Pomeroy Washington Downtown National Historic District

Pomeroy Washington city cemetery

2013 Funeral Notices and Obituaries for Pomeroy Related People


Joseph Peter McKeirnan

Joseph P. McKeirnan passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Pomeroy.

obit photo of Joseph (Joe) P. McKeirnan, Pomeroy

Joe was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Pomeroy. He was the son of J.M. and Rose McKeirnan.

Joe was a faithful member of Holy Rosary Church and was the oldest parish member of the Knights of Columbus.

Joe's family and friends will remember and love him for his friendly warmth, sharp intellect, outgoing personality, quick wit and his wonderful sense of humor. His smile, enduring spirit and good nature will remain in our hearts with joyful remembrances of his life, including his remarkable storytelling and poetic talent. Joe was respected for his exceptional ability and professional accomplishments throughout his life.

Up until his decline in health, Joe thoroughly enjoyed politics and the business world. He stayed current with daily wheat transactions, enjoyed daily crossword puzzles and "the six differences," in addition to visiting family and friends. His perpetual optimism embraced all who knew him.

Joe graduated from St. Edward's College in Seattle with a degree in classical languages and philosophy. He earned a master's degree from the University of Idaho in 1970. Postgraduate work was completed at Gonzaga University, Fort Wright College, Eastern Washington University and Central Washington University.

Joe began his teaching career in 1940 in Jordan, Montana, and continued at the Mercer Island Reform school in Seattle. In 1946, he joined the U.S. Army and operated the Fort Lewis Communication Center as a staff sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to assist his brother, Daniel, with the family farm.

In 1964, Joe was instrumental in procuring the charter for Valley Commercial Bank in Clarkston, from the State Banking Commission. As an owner of the bank, he served on the board of directors until it was sold in 1994. He also served on the board of directors for Fort Wright College in Spokane, in addition to other numerous business-related boards.

In the '70s, he began teaching Latin and English at the Pomeroy High School. Joe retired from education in 1993 with more than 30 years of service.

The most gratifying, loving and giving part of Joe's life was that of his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen McKeirnan, in 2008. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Mark and Eileen Koth, Mike and Lisa McKeirnan, and Matthew and Angela Collins. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren.

A rosary was recited at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian burial celebrated the next morning. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Rosary Altar Society or Memory Manor.

Martha Lucille (Fitzsimmons) Meissner

Martha Lucille Meissner, 92, died December 7, 2013, at Providence St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. Mrs. Meissner was born January 20, 1921, in Pomeroy, Washington to Oscar and Martha Fitzsimmons Bartlow.

She attended school in Pomeroy and graduated high school there in 1939. She attended one year of college at Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. She then enrolled in the nursing program at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. She completed their three year nursing program graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1943. On December 5, 1945, she married the love of her life Elmer Meissner at the Church of the Nazarene in Walla Walla.

She had a great passion for nursing working as the head surgery nurse at St. Mary's, Dr. Adkison's office in Milton-Freewater.

They had three children Jean Ann, Patricia, and Alan that she loved so dearly. In the fall of 1964, the family moved to Pomeroy where she worked the 3 to 11 shift at Garfield County Memorial Hospital. In June 1970, she became the Public Health Nurse for Garfield County until she retired in 1986.

She was a charter member of the Church of the Nazarene in Pomeroy. She and Elmer enjoyed gardening, wood working, camping and trips to the Oregon Coast. She spent much of her time sewing, doing crafts, and going to yard sales. She was active in the Senior Center in Pomeroy.

In the fall of 1995, she and Elmer moved to College Place. She was active at Amazing Grace Nazarene Church and enjoyed calling people on the prayer chain. She joined a Bunco group and had a great time getting together once a month. Sadly Elmer passed away February 27, 2008. In early 2013, her health got the better of her and she was moved to Booker Rest Home in Dayton. She enjoyed her time there playing Bingo and visiting with her new friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Jean Trump (Rich); son, Alan Meissner (Penny) all of Dayton; son in law, Jim Johnson of Milton-Freewater; brother, Ells Bartlow (Eloise) of Pomeroy. Grandchildren and great grandchildren Toby Johnson (Shannon) Hannah, Nash and Lainey of Homedale, Idaho; Erin Trump, Dayton; Amy Boothby (Mark) Logan and Mason of Nampa, Idaho; Jeremy Trump (Jamie) Grace and Lucy of Dayton; Tyler Johnson (Robin) Madeline, Benjamin, and Samuel of Milton-Freewater; Ryan Meissner (Amy) of Kennewick; Katy Palmer (Esker) Cash Eslick and Kirah of Weston, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Patti Johnson; great grandson Matthew Trump.

The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Mountain View- Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road in Walla Walla. There will be a viewing prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Ron Alexander and Pastor Joseph Simmons will officiate. The graveside service and burial will follow at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens, Myra Road, College Place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pomeroy Senior Center through the funeral home.Friends may write memories and sign the online guestbook at www.mountainview-colonialdewitt.com.

Tifani Ann Klaveano

Tifani Ann Klaveano, age 43, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at her home in Coeur d’Alene.

Tifani was born March 30, 1970, in Colfax, the daughter of Butch and Cindy Klaveano of Pomeroy. Tifani grew up and attended school in Pomeroy, graduating from Pomeroy High School in 1989. Growing up in Pomeroy, Tifani was involved in many school activities including 4-H, FFA, basketball, volleyball and drill team.

Following high school, Tifani attended Spokane Community College to study culinary arts. She also attended Kinman Business School. Tifani worked at several different jobs during her life. She worked at Garfield County’s Memory Manor, the Coeur d’Alene Resort, Berglund’s Food City, the Qualchan Golf Course, and – because of her love for the elderly – her favorite job at the Legacy Nursing home. During her time in Coeur d’Alene, Tifani met her longtime companion, Tom Commeau; the two were together for more than 20 years.

Tifani is survived by her parents, Butch and Cindy Klaveano of Pomeroy; brother and sister-in-law Ryan and Kara Klaveano of Pullman; sister Katie Klaveano of Bothell, Wash.; longtime companion Tom Commeau of Coeur d’Alene; grandmother Kay Klaveano of South Jordan, Utah; nieces and nephews Sydney and Alec Klaveano, and Jordan, Ethan and Cameryn Isler. She is also survived by 20 Klaveano and Smith aunts and uncles and 19 first-cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jackson and Doris Smith of St. John and Virgil and Marylee Klaveano of Thornton, Wash.

A Rosary was recited and the Mass of Christian burial wwas celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where Tifani was baptized, received her first communion, and was confirmed. A family interment will precede the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, the Garfield County Senior Center, Holy Rosary Catholic Church or the memorial of your choice.

Patrick Reed O'Shaughnessy

Patrick Reed O'Shaughnessy, 78, died peacefully Friday, November 29, 2013, in Pomeroy. He was born June 19, 1935, in Winchester, the fifth child of William Albert O'Shaughnessy and Julia Dorothy Reed.

He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1952 and served two years in the U.S. Army. In 1959, he received his bachelor of arts in business administration from Washington State College and passed the certified public accountant exam. In 1960, he received his master of arts from WSU. He worked as a CPA in San Francisco, Wallace, Idaho, and Ellensburg. In 1964, he became the first professor of business administration at what is now Central Washington University. He felt privileged to be able to build an accounting program and thoroughly enjoyed his students. When he retired after 35 years, an endowed professorship was created in his honor and funded by his former students and academic peers.

He had a CPA practice until 2013. He was a member of the Elks, Moose and Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and Holy Rosary Parish. He loved sports, coached Little League baseball and chaired and ran in the Whiskey Dick Triathlon. As a scoutmaster he helped seven Scouts become Eagles. His hobbies included Cougar football, dancing, gardening, reading and his dogs.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn of Pomeroy; sons James, Kevin and Rory; daughters Maureen and Colleen; a host of grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two brothers and a large extended family.

A Rosary was prayed and a Mass of Christian burial were celebrated atHoly Rosary Catholic Church in Pomeroy.

Geraldine "Jerrie" (Kraemer) Koller

Geraldine (Jerrie) Koller, lifelong resident of Garfield County, was called home to God Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, due to the infirmities of age.

She was born Aug. 8, 1917, in Juliaetta, the fourth of six children to Harry and Ruth Zirbel Kraemer of Juliaetta. She had three sisters, one a twin, and two brothers.

The family moved to Pomeroy in 1927, where her father had his own barber shop for many years. She helped support the family through the Depression years by working at the soda counter at the Crystal Cafe and doing housework for various ladies of the community.

On Feb. 25, 1941, she married Raymond Koller and moved to California, where he was motorman on streetcars. While there, she helped support the war effort by working at Boeing. In the fall of 1945, she moved back to Pomeroy in order to give birth to twin children, Lee and Lois, later to be permanently joined by her husband after his discharge in 1946. In the spring of 1949, she and her family moved to the Home Place on McGrann Hill Road, where she was a dedicated farm wife for the next 31 years.

In 1980, she and her husband retired from farming - turning the operation over to their son - and moved into a home in Pomeroy. While there, she spent most of the next 30 years visiting the residents of Memory Manor and Garfield County Hospital in Pomeroy and helping where she could. An article acknowledging her efforts appeared in the Lewiston Tribune. But eventually, advancing age required her to stop. She was chosen as one of Garfield County's honored pioneers for the Pioneer Parade in Pomeroy in 2010. She was well-known for her cross-stitched tablecloths and embroidered pillow cases. In April of this year, [2013] she became a resident of Memory Manor, where she fulfilled her remaining days.

She is survived by a daughter, Lois Waite and husband Don of Clarkston; a son, Lee and wife Kay of Pomeroy; a grandson, Mitchell Koller of Spokane; a granddaughter, Courtney Koller of Los Angeles; a brother, Phil Kraemer of Richland.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters Shirley Kraemer and Audrey Berry; twin sister Genevieve Hartman; and a brother, Ron Kraemer.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at the Richardson-Brown Funeral Home in Pomeroy, followed by a graveside service at the local cemetery. This will be followed by a dinner at the Christian Church in Pomeroy.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions may make them to Garfield Memorial Hospital or Memory Manor in Pomeroy.

Barbara Jean Gingerich

Barbara Jean Gingerich, 84, lifelong resident of Garfield County, passed away Monday, October 7, 2013, at Garfield County Hospital, with her family at her bedside. She had been a resident of the long-term care facility for three years due to failing health.

Barbara was born on June 11, 1929, to Cecil J. and Phebe Malone Mast at the family farm on Falling Springs Road in Pomeroy. She attended country school through the eighth grade, then completed her education graduating from Pomeroy High School in 1947.

She met her husband, Wilbur Gingerich, while in high school, and they were married on Nov. 14, 1948. They started their farming career in Garfield County's Mayview area and lived there for 28 years. Their six children were all born there. The family moved back to Barbara's childhood home in the Falling Springs area in 1980. After 45 years of marriage Wilbur died suddenly in 1994.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Mayview Grange, Pomeroy FFA Alumni and the Pomeroy High School Booster Club. For many years she was the donations chairman for the ambulance fund.

She is survived by her six children and their spouses, Barbie (Larry) Anderson of Spokane, Ken (Sheila) Gingerich of Vancouver, Brent (Brenda) Gingerich of Colfax and Brad (Lisa) Gingerich, Kayleen (Gary) Bye and Bart (Anne) Gingerich, all of Pomeroy. Her brother, Vern (Norma) Mast of Kennewick and sister, Beverly Moser of Spokane, also survive. Barbara had many nieces and nephews along with 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

There was a public viewing of her body at the Richardson-Brown Funeral Home. followed by burial at the Pomeroy Cemetery. The memorial service is at noon at the funeral home with a lunch reception to follow at the Spinners Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pomeroy FFA Alumni c/o of Joe Waldher, P.O. Box 141, Pomeroy, WA 99347; or the Pomeroy High School Booster Club c/o Gayla Bott, 58 North Meadow Creek, Pomeroy, WA 99347; or the charity of donor's choice.

Joan Kay Herres

Joan Kay Herres, Pomeroy, 1947-2013

Joan Kay Herres was born June 11th, 1947 in Walla Walla, Washington, to John Peter Herres Sr. and Dorothy (Malone) Herres. Joan Kay passed away on October 2nd, 2013 with friends and family by her side. Joan Kay is survived by brother Frederic Herres, along with an aunt, uncle, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, John P. Herres, Sr., her mother, Dorothy Herres, and her brother, John P. Herres Jr.

Joan K Herres and beverly L Adams-Gordon.

Joan Kay was raised in and lived in Pomeroy and Garfield County most of her life. She was graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1965 and attended Washington State University.

Joan Kay gave her life to others and thrived on helping those in her community. She taught the First Communion class for over twenty years and worked as the parish secretary at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for several years. She was a 4-H leader, worked in the craft and poultry divisions of the Garfield County Fair, and was a valued employee at Castlemoyle Books. She was also the neighborhood seamstress, and cared for the elderly as well as young adults. Joan Kay was a good, kindhearted servant of The Lord and she will be greatly missed.

A Rosary was recited on the evening of October 17th, 2013, and a Funeral Mass was celebrated on October 18th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pomeroy.

Audrey Herres

Audrey Herres, 1921-2013

Audrey Beechinor Herres, 91, passed away on September 1, 2013, in Walla Walla at Wheatland Village. She was born in Walla Walla October 24, 1921, graduated St. Pat's High School and attended Washington State University. It was love at first sight when she met Ferd Herres of Pomeroy at the campus Newman Club. They were married July 12, 1942, in Walla Walla just as Ferd began service in World War II as a B--17 pilot. Their first year was spent moving to various military bases throughout the country for his training. They made many wonderful friendships during that time and maintained them throughout their lives.

Audrey's first love was people. Her home was always open to visitors for meals, 'hotel' stays and sharing stories. Hundreds of people - family, friends and business associates - were welcomed over the nearly 7 decades they maintained their home in Pomeroy. Audrey was actively involved in the development of their businesses - Farm & Home Supply, Ferd Herres Chevrolet and J.I. Case dealership. She was a committed member of the Altar Society of Holy Rosary Church.

She loved to dance and regretted that their busy work and family lives left little opportunity for them to kick up their heels as they had in their early years. She loved to play bridge, listen to music and loved children. On Halloween, she and Ferd delighted in inviting every trick-or-treater inside their home and kept a yearly log of who came.

The couple was passionate fans and supporters of WSU athletics and attended footballs games into their 80's. They loved to travel, taking many trips abroad, usually in groups related to their businesses. Audrey loved telling about the night she danced with Bob Hope.

But the greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged and delighted in the unique gifts of each one. Audrey is survived by her three children , Jerry (Libby) Herres, Carolyn Michael, and Virginia (Alan Abrams) Wise; seven grandchildren; and 6 1/2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ferd Herres, in 2010 and her grandson, Brad Burns in 1997. Also by her brothers, Bob and Bill Beechinor, and her sister, Frances Nelson.

Audrey's children wish to express their deepest gratitude to the skillful, deeply caring, loving and dependable caregivers from Angie's Angels, Res Care Home Care and Hospice of Walla Walla during her final years. Special thanks to Father Bob Turner, Mary Ann Reinhardt, Joan Kay Herres, Cindy Gregoire, and all who faithfully visited her.

A Rosary was recited September 5, 2013, at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home in Walla Walla, WA. Her funeral mass was celebrated on September 6, 2013, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pomeroy, WA. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Walla Walla, Garfield County Hospital Auxiliary, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Doris Marie (Edholm) Burns

Doris Marie (Edholm) Burns, passed away August 12, 2013, at Garfield County Hospital. Doris was born to Selving and Eva (Ericson) Edholm on July 25, 1926, in Northport, Wash.

Most all of her growing up years were spent in Clarkston, where she graduated from Clarkston High School in 1944. She married the love of her life, Duane Burns, in Pomeroy on Jan. 21, 1945. In Pomeroy, they raised their four children - Richard, Renee, Rochelle and Resa - on the family farm. Doris was a hardworking, fun-loving farm wife and mom all her years. She was a superb cook, baker, housekeeper, gardener, decorator, shopper and friend.

Doris and Duane loved to dance, and everyone hoped for an opportunity to dance with them. In their early years, they belonged to the JayCees and bowled in mixed leagues. They attended the Methodist Church together for more than 60 years. Doris was involved in home economics and garden clubs also. They traveled with the Heritage Club and enjoyed time with the Good Sams Recreational Vehicle Club in their retirement. They also loved to play card games. Doris spent the last three years of her life attending the Pomeroy Christian Church.

Doris is survived by her son, Rich (Sally), daughter Renee Ruchert (Tom), daughter Resa Cox (Bob), all of Pomeroy, and daughter Rochelle Anderson of College Place. Doris is survived by grandchildren Ryan Burns, Jeff Ruchert, Jason Ruchert, Andrea (Ruchert) Claassen, Michelle (Anderson) Mullen, Kurt Anderson, Kyle Hall and Brian Hall. She enjoyed, loved and spoiled all her grandchildren and step grandkids and their spouses, plus her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Bill Edholm of Orem, Utah, and many loved nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband Duane Burns; infant daughter Marilyn Kay; grandson Brad Burns; brother Robert M. Edholm; and sisters Grace Powell and Shirley Nissen.

A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Roger Pedersen, was held at Richardson-Brown Funeral Home in Pomeroy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pomeroy United Methodist Church or the Pomeroy Christian Church.

Aileen (Long) Denny

Aileen Denny died Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Memory Manor in Pomeroy, with family at her side. She was 93.

Aileen was born June 19, 1919, at Pomeroy to Walter and Ella (Hastings) Long, and attended school near Dodge and at Pomeroy.

She married Jack Denny Sept. 26, 1936, at the Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Sept. 26, 1996. They were married for 66-plus years, and Aileen lost the love of her life when Jack died in April of 2003.

Aileen was a member of the Pomeroy Assembly of God Church for over 60 years and also taught Sunday school there. Aileen enjoyed traveling to visit family, tending to her rose and flower garden, and loved when all the family could come home so she could cook a big holiday meal.

In her early years, she worked as a waitress at the Crystal Cafe and Huyette's Kozy Korner Kafe, both at Pomeroy, and also helped Jack run a bakery, which they owned. She worked as a nurse's aide at Garfield County Memorial Hospital from 1951 to 1967, then went to work as a nurse for Dr. R.J. Weiland's office from 1968 to 1975, when she retired due to injuries suffered in a car accident.

Aileen was preceded in death by her brothers, Lorraine Long, Everett Long and Dallas Long; and sisters Velma Young and Florence Morgan. She was also preceded in death by a son, Duane Denny in 2002, and husband Jack in 2003.

She is survived by a daughter, Diane and husband Ralph Todd of Fallbrook, Calif., and a son, Jim Denny of Pomeroy. Aileen is also survived by nine grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were at Richardson-Brown Funeral Home in Pomeroy, followed by burial at Pomeroy City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Memory Manor Resident Council in care of Janice Cole at 66 N. Sixth St., Pomeroy, WA 99347. At the family's request, please clearly mark that the donation is to be used by residents of Resident Council and not to go to Memory Manor's general funds.

Orville Eugene Flerchinger

Orville Flerchinger, 107 years old, died April 12, 2013. He was born July 18, 1905, in Alpowa. He spent his entire working years in Garfield County, finished the eighth grade in Pataha and then went to college in Lewiston, furthering his education in math skills, etc. His father and mother, Michael and Floella (Hardin) Flerchinger, were homesteaders in the Peola area. Orville began farming the Century Farm started by his father, Michael Flerchinger, at age 17.

Through a "blind" date, Orville met the love of his life, Alice Hooley, from Fruitland, a student at Northern Idaho College of Education in Lewiston. They were married June 2, 1927. From the unity of this marriage, two sons - Lee Michael Flerchinger (Rae) of Clarkston and Marcus Eugene Flerchinger of Pomeroy were born. Later, a daughter, Connie Rae Flerchinger (Shrum) of Newport, Wash., joined the family. Alice passed away May 8, 1980, just prior to their 53rd wedding anniversary.

Orville was very instrumental in the development of Garfield County. He assisted others in organizing the Garfield County Soil Conservation District in 1950, and served as one of the district supervisors from 1950 to 1958. He was involved in the conception of the Bank of Pomeroy, the Garfield County Sheriff Posse, and was a life member of the International Order of Odd Fellows. He and son Marcus jointly received the Conservation Farmers of the Year in 1967.

Orville loved working with cattle, especially calving in the spring. He was quite often found sitting on the benches at the cattle sales, his children by his side and later his grandchildren. All the auctioneers knew him by name and his bid gesture using the tip of his finger.

He loved to raise large gardens and would share the bounty with anyone close by. Orville indeed loved working with the earth and said that the key to a good garden was to hoe it! He was frequently found hoeing not only his own, but the neighbor's garden if needed. He loved to fish and, prior to the dams, was quite frequently found on a Snake River sandbar, fishing pole in his hand. Later, he fished from a boat.

Orville is survived by his three children; 11 grandchildren, Mollie Flerchinger, Becky Myers, Dan Flerchinger, Marcie Thomas, Susan Carter, Debra Flerchinger, Michael Flerchinger, Bradley Shrum, Douglas Shrum, Teresa Stapleton and Christopher Shrum; 10 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. All Orville's brothers and sisters have passed as well as a daughter-in-law, Ilene Flerchinger.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Richardson-Brown Funeral Home, 750 Columbia St., Pomeroy. Refreshments will follow the graveside services, in the Methodist Church basement, furnished by the Methodist Church Ladies.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to the Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum, PO Box 326, Pomeroy, WA 99347 or the Garfield County Memorial Hospital's Long-Term Care, 66 N. Sixth St., Pomeroy, WA 99347.

Kai Richard Ledgerwood

obit photo of Kai Ledgerwood, Pomeroy

Kai Richard Ledgerwood, 17, passed away the morning of April 6, 2013. Kai was born May 14, 1995, to Larry and Sherrie Ledgerwood. Kai was a senior at Pomeroy High School and resided his entire life in Pomeroy.

Kai enjoyed his Xbox 360 as a favorite pastime, but enjoyed all video gaming. He loved cats. Other hobbies included spending time with friends, a passion for music, movies and giving rides in the go-kart during camping trips.

He was preceded in death by great-grandpa, Dick Ledgerwood, other great-grandparents and an aunt, Janine Ledgerwood, with whom he shared a birthday.

Kai is survived by his parents, Larry and Sherrie Ledgerwood of Pomeroy; sister, Mercedes Macomber of Pullman; sister, Jessica and husband Ollie Hurley of Pomeroy, Kayla Slaybaugh; paternal grandparents, Jim and Colleen Ledgerwood of Pomeroy; maternal grandparents, Fred and Sharon Harris of Enterprise; Uncle Tracy, Aunt Amy, Logan and Colby Ledgerwood of Pomeroy; Uncle James, Aunt Tami, Forrest, Addie, Noah, Cassie and Christian Harris of Colorado Springs, Colo. Kai is also survived by many great-aunts, uncles, and cousins spread across the country.

Kai's funeral service is at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A viewing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Richardson-Brown Funeral Home.

Belva Jean (Clausen) Feider

Belva Jean Feider, a former Pomeroy and Clarkston resident, died Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Spokane, where she had lived since 2010. She was 88. Belva was born Sept. 9, 1924, to Carl and Buleah Hedeen Clausen in Burke, South Dakota. She lived in Clarkston until age 16, then moved to Pomeroy, where she graduated high school.

Belva worked from graduation until she married Ted Feider on April 19, 1952, in Pomeroy. Belva was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Holy Rosary Altar Society and Choir, Philomathean Club, Pomeroy Museum and Golden Girls Choir.

She is survived by her brother, Everett Clausen of Portland; sister Donna Miller of Minnesota; brother Clinton Clausen of New York; sister Mary Ann McMahan of Wyoming; son Mike Feider of Clarkston; daughter Lois Ells of Spokane; and son Allen and wife Lana Feider of Spokane; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Feider; and brothers Richard Clausen, Melvin Clausen, Carl J. Clausen and Delber Clausen.

A rosary was recited and a Funeral Mass was at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or the Pomeroy Museum.

Belva & Ted Feider got married.

-- "Down Memory Lane" column in the April 25, 1957, East Washington, looking back at 1952

Bert Lorane Scoggin

Bert L. Scoggin, 94, passed away peacefully, March 6, 2013 at Roo Lan Healthcare Center, Lacey. Bert was born January 9, 1919 in Pomeroy, Washington.

Bert Scoggin

Bert has joined his loving wife Esther L. Scoggin who in the early years of marriage traveled extensively with the Army during his long Military career. They both lived in many areas including Vancouver, Washington and Berlin before moving to Lacey in 1957. Bert began his military service career on February 18, 1940, in which he served in the European Theatre. He served during this time in France, Belgium, and Germany. As a Lieutenant he was involved in the organization and implementation of the supplies to General Patton's troops. This action became known as the "Red Ball Express." He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European Theatre Ribbon w/4 Bronze Stars.

While serving in Germany in July of 1957 he claimed a world record in marathon golf after shooting 260 holes of golf in 18 hours, 55 minutes. He retired as a Major in the Army on November 30, 1963.

Bert then worked and retired from the Department of Corrections in Shelton, WA.

Bert is survived by Skip (Tammy) of Lacey, Denise (Sherman) Scott of Rochester, Norman (Jo Wilson) Rhoades, Chandler, AZ, Arthur (Sharon) Snow, Donald (Debbie) Scoggin of Mesa, AZ, and brother Everett Scoggin of Pomeroy, WA, 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother James Scoggin, sisters Wanda and Norma.

A graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at Mills & Mills Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater WA. Friday March 15, 2013 at 2PM.

The Olympian on March 13, 2013

Florine Ann Waldher, 1929-2013

After a long-fought battle with breast cancer, Florine Ann Waldher succumbed to the disease January 2, 2013, at her home in Pomeroy.

	Florine Ann Waldher, 1929-2013

Florine was born February 1, 1929, to Charles Whitehead from Sweetwater, Texas, and Inez Copinger Mott from South Dakota.

She was the ninth of 14 siblings, raised and educated in Sioux City, Iowa. After graduating from high school she lived for a year with her oldest sister in Seattle. Upon returning to Sioux City, she met a young U.S. Air Force career officer, Harold A. Waldher, from Pomeroy, assigned to the local Air Force station. They were married July 4, 1949, beginning terribly hectic military duty assignments requiring 16 "pack up and move" family relocations over the next 20 years.

Their son, Terry, was born August 1, 1952, in Pomeroy, while Harold was at a remote radar site in Alaska. Florine later joined him in Anchorage, where daughter Debbie joined the family in 1953. From Alaska, they relocated to another radar site at Curlew, Washington, where daughter Michelle was born in 1955. After three years at Curlew and for the next 12 years, Harold's duty took the family on a whirlwind of assignments to Spokane, Montgomery, Boston, Kansas City, Omaha, and Colorado Springs, where daughter Inez joined the family in 1966. Harold retired from the Air Force in 1970. They settled in Kent, Washington, and for the next 23 years Florine enjoyed the calm, quiet life of a normal housewife without thoughts of how to begin the next move. By 1993, the kids had families of their own and she and Harold moved back to Pomeroy for good.

Despite the rigors of her nomadic family life, Florine was a devoted homemaker, and would not have it any other way. She dearly loved her family, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were all the light of her life.

Florine is survived by her husband, Harold A. Waldher of Pomeroy; daughters, Deborah Cheek of Shoreline, Washington, Michelle Swensen of Renton, Washington, and Inez Cannon of Pomeroy; sisters, Esther Pomeroy of Omaha, and Karen Krueger of Canton, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Jason, Shawn, Sarah, Kristina, Kathryn, Skyler, Stephanie, Terry Jr., Chad and Launa; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Whitehead and Inez Mott Whitehead; son, Terrence A. Waldher; five brothers, Zane, Duane, Robert, Charles and Ted; and six sisters, Mona, Cally, Delores, Lita, Darlene and Inez.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pomeroy. Inurnment followd at Holy Rosary Cemetery in the family plot.

Memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen for the cure of breast cancer or the charity of one's choice.