Walla Walla Obituaries

                                                                   Walla Walla County, Washington

                                                                    Submitted  by Marge Womach

                                                ______________________________________

 All obits with permission.

These are miscellaneous obituaries from several cemeteries and Walla Walla deaths of people buried elsewhere.

Adams, Johanna A.: ( d. Feb 19, 1988)   

“Johanna A. (Endres) Adams, formerly of Spokane, died Feb 19, 1988 at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home, Walla Walla.  Mrs. Adams was born in Spokane and graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1915. She was then head of the obstetrics dept at Sacred Heart Medical Center. She was an army nurse during WW I.  After her marriage to A. W. Adams in 1919, the couple operated a business in Spokane and then farmed for a time in Harrington before returning to Spokane. They moved to Walla Walla in 1966.  Her husband died in 1969.  Mrs. Adams was a member of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Walla Walla . Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Jim (Marquerite) Brown of Titusville, FL; three sons, Dr John B Adams of Walla Walla, Joseph J Adams of Portland, OR, and Robert V Adams, Harrington; one sister, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mass was celebrated for her at the St Francis Roman Catholic Church in Walla Walla, Feb 22. Graveside services and burial were held in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane with Rev Hubert Adams, SJ officiating. Herring Funeral Home in Walla Walla was in charge.” (Davenport Times: 3-03-1988)

Agen, Geo: ( d. 1898) 

Walla Walla, Nov 17.—Geo Agen, a section hand on the W. & C. R., came to a terrible death yesterday morning near Dry Creek, northeast of this city.  Agen, in company with two other men, was coming towards the city on a hand car and as they were rounding a curve they were struck by a freight. The companions of Agen had presence of mind to jump, thus saving their lives while Agen remained on the car only to be mangled to pieces. His head was torn from his body and both legs severed. The remains were brought to this city and the coroner’s jury rendered a verdict of death by an unavoidable accident. Nothing is known of Agen, save that he came here a few months ago from New York en route to the Klondike, but becoming discouraged he remained here and received employment on the railroad. (Citizen Nov 18, 1898) 

Amen, Mrs. Geo: ( d. 1915)  "Mrs. Geo Scheibel received word from Spokane this morning that her mother, Mrs. Geo Amen, had died yesterday at Walla Walla. She and Mr. Scheibel will leave this evening for that city to attend the funeral." (Odessa Record: 1-22-1915) 

Andrews, Kermit: ( b. Jun 30, 1925, d. Mar 23, 1975)   “Last rites for Kermit E. Andrews, son-in-law of Mrs. Don Fode, were held March 26 in Walla Walla. The Don Fode and Neil Lobe families had been called to Walla Walla on the 22^nd.  Mr. Andrews died on the 23^rd at the Veterans Administration hospital there.  Services were held last Wednesday at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church with military services by personnel from Fairchild Air Force Base following in a World War II section of Mountain View Cemetery, Walla Walla.  Andrews, 49, is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Lobe), at the home; and five children: Kristi, Denise and Jeff, at the home, Gwen in Virginia and Michael in Illinois. Andrews served in the Marine Corps in WW II. He re-enlisted in the Air Force in 1949, serving in the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict, retiring in 1969. He was a member of the Catholic Church and Washington State Nursing Association.” (Odessa Record: 4-03-1975)( TS Military section of city section)

Baldwin, Ansel: “Body disinterred from Maccabee Cemetery and shipped to Walla Walla, Wash, for burial. Order given by Arthur Baldwin. Order dated May 13, paid May 16, 1915.” (Sprague Mortuary ledger) 

Beach, Mary U.: ( b. Dec 31, 1905, d. 1995)    “Service for Mary U. Beach, who was born in the Peach area and a lifelong Washington resident, will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Walla Walla.  Mrs. Beach died Jan 5 at a Kelso nursing home. She was 89. She was born Dec 31, 1905, at Peach to Roque and Nellie (Hill) Uribe.  Mrs. Beach made her home in this state all of her life and was a member of the Rebekah Lodge. She enjoyed her grandchildren, and loved her family, flowers and the outdoors. She is survived by four daughters, Lawava Owens of Elgin, OR; Tura James of Vancouver; Peggy Butler of Sunnyside; and Barbara Rusk of Kelso; two sisters, Amy Loranger of College Place and Nettie Farris of Richland; one brother, Charlie Uribe of Milton Freewater; 13 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Dahl’s Ditlevsen-Moore Funeral Home in Kelso is handling the arrangements.”  (Davenport Times: 4-13-1995)

Brennan, Rev William: ( b. Sep 26, 1915, d. May 25, 2006)  “The Rev William Brennan, pastor of St Joseph Catholic Church in Odessa from July 1947 to August 1951, died Thursday, May 25, 2006 in Walla Walla. Father Brennan was 91 years old. He had been living in a convalescent facility in Walla Walla in recent years.  He was born Sept 26, 1915, in Bridgeport, Ohio, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on May 30, 1942. His first assignment was at St Patrick Church in Walla Walla in 1943. A year later, he was named pastor of St Francis of Assisi parish in Harrington and St Joseph Church in Odessa. At that time he was the youngest pastor in the Catholic Diocese of Spokane.  In subsequent years, Father Brennan served as pastor in parishes in Wilbur, Cheney, Spokane, Clarkston, Dayton, Waitsburg, and finally Pomeroy, from 1981 to 1986, when he retired.  Following retirement, he moved to Walla Walla. There, he was active in music circles, joining the Walla Walla Chorale, which performed in New York. Also in retirement, he continued to assist in pastoral duties at St Francis of Assisi and Assumption parishes in Walla Walla.  A funeral Mass for Father Brennan was celebrated June 1 at Assumption Church in Walla Walla. A second funeral Mass was celebrated June 2 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane. Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane.” (Odessa Record: 6-08-2006)

Bryan, Joe: ( b.    d. 1936)  “Joe Bryan, age 35, lost his life in an attempt to escape over the west wall of the state penitentiary at Walla Walla Friday night when the improvised hooks and rope which was to support him gave way, dropping him to instant death in a light well about 12 feet deep. Frank Allaman, age 27, who gained the roof of the new shop line extension and planned to go out with Bryan, made no further attempt to get away when he witnessed the tragedy. Three guards with rifles trained on the two prisoners, whom they discovered on the roof, had not fired. Bryan was serving a life sentence for murder of a gas station operator in Lewis County. In the summer of 1934 he was employed at the Emerson sawmill near Lincoln for several months, and is well known in this region. Allaman is serving 15 to 20 years for robbing the Quincy State bank.—Davenport Times-Tribune.” (Odessa Record: 11-12-1936)

Buddrius, Louisa: ( b. 1848, d. 1920) "Mrs. Louisa Buddrius, mother of Robert L. Buddrius, died at his home northwest of Odessa Saturday of pneumonia, after a short illness. Mrs. Buddrius was 72 years of age the day of her death. She was born in Germany and emigrated in early life to America. For some time past she has been living with her son helping him raise his family of children who lost their mother last year of influenza. Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church yesterday morning at 10:30, the Rev H. Christensen officiating and last night her remains were shipped via the Great Northern to Walla Walla for interment." (Odessa Record: 12-10-1920)(burial: City Section Mountain View Cemetery)

Buxton, Ray: ( b. Jan 18, 1911, d. May 03, 1985)   Ray Nelson Buxton of Walla Walla, a former Odessa resident and former Odessa police chief of 11 years, died May 3, 1985. He was born Jan 18, 1911 in Malden to Charles W and Fannie Buxton. He married Alice Hanson in Nov 1934 in Santa Anna, CA. He is survived by his wife, a son, Mike Buxton of Seattle, and a daughter, Chris Zagelow of Walla Walla, and 3 grandchildren. Funeral service was held Monday at Assumption Catholic Church, burial not stated. (notes from Odessa Record: 5-09-1985)(burial: Mountain View Cemetery, Catholic Section)   

Cartwright, Jack:  “A telegram was received here Tuesday announcing the death of Jack Cartwright at his home about a mile out of Twisp, WA. He has been in failing health for several years but those who saw him when he was here but a short time ago did not expect the end so soon. Geo Brown and D. W. Matheson left here Thursday morning for Wenatchee where the body was brought. From that point they take it to Walla Walla for burial which will occur today or tomorrow.” (Sprague Advocate: 11-10-1916)

Coffin, Leona: ( b. Mar 31, 1907, d. May 20, 1993)  “A memorial service for Leona A. Coffin, of Walla Walla, was held on Monday, May 31, at St Paul’s Episcopal Church there.  Mrs. Coffin died on Thursday, May 20, 1993, in Walla Walla.  She was born on March 31, 1907, in Lamona, the daughter of George and Anna Carssow. She married Quentin D Coffin in 1934 and lived in Spokane until 1983, when she moved to Walla Walla.  She was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church and Chapter BI of PEO.  Survivors include three daughters, Susan Johnson, Walla Walla; Karen Pratt, Yakima; and Linda Barksdale, Tacoma; two sisters, Elsie Cusick, St Helena, CA; and Edna Cusbee, San Francisco; one brother, Boyd Carssow, and 7 grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death in 1974.” (Odessa Record: 6-03-1993)

Collingwood, Daniel: ( b. 1866, d. 1937) " Daniel M. Collingwood, 71, died Sunday with funeral last Friday from the English Congregational Church. The body was shipped to Walla Walla for burial, Strates had charge of the body. “Mr. Collingwood had been identified with this area for many years. When he first came to the region he was employed as a horse wrangler on the large John C Ingle ranch near Lamona, where he distinguished himself by his work. Later he took up a homestead near Bob’s Lake, making his home there until two years ago, selling his acreage to purchase a place close to town, where he went into the chicken business. Misfortune seemed to follow the man. At one time he purchased $15,000 worth of well bred cattle to range on his homestead. The cattle arrived and it was found that blackleg had set in, making it necessary to slaughter the majority of them. He often stated that it would have been cheaper had he killed them before shipping them here, thus saving freight. As a chicken rancher, despite careful attention and study, his flock became infected and he had to kill off the entire flock. He was a man of young ideas. During the past year he had completely renovated his poultry plant and was arranging to bring in 1000 baby chicks this spring to make a new start. Death came before he could complete this plane. Even in death he had an unfortunate ending. As he walked homeward from town, he was about to receive a ride to his ranch, when an approaching car, driving through the light area of the waiting car, caught him, knocking him to the side of the road, a broken mass... survived by 2 brothers and four sisters.”  (Odessa Record: 3-11-1937)(burial: Mountain View Cemetery, IOOF Section)

Duff: ( d. 2005)  Elsie Deife Duff, 88, of Walla Walla, died July 7, 2005, in Walla Walla. She was born Dec 15, 1916 in Krupp/Marlin, the daughter of Wilhelm and Lucille Hemmerling Deife. She married Fred Stumpf and they operated a farm between Ritzville and Odessa. “It was near their farm on Jan 13, 1950, that tragedy struck as Mr. Stumpf was driving their two children, Eileen, 10, and Frederick, 6, home from school in Ritzville during a blizzard. Their car ran off the road a half-mile from home. The two children froze to death while their father set out in the blinding storm to seek help. Elsie married Charles Duff on Feb 12, 1972.”  Survivors include daughter Carol Harting, of Richland; sister Lorene Heimbigner, of Ritzville; three brothers, John Deife, of Odessa, and Robert Deife and Walter Deife, both of Cheney; and granddaughter, Jessica Harting, of Richland. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, a son, a daughter, two sisters and four brothers. A graveside service and burial were on July 15 at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla. (notes and quote from Odessa Record: 7-28-2005)

Geiselman, Martha: ( b. 1910,  d. 1963)  “Funeral services were held last Wednesday at Walla Walla for Mrs. Waldo (Martha) Geiselman, 53, who had died there on Monday. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Deife.  She was born in the Marlin area and attended the Marlin schools. She married Waldo Geiselman at Walla Walla in 1933 and the family resided there the past 30 years. In addition to her husband, Waldo, she is survived by a daughter, Joanne, and a son, David, all at the home. Other survivors include three sisters, Lorene Heimbigner, Ritzville; Elsie Stumpf, Walla Walla and Ruby Pfeifer, Wilson Creek; six brothers, Art, John E, and Robert Deife, of Odessa; Walt, of Spokane; Emil of Spangle; and Harold of Albany, OR.  Other relatives from here attending the services were Mr. and Mrs. Albert Leitz and Mrs. Martha Hemmerling; Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Hemmerling; Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Hemmerling, Mr. and Mrs. Fred S. Weishaar, Mr. and Mrs. John Deife, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Deife, Mrs. Esther Schlimmer and Mrs .Sarah Allington.” (Odessa Record: 10-03-1963))( Mt View Cemetery IOOF section)

Haberstok, Joseph: ( b. Jul 30, 1913, d. Sep  23, 1999)   “Joseph Conrad George Haberstok, 86, recently of Spokane , previously an 86 year resident of Walla Walla, died Thursday, Sept 23, 1999. He was born July 30, 1913 in Walla Walla, the son of Anselm and Rosa Many Haberstok. He lived his entire life on the farm where he was born. In 1934 he married Ethel Wiebe. In 1948, he married Marjorie Brownfield… He is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Betty Joe and Jay Bills of Pocatello, ID; Mary Lee King, of Spokane ; and JoKay Haberstok, of Pasco;… A funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Sept 29, at Assumption Catholic Church in Walla Walla, Father Otto Koltzenburg officiating. Interment followed at Mountain View Cemetery.” ( Odessa Record: 1999)( TS Catholic section)

Hazelton, Leona: ( b. , d. 1912)             

“Mrs. Hazelton Passes Away.—Waitsburg Times. Mrs. Leona Hazelton, of this city, died at St Mary’s Hospital, Walla Walla, Tuesday evening, June 11, at 6 o’clock from the effects of cancer. She underwent an operation several days ago but while the operation itself seemed to be successful, complications arose which carried her off within a few hours. Mrs. Hazelton was 55 years and 10 days of age. She had been in poor health for the past year.  The body was shipped to this city Wednesday morning and the funeral services were held from the Christian Church Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev W. H. Harris, pastor of the church, delivering the funeral sermon. Interment was in the family plot at the City cemetery. Mrs. Hazelton was born in Illinois June 1, 1857. She came to this city in 1876 and was married soon after to T. P. Hazelton, who died about three years ago. The Hazeltons were among our oldest and best known residents and Mrs. Hazelton leaves a large circle of warm friends.  Eight children survive, three sons and five daughters as follows:  Ralph of Tacoma; Mrs. Frank Pickell of Pullman ; James of Minneapolis; Ernest, of Portland ; Mrs. M. Y. George, Stanta Rosa, Canada; Mrs. A. J. Fields, Davenport, WA; Stella and Gladys of Waitsburg. She leaves a sister, Mrs. M. A. Woods of near this city. Stella and Gladys and Mr. and Mrs. Woods were at the bedside when she passed away.”  (LCT: 6-28-1912)

Heimbigner, Rena,  ( d. 1914)   "Mrs. Adam Heimbigner, wife of Adam Heimbigner, a well known farmer of the Packard section, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hopp, of this city, died at a hospital in Walla Walla last Thursday evening, following an operation there several days prior. The body was brought to Ritzville where the funeral services were held on Saturday and interment made in the Ritzville Cemetery." (Odessa Record: 9-25-1914) "Mrs. Adam Heimbigner. 27, body shipped from Walla Walla, buried: 9-20-1914." (mortuary ledger) (b. Jun 05, 1887, d. Sep 18, 1914)

Jacky, Martha: ( b. Nov 10, 1905, d. Mar 01, 1997)

“Martha F. Jacky, 91, of Walla Walla died there on March 1, 1997. Jacky was born Nov 10, 1905 in Reardan to Rudolph and Selena Deno Ahrens. She graduated from North Central High School in Spokane and WSU. She married Lawrence Jacky on Aug 21, 1928, in Spokane.   Mr. Jacky died in 1953.  In this area, Mrs. Jacky is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, William, and Elizabeth Jacky of Davenport. A private family service was held.” (Davenport Times: 3-06-1997)

Janke, William: ( b.  1900, d. Jun 13, 1965)  “Funeral services for William Janke, member of one of the pioneer families of Odessa, were held at Walla Walla last Wednesday. Janke died on Sunday, June 13, of a heart attack at the age of 65.  Born here in 1900, he left the area in 1925 going to Harrington. During the war years he went to Walla Walla and was a contractor at Richland. Recently he was foreman of the carpenter shop at the Walla Walla state prison. Survivors include his wife, the former Gustie Becker; two daughters and one son.  Attending the services from here were Mr. and Mrs. Orville Swartz, W. C. Raugust and Rudolph Raugust.” (Odessa Record: 6-24-1965) 

Jantz, Ada: ( b. Jul 16, 1892, d. May 30, 1992)  Ada Walter Jantz died May 30, 1992, age 99. She was born July 16, 1892 in Ritzville, the first child of Jacob and Kathrine Hill Walter, who had recently arrived from Walterdorf, in the Volga area of Russia. “The Walters lived for a time in Walla Walla, where their second child, Jacob Jr., was born. In 1899 they and their two children came to Odessa, traveling overland by wagon from Walla Walla via Lyons Ferry to Odessa. They homesteaded three miles south of Odessa, then only a collection of four or five houses, a lumberyard and a store. The first winter, Ada often recalled, they lived in a section of the barn, the first building on the homestead, and subsisted largely on potatoes. Ada was educated in the Walter School, near the family farm, and in the Odessa schools. She married Dr Emil Jantz, a young dentist who had come to Odessa to practice, on June 14, 1914. The couple lived in New York City for two years while he pursued advanced studies. In the late 1970s, she moved back to Odessa, where until 1986 she was a resident of the Odessa Convalescent Center. That year she returned to a center in Walla Walla. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son, Dr Walter Leon Jantz, 2 grandchildren; a brother, Soloman Walter, and a sister, Martha Oliver. Among the survivors are one brother, Jacob Walter Jr., of Odessa; and 3 half brothers, Leon Walter, Weldon Walter and Ivan Walter, all of Odessa. Graveside services were held in Walla Walla at Mountain View Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: 6-04-1992)( TS IOOF section)

Jantz:( b. Nov 22, 1887, d. 1945)  “Dr Emil Jantz, 57 year old retired dentist, who suffered a heart attack on a hunting trip Monday of last week, died at his home at Walla Walla. Funeral services were held on Wednesday.  Born in Poland, Nov 22, 1887, he came to America, and practiced dentistry in Odessa until 1918, when he took a postgraduate course and entered the practice in Walla Walla until he retired in March 1944.  He is survived by his widow, Ada, daughter of the late Jacob Walter Sr., of Odessa, and a son, Walter Jantz, who is in Washington Medical school in St Louis, two brothers and a sister. Many from here attended the funeral.” (Odessa Record: 10-11-1945( Buried Mountain View Cemetery, IOOF section)

Kanzler, Valentine: ( b.  Dec 04, 1876,  d.  Nov 14, 1937)   “Valentine Kanzler, Walla Walla, about 55, was found shot to death at his ranch home on the Walla Walla River by the sheriff and coroner of that county. The man’s head was partially blown away with a shotgun blast. ‘There is no question but that it was suicide,’ the coroner stated.  A dog and a few cows were also found slain by shotgun blasts, the carcasses scattered about the farmyard. They presumably were shot by Kanzler a few minutes before he took his own life, said the officers. No note could be found to give any reason for the incident. Kanzler, a former resident of the Ritzville area, and his wife had separated, officers said, the widow living at Endicott. A son, Ted, also survives.” (Odessa Record: 11-18-1937)( TS Mt View Cem, Kanzier, NB section)

Kelley, Father Wm.: ( b. Sep 06, 1913, d. Aug 08, 1983) “Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug 11, at St Aloysius Church for Father William Kelley who died Aug 8, 1983 of cancer. Father Kelley was the pastor of St Francis of Assisi Parish, Harrington, and St Joseph , Odessa. Bishop Lawrence Welsh celebrated mass and Father John Evoy SJ was homilist.  Kelley died one day before his retirement. He had planned to live in Spokane and help at Mater Dei Institute, a Jesuit-run seminary for late vocations to the priesthood. Born Sept 6, 1913 in Montana , Father Kelley was ordained a priest by Bishop Charles White on May 19, 1955. He attended St Aloysius School and Gonzaga Prep High School.  Father Kelley spent 13 years in the Society of Jesus before he quit the order to enlist in the US Marine Corps. After active service, he spent several years as a layman before entering the seminary.  After his ordination, Father Kelley served as assistant pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes for three months, then taught two years at Marycliff High School before being named principal of Bishop White Seminary.  From 1958-59, he served as an assistant pastor of St John Vianney Parish and as an instructor at Holy Names Academy . He also served as chaplain at St Mary’s Hospital, Walla Walla, and as an instructor at DeSales High School from 1959-1968. From 1968-1972, Father Kelley served as pastor at St Bernard Mission, Ione, and St Joseph Parish, Metaline Falls. He also was pastor at Cathedral Parish from 1972-73, and St Mary’s Presentation, Deer Park from 1973-1981.  Father Kelley is survived by a brother, Father John J. Kelley SJ of Portland , OR ; two sisters, Sister Marian Cecilia SNJM of Salem, OR, and Sister Marian Elizabeth SNJM of Maryhurst, OR.” (Davenport Times:  8-18-1983) 

Klippert, John: ( b.  d. Jul 12, 1958)   “John Klippert, a former Odessa resident, passed away April 20th in a Walla Walla hospital after 6 weeks illness. He was 81 years old.  Mr. Klippert, with his wife, Magdalena, came to Odessa from Walter, Russia in May 1912. In 1919 they moved on a farm about 15 miles southwest of Odessa, known as the Ed Richter farm. Mrs. Klippert passed away July 12, 1958.  In June 1960 Mr. Klippert married Elizabeth Benzel of Walla Walla and resided there until his death.  Surviving him, besides his wife, are two daughters, Freeda Burge and Mrs Alma Mace of Tacoma; two sons, Leo S. Klippert of Puyallup, WA, and Herbert J. Klippert of Tacoma; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Two sons, Arhtur W and William H preceded him in death.  Chapel services were held April 24th at 1 p.m. at DeWitts Funeral Home in Walla Walla and graveside services at Mountain View Cemetery in Tacoma at 1 p.m. on April 25th.” (Odessa Record: 4-26-1973)

Leid, Esther Ann: ( b. Nov 05, 1901, d. Apr 29, 1984)   “Word was received  recently of the death of Esther Ann Leid of Walla Walla, WA, who passed away on April 29, 1984 at the age of 82.  Esther was the eldest daughter of the late Rev and Mrs. John Reister and was born Nov 5, 1901 in Hosmer, SD. Rev Reister was pastor of the original Pilgrim Congregational Church in Odessa. Esther taught school for fifteen years. She was married to Charles Leid in July, 1939. For the past 44 years, she was associated with Mutual of Omaha, first as office manager for her husband and later as a licensed agent, following his death. She remained active and worked in the office just two days prior to her death.  Survivors include three sisters, Lydia Reister, Walla Walla, WA; Johanna Heydlauff, Puyallup, WA; and Betty Cornwell, Cashmere, WA; four brothers, Samuel Reister and James Reister, both of Walla Walla; John Reister, Dublin, CA; and Paul Reister, of Peshastin, WA.” (Odessa Record: 5-31-1984; picture in original)(Mt View Cemetery, City section)

Lentz, Solomon: ( b. Apr 13, 1918, d.  Jul 05, 1984)   Solomon Lentz was born April 13, 1918 at Marlin, WA. He married Marjorie Cheyney on Feb 14, 1947, and they had four children. He died July 5, 1984 in Walla Walla, with burial at the Lentz Cemetery near Odessa, WA. (Notes from Odessa Record: 7-26-1984; see Lentz Cemetery file) 

Lonneker:  “Jim Lonneker’s mother has died in Walla Walla, it is reported. She had been ill for several months with a malignant brain tumor. Funeral services were held on Tuesday of this week in Walla Walla. Lonneker is employed at the Seattle First National Bank in Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 10-10-1974) 

Lytle, James W.: ( d. 1910) “Walla Walla Pioneer Dies. James W. Lytle Recently Celebrated 60^th Anniversary of Wedding. Walla Walla, June 17.—James W. Lytle, aged 86, died of old age today. A few days ago he celebrated the 60^th anniversary of his marriage. He moved to this state 20 years ago, and has lived here 13 years. He was a New Yorker by birth, but spent a large part of his life in Wisconsin.” (Spokesman-Review: 6-28-1910)

Mann, Joan Kay: ( b. 1937, d. 1937) (Nov 18, 1937) Joan Kay Mann, four months old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James D. Mann of Walla Walla, formerly of Davenport, smothered at the Mann home early Thursday morning. Mrs. Mann had been up with the child about 6:30 AM, and, on arising about an hour later, found the little girl had pulled a blanket over her head in some manner, and was lifeless. She was rushed to a hospital where resuscitation methods of all sorts were tried without avail. Mr. Mann was at Eureka, Oregon, on a business trip when he received the sad news. The body of the child was brought to Spokane and funeral services were held at Hazen & Jaeger parlors Saturday, with the Rev F. J. Ahrendt of Davenport officiating. Mrs. Lloyd B. Peffley of Davenport and Mrs. W. J. Colville of Reardan sang. Interment was in Riverside Park cemetery.  

Mann, Mary Emily: ( b. Dec 10, 1910, d. Nov 01, 1995)  “Memorial service for Mary Emily Mann, a former 16 year resident of the Davenport area, was held Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church in Walla Walla with Pastor Robert McCoy officiating. Private family interment was at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla.  Mrs. Mann died Nov 1 at her home at Park Plaza Retirement Center. She was 84.  She was born Dec 10, 1910, in Davenport to Charles and Maria Kappes Straub. A graduate of Davenport High School, she attended WSU for three years.  On Oct 18, 1935, she married W Howard Mann in Davenport. In 1979, she and her husband moved to Walla Walla… She is survived by one daughter, Rosemary Mann of Modesto, CA; two sons, Michael Mann of West Valley City, Utah, and David Mann of Walla Walla; one sister, Louise Cook of Modesto; one brother-in-law, Carl Guhlke of Davenport; four grandchildren…; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including nephew Clayton Guhlke of Davenport. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard on Aug 23, 1988, as well as two sisters and three brothers. Arrangements were handled by Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.” (Davenport Times excerpt: 11-09-1995)( TS NB section)

Michaelsen, Elmer: ( d. 1989)   “Service for Elmer L. Michaelsen, 76, a lifetime Eastern Washington resident, was Thursday at the First Congregational Church in Walla Walla, where he was a member. Colonial-DeWitt Funeral Home in Walla Walla was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Michaelsen died Saturday at St Mary’s Medical Center in Walla Walla. Born in Odessa, WA, he graduated from Odessa High School and attended WSU.  Mr. Michaelsen was in the retail business in Spokane with a brother until moving to Walla Walla in 1956 to work in the insurance business with Loyal Protective Life Insurance.  …he was a past master of the Odessa Masonic Lodge 156.  Survivors include his wife of 52 ½ years, Dorothy (Harris) Michaelsen, at the home in Walla Walla; three daughters, Marcia Suko of Yakima, Gretchen Clintworth of Renton, WA, and Suzanne Dickinson of San Jose, CA; two brothers, Henry Michaelsen Jr. of Odessa and Howard Michaelsen of Spokane; and six grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 1-29-1989) 

Miller, Myrtle: ( b. Aug 30, 1899, d. Sep 29, 1902)   “Myrtle, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Miller, died last Monday morning at the family residence on Third Street, of dysentery, aged 3 yrs and 17 days. A short funeral service, attended by a number of sympathetic friends of the bereaved family, was held at the house Monday afternoon, Rev Schwabenland officiating. The remains were taken to Walla Walla, the family’s former home, for interment, on Tuesday morning’s train.” (Odessa Record)( TS Mt View, Myrvle, IOOF section)

 Peck, Carl: ( b. Jan 06, 1913, d. Jul 15, 1984)   “Former Reardan resident Carl E. Peck died July 15, 1984 at the Dayton Hospital. Funeral services begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19, at St Patrick’s Church in Walla Walla. Peck farmed at Waitsburg. He is survived by a wife, one son, one sister, Vera Flood of Reardan; and several grandchildren.” (Davenport Times:  7-19-1984)( TS Mt View Cem., city section) 

Peterson, Marguerite: ( b. Aug 31, 1896, d. Jan 29, 1990)  “Marguerite Peterson, 93, died in Walla Walla’s Regency Care Center Jan 29, 1990.  Mrs. Peterson was born Aug 31, 1896 in College Place to Archie and Fannie Foster McFarlane. She attended normal schools in Cheney and Bellingham and received her life teaching certificate. She taught at Mason, Cottonwood, Prospect Point, Eastside and Dixie Schools. Mrs. Peterson was married to the late Charles E. Peterson of Espanola and was well known in the grange. She served many years as lecturer or program chairman in both Espanola Grange and Prospect Point Grange, and was a county leader in home economics activities.  Her husband, Charles E Peterson, served in the state legislature and had been a grange deputy and county secretary for the grange for many years. In addition, he was on the board of directors of Lincoln Mutual No. 2 in Reardan.  Upon his death in Espanola in 1953, she returned to her family in Walla Walla, where she returned to teaching in 1954, later substituting in Dixie in 1957. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge and Daughters of the Pioneers. Survivors include a son, Norman Peterson of Portland, OR; two grandchildren, Diane Peterson of Miami and Carl Peterson of Eugene; and a niece, Ladine Davidson, of Pasco. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Clayton Beeson, Jacob Riehl and Charles E. Peterson.  Services were held Feb 2 at the Odd Fellows Hoe Chapel. Rev LeRoy Selby of the First Presbyterian Church officiated.  Graveside services followed at Mountain View Cemetery and were conducted by Prospect Point Grange. The eulogy was given by her son, Norman Peterson.” (Davenport Times: Feb 1990); 

Peterson, Lawrence W.: ( b. Oct 19, 1904, d. May 09, 1996)   “A graveside burial service for Lawrence W Peterson, 91, was held Wednesday this week at Riverside Memorial Park in Spokane, followed by a memorial service at the Reardan Presbyterian Church. The Rev Cynthia Rodkey officiated. M. Peterson, a former longtime Edwall resident, died May 9, 1996 at his home in Walla Walla.  He was born Oct 19, 1904, to Oluf and Enga (Jacobsen) Peterson at Deep Creek. In 1918, his family moved to a farm north of Sprague near Fishtrap. In 1931, Mr. Peterson moved to his farm near Edwall, where he lived for 61 years until moving to Walla Walla in 1962 to be near his son and family. During his years in Edwall, Mr. Peterson farmed in partnership with his brother Chester. He married Alice Gimlin in Pullman on Sept 23, 1945 and the couple celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary last fall. Mr. Peterson was a lifelong farmer and had been maintaining a keen interest in his Edwall farm at the time of his death. He farmed with horses until 1937, when he traded in most of these animals for a tractor. He raised wheat, barley, hay and Shorthorn cattle. He was a pioneer soil conservationist and was named, with his brother Chester, as Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1960. Mr. Peterson enjoyed seeing his crops and children grow. He especially tried to make things better, both on the farm and for his family. Through his efforts of continuous improvement, he turned a rundown parcel of dry land farm ground into a highly producing family farm.  Mr. Peterson was a member and past elder of the Reardan First Presbyterian Church.  He was a 50-year member of Waukon Grange and a 55-year member of Reardan Lodge F & AM #146 and Davenport Order of Eastern Star #131. He also was a member of the Reardan Grain Growers, Edwall Grain Growers, Edwall Chemical Corp and the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. He especially enjoyed his time as a member of the board of directors for Edwall Grain Growers and Spokane Concrete Company. Survivors include his wife at the home; his daughter and sons-in-law, Nancy and Jim Solberg of Carnation, WA; his daughter Janice Foley of White Plains, NY; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Carol Peterson of Walla Walla; his grandchildren, Nathan Solberg of Carnation, Pam and Tim Foley of White Plains, and Enga and Erin Peterson of Walla Walla; his 93 year old brother Gilbert of Mountlake Terrace, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Herring Groseclose Funeral Home in Walla Walla is in charge of arrangements.” (Davenport Times:  5-16-1996)

Phillips, Henry: ( b. Apr 04, 1878, d. Oct 03, 1971)  “Henry C. Phillips, 216 Whitman St, Walla Walla, WA, died Sunday evening at St Mary’s hospital, Oct 3, 1971. Born April 4, 1878 in New Boston, MO, he was the son of Eldrige C .and Mary Ann Phillips. In 1900 Mr. Phillips moved to Odessa, WA, where he engaged in the lumber and banking business for fifty years. He was active in civic and community affairs. He served a term as mayor of Odessa. He retired to his home in Walla Walla in 1954.  On July 26, 1904 Mr. Phillips was married to Sara R Howard of Seattle. He was a member of the Congregational Church and the Masonic Lodge of Odessa. Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife at home, a daughter, Mrs. Boone L. Wilson of Seattle; two sons, Howard E. Phillips of Odessa and Merlin Phillips of Walla Walla. A son, Paul Phillips, preceded him in death.  There are 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct 7, in the Holy Cross Chapel, Spokane, with Rev Albert Hausauer officiating, followed by interment in the Holy Cross Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 10-07-1971)

Prest, George: ( b. 1857, d.  May 16, 1943)  “George Prest, former Davenport resident, died in Walla Walla Sunday, May 16. The 86 year old pioneer had been in ill health for about a year. He came to Davenport in 1891 and resided here until 1921 when he moved to Walla Walla.  Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery Tuesday afternoon with the Rev Lee E Knoll officiating at the graveside ceremony.  Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Orlie Katsel, of Waitsburg; Mrs. Dan McKinnon, Davenport; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.” (Dav. Times-Tribune: 5-27-1943)( No TS) 

Ramm, Emil:  ( b. Aug 31, 1912, d. Jan 17, 2004)  Emil R. Ramm died Jan 17, 2004 in Walla Walla. He was born in Odessa to immigrant parents, Gottlieb and Mary (Hemmerling) Ramm, on Aug 31, 1912. He married Kathryn Krause on Jan 29, 1939 in Dryden. Interment was at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla. (notes from Odessa Record: undated scrapbook item)

Raugust, Fred: ( b. Dec 25, 1895, d. 1964)  “Fred Raugust, 68, died at Walla Walla last week and funeral services were held from the DeWitt chapel there with the Rev James Moore officiating. Interment was in the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens. Raugust was born Dec 25, 1895, in Rumania. He came to the Odessa area in 1903 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Raugust. He married Miss Matilda Zundel in 1922 at Odessa. The family left here in 1937, locating at Milton-Freewater, and moved to Walla Walla in 1956. He had been active in the landscaping and gardening business until his illness. Besides his wife he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Floyd (Dorothy) Phillips of Milton-Freewater; two sons, Harold W. of Walla Walla, and Don G. of Leavenworth, Kansas; three sisters, Mrs. Matilda Schlenker of Milton-Freewater; Mrs. Mary Gross of Odessa, and Mrs. Pauline Rust of Milton-Freewater; two brothers, Karl Raugust of Tucson, AZ; and Valentine Raugust of Jerome, Idaho. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.” (Odessa Record: 6-04-1964)

Raugust, John:  ( b. Aug 28, 1881, d.  Dec 27, 1962)  “A group from here went to Walla Walla on Monday to attend the funeral services for John Raugust, pioneer. Born in Russia in 1881, he was married there in 1903 and came to America, where he worked around Ritzville until 1911.  He then went to Walla Walla where he has lived since.  Survivors include his wife, Theresa; sons, William of Washington, DC; Rev Albert of Susseriville, CA; daughters, Mrs. Ann Stoller, Tri-City; Mrs. John Weizel, San Francisco. He was a brother of Rudolph Raugust, Mrs. Ed Kiesz, and Mrs. Charles Goade of Odessa. Going to the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Raugust, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kiesz and Mr. .and Mrs. Rudolph Raugust and Lyle.” (Odessa Record: 1-03-1963)( Mt View Cem, city section, s/w Theresa)

  Reister, Johanna: ( b. 1880, d.  1973)  Mrs. Johanna Elizabeth Reister, 93, wife of Rev John F. Reister, who served the Pilgrim Congregational Church from 1908 to 1913. Her funeral was held Dec 28 in Walla Walla, WA. Johanna was born in 1880 the daughter of Jacob and Margaretha Mees, in Germany, and came to the US to Alpena, SD, when she was four. She was married in Dec 1900. Rev Reister passed away in 1946. She was also preceded in death by two daughters. Surviving are: daughters: Mrs. C. M. Leid (Esther) and Miss Lydia Reister, both of Walla Walla; Mrs. Harold Schimke (Martha), of Forest Grove, OR; Mrs. John Heydlauff (Johanna) of Puyallup; and Mrs. Jack Cornwell (Betty) of Cashmere, WA; sons: Sam and James R. D. Reister of Walla Walla; Paul Reister of Dryden, WA; and John F. Reister of Chicago, CA. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-10-1974)( burial: Mountain View Cemetery City Section)

Reker, Raymond H: ( d. Mar 03, 1980)  “Raymond H Reker.—Passed away March 3, 1980 in Spokane. His home Walla Walla, WA. Formerly a longtime resident of Harrington, WA. Survived by one brother, Walter Reker, Ephrata, WA; one sister, Mrs. Sam (Florence) Lavy, Douglas, AZ; one nephew, Larry Reker, Australia; one niece, Mrs. Betty J. Brandon, Spokane. Memorial services Friday, March 7, 1980 at 11 a.m. at the Odd Fellows Home, Walla Walla, WA. Cremation.” (Spokesman: undated)

Ruff:  “Rudolph E Ruff.—A resident of W1508 Water Ave. Survived by 3 sisters, Mrs Adolph Leitz, Fairfield, WA, Mrs Edward Backtold, Mrs Elwin Converse, both of Walla Walla, WA; 4 brothers, John, Harold and Albert Ruff, all of Walla Walla, WA; Dan Ruff, Sacramento, CA. Several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 14, 3 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, W1124 Riverside Ave. The Rev Robert Morton officiating. Interment Mountain View Cemetery, Walla Walla, WA, May 15.” (Spokesman Review: 5-15-1970)

Ruff, Theresa: ( d. Feb 24, 1935)  “Theresa Ruff Laid to Rest.  Funeral services for Mrs. Theresa Ruff, 73, former Ruff resident, who died at the home of a son, Jacob, at Walla Walla on Feb. 24, were held last Wednesday at Walla Walla, the Rev K K Meyer, Rev George J Kleinbach and Rev H. F. Lange officiating.  Interment was in the Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla. The deceased was well known in Odessa.  She was born in Roumania, living there until married to Gottfried Ruff. In 1901 she and her husband came to the United States and located on a homestead near the present town of Ruff.  Mr. Ruff died in 1917. She lived in Ruff until three years ago, when she decided to make her home with her son in Walla Walla.  She is survived by three sons and two daughters: August Ruff, in Canada; John Ruff, in Ruff; Lydia Jantz, Rocklyn, Wash; Jacob Ruff, Walla Walla; Emma Wacker, Portland, Oregon, and 24 grandchildren, one foster child, Martin Knodel, and one great great grandchild. Death was attributed to heart failure.” (Odessa Record: 3-08-1935)(edit: no TS) 

Scheideman, Martha: ( d. May 24, 1984)  “Word was received recently of the death of Martha Scheideman at Walla Walla, WA, at Washington General Hospital on May 24, 1984. Memorial services were held on Saturday, May 26, 1984, in Waitsburg, WA from the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member. Burial was in the Dusty, WA, Cemetery. Mrs. Scheideman was born on Feb 7, 1898 in Bismarck, ND to Jacob P and Theresa Patzer Weber. She moved to Odessa with her parents and later worked in Walla Walla for Dr Jantz as a dental assistant. Dr Jantz was the late husband of Ada Jantz of Odessa. On Sept 6, 1925 she was joined in marriage to Alfred Schimke. After eight short days of marriage Alfred lost his life in an accident. Martha then later married Jacob Stueckle on Jan 11, 1927 in Ritzville. They farmed in the Dusty and Prescott areas, settling in Waitsburg in 1950. Jacob died in 1963. In 1967 she was married to John Scheideman. He died in 1979.  Martha lived in Spokane for a few years and spent the last three years in Walla Walla.  Survivors include four daughters, Frieda Stueckle of Walla Walla; Clara Stacy of Naches, WA; Birdie Hollings of Spokane; and Lauretta McCaw of Waitsburg; three sons, Edwin Stueckle of Colfax; Walter Stueckle of Eureka, CA; and Victor Stueckle of Prescott; one sister, Mary Stueckle of Spokane; 20 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 6-21-1984)  

Schmidt, Jacob: ( b. Sep 18, 1894, d.  Jan 11, 1969)   “Jacob Schmidt, of Walla Walla and formerly of Odessa and Calgary, Alberta, Canada, died Saturday, Jan 11, at a Walla Walla hospital following a brief illness. He was 74.  Born Sept 18, 1894, in Walla Walla, he was reared in Odessa; the son of Henry and Anna Marie Schmidt. He moved to Canada in 1918. He was in a real estate partnership in Calgary, Alberta, until his retirement. He married Mabel Dawson of Walla Walla in Calgary in 1966. They then returned to Walla Walla to make their home. He was a 50 year member of the First Nazarene Church of Calgary.  Survivors include his wife, at the home; three sons, Joseph A and Calvin L Schmidt, both of Calgary; and Harold J Schmidt of Eugene, OR; three daughters: Mrs. Jerry (Alice) Johnson of Frankfurt, Germany, Mrs. Conrad (Hannah) Notland of Montreal, Canada, and Mrs. James (Bernice) Wolstholm of Red Deer, Alberta; two step-daughters, Mrs. Eugene Berreth of Portland, OR and Mrs. P. T. Glenn of Vancouver, WA; a step-son, A. L. Dawson of Milton-Freewater, OR; two sisters: Mrs. Mary Mann of Harrington, WA, and Mrs. Helen Wacker of Odessa. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 14, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Walla Walla, with the Rev D R Peterman officiating. Concluding services and interment was in Calgary.” (Odessa Record: 1-23-1969)

Schneidmiller, Fred: ( b. 1900, d. 1930)  “Fred Schneidmiller, who would have been 70 years old during the next month, died at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Zier, early Thursday morning, from the effects of a stroke. He had suffered a stroke a year ago and another this week.  Born in Russia, he came to this country while still a young man and entered the railroad employ. He made his home at Walla Walla, where his wife was buried, and where he owned a beautiful home. Survivors include Mrs. Zier and another daughter, Marie, at Walla Walla, and a son, Carl, at Portland. Funeral arrangements have not been made, but it is likely the body will be taken to Walla Walla for burial, beside the body of his wife.” (Odessa Record: 8-30-1935?)(TS in Mountain View, City Section)

Schrag, Gary: ( b. Nov 18, 1952, d. Apr 16, 2002)   "Gary M. Schrag, age 49, passed away April 16, 2002 at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle, WA. He was a resident of the Walla Walla area since 1978. Gary was born Nov 18, 1952 in Odessa, WA to Philip G and Jeanne Vangrootel Schrag. He attended Ritzville schools and graduated from high school there… He married Janet C. Kavanagh on Aug 25, 1979 in Spokane, WA… Survivors include his wife, Jan at the home; one daughter, Kimberly Schrag, one son, Eric P. Schrag, both at the home; mother, Jeanne Schrag of Ritzville, WA; parents-in-law, John R. and Virginia Kavanagh of Spokane, WA; two brothers, Michael Schrag of Ritzville, WA, Greg Schrag of Brier, WA; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Vault interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, Walla Walla, WA. (excerpt of Spokesman Review: April 2002)(edit: No listing shown)

Stairs, ___ w/o Harvey: “The body of Mrs. Harvey Stairs, 21, who died Saturday of pneumonia, was sent Monday night to Walla Walla for burial. Besides her husband she is survived by her mother, Mrs. G. A. Cassidy of Walla Walla, and one brother, Leonard Cochran of Sunnyside.” (Citizen: 3-04-1927)(edit: Helen A. Cochran Stairs, b. 1905, d. 1927, burial North Block section, Mt View Cemetery)  

Staren, Paul: ( d. 1922)  “Paul Staren, who was convicted of murder recently at Ephrata, and was sentenced to be hanged Nov 10^th, cheated the gallows last Saturday night by hanging himself in his cell in the state penitentiary at Walla Walla.  Staren made a rope of his bed sheet and stepped off his bunk into eternity. When found the body was still warm. This act will save the state the expense of feeding him for a month and relieve the warden of the disagreeable duty of hanging him. This tragedy ends a life of crime that includes at least two known murders. The record back of that is lost in obscurity, but the man came from Russia and it may be that he had committed offenses in that country which made his departure from there seem advisable. Marshal McKinnon, who arrested Staren, intends to make formal application for a share of the reward money placed on his capture.” (Citizen: 10-20-1922) 

Stumpf, John: ( d. 1944)  “A telegram was received by Charles Stumpf today noon stating that his brother, John Stumpf, had died at the Walla Walla veteran’s hospital. He had spent most of the winter at the hospital and was thought to be doing well. Funeral arrangements are being made. Mr. Stumpf, a veteran of the last war, is a member of the American Legion and the local post will have a part in the funeral service. Two of the Stumpf sons, Lloyd and Frank, are with the armed service and a daughter attends school here.” (Odessa Record: 3-16-1944; see Odessa Cemetery)

Van de Van, H. J.: ( d. 1929)  “Father H. J. Vandevan, 73, who will be well remembered by pioneers as the first Catholic priest to serve Odessa, died in his hold home in Holland this week. A cablegram announcing his death was received in Walla Walla, where Father Vandevan was rector at St Patrick Church before he retired. Father Vandevan served Odessa from Sprague between 1900 and 1908.” (Odessa Record: in May 2004, in 75 Yrs Ago, representing 5-03-1929)