, serving in the US Navy during WW II on the USS New Orleans. He was a 50-year resident of Auburn. (notes from Odessa Record: 2-25-1999)

McDonald:  “Requiem mass was said at 9 o’clock Monday morning at Seattle for Edward D Macdonald, 91, who died last Friday after a short illness. Mr Macdonald, born in London, England, had lived in Washington since 1901. He was a retired right-of-way buyer and claims agent for the Union Pacific railway. Surviving are 7 daughters, Mrs Jacob Walter, Jr, Odessa; Mrs A R Fryklund, Sacramento, CA; Mrs Carl Helmgren, Oakland, CA; Mrs F A Peterson, Oakland, CA; Mrs Gertrude Brown, San Francisco; Mrs Robert Picard, Brooklyn, NY; and Mrs W B Barbs, Columbus, OH; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Mr and Mrs Jacob Walter, Jr, attended the funeral services, returning here early Tuesday morning.” (Odessa Record: 10-23-1947)

McDowell: Mrs Mary J McDowell, 23, Lincoln, was fatally injured Saturday evening when a car driven by her husband, Kenneth McDowell was in a collision. “Mr McDowell sustained concussions and bruises, but was able to be in Davenport on Monday. His wife’s brother, Jim Mustard, Lincoln, and Miss Pat Fillion, also of Lincoln, sustained severe injuries and are in a Spokane hospital.” (notes from Odessa Record: 11-27-1947)

McGrath:  Beverly Wayne McGrath died in Odessa Sept 7, 1984, age 60. Bev was born in Mansfield, Oct 7, 1923. He married Mary E Greene on June 3, 1945. In 1979 he moved to Odessa where he was employed by Walter Implement Co. Burial in Mansfield Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: 9-20-1984)

McKeehan:  “Charles Raymond McKeehan, 10, son of Mr and Mrs Ben McKeehan of Wilson Creek, was instantly killed in a shooting accident near his home Tuesday. Officers reported the McKeehan boy and other neighbor boys were playing and that a gun supposedly loaded with blanks was discharged by Donald White, 12, son of Mrs Victor Key. The bullet entered young McKeehan’s left arm, passed into his chest, piercing the heart.” (Odessa Record: 8-08-1946)

McLaughlin:  Eva Engbrecht McLaughlin was born Aug 25, 1902 on a farm on the prairie thirty miles north of Hebron, ND, to Jacob and Mary Bell (Matteson) Engbrecht. She married Hugh C McLaughlin on July 7, 1926, who preceded her in death. She died Oct 1, 1982 in Spokane with final services being held at Holy Cross Cemetery. Survivors included: six sons and three daughters, Mrs Melvin (Marlys) Kissler of Odessa; Mrs Calvin (Ramona) Johnson of Moses Lake; and Mrs Wallace (Sharon) Woodard of Spokane; one brother Henry; two sisters; 16 grandchildren. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-14-1982)

McLaughlin:  Gordon J McLaughlin died Feb 20, 2001 at his home in Brier, WA. He was born in Golden Valley, ND, on Sept 13, 1941, a triplet son of Hugh and Eva McLaughlin. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane in 1959, EWSC in 1964 and served in the US Army, stationed in Germany. In 1969 he married Evelyn Jager. Private services are planned. Evergreen-Washelli is in charge of arrangements. (notes from Odessa Record: 3-08-2001)

McLaughlin:  Roger Dean McLaughlin died at his home in Bothell on Dec 4, 2001. He was born April 6, 1934 in Golden Valley, ND, the son of Hugh and Eva McLaughlin. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane in 1952. He married Teresa Faulhaber in 1955, who survives him.  Roger was preceded in death by his daughter Karen, his brothers Robert and Gordon, and sister Ramona Lobe Johnson. Among the long list of survivors, a sister, Marlys Kissler (Melvin) of Odessa survives.  (notes from Odessa Record: 12-13-2001)

McLendon:  “Marilee McLendon, 67, of Everett, passed away at her home just before Christmas. She was a home economics teacher in the Odessa School Dist in 1953-54, and later taught 25 years in the Shoreline School District in Seattle before her retirement. Funeral service and burial were at Acacia Cemetery in Seattle.” (Odessa Record: 1-23-1986)

McMenus: "G P M’Menus Died Tuesday. Was a Civil War Veteran—Lived Here 26 Years. Made Valiant Fight But Was Claimed By Pneumonia After Month’s Illness. G P McMenus, age 81, a pioneer of the Odessa country, died at his home just south of town of pneumonia about 10 o’clock Tuesday morning. Mr McMenus had not been in good health since an accident he had over a year ago and his last illness dated back about a month. He had been bedfast for about ten days during which time he made a valiant fight for life with heavy odds against him. Mr McMenus was born in Missouri in 1846. While only a boy he enlisted in the Civil War and fought for the Union cause until his discharge at the close of the hostilities. Later, being a natural lover of livestock, he rode the range in the states of Oklahoma and Texas, after which he entered politics and served as sheriff for two terms in Missouri. About 26 years ago he came to Odessa and liking the place took up land and sent for his family. He was a hard worker and a good citizen and it is generally acknowledged that very few men could have made a living for a large family, giving all a high school education, on a place like Pres. McMenus owned. He contracted his last illness while attending the funeral of his daughter, Mrs Mike Rosen, at Yakima a month ago. He is survived by his widow, Elizabeth, and nine daughters: Mrs Alice McDonald, Mrs O E Garaghan, Miss Wilma McMenus, Mrs James Lenniston and Miss Patty McMenus, all of Oakland, CA; Mrs Fanny Mitchell, Seattle; Mrs M M Thompson, Moose Creek, Alaska; Miss Jennie McMenus, Yakima; and Miss Clara McMenus, Spokane; four sisters, residents of Missouri and Colorado; and 12 grandchildren. His remains were taken to Ritzville and shipped from that point to Yakima where funeral services were conducted by Mount Adams Lodge No 227, F & A M, after which his remains were interred there beside those of his daughter, who so lately preceded him in death." (Odessa Record: 3-30-1928)

McMenus: "Mrs Bettie McMenus Dies in California. Mrs Bettie McMenus, 76, former resident here, died on Nov 12 at her home in Oakland, CA. Funeral services were held from the 10^th Street Baptist church with the Rev Mr Olso officiating, with burial in the Mountain View Cemetery, on Tuesday, Nov 14. Elizabeth Luraine Dunham was born near Kansas City, MO, Feb 22, 1868, and was married to G P McMenus in Bolivia, MO, in Oct, 1889. He had three children by a former marriage, of which one, Mrs Fannie Armstrong, lives in Oakland. Nine daughters were born to this union, seven of whom survive, including Mrs Georgia Thompson, Carmel, CA; Mrs Bessie Buranie, Mrs Jennie Johnson, Mrs Lorraine Barber, all of Oakland; Mrs Clara Rosenthal of Livermore, CA; Mrs Wilma Eckhart and Mrs Patrica Samallow of San Francisco. The family came to Odessa in 1900 and lived here 24 years, going from Odessa to Yakima, where Mr McMenus died March 23, 1928. Mrs McMenus then went to Oakland to make her home. Survivors also include 15 grandchildren, four sisters and three brothers." (Odessa Record: 11-30-1944)

McMichael:  Linda Dianne Mills McMichael, 53, died July 29, 1999 in Portland, OR. She was born Nov 8, 1945, in Odessa, the daughter of Herb and Dorothy Mills. She was baptized and confirmed in the English Congregational Church. She grew up on the family farm north of Odessa. Linda attended the Odessa schools and was graduated from Odessa High School with the Class of 1964. She then graduated from EWU in 1968. She was a school teacher. She married Randall McMichael in 1978 and they moved to Hermiston, OR where she taught for 15 years. She retired in 1993 and they moved to Portland. She is survived by her husband; 5 step-daughters; 6 sisters, Joan McClain of Tahleguah, OK; Jo Ann Mills of Spokane; Sharon Braun of Odessa; Kathy Rogers of Parker, CO; and Patty Nauert and Trudy Asselin, both of Spokane; two brothers, Gary Mills of Davenport and Noel Mills of Anchorage, Alaska, and 8 grandchildren. There will be a celebration of Linda’s life at the Jantzen Beach Doubletree Inn August 6 followed by a sundown floral ceremony on the river. (notes from Odessa Record: 8-05-1999)

McShane:  Mrs Sadie McShane of Keller was buried from the Sacred Heart church at Wilbur Monday with the Rev A A Joda conducting the services. The daughter of Mr and Mrs William Nee, she was born in Creston, where her parents were among the earlier settlers. She married Hugh McShane. She was survived by at least six daughters. (poor copy, Odessa Record: 7-26-1945)

Meader:  John E Meader died Dec 25, 2005 at his home in Odessa. He was born Sept 9, 1944. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest E Meader and Helen P Meader. He is survived by his wife Robin, 5 daughters: Francie Henderson of Odessa; Diane Meader of Moses Lake; Sarah Peterman of Highspire, PA; Apryl Sisco and Jennifer Wallo, both of Odessa; one son, Greg E Sisco of Highspire, PA; one brother, Jim Meader, of Seattle. Services are pending. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-12-2005)

Melaas:  “Della Jane (Delzer) Melaas, a native and former resident of Odessa, died on Sunday, Aug 2, 1998  in Spokane. Mrs Melaas, who was 70 years old, had been a resident of Spokane for many years. She was born March 16, 1928 in Odessa, the daughter of Richard and Elsie (Ramm) Delzer, and grew up on the family ranch north of Odessa near Pacific Lake. She attended elementary and high school in Odessa. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley, where she participated in many church activities. She was the church photographer, directed a program for teenagers and served on numerous church committees. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Carl G Melaas, at the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Ann Melaas, one daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Ed Foster, all of Spokane; two granddaughters, Andria Foster and Katie Foster, two step-grandchildren, Kelly Campbell and Ron Campbell; two step great grandsons, Joshua Campbell and Justin Campbell; one brother, Harvey Delzer, of Odessa; two sisters, Marianne Schelin, of Coeur d’Alene, and Devonna Bonney, of Elgin, OR; her mother, Elsie Delzer, of Coeur d’Alene, and numerous nieces and nephews. Family graveside services were conducted Wednesday, Aug 5, at Fairmont Memorial Park in Spokane, followed by a memorial service at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Shelley Bryan-Wee officiating. Ball & Dodd Funeral Home-North was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 8-06-1998)

Melcher:  “Donald A Melcher, 28, Soap Lake, harvest worker here, became Grant County’s sixth traffic fatality when the car he was driving left the roadway Monday about five miles east of Wilson Creek, the state patrol at Ephrata stated.  A brother, Edgar, 44, of Waterville, suffered severe head and facial cuts and was brought to Memorial hospital in Odessa.  The accident happened at 2:15 p.m., but death came about 15 minutes later, Dr Ronald M Gill of Moses Lake, Grant County Coroner determined. Death was attributed to a compound skull fracture and crushed chest. The patrol said Mr Melcher was heading west when the car left the roadway, traveled on the shoulder for 220 feet before going down a 14-foot embankment. The car overturned. The two brothers were thrown from the vehicle, with the younger Melcher being pinned underneath the wreckage. Passing motorists lifted the car from the victim.” (Odessa Record: 8-01-1963)

Melcher:  “Ednes Luella (Lobe) Melcher, 82, died Friday, Nov 19, 2004. She was born May 16, 1922, the daughter of Nathaniel and Barbara Lobe. Ednes was raised on her parents’ farm 12 miles south of Odessa. As a young girl, she learned to cook, do household chores and care for her younger siblings. She was graduated from Odessa High School with the Class of 1940 and married Ken Porter on Oct 10 of that same year. She was a loving and energetic homemaker to her husband and five children. One child, Wesley Alan, died at 6 months of age. She was a member of the English Congregational Church in Odessa. She volunteered for many church activities and was in charge of the memorial fund for the church. She was involved in the Ladies Aid and Fi-We church organizations. Ednes looked forward to Odessa’s Deutschesfest each September, and was actively involved in the cabbage roll booth. While raising her family she worked in the mercantile store, grocery store, Odessa Dry Cleaners and at the U & I Sugar plant in Moses Lake. She married Darrold Jones in 1959 and had six wonderful years with him. Darrold died, and she married Art Melcher in 1976. They moved back to Odessa to care for her mother.  Throughout her life she enjoyed Sewing Club, Bridge Club, Royal Neighbors and gardening. Her many relatives and friends remember her German cooking and especially her delicious Kuchen.  She was a caregiver to many relatives and friends, never complaining of her own misfortune and pain.  Preceding her in death were her parents, former husbands Kenneth Porter, Darrold Jones and art Melcher; one son, Wesley Alan Porter; brothers Edwin Lobe, Leo Lobe, Irvin Lobe and Lonnie Lobe, and one great grandchild, Nicole Barber.  Survivors include her children, Larry Porter, of Stanwood, WA; Connie O’Brien-Connelly (Larry), of Cusick; Nancy Case, of Spokane; and Bruce Porter (partner, Chuck Davis), of Wailua, Kauai; two sisters, Helen Thaut, Snohomish, WA, and Barbara Moline (Bill), of Spokane; two brothers, Don Lobe, of Moses Lake; and Eugene Lobe, of Odessa; 6 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She had three step-children, Betty Bills, of Idaho; Mary Lee King of Spokane; and Marcia Williams of Deer Park; 8 step-grandchildren, and 13 step-great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Nov 26, at the Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane.” (Odessa Record: 11-25-2004)

Melcher:  Reuben Melcher died Feb 5, 1997 with private burial in Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland, OR. He was born June 15, 1911, in Odessa. He married Irene Wolsborn in 1932 and moved to Portland area in 1942. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Connie Murphy, of Los Angeles, and two grandchildren. (notes from Odessa Record: 2-20-1997)

Melcher:  “A memorial service was held on Friday, March 16, at St Luke Lutheran Church in Portland for Ray H Melcher, who died Saturday, March 10, 2001, at the age of 80. Mr Melcher was born May 11, 1920 in Odessa, the son of Phillip and Pauline (Becker) Melcher, and was raised in Portland. He graduated from Grant High School in Portland. During WW II, he served in the US Navy in the South Pacific. He was an electrician for 50 years, retiring in 1982. He married Norine Southworth in 1950. Survivors include his wife; a son, Larry; a daughter, Sharon K; sisters Irma Hopkins and Dorothy Inman; one grandchild, and 3 great grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 3-22-2001)

Merkel:  Leone Lois Jennings Merkel died June 29, 2004, in Davenport. She was born Sept 22, 1922, the daughter of Leonard and Nancy (Jones) Jennings, in Wishek, ND. She graduated from Yakima High School. She married Henry (Hank) Dormaier, of Odessa, and they operated a service station in Odessa. Later they moved to Medical Lake and Edwall before his death. Leone then married Harold Merkel and she was a cook at the Edwall School District for several years. He preceded her in death as did two sisters and one granddaughter. She is survived by her son, Stanley L Dormaier, her daughter Joyce Craft, two stepsons, Gordon Merken and Ken Merkel. Private graveside services were at Spokane Memorial Gardens in Spokane. (notes from Odessa Record: 7-01-2004)

Merz:  Alice Marie (Steen) Merz, died Aug 23, 1997 at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane. She was born in Minnewauken, ND on Jan 10, 1929. She married Robert J Merz on June 16, 1951. Robert was a Lutheran teacher and pastor. She is survived by her husband and their seven children. She was preceded in death by her father, Arne, her mother, Elizabeth and brother, Roger Steen. Graveside services were held at the Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley. (notes from Odessa Record: 8-28-1997)

Messersmith: “Alfred Leroy Messersmith.  Died: 2-22-1997. Birth: 2-08-1942, Bremerton, WA. Spouse: Joann Marie Olson. Father: Harold Raymond Messersmith. Mother: Helen Stark. Buried: Pacific Northwest Crematory. Spokane, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death cards)

Meyer:  Arlene (Weber) Meyer died March 23, 2001 in Silverton, OR, where interment also occurred. She was born May 7, 1913, in Odessa, the daughter of Christian E and Toney (Reiman) Weber. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1931. She married Elmer H Meyer of Wabasha, MN, in 1943. (notes from Odessa Record: 4-05-2001)

Meyer:  Ben A Meyer, the son of Jacob Meyer and Susan Schwartz, was born at Ritzville on April 21, 1923 and died Dec, 1981. He purchased the Pastime Tavern in Odessa from Hank Weber in March of 1981. He had been ill for some time. He was found dead in the tavern on Thursday morning. Survivors include his wife, Susie and granddaughter, Heather of Cheney; one sister, Lydia Neutz of Odessa; three brothers, Alex of Roseburg, OR; George of Grandview, WA, and Alvin of Odessa. (notes from Odessa Record: 12-10-1981)

Meyer:  John Vincent Meyer, of Billings, MT, died June 27, 1999, age 19.  He was the son of Joan (Heimbigner) and Vincent Meyer, of Billings. He is survived by his father Vincent Meyer, his mother Joan (Heimbigner) Meyer Nye, his step-father Jerrold Nye, grandmother Julia Meyer, sisters Jennifer Nye and Cynthia Jackson, aunts and uncles including Lewis and Patricia Heimbigner. Interment was at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, MT. (notes from Odessa Record: 7-08-1999)

Michaelsen:  “Alfred Martin Michaelsen, 82, pioneer banker, died Saturday, Nov 8, at Colfax. Funeral services were held from the Plymouth Congregational church in Colfax at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Entombment was in Riverside Mausoleum, Spokane. Mr Michaelsen was born at Schuyler, NE. The family moved from there to CA where he spent several years. In 1907 he came to Odessa, WA, where he was a banker and engaged in the insurance business. In 1909 he was married to Alice Zicha at Odessa. In 1930 they moved to Colfax, where he was cashier of the Farmers National Bank and later upon purchase by the Old National Bank in 1937 he became manager which position he held until retiring in 1957. He was a member and past master of the Odessa Masonic Lodge. Surviving are his wife, Mrs Alice Michaelsen, at the home; three sons, Harold Michaelsen, Colfax; Robert L Michaelsen, Cheney; and Virgil L Michaelsen, Pullman; and one brother, H E Michaelsen, Odessa. Those from Odessa attending the last rites were Mr and Mrs H E Michaelsen, Mr and Mrs Henry Michaelsen Jr, Mr and Mrs Louis Kremsreiter and Mrs George Zicha.” (Odessa Record: 11-13-1969)

Michaelsen:  “Mrs Alice Zicha Michaelsen, age 93, passed away Nov 30, 1980 at Moscow, Idaho, a resident of Colfax, WA. She is survived by three sons, Harold Michaelsen of Colfax; Robert Michaelsen of Cheney; and Virgil Michaelsen of Pullman; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Colfax; The Aloha Club and Daughters of the Nile. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec 2, 1980 at Colfax, with entombment at Riverside Mausoleum, Spokane, WA.  Mrs Michaelsen was born in Silver Lake, MN and moved to Odessa in early childhood. Preceding her in death were her husband, Alfred, in 1969 and a daughter, Dorothy, in 1929. The Michaelsens were early pioneer residents of Odessa where Mr Michaelsen was in the banking business. After moving to Colfax in 1930 he became president of the Colfax State Bank.” (Odessa Record: 12-04-1980)

Michaelson: Catherine Marie Holman Michaelson, born Nov 10, 1846 in Odenberg, Germany, emigrated to US in 1868, settled in NE where she was married to Ludwig Michaelson, and 7 sons were born, died age 64, died Monday preceding Oct 27, 1911, date of obit in Odessa Record. Her remains were shipped to Schuyler, NE accompanied by husband and 4 sons.

Mikesh:  “A private funeral service was held for Frank J Mikesh Sr, who died at the age of 89 Wednesday, Dec 22, 1999 in Portland. He was born June 13, 1910, in Odessa, and moved in 1920 to Scappoose, OR, and in 1938 to Portland. He worked for Union Carbide company, retiring as maintenance supervisor in 1972. Survivors include his wife, Mary; sons Frank Jr, of Walnut Creek, CA; Paul, of Columbia, VA, and Gary of West Vancouver, WA; and Charles, of Scappoose; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.” (Odessa Record: 1-06-2000)

Mikesh:  “A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Aug 1, in Andresen Church of Christ in Vancouver, WA, for John L Mikesh, who died Tuesday, July 30, 2001, at the age of 89. Mr Mikesh was born June 26, 1912, in Odessa, and moved to Scappose, OR, as a child. He served in the US Army during WW II. Afterward, he returned to Scappoose and was a construction supt. for several companies in Portland for about 25 years, retiring in 1976.  He lived in Vancouver, WA, since 1985. In 1949, he married Bernice E Miller. Survivors include his wife; sons Dennis P, John Jr, and Robert L: daughter Darcy E Krusinski; brother Charles A; 12 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 8-02-2001)

Miller:  “Charles E Miller, Athol, Idaho, formerly of Odessa, died July 18 at a Spokane hospital. He is survived by his widow, Daisy. Mr Miller is well known here, having been employed at the home of his father-in-law, D A Laney, later farming at the C H Graedel ranch, southwest of Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 7-22-1937) 

Miller: “Order for the public auction of E ½ of Lot 9 and all of Lot 10 in Block 25 of Finney and Pattee addition to Odessa has been granted Jake Hopp, Jr, administrator de bonis non of the estate of Anna Elisabeth Miller, deceased.” (Citizen: 5-16-1924) As the 2^nd listing for 1918 in the Christ Lutheran Church of Odessa in German script, Anna Elizabeth Miller, wife of Jacob Miller, born May 1, 1845, died 30 March 1918 in Odessa, WA with burial on 2 April 1918, aged 71 yrs 11 months. Burial location nor the minister are shown, nor were survivors. Her death certificate was not found at the local level.

Miller:  “John Miller of Dryden received word of the death of his brother, Gottlieb Miller; a niece, Mrs Paul Miller and her three year old daughter when they were in a truck and automobile collision at Superior, MT, while they were en route to their home in North Dakota....” (excerpt of Odessa Record: 11-24-1949)

Miller:  “James W Miller, 52, father of Mrs Alvin Iltz of Odessa, died on Washington’s birthday at Santa Barbara, CA, where he and Mrs Miller had been since November, on their annual trip.  Funeral services were held from a Colfax chapel on Tuesday afternoon with burial in the Steptoe, WA, cemetery.  The Miller family were long time residents of the St John, WA, community, where they operated a farm. They were frequent visitors at the home of their daughter, Mrs Iltz, and had built a wide acquaintance in Odessa. Survivors include the wife, Ruby Miller, at the home; one daughter, Mrs Margaret Iltz, Odessa; two sons, Kenneth Miller, St John, and Allison Miller, with the navy at Spokane; one brother and three sisters.” (Odessa Record: 3-01-1956) 

Miller:  “A sister of Henry P Wacker, who lived in Odessa for nearly 20 years, died Saturday, May 31, at Portland after a short illness. She was Mrs Pauline W Miller, 65. Born April 12, 1904, Mrs Miller spent much of her childhood in Odessa. For the past 17 years she has been employed by Tops All Foods. Survivors include a son, Loren N Miller of New Jersey; two brothers, Henry of Odessa and John Wacker of Portland; and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held last Wednesday with interment in Rose City Cemetery. Attending from Odessa were the Henry Wackers, Don Wacker and Doris Finkbeiner.” (Odessa Record: 6-12-1969)

Miller:  Stanley J Miller, 76, died Feb 18, 1998, a long-time resident of Chewelah, where interment occurred at the cemetery bordering the family farm. He was born in Govan on August 15, 1921, the son of Adolph and Etta Miller. He was raised on a farm in Summit Valley and graduated from Jenkins High School in 1939. He married Barbara Hopp in Odessa on Feb 23, 1947. They remained in Odessa until 1955, working for Odessa Trading Co and Henry’s Building Service. He is survived by his wife and 8 children.  Other survivors include: two brothers, Dr Vernon Miller of Grand Coulee and Donovan Miller of Harrington; two sisters, Jean Angstrom and Joyce Bauer, both of Wilbur. (notes from Odessa Record: 2-26-1998)

Mills:  Noel Frank Mills, 61, died Oct 19, 2001 in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born Feb 13, 1940, in Odessa, the son of Herb and Dorothy (Smith) Mills. He grew up on the family farm near Odessa, attending Odessa schools and graduated from Odessa High School in the Class of 1958. He was employed at the Odessa Trading Company for 23 years as an electronics and television specialist. He married Carol Myrick in 1960. He moved to Hawaii in 1982 for several years before moving to Alaska. He was preceded in death by sisters Linda McMichael and JoAnn Wright. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-25-2001)

Minch:  O F Minch received notice of the death of his mother at Paoli, WI. (Odessa Record of 9-11-1908)  "The sad news of the death of Mrs O F Minch, who passed away at her home in Odessa about two o’clock Wednesday afternoon brought a cup of sorrow to the lips of her relatives and friends. Mrs Minch’s death was not unexpected. For five years she had been afflicted with that dread disease tuberculosis and thought at times, under the best of care and treatment she appeared to grow stronger, it was evident to all that were watching her case that although she was making a brave fight it was a losing one. Her age at death was 42 years. Mrs Minch was a remarkable woman. She charmed strangers by her charm of rare courtesy and sunny temperament and lavished upon her own household all the earnestness and careful culture of her mind and nature. When strong and potent under the influence of a generous heart she bestowed loving gifts freely and all who knew her could not but come to a realization of her high ideal. She was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Alexander Watt. She was born in Oregon and raised at Cheney where she resided until she came to Odessa to teach in the public schools in 1903. Two years later she was united in marriage with Oscar F Minch, who proved a husband with a devotion that few men are capable of. His strength and tenderness toward her never faltered and was best realized by the public after she became an invalid and could not bew held by the clasp of earthly love. Three children are left with her husband to mourn her loss, and well may they cherish her memory as a precious legacy. Realizing from experience that words afford little consolation in sorrow like theirs, in sympathy with their grief, the Record can only point them to the promise, ‘At eventide it shall be light.’ Funeral services were held at the home this morning at nine o’clock, Rev J C Evans officiating and the remains were taken to Spokane on the 10:20 train for interment." (Odessa Record: 4-05-1918)

Mitchell: “Gladys N Mitchell. Died: 11-24-1993. Birth: 12-01-1895, ID. Widowed. Father: Wilber Harrah; Mother: Katherine (unknown). Cremation: Evergreen Crematorium, Spokane, WA.” (Lincoln Co Health Death cards)

Mitsui: George (Minoru) Mitsui, 74, retired Lamona railroad worker, died at Memorial hospital. He was born in Nagano Ken, Japan and came to the US in 1907. Funeral services were held at Blaine Memorial Methodist church in Seattle. (notes: Odessa Record: 4-11-1963)

Modie:  Ruth Rowell Modie, 98, died Oct 18, 2003 in Lewiston. She taught math at Odessa High School in the early and mid-1930s. She was born in Excelsior, MN to H H S and Emily Rowell and moved in 1908 to Lewiston with them. She married Donald Modie in Lewiston after leaving Odessa.  He died in 1993. She was survived by two sons and a daughter. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-30-2003)

Monk:  Don Monk, a former Lamona resident and graduate of Odessa High School in 1929, died in Antioch, CA, as seen in the WSU alumni newspaper. (notes from Odessa Record: 12-01-1988)

Monroe:  Robert F ‘Bob’ Monroe died Feb 2, 2004 in Spokane, age 73. He was born in New York City. He served in the US Air Force. He married Marian Kiesz of Odessa in 1957. The couple lived in Odessa for many years. He had a long career in hardware and retail sales, beginning at the Odessa Trading Company, then at Lamonts and Ernst Hardware in Spokane. Survivors include his wife, a daughter Lynn Monroe; a son, Randy Monroe. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane. (notes from Odessa Record: 2-19-2004)

Mooers:  Neal Mooers died Aug 24, 2001 at his home in Enid, OK. He was born in Odessa March 28, 1953, the son of Harley and Helen Mooers. Harley Mooers was principal of the Odessa Elementary School during the 1950s. Neal grew up in Davenport and joined the US Army, retiring as a major in 1994. (notes from Odessa Record: 9-20-2001)

Moore:  Mrs Martha Ellen Moore, 64, was buried March 4, 1947 at Riverside Park in Spokane.  She was born at Wheeling, WV on June 9, 1882, and had lived in Odessa for ten years. She married Howard Moore on April 9, 1924 in Coeur d’Alene, ID. She was a prominent Spokane theatre pianist. Survivors include her husband and one sister, Mrs Mary McKelvey of Sterling, CO. (notes from Odessa Record: 3-06-1947)

Moore:  “Relatives in this region of W A Moore, 78, received word of his death, Jan 30, at Gold Bar, WA. Funeral services were held at Monroe. Mr Moore came with his parents in an ox-drawn covered wagon to Washington from Arkansas. He was a pioneer farmer of the Harrington region and was a brother of the late Dr Moore of Davenport.” (Odessa Record: 2-11-1937)

Mordhorst:  Anna Rae Mordhorst died March 22, 1956. She was born in Terre Haute, IN, Dec 11, 1891. In 1909 she married D Fred Mordhorst of Wilson Creek, who survives her, as do two sons, Boyd of Ephrata, and Milton of Olympia; two daughters, Mrs L W Harrison of Olympia and Mrs Harold Bloom of Ephrata and 5 grandchildren. Interment was made at Wenatchee Cemetery. (Odessa Record: 4-05-1956)

Morris:  Lois E Murback Morris died Oct 15, 2000, in Odessa. She was born April 14, 1913 in Laclede, Idaho, the daughter of Richard and Minnie (Baker) Murback. She married Al Decker on Aug 30, 1930 and they had three children, and later divorced. On May 6, 1980 she married Ralph Morris, who survives her. Also surviving are one daughter, Betty Jean Decker-Smith, of Odessa; and one son, Donald Wesley Decker, of Roswell, NM. She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Carolyn Brown, and two brothers, Richard and Jack Murbach, and one sister, Mildred Hall. (notes from  Odessa Record: 10-19-2000)

Morrison:  “Funeral services were held from  St Aloysius church at Spokane on Sunday for Frank Morrison, former Odessa depot agent. The Rev John T Prange, SJ, officiated, with interment at Holy Cross.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs Evelyn D Michaelsen of Spokane; Mrs Charles Morgan of Garibaldi, OR; one son, Eldon Durfey of Everett; two sisters, Mrs Mary Long and Mrs Cora Jones, both of Seattle; two brothers, Alexander Morrison of Chatham, New Brunswick, and Peter, of Redmond.” (Odessa Record: 8-07-1947)

Motycka: “Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan 3, at Spokane for Emil Motycka, former Odessa resident, resident of Spokane since World War I. Burial was in Fairmont Memorial Park.  Survivors include his wife, Verna Mary Motycka, at the home; one brother, Albin Motycka, Davenport; two half-sisters, Mrs Clara Totusek, and Mrs Lottie Braun, Odessa; half-brother, Jerome Velek, Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 1-09-1964)

Motycka: “Funeral services for longtime area resident Irvin Motycka was held at Riverside Cemetery Monday, performed by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1435. Mr Motycka, 75, died March 24, at the Veterans Hospital. He had spent most of his life in Odessa, Davenport and Spokane. He was one of four brothers who served in World War II. He earned  the Bronze Star and served in the Pacific Theater two years, two months and seven days.  Besides the VFW, Mr Motycka was a member of the DAV.  He is survived by three sisters, Iona, Juelanne and Marlene; one brother, Albin in Davenport; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and two aunts, Clara Totusek of Odessa and Verna Motycka of Spokane.” (Dav. Times: 3-03-1995)

Motycka: “John Motycka, the 19 year-old son of Mrs Rosa Velek, died last night of consumption at his home south of town. Definite arrangements for funeral services have not been completed at this writing.” (Odessa Record: 3-01-1907)

Motycka: “Funeral services were held at Spokane Saturday for another pioneer resident, Mrs Pauline Motycka. The Rev Robert J Haynes officiated, with burial in Fairmont Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Lloyd Hardung, Herbert Hardung, Robert Heimbigner, Louis Hauber, Dan Hamaker and Harold Sleeman, nephews of the deceased. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs Earl Ferry, Orchard Prairie; Mrs Iona Mayewski, Davenport; and Mrs Homer Yarbough, Davenport; four sons, Irvin Motycka and Albin Motycka, both of Davenport; Norris Motycka, Joel Motycka, both of Spokane; 5 grandchildren; one brother, David Hardung, Odessa; 5 sisters, Mrs F W Heimbigner, Chewelah; Mrs Con Wagner, Spokane; Mrs Charles Yerington, Wenatchee; Mrs Jim Renfrom, Reno, MV; and Mrs Roy Haskins, Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 5-24-1962)

Mourin:  William Mourin, husband of Donna Kay Mourin, died Aug 1, 1990; they were residents of Spokane. Donna Mourin is the granddaughter of Elsie Delzer, a former Odessa resident, also living in Spokane. (notes from Odessa Record: 8-16-1990)

Myrick:  “After four hours of artificial respiration, Wenatchee firemen failed to save the life of Billy Eugene Myrick, year-old son of Mr and Mrs Donald Myrick, who had drowned in a lily pond there. The boy fell in the pond at about 9 o’clock Friday morning and was found by his mother 15 minutes later. Firemen continued work until all hope was abandoned. Mrs Myrick is the former Miss Wilmina Drew, and formerly lived in Odessa. The Myrick family had recently visited here at the Henry Schiewe home, on their way to Wenatchee from their home in Montana. A four year old sister also survives. The child’s aunt, Miss Harriet Schiewe, went to Wenatchee on Friday, called by news of the accident.” (Odessa Record: 9-23-1937)

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Odessa Vicinity Obituaries, Odessa, Washington, 

submitted  to the WAGenWeb, March 2006 by Marge Womach

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