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Last rites for Johanna Ragan, 68, were held at St Francis Catholic church, Harrington, when requiem mass was said at 9:30 Monday morning by Sub-Deacon Father Ferrilley and Father Goos, both from Wilbur, with Father A. McAleer occupying a seat in the sanctuary. Pall bearers were Abe Jantz, Fred Depner, Ed Gooley Sr., E. J. Ring Jr., Ed Huber and Francis Rieth. Interment was in St Francis Cemetery in Harrington. Miss Ragan was a consistent and devout member of the church and in former years, when in good health, took pride in walking to church on Sunday mornings, even though it was not necessary that she walk. Miss Ragan has been a resident of this region since 1904 when she came west from her old home in WI. She made her home with her brother, W H Ragan. She was born at Tunnell City, WI. Her passing leaves only two brothers surviving out of a family of eight. These are our W H Ragan of Harrington, well known pioneer farmer, and G. A. Ragan, Janesville, WI, the latter and his wife being in attendance at the funeral. Miss Ragan has been ailing ever since Thanksgiving, but grew worse the past month or so and was taken to Sacred Heart hospital at Spokane. She came home from there for a time, but grew worse only to return again last week, and passed away there at 5:30 last Friday morning. (Citizen-23 Aug 1935)

William Ragan, 73 years old Jan 27, has answered the final summons from the Great Beyond, and closed his eyes to earthly scenes at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane at 3 AM, Saturday, Apr 10, following a heart attack. Bill Ragan came to this country from Wisconsin in 1900 at the age of 20 years. He worked in several of the states on his way West and finally arrived in CA. He did not like CA, so came north to WA. When he arrived in the Harrington Wheat Belt he fell in love with this wheat country and bought half a section of land from William Pickell. Later he added to his holdings buying a quarter section from Mr. Mecklenberg and later added three-quarters of a section of the L. T. Luper land and a section near Mohler. At the time of his death he owned 1600 acres. Because of Mr. Ragan’s failing health, C. L. Smith came out from Spokane with his family to farm the land. Mrs. Smith is a niece of Mr. Ragan. Recently Mr. Ragan suffered a heart attack, and was brought to the Smith home. Following a second attack he was taken to the hospital. Rosary was said for him at Hennessey chapel in Spokane by Rev M. P. Shiel, formerly of Harrington, and Rev Joseph Fleck conducted the last rites at St Francis of Assisi church in Harrington, Monday at 9 o’clock in the morning and interment was in St Francis Cemetery. Pallbearers were C. E. Moore, F. J. Rieth, C. A. Gooley, Wade Adams, Glen Biggart and Lyle Bailey. Immediate relatives who attended the services, besides Mr. & Mrs. C. L. Smith and daughters, were Mrs. C. L. Scott, Spokane (sister of Mrs. Smith), Leonard Ragan and family of Spokane. A younger brother of Mr. Ragan, George A. Ragan of Janeville, WI, 30 miles from Milwaukee, is bedridden. Bill Ragan was a quiet, unassuming man; he was a bachelor. In former days his sister kept house for him but she passed away several years ago. Bill was a good neighbor, industrious, thrifty and a good citizen. (Citizen-16 April 1943) .

W. J. Rice of Rocklyn, had a paralytic stroke at his country home Wednesday of last week. His whole right side was affected and he is critically ill. Later—Mr. Rice died Wednesday night (April 2, 1930) and J. E. Turner of the Harrington Funeral Home was called out there at 10:10 and brought the body to Harrington. Mr. Rice was 57 years, 4 months and 22 days old and was born in Pennsylvania the 12th of November. Arrangements for the funeral had not been completed when The Citizen went to press. (Citizen-4 Apr 1930) .

Miss Katie Reethe died at her home in Lord’s Valley Wednesday, April 13, 1904. She was interred in the Harrington cemetery last Friday. Funeral services were conducted in the Catholic church at this place by Father Van de Van of Sprague. Miss Reethe was about 25 years of age. The primary cause of her death was consumption. (Citizen-22 April 1904) (Catholic Territorial ledger shows: Catharina M. Reith, born Pendleton, Oregon 24 years ago; died 12 April 1904; buried Harrington Catholic cemetery; by H. J. Van de Ven.)

Doris Ellen Rieth, the two year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frances J. Rieth, died yesterday at the home of her parents ten miles southeast of Harrington. The cause of death is given as bronco pneumonia following measles. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10:30 at the St Francis Catholic church in Harrington, Father Shiel officiating. Interment will take place in the Harrington (Catholic) Cemetery. (Citizen-7 Mar 1924)

Mrs. Ellen Rieth, who was 103 years old last Oct 12, died about 8:30 Friday morning in the hospital at Hepner, OR, where she had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Paul O’Meara (Stella Rieth) at Ione, OR, since about 1923. She is the mother of Francis J. Rieth of Harrington and was a frequent visitor to Harrington through the years. Ellen Short was born at Neosha, MO, and crossed the plains to Oregon with her parents in 1860. Sept 7, 1875 she was married to Eugene Rieth at Mission, near Pendleton, OR. They moved to the farm east of town in 1899 where they reared their family. In those early days there was no Catholic church at Harrington and the Rieths drove to Sprague to attend mass. Mr. Rieth died in 1922. On Ellen’s 100^th birthday anniversary, she was honored at a reception which was especially significant because of special greetings sent to her by Pope Pius. Last rites were held at St Williams Catholic church at Ione, OR, at 8:30 AM Monday, April 18. Rosary was said Sunday evening. Rev Raymond Beard of Ione officiated. Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Cresswick, morticians in charge, brought the body to Harrington for interment in St Francis cemetery in the family plot beside Mrs. Rieth’s husband. These services were at 2 PM April 18, and Rev Roy Thelen officiated here. Pallbearers were Lyle Bailey, Otto Timm, Edward Gooley, C. A. Gooley, Frank Gateley and Edward Ring. Mrs. Rieth is survived by her daughter and son; 9 grandchildren, 23 great grand-children and 19 great-great-grand-children. Mrs. Paul O’Meara came to Harrington with Mr. & Mrs. Rieth, for the graveside services and will remain several weeks. Among those coming from out of town for the graveside rites were Joe Laughlin, Spokane; Mr. & Mrs. Clive Hodge, Mrs. Eula Parvin, Colfax (cousins of F. J. Rieth); Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harding, Sprague; Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guske and Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Guske (Mary Rieth) and children, Moscow, ID. Following the rites at St Francis cemetery, the Rieth children residing here, served dinner to the family and friends, at the F. J. Rieth home. (Citizen-21 Apr 1960)

Eugene Rieth, aged 80, died at his home in Harrington, July 4, 1922, at 8 PM following a stroke of some ten days ago. He was conscious until the last and recognized his friends and relatives but was unable to talk. Mr. Rieth has lived an eventful life and has had an important part in the making of the history of our Union and also in the “Winning of the West.” Born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, Christmas Eve, 1841 of French parents, he moved with his parents and brothers and sisters to the new world in 1849. The family landed in NY and after living there some time, moved on to MN. When the Civil War broke out, Eugene Rieth, the young immigrant boy, at 18 years of age, like thousands of other foreign born, enlisted and helped preserve the union. He joined Co D of the 4^th MN regiment and served until 1863 having participated in several battles among which were Corinth, Iuka and Holley Springs. A few months after discharge Mr. Rieth enlisted as an artilleryman with Capt Fiske on an Indian expedition to Oregon. They were four months on the trip and landed at Walla Walla. The cannon, a howitzer, of which he was the gunner, was at Walla Walla for 30 years and may possibly still be there. On Sept 7, 1875 he married Ellen Short at the Umatilla Indian agency in eastern Oregon and for many years lived in that district. The town of Rieth, a few miles from Pendleton, takes its name from the four Rieth boys who pioneered there. Five children were born to this couple: Clara, Katherine, Emma, Stella and Francis; Katherine and Emma both being dead. Mrs. Rieth, the widow, is much younger than her husband and is well and strong. Other surviving relatives are his brother Louis of Harrington and a sister, Mrs. Julia Curran of Yakima. Twenty years ago the family moved to this region and bought land in Lord’s Valley where they have kept their holdings and where Francis, the only son, now farms. Deceased moved into Harrington four years ago and has led a quiet life ever since, always interested, however, in the doings of the community and in national and world affairs. He was a faithful member of the Catholic church and the funeral was held yesterday in the church where he so often worshipped. Burial took place in the Harrington Cemetery under the auspices of the American Legion. (Citizen-7 July 1922)

Gene (Eugene P.) Rieth passed away at Deaconess Hospital Friday and last rites were held Nov 21, 1966 from St Francis church with Rev John O’Dea, celebrant. Burial was in St Francis Cemetery. Surviving are his sisters, Mrs. Ethel Pemberton of Harrington; Mrs. Mary L Harding, Phoenix, AZ; Mrs. Georgia Luther, Huntington, CA, and Mrs. Regena Gorman, Spokane. Gene became ill Friday a week ago, and was taken by ambulance to the Odessa Hospital Saturday. The following Monday he was moved to Deaconess in Spokane where he passed away Friday, Nov 18, 1966. (Dav. Times-24 Nov 1966)

Francis Joseph Rieth died Thursday afternoon, Sept 30, 1976, at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane after a two-week hospitalization there. He was born June 3, 1888, in Pendleton, OR and came to Harrington-Sprague area in his early teens. He lived here the remainder of his life, operating the family farm until his retirement. He married Gertha Looney on Sept 6, 1910. She preceded him in death in 1965. In 1967 he married Cecilia Stone, widow of the late Robert Stone. Mr. Rieth served his community in many ways. As school director he was instrumental in obtaining the indoor swimming pool and he served for 8 years as mayor of Harrington. He was one of the founding directors of the United Grain Growers. He is survived by his wife, Cecilia, at the home; a son, Robert, who now operates the family farm; daughters Louise Smith (Mrs. Lester), Davenport; Lucile Richardson (Mrs. Wm), Bellingham, WA; Bernice Harmon (Mrs. Kenneth), Hope, ID; Mary Guske (Mrs. Elmer), Moscow, ID; two step-children, Paula Reed (Mrs. George), San Carlos, CA, and Robert Stone, Ellicott City, MD; 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. A rosary service was conducted Oct 4 and last rites were held Tuesday morning at the St Francis Catholic church with the Rev Anton Flour officiating. Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery, Harrington. (Citizen-7 Oct 1976)

Although she had been in poor health for some time, Mrs. F. J. Rieth seemed improved at Lincoln hospital in Davenport where she had been hospitalized two weeks, when death came to her about 3:30 PM Thursday, August 26, 1965. Gertha Lillis was born in Perlee, Iowa, June 2, 1884, to Mary Ellen Kiner Looney and James Looney. The family moved to Cheney, WA when Gertha was a young child. She attended the Cheney schools, and was graduated from the Cheney Normal which is now Eastern Washington State College. Miss Looney taught in several schools in the area including Cheney, Mondovi, Chatteroy, Welanda, Mondovi and in the Sedalia school in Lord’s Valley. Sept 6, 1910 Miss Looney became the bride of Francis J Rieth. The couple resided on the Rieth farm southeast of town for several years, then moved into town to send their children to the Harrington school. The Rieth’s golden wedding celebration was a family affair because Mrs. Rieth was not able to participate in a large gathering of friends and kinfolk. Mrs. Rieth was a member of the Harrington Woman’s Club and was active in its work as long as her health was good, as she also was in St Clare Altar Society. She was interested in her husband’s various civic duties that for him included being mayor of Harrington for several terms, and chairman of the Board of Directors of the local schools. Mrs. Rieth was a hospitable lady and frequently had guests in her home. In recent years it has been a “second home” for their grandchildren. Surviving Mrs. Rieth are her husband, and children Louise Smith (Mrs Lester) of Davenport; Lucille Richardson (Mrs. W. L.) of Bellingham; Bernice Harmon (Mrs. Kenneth), Clarkston; Mary Guske (Mrs. Elmer), Moscow, ID; son, Robert Rieth of Harrington, who operates the Rieth farm; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A son, John Harold, and a daughter, Dorris, preceded her in death, as did also her parents, sister Minnie, and brothers, William, Earl and Roy Looney. Father John O’Dea, priest at St Francis Catholic church in Harrington, left last week on a trip to Ireland but prior to his departure, he called on Mrs. Rieth at the hospital, and seemingly she was improved. Rosary was recited at the Strate Funeral Home in Davenport, at 7:30 PM Sunday, with Rev William Dugan officiating. Requiem mass was at 10:30 Monday, Aug 30 at St Francis of Assissi church in Harrington. Rev W J Brennan of Cheney (formerly of Harrington) was celebrant. Mrs. Horak of Odessa was organist and the choir from St Josephs church of Odessa sang. Altar boys were William Gooley, William Talkington and John Carstens. Interment was in St Francis cemetery in the family plot. Following the rites ladies of St Clare Altar Society served lunch in the church hall to relatives and friends of the family. The Rieth children and their families were present for the rites, including Mr. & Mrs. Lester Smith & family; Mr. & Mrs. Les Wilcox & children of Harrington and Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Smith of Kennewick (he is in the coast guard); Mr. & Mrs. W. L .Richardson (Lucile) & their families: Mr. & Mrs. Harley Mickels (Carol) and 3 children, and Tom Richardson, (Bill Richardson is in service in Hawaii); Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Harmon (Bernice) & families: Mrs. Gene Reno (Diane) of Kellogg, ID, and Mrs. Gary Hund (Gloria) of Clarkston; (Mrs. Lee McLaughlin (Gail) of Hope, ID was unable to attend); Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rieth & families, Mr. & Mrs. John Maurer (Roberta) & family of Tyler and Mr. & Mrs. Ron Rieth of Ellensburg, and the Bob Rieth children at home; and Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Guske, Susan, Sally Jo and Jeff, of Moscow, ID. A host of old-time friends came to pay respects to their friend, among whom were Mr. & Mrs. Walter Schmidt, Davenport; Mrs. Howard Jantz, Davenport; Mr. & Mrs. John Tierney, Spokane; Mr. & Mrs. Jim Gorman (Dot Rieth), Spokane; Henry Guske (father of Elmer Guske), and Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Guske, of Moscow, ID; J. C. Michaelsen and Jack Robasse, Spokane; Alfred Franz, Creston (father of Mrs. Ron Rieth); Mr. & Mrs. Otto Jahn, Davenport (parents of Mrs. Robert Rieth); Dr Jack Adams, Yakima; Mrs. Edwin Young, Sprague; Mr. & Mrs. Richard Harding and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harding, Sprague (the Harding brothers’ mother is Mayme Rieth Harding); W H Richardson, Spokane (father-in-law of Lucile Rieth Richardson); Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Richardson, Spokane; Mr. & Mrs. Joe Laughlin, Spokane; Joe Adams, Portland; and many from the community. Also present were Mr. Rieth’s sister, Mrs. Stella O’Meara of Ione, OR who came Friday to be with her brother; and from Spokane, cousins of Mrs. Rieth’s, the Patterson sisters—Mrs. Edwin Shearer (Cecil) and Mrs. Chester Bro (Carol); also Mrs. Mabel Patterson. (Citizen-3 Sept 1965)

The little 18 month old son of Mr. & Mrs. Francis Rieth died of meningitis Oct 26. Services were held from St Francis church with Rev Father McAleer officiating. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery. (Citizen-3 Nov 1911)

Louis Rieth, 80, died at 3 AM Wednesday, Sept 15, 1926 at his home in Lord’s Valley, 10 miles southeast of Harrington. The cause of death was erysipeias, Mr. .Rieth’s illness having lasted but four days. He was born in Alsace, France, the family moving to America in 1849 and settling in MN. He crossed the plains in 1865 with his brother Eugene and settled in eastern Oregon. In 1881 he married Miss Maude Newlin of Walla Walla. Nine children were born to this union all but one of whom survive. In 1900 the family settled on the farm in Lord’s Valley and have resided there ever since. The body is in charge of J E Turner but the funeral arrangements will not be made until the arrival of Mrs. Rieth from Los Angeles, CA, where she has been visiting her son Tom. Mr. Rieth was a member of the W O W and was also a member of the Catholic church all his life. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Louis Rieth; one sister, Mrs. .James Curran, San Diego, CA; six daughters, Mrs Ethel Pemberton, Harrington; Mrs. G. G. Harding, Sprague; Mrs. E. D. Luther, Los Angeles; Mrs. Delafield Plumlee, Seattle; Miss Mabel Rieth and Miss Regina Rieth, Harrington; and two sons, E. P. Rieth, Harrington, and Thomas J. Rieth, Los Angeles. The funeral will be held at 10:30 Saturday morning at the Catholic church. (Citizen-17 Sept 1926)

Mrs. Louis Rieth passed away at her home in Lord’s Valley, Monday night (Nov 28, 1939) at 12:30, following a long illness which confined her to her home the past two years. Mrs. Rieth was born in Pottawattamie Co, Iowa, Jan 16, 1864. She moved to Pendleton, OR, where she was married to Louis Rieth, and where their children were born. In 1900 the family came to Harrington where they have since resided. Mr. Rieth preceded his wife in death. Rosary was said for Mrs. Rieth at the Turner Funeral Home at 7:30 Wednesday evening, and funeral services were conducted from St Francis Catholic church Thursday morning at 9:30 o’clock, with Rev Father Joseph Fleck officiating. Burial was in St Francis Cemetery. Surviving Mrs. Rieth are one son, Gene Rieth at home; five daughters, Mrs. Ethel Pemberton, Mrs. George Harding (Mayme), Mrs. E. D. Luther (Georgia) of Los Angeles, Miss Mabel Rieth, and Miss Regina Rieth, Spokane. (Citizen-1 Dec 1939)

“Robert F Rieth. Age 92.—Passed away Feb 1, 2013 in Spokane, WA, his home Harrington, WA. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gwen Rieth, at the home. They have five children, Roberta Maras, Ronald (and Calesta) Rieth, Roger Rieth, Renea (and Kevin) Larmer, and Rod (and Lori) Rieth, along with nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Gertha Rieth, and four sisters and an infant brother and sister. He was a member of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, former Harrington Lions Club, Equalization Board, the farmers’ bowling league and a local boat club. Robert enjoyed carpentry, building their home and out buildings on the farm, drafting, reading, Sunday driving trips and loved to eat seafood. At his request no services will be held. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.” (Spokesman: undated)

(Not listed in the Catholic Territorial ledger nor in the St Francis death ledger. TS)

Rieth, Roger E 2013

“Roger E Rieth passed away April 22, 2013 in Harrington , WA . He is survived by two brothers, Ronald (Calesta) Rieth, Rod (Lori) Rieth; two sisters, Roberta Maras and Renea (Kevin) Larmer; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gwen Rieth in 2013. He attended St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, was a 1968 Harrington High School graduate. He enjoyed electronics and caring for animals on the farm and Sunday drives. Graveside inurnment service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at 3 p.m. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport , WA is caring for the family.” (Spokesman Review)

After five years courageously and cheerfully battling for life, the thin strand of which threatened to snap many times, Tom Rieth passed away at sacred Heart hospital in Spokane Wednesday morning (Feb 2, 1938). His mother, brother and sisters did everything in earthly power, financially, and in loving tenderness to bring about recovery for him. Several years ago he was taken by plane east for medical consultation, his sister Regina accompanying him by train. Miss Rieth also rented a residence near the hospital to keep him there that he might be near hospital service, and yet not be confined to the institution. A fine sleeping porch was added to the ranch home, and Tom spent from last March until three months ago at the ranch. During the summer he was able to be about and he visited neighbors, and was in town occasionally. The Citizen office force was happy to have him call. Three months ago he became worse and was again taken to the hospital. His condition was very serious with complications from a cold. Thomas Rieth was born Oct 13, 1903 on the farm southeast of Harrington. He attended school in the country, in Harrington a short time, at Huntington Park, CA, and was enrolled at Gonzaga University 6 months. He was employed as a fruit inspector in Texas, at Neppel and Wenatchee, WA, and as horticultural inspector of King County until 1933 when his health forced him to quit his work. Rosary was said at 8 PM Thursday night at Hennessey & Calloway’s in Spokane, and funeral services are being held this morning at 10 AM, from St Francis church. Rev John J. Coleman will officiate, and burial will be in St Francis Cemetery. Surviving relatives include Tom’s mother, Mrs. Louis Rieth; one brother, E. R. Rieth, both at home on the farm; five sisters, Mrs. George Harding (Mayme), Mrs. E. D. Luther (Georgia) of Los Angeles, Miss Mabel Rieth, Harrington and Miss Regina (Dot) Rieth and Mrs. Ethel Perberton, Spokane. Tom had many friends and all marveled at the courage with which he accepted his lot. (Citizen-4 Feb 1938)

Cecilia Marjory Ring (Age 83)—Passed away Sunday, Nov 23, 1997 in Spokane. She is survived by sister, Mary T. Ring of Spokane; sister-in-law, Lenora Ring of Spokane; nephew, Edward A (Bert) Ring of Seattle; two nieces, Marianne Cauby of Covina, CA and Rosellen Ring-Easton of Tonawanda, NY. Preceded in death by brothers Edward J and Charles P Ring. Cecilia was born near Harrington in Lincoln County, the daughter of Edward Ring, a pioneer farmer who came to Washington Territory in 1887 and Marjory Collins-Ring. She attended St Josephs Academy in Sprague, WA and Washington State University. For many years she was employed as a legal secretary in Spokane. Cecilia was a longtime member of St Augustine Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Nov 25, 1997 at 11 AM at St Augustine Catholic Church, The Reverend Msgr Robert A. Pearson, Celebrant. Private family interment will follow at St Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Harrington, WA. Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. (Spokesman-Review)

Charles P. Ring—Passed away in Spokane, June 5, 1982. He is a 50 year resident of the Harrington area. Survivors, one brother, Edward J., Ring, Spokane; two sisters, Cecelia M., Ring, Spokane, WA; Mary T. Ring, Spokane, WA; one nephew, Edward A. Ring, Seattle, WA; two nieces, Marianne L., Cauby, Covina, CA; Rosellen Ring-Easton, Tonowanda, NY; 4 great-nieces, 5 great-nephews, one great-great-niece. Rosary will be Tuesday, June 8, 1982 at 8 PM in the Rose Chapel, Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home. Concelebrated funeral mass will be Wednesday, June 9, 1982 at 11 AM at St Francis of Assisi Church, Harrington, WA. Interment Hillcrest Cemetery, Harrington, WA. (Spokesman-Review)

A memorial stone for Ed and Lenora was placed in St Francis Cemetery although their burial is in Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane.

Ring: "Edward J. Ring, 84, a retired wheat farmer living in Spokane, who farmed for 35 years in the Odessa and Harrington areas, died Aug 17. He was a lifetime resident of eastern Washington. His father, Edward Ring, settled in the Wilbur area in the early 1890s. Mr. Ring was graduated from Harrington High School and attended Gonzaga University. He retired from farming in 1962 due to ill health caused by multiple sclerosis and moved to Spokane that year. He was a member of the Washington Assoc. of Wheat Growers and the Knights of Columbus and a former member of St Augustine’s Catholic church. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Lenora, of Spokane; one son, Edward A ‘Bert’ Ring, of Seattle; two daughters, Marianne Cauby of Covina, CA, and Rosellen Easton, of Tonawanda, NY; two sisters, Mary T. Ring and Cecilia M. Ring, both of Spokane; 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral Mass was Aug 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spokane, co-celebrated by the rev Joseph Bell and Monseignor David Rosage. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane." (Odessa Record: 8-29-1991)

The silent, unceasing march of time that bears us on to that eternal somewhere from which none return, this week removed from his earthly pilgrimage another Harrington pioneer, good neighbor and friend, Edward Ring (on July 2, 1943). Mr. Edward Ring, pioneer farmer of Harrington, died in a Spokane hospital early Tuesday morning of heart failure. Edward Ring was born April 14, 1864 at Wabasha, MN. His father, also Edward Ring, came across the Plains to CA in an ox team during the gold rush and he returned to Wabasha, where Edward was born. He attended St John’s College at Collegeville, MN. He and his brother Charles came west to Helena, MT in 1886. Edward worked there for a while then went to Idaho and after joined his brother again, homesteaded in the Wilbur region in 1889. It was there in 1896 that he was married to Miss Catherine Cameron and in 1898 a daughter, Catherine, was born to them. After the death of his first wife in 1899, Mr. Ring moved to Spokane where he was married to Miss Marjorie Collins of that city. They came to Harrington in 1909 and bought the old Trone place which he continued to farm till recently when he retired and with Mrs. Ring went to Spokane to live. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, at the home, 2 sons, Edward and Charles Ring of Harrington; 3 daughters, Sister Mary Veronica of Tacoma, WA; Mary T. and Cecelia Ring, both of Spokane; 3 grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Mary Decker of Spokane; 1 brother, Peter Ring of Edmonton, Alberta. Rosary was at Hennessey Funeral Home, Spokane, Wednesday, July 21, at 8 PM. The funeral was held at Harrington at St Francis of Assisi church with Rev W J Brennan officiating, Thursday, July 22, 1943 and interment was in St Francis cemetery. Pallbearers were Wade Adams, Dan Budd, Clarence Gooley, Ray Lamp, Joe Laughlin, and Francis Rieth. Mr. B. A. LeFevre, of LaCrosse, Mrs. Mary Decker and son Edward Decker of Spokane, and Mrs. MacAnerney, sister of Mrs. Ring from Seattle, and Mr. F. E. Murray of Spokane were among the friends and relatives who attended. (Citizen-23 July 1943)

Ring, Lenora (Richardson)

A memorial stone was placed in St Francis Cemetery for Lenora and Ed Ring Jr. although their burial is in Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane. "A funeral Mass for Lenora Lucille (Richardson) Ring, 91, was celebrated Monday, Oct 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spokane. Mrs. Richardson died Tuesday, Oct 9, 2001, in Spokane, her home for the past 39 years. She was born March 13, 1910, at Lamona, the daughter of Albert and Emma (Kunz) Richardson, Lamona area pioneers. She was a graduate of Odessa High School and Cheney Normal School, and she taught school in the Mohler and Omak schools. She married Edward J Ring in 1934. They farmed near Harrington until their retirement in 1962, when they moved to Spokane. Mr. Ring died in 1991. Mrs. Ring was a member of St Augustine and Sacred Heart parishes in Spokane. She also was active in the Tawanka Alumni Group of EWU and the Jesuit Auxiliary. She is survived by a son and his wife, Edward (Bert) and Michelle Ring of Spokane; a daughter and her husband, Rosellen and Douglas Easton, of Tonawanda, NY; 9 grandchildren; a brother and his wife, Bill and Alva Richardson, of Odessa; and a sister-in-law, Mirlinda Richardson. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Marianne Cauby, in 2000, and brothers Sam Richardson and Pete Richardson. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane." (Odessa Record: 10-18-2001)

Marjorie Collins was born June 23, 1874, in Dreenagh, Malin, County Donegal, Ireland. She received her education in the Urblerreagh National School in Donegal. Miss Collins emigrated to the US as a young woman and lived several years in Massachusetts, where a sister and brother then lived, and where many of her nieces and nephews still reside. She lived for shorter periods at Tecumseh, NE, and Butte, MT. In 1905 she joined an older sister in Spokane and lived continuously in the Inland Empire since that time. On Feb 22, 1906, Marjorie Collins was married to the late Edward Ring in Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Spokane, with the late Monsignor Theophilus Pypers, a family friend, officiating. In 1909, Mr. & Mrs. Ring went farming in the Downs area where they reared their family and lived until March, 1943 when they retired from active farming and moved to Spokane. Mr. Ring passed away in July of that year. He is buried in St Francis Cemetery, Harrington. Mrs. Ring was a devoted and faithful worker in the St Vincent de Paul organization and gave freely of her time to the Chancery Sewing group which performs services for charity. She was a devout member of St Augustine's Catholic church and Altar Society in Spokane, just as she had been in St Francis church and St Clare Altar Society in Harrington. Her daughters made their home with her in Spokane. Mrs. Ring died Wednesday, June 10, 1959 at 3:30 AM in a nursing home where she had received care about three weeks. Rosary was recited in the Rose Chapel of the Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane, at 7:30 PM on Friday, June 12, with the Very Rev Stephen P Buckley, officiating. The Requiem High Mass was at St Francis of Assisi Catholic church, Harrington, at 10 AM Saturday, June 13, with Rev Roy Thelen officiating. Altar boys were Bert Ring (grandson) and Robert Stone Jr. and Billy Talkington. Music was furnished by Sister Marian, organist, and Sister Eileen Francis, vocalist. Pallbearers were Robert Stone Sr., Francis Rieth and Edward Gooley, all of Harrington; Charles Stafford, Otis Orchards; J. F. Barnes, Spokane; and Henry Vostral, Ritzville. Survivors of Mrs. Ring are her children, Edward and Charles of Harrington and the Misses Mary and Cecilia Ring of Spokane; grandchildren, Mrs. Drury Cauby (Marianne Ring), El Monte, CA; Rosellen Ring, and Bert Ring of Harrington; great-grandson, Jeff Cauby, OR, and Denis Collins, Dreenagh, County Donegal, Ireland, and a sister, Mrs. Bridget McLaughlin, Carnmalin, County Donegal, Ireland. Coming from out of town to join the immediate family, for the last rites, were Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Kramer, Marlin, WA; Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Anderson, Ritzville; Mrs. Carl Kiehn, Ritzville; Mr. & Mrs. Henry Vostral, Ritzville; Mrs. Emma Richardson, Mrs. W. M. Richardson, Mr. M. E. Richardson, all Odessa; Mr. & Mrs. Jack Barnes, Charles Stafford, all Spokane; and Mrs. Drury Cauby and son Jeff, El Monte, CA. (Citizen-19 June 1959) \

Mary Teresa Ring (age 89) passed away Friday, April 27, 2001. Private services were held with burial at St Francis Cemetery in Harrington, WA. Born near Harrington to Edward and Margery Collins Ring, Lincoln County pioneers. A graduate of St Joseph’s Academy in Sprague, WA, Cheney Normal School, an alumnus of Eastern Washington University, she taught elementary school for over 40 years, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse in Lincoln County, then in the Harrington, Enumclaw, Seattle and Spokane public schools from which she retired in 1974. She cared for her invalid sister, Cecilia, for many years. Miss Ring was a long-time member of St Augustine Parish. Preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Edward; and her sister, Cecilia. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Lenora Ring of Spokane; a nephew, Edward “Bert” Ring and his wife Michelle of Seattle, WA and Spokane, WA; a niece Rosellen Easton and her husband Douglas, of Tonawanda, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Morning Star Boys Ranch, Box 8087, Spokane, WA 99203. Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N Division in charge. (Spokesman-30 April 2001)

Mrs. Mary Rouseau, mother of Mrs. W. H. Englert, died Thursday, May 6, 1909, at 4 o’clock of influenza and pneumonia, and was buried Saturday forenoon, Rev Father C McAleer, of St Francis Catholic church performing the funeral ceremony. Mrs. Rouseau was born Jan 3, 1822 at Syracuse, NY and was the mother of nine children, 8 of whom survive her, as follows: Mrs. W. H. Englert, Harrington; Mrs. J. E. Harmon, Wayne, NE; Mrs. L. Seamore, Angress, MI; Mrs. John Dashnew, Manistee, MI; Lawrence Canell, MI; LaFayette Canell, Turner, MI; Jeddy Canell, Jackson, MI. She is also survived by two brothers and two sisters. Mrs. Rouseau, with her husband moved to Chicago when it was only a village and her husband took and executed the contract which put the first railroad through Chicago. Mrs. Rouseau had traveled extensively in the US, Canada and France. Her husband passed to the great beyond and she has since lived with her children, and has been with Mrs. Englert for the past five years. She leaves hundreds of grandchildren, great grandchildren and a few of the fifth generation. Peace to her ashes and consolation to her relatives. (Citizen-14 May 1909) Mrs. Ritta Stone of Granite Falls, WA, formerly of MI, a grand-daughter, arrived a little too late to attend the funeral of Mrs. Rouseau, and is a guest of the Englert home. (Citizen-14 May 1909)

(There is no known burial record, and the burial may have occurred in the city, rather than Catholic, cemetery. The death certificate shows that Oct 13, 1911 a female infant was stillborn. The father is Leonard Francis Russell, born England; the mother is Bernice Edith Day, born MO. The certificate is signed by Dr E E Langley of the Harrington hospital.)

John E. Russell, 67, prominent pioneer farmer, and one of the largest land owners in the Harrington Wheat Belt, was stricken with apoplexy about 8 o’clock last Saturday morning at his farm home a mile east of town and died at 1:15 PM (Feb 24, 1934). Mrs. Russell had gone to town where she attended mass at St Francis church. On her arrival home she found Mr. Russell sitting in a chair, as he often did following a meal. When she spoke to him he failed to answer. It was then she realized something was wrong, and investigation showed he was in a kind of coma. Dr. Wagner was immediately summoned and announced that he had suffered a stroke of apoplexy. Dr Cunningham of Spokane was also summoned, but the patient passed on before his arrival. The remains were entrusted to J. E .Turner of the Harrington Funeral Home, from there taken to the family home on the Russell farm on Tuesday morning, thence to St Francis Catholic church at 10 AM where the funeral services were conducted by the Rev Father M. P. Shiel, assisted by Father Glaser of Odessa, who acted as deacon of the High Mass, and Father Farley of Wilbur, who acted as sub deacon and assisted with the prayers at the church and cemetery. The pall bearers were E. H. Huber, Jake Hopp Jr., Charles E. Moore, Francis Rieth, G. C. Schoonover and W. H. Richardson. Father M. P Shiel, in speaking to the congregation, said: “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith, as to the rest there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord, the just Judge will render to me that day.” II Tim 4:7-8. (Remainder of sermon deleted from this, but is in its entirety in the paper.) John E Russell was born Oct 18, 1866 at Clayton, MI. Including himself there were six brothers and three sisters in the family. He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Walsh, Jan 9, 1911 at Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Russell was an electrician and for a number of years in the early ‘90’s was employed by the City Electric Light Co of Sprague, WA, when the late George S Brooke was mayor of the town, and where his brother, Frank Russell, fired for most of the old-time locomotive engineers on the Idaho Division of the Northern Pacific, entering railroad work there in 1886, and later becoming an engineer himself and pulling passenger trains with engine No 608. From Sprague Johnnie Russell went to Belt, MT where he was employed for a number of years as an electrician for the Anacondo Copper Mining Co. He was thrifty and saved his money. Leaving MT he came to Harrington where he acquired land and engaged in farming. From a small beginning he gradually accumulated land from year to year, and for many years past he has supervised the growing of wheat on more than 5000 acres. Early in January, 1925, he sold 61,000 bushels of wheat at $1.80 per bushel, receiving therefore a check from the Old National Bank for the sum of $110,000. Just previously to this he had sold a portion of a wheat crop for $2.37 per bushel. We never knew of his taking but one vacation and that began in 1925 when he leased his holdings for 5 years to J M Cobb & Son, and sold his farm equipment and 100 head of horses and mules, and moved to Spokane. But after a time, he chafed under this idleness, and when the lease expired he returned to Harrington, took over his large farm, and has since personally supervised the management of it. He was happy when surrounded by activity on the farm, where he hired large crews of men. Besides his farm activities, he was for 17 years the president of the Harrington State Bank. Surviving him are his widow, Margaret, at home; 3 brothers, Frank of Prosser; W E of Seattle; and Albert of Harrington; one sister, Mrs. Catherine Doonam, Tacoma. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers, Susie, and an infant sister, and Joe and Thomas. The life of John E. Russell was an open book. He was earnest, honest, just, liberal, loyal to his friends, his town, his church, and helpful to his fellow man. He was a considerate and loving husband, a patriotic citizen, and held in the highest respect by everyone who knew him. The whole community mourns his loss. The services at the St Francis church, despite the inclemency of the weather Tuesday forenoon, were largely attended by friends, not alone of Harrington, but from many of the towns and communities of Lincoln Co and Spokane. In addition to his three surviving brothers and sister mentioned above, Miss Emma Walsh, sister, and Mr. James Walsh, brother of Mrs. Russell, from Salt Lake City, Utah, and Great Falls, MT, respectively, were in attendance at the funeral. Interment was in St Francis Cemetery. (Citizen-2 March 1934)

Mrs. J. E. Russell died at her apartment in Spokane Saturday morning (Feb 17, 1951), following a long illness. She did not regain her normal health after she sustained a fractured leg bone two years ago. Mrs. Russell, nee Margaret Walsh, came from Salt Lake City to Harrington in 1910 as the bride of John E Russell. They farmed east of town, and following Mr. Russell’s death in March, 1934, Mrs. Russell continued to operate the land. Her sister, Miss Emma Walsh resided with her, and the past five years her brother-in-law and sister, Mrs. Charles Stoffel have been with them on the farm. Mrs. Russell was a cultured and gracious woman. She was a zealous worker in St Francis church, and the Altar Society. She was a member of the Women’s Club. Rosary was said Monday night at the Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane and funeral services, under their direction, were conducted from St Francis Church, Harrington at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning. In celebrating the solemn requiem high mass, Rev Jerome Stoffel was assisted by Rev John J Coleman of Spokane as deacon and Rev Joseph Fleck, Davenport, subdeacon. The assisting priests have been pastors of St Francis parish. Rev W J Brennan gave the sermon. He compared the beautiful life of Mrs. Russell to a Rosary of many virtues, each one a precious gem. He spoke of her faith, and her loyalty to her parish, both of which attributes measurably helped her to bear the pain of her last weeks on earth. Mrs. Frank Horak of Odessa played the organ music and St Francis choir sang the mass. Pallbearers were Ray Lamp, Alex Smith, C. E. Moore, F. J. Rieth and Lyle Bailey, of Harrington and Joe Laughlin of Spokane. Interment was in St Francis cemetery. Surviving Mrs. Russell are her sisters, Miss Walsh and Mrs. Stoffel; nieces, Sister Clarita of Sisters of the Holy Cross, Woodland, CA and Mrs. Thomas Culliton, San Francisco; nephews, Father Stoffel of Logan, Utah and Perry Walsh, Great Falls, MT. Accompanying Miss Walsh, Mr. & Mrs. Stoffel and Father Stoffel to the services were Mr. & Mrs. Perry Walsh and Mrs. James Walsh of Great Falls, MT; among other out-of-town relatives and friends were Mr. & Mrs. Joe Morgan, Ellensburg; Mr. & Mrs. Harold Tierney and Mrs. Eula Tierney, Reardan; Mrs. James Tierney, Spokane; Albert Russell, brother of the late J. E. Russell, Francis Loonam, nephew, and Mrs. Loonam, all of Seattle; Frank Hanlon, Edwall; Mr. & Mrs. Lester Smith, Davenport; Mrs. A. G. Laughlin, Joe Laughlin, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Lamp, F. E .Murray, Mrs. E. W. Huber, Mrs. Lan Candler, two Sisters from Holy Names, and three Jesuit Fathers of Gonzaga, all from Spokane. (Citizen-23 Feb 1951)

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