2023 Garfield County, Washington,
Funeral Notices and Obituaries


Kathy Ruchert

Kathy Ruchert, 72, of Pomeroy, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at Garfield County Hospital. Richardson Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy is in charge of arrangements.

Jane M. (Schurman) Koller

Jane M. (Schurman) Koller, 91, passed away on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, at her home in Auburn, Washington, surrounded by her family.

obituary photo of Jane M. (Schurman) Koller

Jane was born August 31, 1932 in Ellensburg to Paul H. and Amalia “Molly” (Seubert) Schurman; she was the 5th of 6 children. While growing up the family moved around quite a bit before settling in Clarkston where her father opened Schurman's Hardware which is still in business today. Jane graduated from Clarkston High School and spent a year at WSU before marrying Joseph M. Cook; they later divorced. Jane married Donald L. Koller on May 10, 1963 and moved to Pomeroy.

Jane worked at Potlatch Forest as a bookkeeper until her marriage to Don, she then started working at the Pomeroy Grain Growers as a bookkeeper until she retired. Jane enjoyed walked and could often be seen walking to and from work. She also enjoyed bowling, golf, playing bridge (or any type of card game) and working in her yard. Jane had a beautiful yard and spent many hours planting and taking care of her flowers. Jane and Don were avid WSU sports fans and attended all football and basketball games including many bowl games; they even took their grandson (Ron) to the Alamo Bowl. Jane and her brother, Paul, traveled with the WSU basketball team to Australia in 2007. Jane and Don also loved to travel and took many vacations with family on both side as well as friends; they went on seven cruises together. Jane continued to travel after Don's death.

Jane was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the choir, she also volunteered at the Food Bank and made numerous pies and cookies for the Senior Center.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Christine Stone; grandsons, Ronald R. Henderson, II (Jenny) and Dominique L. Stone (AnnaLisa), great-granddaughters, Reese (Ron) and Rhaelyn (Dominique) all of Auburn, WA; a sister, Phyllis Cole of Lewiston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Donald L. Koller; her parents, Paul H. & Amalia Schurman; brothers, Clayton J. Schurman and Paul H. Schurman; and sisters Kathryn M. Lemm and Molly T. Beutler.

A memorial service is being planned for late Spring, 2024. The family requests that any donations in Jane's name go to the Pomeroy Food Bank.

Edna "Dena” (Kimble) Ringen

Edna "Dena” (Kimble) Ringen died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in hospice in memory care in Grass Valley, Calif. Dena was born Edna Lou, daughter of Virgil Lowell Kimble and Louise Emmaline McCoy on Dec. 15, 1941, in Chehalis, Wash., during a World War II blackout. She was raised in Pomeroy.

obituary photo of Edna 'Dena' Kimble Ringen

A typo in a church program prompted her to switch from Edna Lou to Dena when she went to college. She received a bachelor's degree in music from Northwest Christian College in 1964. Her life of travel began shortly later with a nine-month trip through Canada, Europe and the UK, including six weeks staying at a YWCA in London while learning about computers.

She moved to San Francisco. During a work trip, she met Donald Ringen, a fellow Southern Pacific programmer. They married in San Francisco in 1969, honeymooning in Japan and Korea. They began a family in San Francisco, then moved to Menlo Park, Calif. Hewlett-Packard moved Don and their family to Switzerland, England, and Switzerland again, before allowing them to return to California in 1982.

Dena and Don moved to Penn Valley, Calif., in 1996, where Don eventually retired as a financial advisor, and their trips increased. Dena loved singing in the church choir, attending performances, genealogy, quilting/sewing, crafting and traveling.

Dena's last few years were hampered by dementia/Alzheimer's, with caregiver Jodi Andrews coming into their daily lives.

Dena is survived by Don; brothers Lowell Kimble in Seattle and Larry Kimble (Joan) in Pomeroy; daughters Martina Uhlig (Jerry) in Alaska and Dena Ringen-Sanchez (Diana) in Visalia, Calif.; and five grandchildren.

Her memorial service was Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at Twin Cities Church, Grass Valley. A burial ceremony will be in Pomeroy in the summer.

A memorial fund is being set up with Music in the Mountains. Contact ringen.memorial@gmail.com for more information.

Doris "Shirley" (Mossing) Richardson

Shirley Richardson was born February 18, 1930, in Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Melvin and Mabel (Anderson) Mossing. She passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023 at the age of 93. She was the second of four children.

obituary photo of Doris 'Shirley' (Mossing) Richardson

She grew up on a wheat farm which was a dust bowl area in the early 1900's. Shirley loved living on the farm and knew at an early age that she would become a doctor. She attended a one room country school for her first 8 grades, then attended Bengough High School in Saskatchewan for the next 2 years. There were no school buses so the students had to board in town for high school, so for the next 2 years Shirley attended the Lutheran Residual School in Outlook, SK.

For the next 5 years, she attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon receiving her B.A. degree and 2 years of medical school. In 1955 the University of Western Ontario Medical School in London, Ontario awarded Shirley her Medical Doctor's degree. She was one of 4 girls in a class of 60 students. She followed with a year internship at Victoria Hospital in Ontario. She practiced medicine in various places in Alberta, Canada. In 1963, she took the medical exam from the University of Washington and spent time in anesthesiology residency in Seattle. She received medical training in anethesiology, surgery, delivering babies and everything you could imagine as a general practitioner.

She married Dr. Stephen Richardson in 1955. They traveled for several years and in 1969 they practiced at a Uganda mission. In 1970, they moved to Pomeroy to establish a general practice in medicine. They divorced in 1977 and she continued the practice as a solo doctor until the end of 1997 when she retired.

She married Dale Culbertson in 1998 and moved to Colfax. They loved to travel and took many trips with the Heritage Club. After Dale's passing in 2012 she remained in Colfax where she became active with the Grandmother's Club, P.E.O., and the Whitman Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by her three siblings. Doreen Dersch, Bruce Mossing, and Eleanor Boechler all of Canada, two step children Susan Jackman, Spokane, and Robin Erickson, Colfax, and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the States. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Culbertson and stepson, Craig Culbertson.

There will be a funeral service December 15, 2023 at Selbu Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her parents at Una (St. Olaf's) Lutheran Cemetery in Bengough, Canada. Memorials can be made to the Selbu Lutheran Church, LaCrosse, or a charity of your choice.

Barbara Jean Burt

Barbara Jean Becker Burt died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Garfield County Hospital where she had been a resident since August 2023, due to age related issues at 96 years of age.

obituary photo of Barbara Jean (Becker) Burt, Pomeroy

Barbara was born May 8, 1927, at her grandmother's house in Pomeroy to Thomas T. Becker and Doris Crumpacker Becker. She was the oldest of four children.

Barbara attended Pataha School through the eighth grade and graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1945. Barbara was determined to live in the city, but fate had another plan. At age 15, Barbara began dating fellow classmate Yale Gordon Burt. The two were married on Oct. 13, 1946, after “Shorty” returned from World War II. They settled into farming and raising their family.

Barbara was highly involved in St. Peter's Episcopal Church through her activities of the altar guild and as a Sunday school teacher. Barbara was also a member of Philomathean Home Economics Club, a 4-H Leader and Daughters of the Pioneers member.

Shorty and Barbara were sports fans and enjoyed attending Washington State University Cougar sports and attended the NAIA World Series for many years. Baseball was their favorite sport.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers Thomas T. and John David. Barbara is survived by her sister JoAnne Beale of Pomeroy; her children and extended family: Tim and (Diana) Burt, Susan and (JD) Morrow, Shelley and (Keith) Berglund, all of Pomeroy; grandchildren: Jax Sigmon of Harstine Island, Wash.; Doug Burt of the Tri-Cities; Stephanie Horn of Pullman; Collin Morrow of Bellingham, Wash.; Jack Morrow of New York; Kelly Holman of Seattle; Marc Berglund of Pomeroy; Adam Berglund of Pomeroy; Becky Adderson of Pullman; and many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at the Richardson Brown Funeral Home, 750 Columbia St., Pomeroy, followed by a reception at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 710 High St., Pomeroy.

A family burial will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, followed by a 2 p.m. celebration of life at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. All are welcome.

Memorials may be given in her name to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, c/o Bob Cox; P.O. Box 490, Pomeroy, WA 99347, or to HUGS, c/o Garfield County Hospital District, 66 N. Sixth St., Pomeroy, WA 99347.

Cindy Sue (Fanning) Brenner

Cindy Sue Fanning Brenner passed away in the early hours of November 11, 2023. After an almost four-year remission from triple negative breast cancer, the cancer returned and rapidly progressed through her body. She died in the comfort of her own home.

photo of Cindy Sue (Fanning) Brenner, Pomeroy

Cindy was born on March 3, 1956, in Wenatchee to Richard and Lou Fanning. She was their second of four children. When Cindy was a year old, the family moved to Newport, Wash., for a short time before moving to Pomeroy in 1958, where Cindy remained the rest of her life.

Cindy graduated from Pomeroy Jr/Sr High School in 1974. She married Wally Brenner on June 29, 1974. They made their home in Pomeroy and had three children. Cindy was a stay at home mother and served as the bookkeeper for the business she and her husband created. In addition, when her children reached school age, she worked a short stint as a CNA where she lovingly cared for the disabled and elderly. Later in life, she served as a rural mail carrier. She was a talented and creative soul who enjoyed flower arranging, crafting, painting, sewing, DIY home improvement, going to yard sales, thrift shopping, and planting flowers.

Cindy is survived by her husband Wally Brenner of Pomeroy; her children Corey (Tammy) Brenner of Post Falls, Id., Tim (Heather) Brenner of Cheney, and Darcy (Mike) Cochran of Colfax; grandchildren Jacob (Maggie) Brenner of Coeur d'Alene, Lexi Peters of Texas, Keaton Brenner of Havre, Mont., Logan Brenner of Spokane, Izzy Burke of Cheney, Ella Brenner and Jamison Cochran of Colfax, her great grandchildren, Joel Brenner and Eleanor Cindy Brenner of Coeur d'Alene, Atlas Jack Mitchell of Texas, parents Richard and Lou Fanning of Pomeroy, siblings Kathy Evanson of Boise, Steve (Tami) Fanning of Clarkston, Kisanna (Terry) Tibor of Pomeroy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cindy was cremated and a family burial will take place at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers. Cindy requested donations be made in her name to any of the following causes: research for a cure for breast cancer, research for a cure of type 1 juvenile diabetes, or The Listen & Talk School for the Hearing Impaired in Kirkland, Wash.

Dean D. Burton

Dean D. Burton of Pomeroy, passed away quietly on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, after losing his battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Dean was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Oct. 5, 1934. His family moved to Butte, Mont., where his father worked in the Anaconda Copper Mine. When Dean was 3 years old his family moved to Globe, Ariz. His father worked in the copper mine and disappeared in 1937. At the time, his mother was left with five children to care for on her own. She abandoned Dean and his 6-year-old brother at a gas station where they were picked up by the authorities and put into foster care.

obituary photo of Dean D. Burton, Pomeroy

Foster parents Arthur and Kathryn Burton took the boys in and raised them as their own, on the Burton Ranch in Burton, Ariz. Dean took on the Burton name, and after graduating Snowflake High School, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in California.

Dean served aboard the U.S.S. Boxer, an aircraft deployed off the coast of Korea during the war. It's there that he met his wife, Nettie Ann Popejoy in 1954. They married in June of 1955. Dean and Nettie had two sons, Dannie and David.

Dean took a job with Los Angeles Department of Water and Power where he stayed for 15 years. Strongly motivated to get his family out of California, he started looking for work in the Pacific Northwest. In 1970 Dean started receiving job offers from Inland Power and Light in Washington state. After several visits to different towns in Washington, they settled in Pomeroy in 1973.

Dean worked for Inland Power and Light as a lineman for 20 years. He quickly became involved in the community when the levy to support Pomeroy Pirate athletics was rejected. After working hard to find funds for the school sports program, Dean was urged to run for a school district director position and was elected in 1975.

Dean was never legally adopted by the Burtons. He didn't find out his legal name until he applied for a passport in 1984, so that he could fly to Germany to see his son Dan and his family. So, after 50 years, it wasn't until after graduating high school, serving in the military, getting married, signing up for a social security card, a voter registration card, buying a home, and applying for a passport, that he found out he wasn't legally “Dean Burton.”

A few years after leaving the school board, Dean was approached to run for county commissioner. He was elected in 1994. During his time in office, he worked hard to get the funding to modernize the courthouse and organized funding for a county transportation system. Dean was also involved in getting the funds for the Agriculture Museum at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. He was a part of Butch Klaveano's cattle operation for 20 years.

Dean enjoyed wood working, restoring vintage cars and driving his cars in the Garfield County parades.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Kathryn Burton, and his son David Burton.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Church of the Nazarene, Corner of Columbia and S. Ninth St., Pomeroy, followed by a covered-dish dinner at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

Mark Darin McGee

Mark Darin McGee of Pomeroy passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

photo of Mark McGee, Pomeroy, as an adult

Mark was born on Sept. 19, 1958, in Walla Walla to Donald and Donna McGee. They later moved to Cheney, and later welcomed Mark's younger brother, Scott. Don, Donna, Mark, and Scott then moved to Pomeroy and they welcomed Mark's sister Melissa into the family. Mark lived in Pomeroy until he graduated in 1977.

In 1978, Mark married his high school sweetheart Chris Mandrell and they moved to Sunnyside. During Mark's time in Sunnyside, he was a mechanist for Yakima bait, where he gained many lifelong friends. Mark and Chris later divorced, and Mark returned to Pomeroy.

While in Pomeroy, Mark worked for Dye Seed Ranch for several years. Mark enjoyed riding his dirt bike on the many trails in the Pacific Northwest and in the winter riding snowmobiles, as well as all models of Chevy, tinkering on his many vehicles, collecting automobile memorabilia and he enjoyed filming and traveling with the Pomeroy Pirates Football Team when his brother Scott coached.

Mark met his second wife, Traci Harris, in 1999. Traci had a daughter named Justus who Mark took in as his own. In November, 2000, Mark and Traci welcomed a beautiful baby girl — Hazel Lauren McGee. During Mark and Traci's marriage they enjoyed throwing large Super Bowl and NASCAR parties in the shop of the old East Washingtonian Building. Mark and Traci later divorced.

Mark and Hazel enjoyed their time scouting the mountains with friends and family as well as watching NASCAR, raising pigs for Hazel's 4-H projects and building Hazel's Jeep.

Mark is survived by his daughter Hazel and stepdaughter Justus, mother Donna McGee, uncle Otto Krouse (Barbara), brother Scott McGee, and sister Melissa Wilson (Derek), his nephews Miles McGee (Kait), Ethan McGee (Megan) and niece Rebecca Wilson, step-granddaughter Tansie, great-nieces Lilah, Scottie, Octavia, and great nephew Jack and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Donald McGee, grandparents Hazel and Kenneth Krouse, Roy and Bernice McGee and his nephew Rob Wilson.

Services for Mark McGee will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, with a graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Pomeroy City Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at Spinners Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family has a donation account set up at the Bank of Eastern Washington in Pomeroy under the name “Hazel McGee,” to help us all offset costs.

ArLeen Joy (Patterson) Lonneker

With two daughters by her side, ArLeen Joy Patterson Lonneker passed away on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023, at her daughter Toija's (ToiAn) home in Irvine, California. Having fought valiantly for over 18 years with a rare and debilitating neuromuscular disease known as PLS, she passed away from heart failure and pneumonia at 83 years of age.

obituary photo of ArLeen Joy (Patterson) Lonneker

Born on April 26, 1940, to Marietta McCanse Patterson and William Edgar Patterson in Pomeroy, WA, ArLeen grew up on the family ranch on Pataha Flat in Garfield County, a place she would reminisce about fondly and which she missed especially in her final years.

Although she attended school primarily in Pomeroy, she did attend Northwest Christian High School in Spokane for a year before graduating from Pomeroy High School as valedictorian in 1958. She treasured her schoolmates, staying close friends with many of them, and speaking proudly and affectionately of them throughout her life. Demonstrating her various interests and talents, ArLeen went on to obtain degrees from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Weaver School of Real Estate, the Pacific School of Real Estate, the Moody Bible Institute, the Northwest Gemological Institute, and numerous Washington D.C. political leadership organizations.

In 1958, the day after her high school graduation, she married Gordon L. Leonard, a national award-winning cattleman and 5th generation farmer. They settled on the family ranch, traveled extensively, and had two beloved sons, Kenten Patterson Leonard and Lance Gordon Leonard. Though they divorced in 1968, she and Gordon remained on good terms until his untimely death in 1997.

On July 5, 1968, she left Pomeroy and eloped to Sun Valley, Idaho, with Robert (Bob) F. Lonneker, a prominent Walla Walla wheat rancher from a 4th generation pioneer family, like herself. They embarked on what they liked to call a "forever honeymoon." An extraordinary love affair that lasted more than 54 years, their marriage had an intensity that never dimmed.

ArLeen assisted Bob in running Lonneker Farms, Inc., the largest family farming corporation in the state—and the third largest in the nation.

She was an active Republican, known statewide for her numerous political activities in Garfield, Walla Walla, and Spokane Counties. She served for many years as Walla Walla County Republican Vice Chairwoman and later as Walla Walla County State Committeewoman on the Washington State Republican Central Committee. She served several terms on the Washington State Republican Executive Board as one of the two representatives from the Fifth Congressional District. She was a past chairman of the Fifth Congressional District Republicans, and is listed in "Who's Who in American Politics" and received the Notable Americans Award in 1978-79 for her political contributions. She is especially known for her determined fight to keep Washington state from passing a state income tax, as well as helping Ronald Reagan secure Washington state for his win in the 1980 presidential election.

ArLeen grew up actively involved in church in Pomeroy, teaching Sunday school and playing piano.

When, in 1982, Lonneker Farms, Inc. closed, ArLeen moved temporarily to Seattle. She moved back to Eastern Washington with Robert and daughter ToiAn in 1986, this time to Spokane setting up a home on her family's property just outside the city.

In 2005, she was diagnosed with PLS, a disease that strikes 1 in 10 million. After several years Robert and ArLeen moved to Laguna Woods, California, in 2012 to be near one of their daughters and two of their grandsons, Anthony and Tate.

Her immediate survivors include her daughter Toija Fitzgerald and husband James of Irvine, CA; son Kenten Leonard of Pomeroy; foster daughter Sharon Gossett of Walla Walla; step-daughter Laurel Opendack and husband Byron of Honolulu; step-son Frederick Lonneker of Walla Walla; step-daughter Suzette Krebs and husband Alan of Spokane; grandchildren: Anthony and Tate Fitzgerald, Captain John Gossett, London and Margaux Opendack, Spring Lonneker, Jennifer Krebs, and Stephanie Boyd.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert F. Lonneker; parents Marietta and William Patterson; son Lance Leonard; step-daughter and son-in-law Teri Jean and Daniel Bishop.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Pataha Flour Mills, followed by burial at the Pomeroy Cemetery.

Sharon Lynn (Yochum) Dixon

obituary photo of Sharon Lynn (Yochum) Dixon

Sharon Yochum Dixon passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. Born November 30th, 1931 [in 1932]*, she grew up in Peola, graduated from Clarkston High School in 1951, then from Kinman Business University. She married Eugene Dixon on May 5, 1956, and they moved to Uniontown in 1957.

She was a long-standing member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 214, and the St. Boniface Altar Society.

She was an avid seamstress and gardener and was famous for her pies. She enjoyed many volunteer activities for St. Boniface Church, the Artisans at the Dahmen Barn, and many other community events. She made dozens of magnificent quilts which she donated proceeds from to support many local community concerns.

She is survived by daughters Colette (Dennis) Blackburn and Heather Dixon; Sisters-in-law Freda Dixon and Meribeth Wahlder; grandsons Sean (Jessi) Blackburn, Eric (Christy) Blackburn; and great-granddaughters Blake Blackburn and Fia Blackburn. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Dixon, son Noel Dixon; parents Edward and Aulene Yochum; sister Iris Yochum; brothers Vincent “Bud”, George “Doc”, Ronald and Roger Yochum and many other family and friends.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 205 S. St. Boniface St., Uniontown. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Boniface Endowment Fund.


* Printed obituary says she was born in "1932." Funeral home's obituary shows a birthdate of "November 30th, 1931."

Howard Dwight Bartlow

Howard Dwight Bartlow was born on September 29, 1946 and passed away in Nampa on September 3, 2023.

obituary photo of Howard Bartlow

Born in Walla Walla to Don and IlaMae Bartlow, Howard and his three siblings, Gary, Barbie, and Murray, grew up in Pomeroy. Growing up on a farm, and surrounded by extended family, Howard was instilled with the virtue of a strong work ethic which would play a significant role in his life.

Howard's quest for knowledge led him to Northwest Nazarene College (University), where he received a degree in Engineering Physics in 1968. It was during these formative years that he laid the foundation for his future as a ground-breaking engineer in the field of high-powered RF amplifiers. His innovative contributions, including over 25 patents, would go on to shape and advance the technological cutting edge, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

On March 18, 1972, Howard married Carol Jean Sornson. They welcomed three wonderful children into their lives: Brian, Debbie, and Rebecca. Howard was a loving and dedicated father who demonstrated to his children his love of the Lord, strong work ethic, and integrity. Howard's life was further enriched by the presence of his nine beloved grandchildren, who brought boundless joy and laughter to his days. He cherished every moment spent with them, finding immense pride and happiness in their accomplishments and milestones.

Howard was a man of many talents and interests. He had a deep passion for basketball, enjoying both watching local games and playing noon ball with the NNU community every chance he could get. He also loved spending time at the family cabin where he liked working on projects and enjoyed soaking in the stunning views. Perhaps more memorable than his accomplishments and hobbies was his endless supply of jokes, usually resulting in groans, smiles and laughter.

Howard is survived by his wife, Carol Bartlow, his children, Brian and Angie Bartlow, Debbie and Ryan Brown, Rebecca and Byron Henrickson, and his grandchildren, Ally, Parker, and Audrey Bartlow, Zac and Reagan Brown, and Owen, Riley, Caleb, and Isaac Henrickson.

The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the NNU Engineering Department, 623 University Blvd., Nampa, ID 83686.

A Celebration of Howard's life was held at 10 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Bethel Church of the Nazarene, 3001 12th Ave. Rd. in Nampa under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.

Norma Allene (Morrow) Bendel

Norma Allene (Morrow) Bendel died August 30, 2023 in Moscow. Norma was born April 18, 1943 in Rosalia to J. Delbert and Evelyn (St John) Morrow. She was the second of 4 children. After attending several schools in south-eastern Washington during her grade school years, the family settled in Pomeroy and she graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1961.

obituary photo of Norma Allene (Morrow) Bendel

After high school Norma attended Kinman Business School in Spokane and also worked for Merrill Lynch. In January, 1962, she married Ken Sullins and they had two sons – Jim and John. The marriage ended in divorce. Norma and boys returned to Pomeroy. In the following years, Norma worked for Old National Bank in Pomeroy, and Laborers Local 238 (of Spokane) in Pullman/Lewiston. Norma married Archie Bendel July 12, 1975 in Moscow and joined him in operating Bendel’s Meats at Troy, Idaho. They had a son, William (Bill) born 1977.

Archie and Norma closed Bendel’s Meats, in 1981. Norma went to work for First Bank of Troy/Key Bank in Troy and later, Moscow. She also worked for Latah Federal Credit Union and the University of Idaho. Norma retired from the University of Idaho, Facilities in 2009.

Norma enjoyed being creative – cooking, sewing, flower gardening, ceramics, painting and different needlecrafts. A special joy was spending time with the grandkids and their activities, which were always fun, interesting and entertaining. Norma was a musician at Troy Lutheran Church for many years, and also participated in the church’s yearly quilting group, education committee, and worship committee. She volunteered at the Troy Thrift Store.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Evelyn Morrow, sister Irene Raymond and brother Russell. She is survived by sons: Jim Sullins (Anna), John Bendel (Deidra) and Bill Bendel, and brother JD Morrow (Susan) of Pomeroy. Also survived by grandchildren: Holly Sullins, Kelby Sullins, Mary (Dan) Whitney; Dinah (Eli) Carpenter and Leah Bendel: and Tammany, Joseph and Madison Bendel; and great-grandaughters Nora Whitney and Dalia Carpenter.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 P.M. September 22, 2023 at Troy Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to: Troy Lutheran Church, Box 9, Troy Idaho 83871; Troy Ambulance Box 324, 517 S Main St, Troy, ID 83871, Troy Library 402 S Main St, Troy, ID 83871 or a charity of your choice.

Thomas William Robertson

Thomas William Robertson, 61, of Pasco, died Aug. 22, 2023, in Richland. He was born in Pomeroy and lived in Pasco for 35 years. He was a retired sales manager.

Frederic Charles "Fritz" Herres

Frederic Charles "Fritz" Herres, 75, of Pleasant Hill, Oregon passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on August 21, 2023. Born in Pomeroy, June 22, 1948, to John and Dorothy Herres, he grew up on the Herres family farm in Pomeroy, Washington.

photo of Frederic

Fritz served in Vietnam as Crew Chief Gunner with the 189th A.S.L.T Helicopter company and earned the Air Medal and 2 Oak Leaf clusters for heroism. After his discharge in 1970, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Washington State University.

Fritz returned to Pomeroy to work alongside his father raising cattle, wheat, and barley. The ranch is also where he met his first wife Charlotte, and her kids Matt, April, Catherine, and Jody. Fritz and Charlotte were married in Pomeroy, on December 11, 1982. They raised the kids in Pomeroy and Starbuck. Charlotte passed away November 21, 1995, after an arduous battle with cancer.

In 1999 Fritz married Sheryl Harris in Walla Walla. A few years later they relocated to Halfway, Oregon, for Fritz to manage a bison ranch. After retiring from livestock handling, he and Sheryl moved outside of Pendleton, near Bingham Springs. Fritz started driving for his job, delivering trailers and boats and took every chance to visit Matt's family in Crestwood, Kentucky. After he and Sheryl divorced in 2005, he moved to western Oregon closer to April's family.

Fritz worked in a leather shop in Springfield, OR, and met his wife, Kim there. They married on July 2, 2009. They carved out their own corner of the world in Pleasant Hill, OR, growing a large garden, sitting under the sycamore, building a wood working shop, and enjoying friends and family. Many of his hours were spent on the scroll saws and other tools creating treasures. Fritz had a capacity for explaining things in detail and a passion for shooting sports.

Fritz was predeceased by his beloved father John P Herres, mother Dorothy (Malone) Herres, brother John Herres, sister Joan Kay Herres, and wife Charlotte Herres. He is survived by Kim Herres, Matt & Anita Hale, Dave & April Bardy, Catherine Clevinger, Luis & Jody Lopez, Isaac Hale, Isaiah Hale, Joe Bardy, and June Clevinger.

photo of Donald D. (Don) Young

Donald D. “Don” Young

Donald D. “Don” Young was born on January 26, 1937 in Pomeroy, Washington. He died on August 16, 2023 at his home in Boardman, Oregon at the age of 86.

A celebration of life service will be announced.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.





Karen Jeannette (Meyers) Arena

Karen Jeannette (Meyers) Arena, 73, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Karen was a beloved wife, devoted mother and gentle grandmother. Her beauty and kindness touched many, even in her final years, as her health declined.

photo of Karen Jeannette (Meyers) Arena

Karen is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Charles Arena, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; her son, Robert (Lesley) Arena, of Wichita Falls, Texas; her daughter, Natalie (Jesse, deceased) Skidmore, of Washington, D.C.; her grandchildren, Sophia and John Skidmore, and Archer and Madeline Arena; and her brothers, John (Patricia) Meyers, of Lacey, Wash; Gary (Linda) Meyers, of Hagerstown, Md.; and Thomas (Cecelia) Meyers, of Pomeroy. Her brother, Raymond Meyers, of Spokane, predeceased Karen.

The daughter of John “Jack” and Sybil Meyers, Karen grew up in Pomeroy, and graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1968. Karen attended Washington State University for two years, after which she became a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Karen married Dr. Charles Arena in 1972 and moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where Charles was stationed with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

After Charles was discharged from the Army, the couple eventually relocated to Washington state, where their son, Robert, was born. They later settled in California's Central Valley, where Karen gave birth to their daughter, Natalie.

The family returned to military life, with Charles joining the U.S. Navy in 1985. Karen and Charles moved 14 times before retiring to Las Vegas, in 2010. Karen and her husband later moved to Berkeley Springs, W.Va., in 2020.

Over the decades, Karen worked in retail sales for Mervyns Department Store in multiple locations and the Navy or Marine Corps Exchange system. Working in the retail fashion industry suited Karen, as her beauty and fashion sense were striking. However, her gentleness, common sense and strong moral compass guided by her Christian faith were qualities those closest to her cherished and respected most about her.

Her most treasured roles were as wife and mother. Even as her health declined, she showed love and gentleness to her family and enjoyed visits with her grandchildren.

In addition to raising a beautiful family, Karen enjoyed interior design and art. Later in life, she decorated her house with much of her own artwork after taking an interest in painting. A life-long cat lover, Karen made sure the family had many fond memories of enjoying their feline companions.

There will be a vigil and rosary recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, and a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, both at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 634 High St., Pomeroy. A graveside service will follow at the Catholic Cemetery in Pomeroy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Karen's name be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her name.

photo of Jeremiah John Hessling, Pomeroy

Jeremiah John Hessling

Jeremiah John Hessling, 46, of Pomeroy, died Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Clarkston.

Mr. Hessling was killed in a collision with a vehicle west of Clarkston on Wednesday morning, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Jeramiah Hessling left behind his son, Johnny Hessling; stepson, Marcus Parks; mother, Linda Hessling; and sister, Erin Hessling.

Merchant Funeral Home of Clarkston is in charge of arrangements.



Jeanette (Wolf) Fischer

Jeanette (Wolf) Fischer, 88, of Pomeroy, died Monday, July 10, 2023, at Bishop Place Senior Living in Pullman. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents Chris and Alice Wolf, brothers Jim Wolf, Joe Wolf, Wilbur Wolf, Sam Wolf, Bob Wolf and Phil Wolf and sisters Helen Wolf, Mildred Baden and Jeanne Price.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

Dallas Shawntelle Prince

Dallas Shawntelle Prince was born in Kennewick on December 28, 1994 to Chrystal Montgomery (Kennewick) and Whitney Lamar Prince Jr. (Lehi, Utah). She passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2023, in Pomeroy.

Dallas grew up in the Tri-Cities and as a young girl she loved doing dance, hula hooping and being artistic. Dallas was proud of her time in the Tri-Cities Young Marines and reached the rank of Sergeant. She loved learning and in 2010 received a Presidential Award for academic excellence.

She is survived by her mother Chrystal Montgomery, father Whitney LaMar Prince Jr., stepmother Lynn Prince, stepfather Jon Minugh, grandmother Bonnie Minugh, 2 sisters Haley Montgomery and Emily Best, and her two beautiful children Daizy Prince and Juniper Prince.

Lydia Jo Todd

Lydia Jo Todd, 91, of Pomeroy, died Monday, July 3, 2023, at her home. Richardson-Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy is in charge of arrangements.

Robyn Bernice Newton

Robyn Bernice Newton, one of Walla Walla’s most beloved songbirds, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2023, after a courageous and unrelenting battle with cancer.

photo of Robyn Bernice Newton

Robyn was born March 21, 1952, in Pomeroy to Dorothe and Richard “Smokey” Newton. Her earliest years were spent in Starbuck, surrounded by family. The family eventually moved to Walla Walla, where she attended Sharpstein, Green Park, Pioneer Junior High, and Walla Walla High School, from which she graduated in 1970. She attended Whitman College and the University of Las Vegas, both of which she studied music with a focus on voice.

During her junior high and high school years, Robyn performed in numerous concerts and theater productions, often in leading roles or as the principal soprano.

After high school and college, Robyn, always a seeker of new experiences and lessons, chose myriad paths, a practice that led to many life-affirming adventures in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and here in Walla Walla. During these years, she traveled and took jobs that called to her, jobs as diverse as an optometric technical assistant (in Walla Walla as well as Seattle), caterer, and proprietress of a bagel shop. She was also an accomplished seamstress, baker, cook, and in the theater, makeup artist, and hair designer.

Robyn was a highly valued member of the Whitman College Department of Music adjunct voice faculty, joining Whitman (part-time) in August 1988. She continued to teach even as she eventually fought her battles with cancer. She was admired throughout the region for her performances as a solo singer and choral artist. She performed with the Whitman College choirs on tours to Italy, Poland, and Finland. She also performed with the Walla Walla Choral Society and Consort Columbia (Tri-Cities).

Robyn was active in the Walla Walla music and theater communities for many years, gracing the stage with her elegance, style, and vocal talents. Favorite among her theatrical roles were Lalume in “Kismet,” Miss Hannigan in “Annie,” and particularly the titular role in “Mame,” all three given at the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater.

Robyn was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and was the ultimate warrior in her fight. Her positive and proactive approach was an inspiration to all. Over the years, the cancer and treatments created new challenges, and she rose to each and every one of them. Despite these challenges, Robyn was able to travel more than once to her beloved Paris, especially pleasing because she was in the company of dear friends.

Robyn inspired all around her, and to the end, she added joy, music, friendship, faith, and laughter to all who entered her orbit.

Robyn is survived by her brother, Mike (Melenie) of Baker City, and his family. She is also survived by her canine companion, Kaiser, who was the light of her life.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 4:00 PM, at First Congregational Church, 73 S Palouse St, Walla Walla.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Susan B. Komen, American Cancer Association, or Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Virginia (Oldenburg) Morgan

Virginia Morgan was born September 10, 1936, in Pomeroy, to Albert and Velma Oldenburg and left this earth on June 21, 2023.

obit photo of Virginia Oldenberg Morgan

Virginia spent her youth growing up on the family farm and attended schools in Pomeroy where she met her future husband Harold 'Eugene' Morgan, Jr. They were married in 1954 in Pomeroy and began their family shortly after. In 1968, they moved to Tekoa and settled there for the remainder of their lives.

Virginia worked outside the home at various times but primarily, she was a homemaker. When they lived on the farm, she was the cook for large harvest crews. Virginia was well known for her pies and specialties like cookies and cinnamon rolls. She was always furnishing treats for class activities for her kids and could be counted on for a last-minute request for a cake or cookies for various functions at school or church. She was an excellent seamstress and made many of the family's clothes. She was a longtime member of the Plummer Assembly of God Church.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, her parents, a brother Kenneth Oldenburg, and an infant son, Kevin.

She leaves behind four children, LaDonna Sienknecht of Tekoa, Marcus (Jeanne) Morgan of Nine Mile Falls, Michael (Robin) Morgan of Chewelah, and Coni (Neil) Downey of Wenatchee, nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the Pomeroy City Cemetery on Saturday, July 8 at 11 am. Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa is caring for the family.

James E. “Jim” Wolf

obit photo of James 'Jim' Wolf, Pomeroy

James E. “Jim” Wolf, age 90, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023. He was born Jan. 19, 1933, in Pomeroy, to Chris Wolf and Mary Alice King Wolf. He attended school and graduated from Pomeroy High School. He attended Gonzaga University before returning home to farm.

Jim married Joanne Luvaas and they had four children. Jim lived and farmed in Pomeroy until retiring in Clarkston.

Following his marriage to Joanne, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a cook even though he would have chosen another role. Being asked to serve biscuits and gravy (made with water), he asked permission to use his mother's recipe to make gravy the way she did — with milk. Everyone loved them and there were never any leftovers. This led to a “promotion” to chief cook for the officers.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Parish and the Knights of Columbus, in Pomeroy.

Jim is survived by his daughters Jeanne (Gary) Norland and Kate (Doug) Oakland, both of Clarkston; sister Jeannette Fischer; sister-in-law Carol Wolf; grandsons James Baker, Andy Roof, DJ Norland, Jackson Oakland; granddaughters Jenny Roof, Joylene Norland Hughes and Amanda Maynes; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Chris and Alice Wolf; a son Jimmy Wolf and daughter Coni Wolf; sisters Helen Wolf, Mildred Baden and Jeanne Price, and brothers Joe Wolf, Wilbur Wolf, Sam Wolf, Bob Wolf and Phil Wolf.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Pomeroy.

Donald Lounsberry

Donal*d Lounsberry, 67 of Pomeroy, died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston. Merchant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Eloise Myrn (Dye) Bartlow

Eloise Bartlow went to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 4, 2023. She was 97 years and died of the infirmities of age in the long-term care wing of Garfield County Memorial Hospital.

obit photo of Eloise Bartlow

Eloise was born on December 14, 1925, to Emory Daniel Dye and Leta Ruby (Fitzgerald) Dye in Pomeroy. She attended Wilson Country School and then Pomeroy Junior and Senior High Schools graduating in 1944. She attended Whitworth College for one semester. Eloise graduated from beauty school in Walla Walla, and when WWII was over, she married her high school sweetheart, Ells Bartlow.

The couple returned to Pomeroy, where Ells became the owner-manager of his father's farm implement business, and Eloise worked as a beautician in local shops. Ells and Eloise raised five children in Pomeroy; Janie (Mike) Field, Jerry (Donna) Bartlow, Scott (Debbie) Bartlow, Jon (Shelley) Bartlow, and Jeff (Lori) Bartlow.

Eloise was an active member of the Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene where she taught Sunday school and was involved in the mission arm of the church. She led Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls groups, and was very active with the Senior Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ells; her daughter-in-law, Donna Bartlow; her son, Scott Bartlow; and a still-born daughter, Jody Lynn Bartlow.

Eloise is survived by 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Christ in her life will be held on Friday, June 9, at 1 o'clock, at the Pomeroy Nazarene Church.

Margaret Ann (Thomas) Becker

Margaret Ann Becker, 91 years old, passed away May 3, 2023. She was born Sept. 27, 1931, to Leona Livermore and Walter Thomas.

obit photo of Margaret Ann (Thomas) Becker

Margaret and her older brother, Jack, were raised by their mother, Leona, in Bellingham, Washington. Margaret graduated from Bellingham High School and attended Western Washington State College for two years. She married Harold Jean Partlow and they had four children, Leann, Linda, Matthew and Brian.

After their divorce, she was married to John Becker for 20 years, until his passing in 1998. Margaret worked as a switchboard operator, a secretary data entry clerk and as a homemaker. Margaret was an active member of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Pomeroy. She was a member of P.E.O. and enjoyed gardening, traveling, exercise, and playing bridge.

Margaret was a lifelong Washingtonian resident. She lived in Bellingham, Anacortes, Pomeroy and Seattle. She will be laid to rest in Pomeroy.

Margaret is survived by her children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Becker, and her eldest son, Matthew Thomas Partlow.

A graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Pomeroy cemetery with a reception at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Barbara "Barbie" LaRae (Gingerich) Anderson

"Barbara "Barbie" LaRae Anderson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her closest loved ones on May 2 at the age of 71 after a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension related to her underlying scleroderma.

obit photo of Barbara (Gingerich) Anderson

She was born in Pomeroy on April 19, 1952, to Wilbur and Barbara Gingerich. The oldest of six children raised on the family farm, she became the patient, hardworking, practical caretaker that defined her selfless nature her entire life. In her younger years, Barbie excelled in academics, participated in 4-H, and became Pomeroy's 1970 Junior Miss. She graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1970 and from WSU in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

She and her sister began their nursing careers working together at Sacred Heart Medical Center. While in Spokane she met Larry Anderson of Moses Lake. They married in 1975 followed by a weekend honeymoon in Seattle which included a Seattle SuperSonics basketball game. Barbie and Larry settled in Spokane to raise their two daughters, Shannon and Hayley. Barbie returned to work at Spokane Weight Loss Clinic when her girls were young and later traveled the Palouse country roads every day to serve as Director of Nursing at Fairfield Good Samaritan Center. She finished her career of caring for patients as an instructor for nurses' aides with the Healthcare Training Center in Spokane.

Larry and Barbie loved traveling and exploring the western United States on annual spring and fall excursions to new places, often enjoyed with friends, and countless trips to San Diego to spend time with their daughter's family.

Barbie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her daughter, Shannon (Tyson) of San Diego, their children Dane, Ryder, and Rowen, and daughter Hayley (Leo) of Spokane, and their children Mia, Khloe, and Jase. She is also survived by her five younger siblings, Brad, Kayleen, Ken, Bart, and Brent; and their spouses and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the home of her daughter on Sunday, May 21, 2023, 2-5 pm.

Munir Abdel-Massih Daud

Munir Abdel-Massih Daud, 80, joined his ancestors and wife on April 30, 2023, due to medical complications while driving, south of Uniontown. Munir spent his last day doing some of his favorite things, including going to the office on a Sunday, as he did often, and going for a drive.

obit photo of Munir Abdel-Massih Daud, Pullman

Munir was born in Aleppo, Syria on January 1, 1943, to Abdel-Massih Daud (father) and Shumoon Abdelnour (mother). He had a wonderful childhood being raised in Syria and surrounded by his siblings, Said (brother), Munira (sister), Madlaine (sister) and several relatives.

Munir was a talented musician during his young adult years in Aleppo, Syria—he sang in multiple languages and played several instruments, including the guitar and drums. His mother did not want music to be his career path and encouraged him to go to the United States to further his education after he graduated from Aleppo College in 1962.

Munir arrived in the United States and first studied at Whitworth College in Spokane, then transferred to Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering (1967) and a Bachelor of Science in architecture (1972). He also played and helped to organize the WSU Men’s Club Soccer program.

While at WSU he met his wife, Janet (Bye) Daud, of Pomeroy. Munir and Janet were married in Pomeroy in 1968. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just before Janet passed away in October of 2018.

Munir started his career working with the City of Pullman as a project engineer from 1968-1973. In 1973, Munir and his family moved to western Washington (Seattle and Olympia) and he worked for a consulting engineering firm for two years.

In 1975, Munir moved his family back to Pullman and he founded Munir Daud & Associates (MD+A), an engineering, architecture, and surveying firm. He started MD+A in his garage in 1975 and he continued to work until his last day here. Munir kept his business small, so that it would remain a hometown business and their projects were all in Pullman or the neighboring smaller towns.

Most of all, Munir was a loving husband, father and “jido” (grandfather) to his four children and two grandchildren. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, both locally and all around the world. Munir was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his three siblings. Munir is survived by his son John (Stephanie), his daughters Laila, Nadia, Ranna, and his two grandchildren Iris and Jonah.

Munir will be missed by all who knew him or worked with him.

A memorial service for Munir to celebrate his life is planned for Saturday, May 13th, 2023, from 2-4pm at the SEL Event Center, 1825 Schweitzer Drive, Pullman, WA 99163.

Katherine June (Clark) Nanson

Kay, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away April 22, 2023. Born June 26, 1929 to Ray E. Clark and Amy Bouse Clark, Kay grew up in Paul, Idaho and attended Idaho State College where, in 1950, she met and married Don Nanson. Their first two summers together they lived in a tent in Yellowstone and Glacier Parks while Don worked for the park service.

obit photo of Katherine June (Clark) Nanson

Kay and Don raised three daughters: Laurie, Mary, and Chris while they moved with Don's job with the Soil Conservation Service to Colville, Pomeroy, Selah, Veradale, Okanogan, Yakima, Lacey, and Nine Mile Falls. Meanwhile, Kay worked as a substitute teacher, then for the Washington State Department of Apprenticeships, Department of Fisheries, and Gonzaga Law School in Placement and Recruiting.

Kay and Don were always active with the United Methodist Church in each town they moved to. Eventually they settled in Nine Mile Falls and Kay continued to be involved in United Methodist Women groups, supporting Eastern Star, Twinlow Camp, Walk to Emmaus, Family Promise, and the Tum Tum Senior Center and Food Bank.

Kay loved word games, papercrafts, and playing cards, especially Bridge and Quiddler. Kay was legendary in the kitchen and renowned for her peanut brittle, slumgullion, and many other baked goods. Kay had a servant's heart - providing care for her late husband Don, taking in students and families, and caring for friends and neighbors.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband Don, infant daughter, Linda, parents, brothers Charles and Lawrence, and brother-in-law Don MacGillivray.

Kay is survived by daughters, Laurie (Steve) Whitford of Spokane, Mary (Greg) Hamilton of Okanogan, and Chris Hall of Yakima. Kay's grandchildren include Sarah (Ben) Ackers of Seattle, Matt (Jenna) Whitford, Superior WI, Conor (Crystal) Hamilton of Okanogan, Jake (Linda) Cook of Yakima, and Lucas Cook of Sumner. Kay also leaves great grandchildren Katie & Kyle Ackers, Braelyn & Hope Whitford, Harper & Asher Hamilton. She is also survived by sisters-in-laws Renee Clark, Margie Clark and Dee Anne MacGillivray.

A Memorial Service to be held at 2pm Sunday, May 28th at Audubon Park United Methodist Church, 3908 N Driscoll Blvd, Spokane, Revs. Geoff Helton and Glenn Kennedy officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Thrion Phillip "Phil" Crawford

Thrion Phillip "Phil" Crawford passed away Friday April 21, 2023.

obit photo of Thrion Phillip 'Phil' Crawford

A lifelong resident of Garfield county Phil was born July 20, 1930 to Thrion R. and Hazel B. Crawford.

Phil was raised on the family farm where he and his siblings would, at times, try their parents patience. Phil and his brother Lloyd one cold morning decided that it would be a good idea to heat up the outhouse toilet seat. Fortunately they got the fire out before it did any damage. Also one time when his parents went into town they were told not to saddle up the horses. They did follow their dad's request and saddled up a cow instead.

Phil attended a one-room schoolhouse before he attended Pomeroy High School. Phil had a 4-year boxing career, one year as captain, with Hazel Tefft being his biggest cheerleader. Phil graduated in 1948 and was the last living member of his class.

Phil and Hazel married on May 1, 1949.

Phil worked as a farmhand for Aubrey Slaybaugh and then at Al Obenland's appliance store. He then went to work for his best friend Kenny Price at the Price Hereford Ranch. In 1956 he began his 39 year career at the Pomeroy Grange supply first as a bookkeeper and then as manager until he retired in 1994. He then worked part-time for Gary Houser until 2010.

Phil and Hazel traveled many places during their 72 years of marriage. They went on an Alaskan cruise, a Caribbean cruise, went to Hawaii, Nashville, several cities in the United States and their ultimate trip was to the east coast to Pennsylvania, Washington DC and the New England states. Phil had a lifelong dream of owning a cabin in the mountains. He purchased a cabin at Stenz Spring which was the gathering spot for many family reunions. Even after he sold the cabin to Simon Crawford the family continued to hold a yearly reunion.

Phil was active in the community serving on the city council and as a volunteer firefighter. Phil was a member of the Pomeroy United Methodist Church, Pleasant Grove Grange, Harmony Lodge #16 and Faith Rebecca Lodge #16.

Phil is survived by his daughters Phyllis Sweeney, Kathleen Dung and Nancy Crawford. Grandchildren Jim Sweeney (Teresa), Aaron Sweeney (Ildi), Jeremiah Dung (Devan Warr), Adam Mauhar, Katelynn Mauhar (Matt Liasjo). Great-grandchildren Devin Sweeney, Ali Schwanke, Lillian Dung and Maverick Liasjo. Siblings Eleanor Bingman, John Crawford and Ed (Jackie) Crawford. Numerous nieces nephews and many friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his loving wife Hazel, his parents and siblings Evelyn Morris, Lloyd Crawford and Jim Crawford.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 8th. Interment will be at the Pomeroy City cemetery at 1:15 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at the Pomeroy United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be sent to the Pomeroy United Methodist Church, Cancer fund or the Heart fund.

Joann (Ogden) Martin

obit photo of Joann Martin

Joann Martin passed away April 5, 2023, at the age of 97. She was born March 23, 1926, in Pomeroy Washington to James and Mary Fellows Ogden. She was the oldest of four children.

She grew up on the Tucannon and those times were some of her fondest memories. She attended schools on the Tucannon, in Colfax, and graduated from Dayton High School in 1944 then went to beauty school in Walla Walla and worked as an elevator operator in the Dacres Hotel in Walla Walla while she was in beauty school. She married Gerald Martin on March 2, 1946. They lived in Tri-Cities, Rapid City, SD, Baker, MT and then moved back to Dayton where they operated the Cardens Café in Dayton before moving back to Kennewick and then Pasco. She moved to Walla Walla, where she worked at Helpline, a job she much enjoyed. Joann married a childhood friend Ray Berringer after Gerald's passing.

She loved fishing, making pies, and painting. Her paintings are keepsakes cherished by all her family members. Joann loved spending time with her family. She read the Bible and loved to share the word of God with others. The Bible verses she posted daily on her Facebook were an inspiration to many.

Joann is survived by her son Doug Martin of Walla Walla, daughter Mary Atteberry (Jim) of Dayton, a sister Gloria Vaske of Bellevue; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Gerald and Ray, her daughter Renetta Farley, sister Muriel Ogden, and brother Gary Ogden.

The service will be held on Tuesday April 11 at 10 am at the United Brethren Church in Dayton. A graveside service will follow at the Dayton Cemetery. Donations can be made to the United Brethren Church in Dayton, WA, St Jude's Children's Hospital, or a charity of the donor's choice. Corbeill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard "Dick" Martin

Richard “Dick” Ray Martin died Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the age of 75. Dick was born in Dayton on Jan. 17, 1948, to Donald G. Martin and Letha J. Wolfe. He was raised in Pomeroy along with his sisters, Linda and Jeani. Dick attended Pomeroy High School and participated in both track and football. Dick joined the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) earning the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow.

obit photo of Dick Martin

After graduating with the PHS Class of 1966, Dick attended Yakima Valley Community College, then Eastern Washington State College, graduating in 1969.

Dick returned to Pomeroy and joined the family grocery business, buying out his Uncle Norm's share and operating Martin's Super Duper (later Martin's Thrift) together with his parents. The store was his passion and he made countless friendships with customers and sales representatives. After selling the store in 1980, Dick worked in a painting business with his Uncle Norm. He became a rural mail carrier with U.S. Postal Service, serving more than 30 years.

Dick married Barbara Harris on June 21, 1969, and they raised two daughters, Tina and Brenda. Both parents were proud and devoted to their girls and spent many years traveling to their extracurricular events. Dick and Barbara divorced in 1994.

Dick later married Shaun McKeirnan and became a wonderful dad to her son, Bryce. He was a BSA leader from 1975-1980. He was a Little League Baseball and Softball coach, an active member/leader in the local parent-teacher organization and Pirate Booster Club for many years; a lifelong member of the Pomeroy Spinners (formerly the Jaycees), president of the Pomeroy Shrine Club, and captain of the Pomeroy Fire Department (where he volunteered for 30-plus years). He received the Pomeroy Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Dick recently volunteered to paint the newly-renovated gazebo in the city park. He lived a life dedicated to community service.

Dick loved the outdoors, enjoying the Blue Mountains at the family cabin, hunting for mushrooms and huckleberries and snowmobiling. In more recent years, camping and enjoying a frosty beverage with friends would always bring a smile to his face.

Surviving members of his family are his wife Shaun McKeirnan Martin; children Tina Graham, Brenda (John) Ives, and Bryce (Kimberly) McKeirnan; and sisters Linda Sharp and Jeani (Jim) Parker. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica (soon-to-be grandson, Andre Nguyen) and Braydon Ives; and Reid, Reese, Rylie and Roslyn McKeirnan. Dick is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held from 1-4 p.m., Sat., April 15, at the Pomeroy Spinners Hall, 699 Columbia Street. Please wear your Crimson and Gray as Dick was an avid fan of the Washington State University Cougars.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor his memory via donation, please send your contributions to: Pomeroy Shrine Club, c/o Bob Cox, P.O. Box 545, Pomeroy, WA 99347; Pomeroy Spinners, c/o Larry Ledgerwood, P.O. Box 745, Pomeroy; or the Garfield County Fire Department, 949 Main St., Pomeroy.

Lynn Alison (Duckworth) Fondahn

Lynn Alison (Duckworth) Fondahn, 90, of Pomeroy, who integrated her love of art and decorating with raising a family, died from heart block on April 1, 2023, in Front Royal, Va.

obit photo of Lynn Alison (Duckworth) Fondahn

Lynn was born May 18, 1932, in Waitsburg, on Coppei Creek and raised on the wheat and cattle ranch, "the Rogers' Place," outside of Pomeroy with younger brother Gary until she was 15. She and her dad, Leighton Duckworth, designed the farmhouse on the wheat and cattle ranch near Columbia Center, where the family moved in 1947 when her youngest brother, Blaine, was born.

She met her husband, Robert (Bob), while attending Washington State University and married June 6, 1953, then received a B.A. in interior design in 1954. After graduating, they farmed the alfalfa and cattle ranch, at Silcott, now Chief Timothy Park, along the Snake River outside of Clarkston until 1962 when Bob was appointed an agricultural executive position in Ritzville, Wash. The Dept. of Agriculture promoted him and moved his family to Tokyo in 1963 where Lynn utilized her interior design skills for the Economic Minister's home, the Treasury Attaché, and other private sectors and embassies throughout Japan.

In 1968, they moved to the Washington D.C. area and she worked as an interior designer for Ethan Allen Galleries in McLean, Va., and then established her own design firm, Lynn Fondahn Interiors of McLean. She was actively involved as a docent for over 10 years with the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C., having been one of the original docents to be trained in 1974 prior to the museum's opening.

The late '70s brought relocations to Korea and Hong Kong but were short-lived deployments. London became Lynn and Bob's new home in 1986, he with his continued DOA career and Lynn with design contracts. In 1992, another promotion brought them to Singapore where she continued her art appreciation as a volunteer with the National Gallery of Art and their home was featured in the Singapore Architectural Digest.

Upon their return to Washington D.C. in 1997, Lynn resumed her docent work at the Hirschhorn Museum and continued interior design for family and friends. She was active in her subdivision with the Women's Club, the Garden Club, and the Book Club. Lynn was an avid reader and a politics addict, as well as a world traveler who enjoyed accompanying her husband during his international endeavors to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Lynn contracted advanced dementia in late 2015 and was in the care of her daughter. She passed away peacefully at home. Her ashes, with her husband's, will be scattered at their McLean meadow and all our ranches.

Survivors include daughter Laurie Fondahn-Baker of the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho area, sons Mark of Homosassa, Fla., and Douglas of Tampa, Fla., her brother Blaine of Berryville, Va., four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Her husband, Bob, died of pancreatic-liver cancer in 2008 while living in their final home of Liberty Lake, Wash. Because of her condition years later, she moved with her daughter to Virginia so the siblings would be on the same coast.

Bridget Kathleen Moran

Bridget Kathleen Moran, age 58 of Ketchikan, Alaska, passed away at her home on March 28, 2023, of natural causes. Born in Ketchikan on April 10, 1964, she and her twin brother Patrick were the youngest of the 12 children of Mary Frances and William Gerald Moran.

Bridget was diagnosed with Down syndrome as an infant. Growing up on upper Front street in the 1960's there were always numerous children playing in the neighborhood and Bridget soon learned to "run with the pack." Bridget attended the remedial education program in the Ketchikan public schools from kindergarten until age 21. Bridget was particularly fond of Pat Bean who was her teacher for her first several years. While she never learned to read, Bridget loved books and going to the library. Throughout her youth and young adulthood, Bridget would visit the library several times a week, often checking out the largest book she could carry home. Bridget was an avid swimmer and could happily spend several hours in a pool. A diligent worker, Bridget was proud to have had several part-time jobs until at age 44 she suffered a stroke which left her partially paralyzed.

Bridget had a sunny disposition and she was naturally gregarious. Everywhere she went in Ketchikan she would encounter friends and acquaintances. Bridget was passionate about fishing and was always seeking a chance to get out on the water.

Bridget's last years were marred by progressive dementia (a common accompaniment of Down syndrome) and difficult seizures. Despite her progressive disability, Bridget maintained a happy demeanor. Bridget was blessed to receive loving care and companionship from her mother and sisters Mary and Nell. Their efforts, along with those of the rest of her family, alowed her to remain at home until her death. Bridget was devoted to her father and after his death in 2006, she would rarely miss an opportunity to "pray for dad." Bridget and her mother were life long companions and a source of joy to each other. In recent years they would close each day by praying the rosary together.

Bridget was preceded in death by her father William and her older brother Timothy (Mary Alice). Bridget is survived by her mother Mary Frances, six brothers: Patrick (Monica), Matthew (Anne), Bernard (Teresa), Michael (Theresa), William (Anita) and Joseph (Angela) and four sisters: Nell Klein (Edward) Agnes Moran (Zac), Margaret Dour (Paul) and Mary Moran as well as thirty nieces and nephews.

Services will be April 11, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church (Ketchikan): Rosary at 2 p.m., Funeral mass at 3 p.m. A reception will follow in the Parish hall.

Jerome "Jerry" W. Lambert

Jerome "Jerry" W. Lambert, 86, of Russiaville, Indiana, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, at North Woods Village in Kokomo.

obit photo of Jerome (Jerry) Lambert

Born July 14, 1936, in Pomeroy, Jerry was the son of the Paul and Agnes (Ferrell) Lambert. On Feb. 16, 1996, in Kokomo, he married Patricia "Pat" Mooney, who preceded him in death April 3, 2006. Jerry had retired from NIPSCO on July 1, 1995.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge #66, Moose Lodge of Peru, Eagles Lodge of Kokomo, the Royal Center Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Wayne and the Murat Shrine of Indianapolis. Jerry served in the Indiana National Guard for five years, and was an avid IU and Colts fan.

Jerry gave back to the youth of the community as a Little League and Babe Ruth coach. He had also coached football and ran basketball leagues at the YMCA. He was a member of the Race Walkers Club of Kokomo and Indianapolis, and competed in race walking events for 26 years all over the United States. Jerry also was a participant in Senior Olympics, competing in four different states.

Surviving Jerry are three sons, Tim (Joni) Lambert of Logansport,Indiana, Mike (Michelle) Lambert of Naperville, Illinois, and Steve (Michelle) Lambert of Georgetown, Kentucky; stepson, Jay (Jamie) Francis of Kentucky; stepdaughter, Stacey (Casey) Ford of Florida; six grandchildren, Eric (Charla) Lambert of Cub Run, Kentucky, Hillary (Trevor) Robinson of Union, Kentucky, Stephanie Lambert of Cincinnati, Ohio, Natalie Lambert of Painted Post, New York, and Nathan and Nick Lambert, both of Naperville; stepgrandchildren, Drenen Wesolowski, Kylie Simpson, Brandon Ford, Colten Francis and Drake Franics; and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Chad "Moose" Lambert.

A funeral service for Jerry will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Gundrum Funeral Home, with Chaplain Ken Rushing officiating. Burial will follow in Ever-Rest Memorial Park, Logansport.

Memorials may be made to the Cass County Family YMCA or the Kokomo Family YMCA.

Gayle L. Fleming

Gayle L. Fleming, 78, died Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Clarkston Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia. Merchant Funeral Home of Clarkston is in charge of arrangements.

Sharon Lyn Sullivan McKeirnan

Sharon Lyn Sullivan McKeirnan lost her battle with cancer on March 16, 2023.

obit photo of Sharon McKeirnan

Sharon was born in Colfax October 28, 1967, to Clark and Carol Sullivan of Washtucna. She attended Washtucna schools, where she graduated as salutatorian of her class and held numerous ASB and club offices. Sharon inherited the Sullivan family love of sports and participated in basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Upon graduation she went to Spokane Community College to earn her Legal Secretary degree and soon found work in Colfax. She was hired by attorney Gary Libey and discovered her love of working with and helping her friends and neighbors. She also loved her co-workers like family, building very close relationships.

Sharon met her husband Joe when he called her for a date and she promptly turned him down before checking with a friend to be sure he was a good guy. Assured that Joe was in fact a great guy, she agreed to take him to a basketball game and the rest is history. They married in September 2002 and merged their two families together. Through the years, they had the privilege of traveling both alone and with their kids to Mexico and all over the United States, with her particular favorites being the Hawaiian Islands and the Oregon Coast.

Gardening was a particular passion of Sharon's. She spent hours planting, pruning, and landscaping her yard, and cultivating her vegetables. Sharon's faith was also very important to her and she loved her church family.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Joe McKeirnan, sons Keith (Tim Hung) Sullivan, Bo Sullivan, and Matt McKeirnan, and daughter Kayla (Deck) McGuire, her grandchildren Jaxson and Parker, mother Carol Sullivan, and her sisters Debbie (Rick) Kelley and Evon (Mike) Jones, her sister-in-law Heather Sullivan-McKay, and several nieces, nephews and friends. Sharon was preceded in death by her father Clark Sullivan and her brother Shane Sullivan.

The funeral service for Sharon will be held Friday, March 24th, at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Colfax. The graveside service will be at the Pomeroy Catholic Cemetery, Pomeroy, Washington at 4:00 PM. The family suggests memorial gifts in her memory be to the Morning Star Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 8087, Spokane, WA, 99203

Carolyn Louise Moore

Carolyn Moore entered into rest Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Born on Oct. 14, 1958, at Del Norte, Colo., to LaVern and Ethel Bailey, she was the first-born daughter. Carolyn grew up in the small community of Weippe, graduating in 1976 from Timberline High School. Carolyn later went on to get her nursing degree from Walla Walla Community College.

obit photo of Carolyn Moore, Pomeroy

Carolyn met and married Terry Moore in 1979; they made their home in the Weippe area. Carolyn and Terry had twins, Andy and Amanda Moore which proved to be quite an adventure.

Carolyn held several jobs early in her employment history but decided to chase her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. With hard work and the support of many Carolyn reached her dream and in 2013 received her degree. She immediately began her career and it proved to be her life's calling. Carolyn retired in 2020 due to health issues and the need to focus on healing herself.

Carolyn loved sewing. She is known for making family baby blankets cherished by all and nurse's scrubs.

In addition to sewing Carolyn loved biking and road biking. She and fellow nurse Penny Spooner created 15 years of road trip memories. Carolyn's best friend and fellow road warrior Ms. Penny Spooner also introduced her to the love of her life, horses. Carolyn and Penny set out to rescue those destined for the slaughter house. Rescuing a total of seven horses, her favorite and constant companion is Gallos Bonita, or known to us all as “Momma.” Carolyn blossomed from hiding behind anything she could find to all things cowgirl.

Carolyn is survived by her father Lavern Bailey, her daughter Amanda Moore (Spouse Doug), granddaughter Lilli Ana and grandson Lane. She is also survived by her brother Scott, sisters Dawn Powers and Dana Hoskins (Spouse Steve Hoskins) as well as nephews Jami Powers, Andrew Powers, nieces Carly Hoskins Geidl and Dr. Brooke Hoskins-Schlake DVM. Carolyn is also survived by her best friend and travel partner Ms. Penny Spooner, RN.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, 920 21st Ave., Lewiston. A private family graveside service will follow in Pomeroy.

Harriet M. (Gehring) Feider

Early Valentine’s Day morning, Feb. 14, 2023, Harriet Feider peacefully passed in her sleep at Hill House Memory Care in Moscow, after breaking her femur. She was 86.

obit photo of Harriet Gehring Feider, Pomeroy and Moscow

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Herman Feider, a sister Eileen (Gehring) Feider, and brothers Ronald and George Gehring.

Harriet was born in Cottonwood Aug 9, 1939, to Stephen and Rosalia (Stolz) Gehring. She graduated from high school and attended business school in Tacoma. Harriet planned to be a business woman and was quite successful.

She married Herman after her sister Eileen passed from health complications and by doing so, she signed up to raise their children, Gloria Feider Polzin and Virginia (Feider) Robinson.

Harriet moved to Pomeroy, where Herman was a farmer. After a short time they moved their young family to Lewiston, in the early '60s. She started her career at Great Western Distributing, which then became Jafco and finally Best Stores. She finished her career as Office Manager. When the Best Stores closed, she decided it was time to retire in the late 90’s. Harriet belonged to All Saints Catholic Church and enjoyed she enjoyed cleaning and gardening.

Harriet is survived by her daughters Gloria Feider Polzin (Jerry) and Virginia Robinson (Jim); two grandchildren, Krystala Malone (Aaron) and JT Robinson (Celie); and 4 great grandchildren, Jackson, Aryia and Olivia Malone and Hayes Robinson. In addition, she is survived by siblings Marilyn Forsmann of Cottonwood, Scott Gehring of Seattle and Margaret Mickelson of North Carolina.

Harriet's service is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 21, rosary at 10 a.m. and the service at 10:30 a.m., all at All Saints Catholic Church, in Lewiston. The interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Pomeroy.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice, in your community in Harriet Feider’s name.

Elizabeth ‘Betty' Josephine (Purcell) Waldher

Betty J Waldher passed to her reward on February 2, 2023 in Clarkston.

Betty was born May 23, 1928, to Mary E. (Landkammer) and John A. Purcell in Pomeroy, the youngest of 13 children. She was named Elizabeth Josephine.

obit photo of Betty Waldher, Pomeroy and Clarkston

Like many in the Purcell family, she had a natural talent and love of music that showed through her piano playing, and later the organ, that she shared with many, including her church family.

Betty and Francis P. Waldher were married Sept. 28, 1946, and made their home in Pomeroy, welcoming three children: Mary (Ron), Randy (Lynne) and Wayne (Vicky).

She worked as a bookkeeper/receptionist, but once retired, found her passion for researching family history. Betty and Francis loved to travel and completed their goal of visiting all 50 states during their 62 years of marriage, always taking the time to stop and visit extended family and friends, and do research. She embraced the introduction of the home computer, and that opened the world to her genealogy search.

In 2009, following the death of her husband, Betty moved to Clarkston to be closer to family and later made many new friends while living at Evergreen Estates. This past year, she received loving care at Cascadia of Clarkston. Betty passed peacefully, at age 94, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.

The rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, with funeral services held at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 634 High St., Pomeroy. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Pomeroy. Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

James “Jim” Elford Delp

James “Jim” Elford Delp, of Pomeroy, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at the age of 86, at Garfield County Memorial Hospital.

obit photo of James Elford Delp

He was born on Dec. 16, 1936, in Marcus, Wash., to Glenn and Julia Delp, of Boyds, Wash. James was from a family of 13 children.

James worked in the woods as a logger, in sawmills, fought fires and worked for farmers around Colville, Boyds, Kettle Falls and Pomeroy. He worked on construction for many years as a laborer, flagger, driller, dynamite setter and blaster. He worked for several construction companies in the region and worked other jobs in between the construction jobs.

He enjoyed many hobbies such as hunting, fishing, mowing his lawn and working around the yard. He loved watching his windmills from his chair and feeding the squirrels and birds in the morning. In the younger days, he loved playing his guitar and harmonica with friends and family. He did some whittling with wood and made wooden figure cutouts.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen S. (Delp) Roosevelt, and husband Jay; Jeffrey Delp and wife Maria; his sister, Mary Johnson and husband Carl. He has 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Delilah (Dolly) Delp; daughter Connie (Delp) Jennings; parents Glenn and Julia Delp; brothers Bill, Lewis “Louie,” Robert “Bob,” Richard “Dick,” Kenny and Ted; and sisters Annie, Lola, Helen “Sal,” Grace and Linda.

Beverly Ann (Mast) Moser

obit photo of Beverly Ann (Mast) Moser

Beverly Ann Moser passed away peacefully on February 2 at the age of 89 after suffering a series of strokes since early December. She was born on the family farm in Pomeroy on May 28, 1933, to Cecil and Phebe Mast. Bev rode a horse every day to her one-room schoolhouse during her elementary grades and graduated from Pomeroy High School before attending Washington State College, where she met Richard "Dick" Moser during her freshman year. They married in 1955 and never looked back.

Bev loved farm life, which included hard work, a loving family, and learning her craft of becoming an incredible cook and baker of pastries including her famous cinnamon rolls. Bev and Dick raised three children while living in Yakima, Seattle, Pullman, and Walla Walla before settling in Spokane in 1970 for Dick's banking career. Bev was a WSU Cougar basketball season ticket holder for 40+ years and a WSU Cougar football season ticket holder for 50+ years. She rarely missed a home game and regularly drove herself to and from Pullman for the games, often in snowy and freezing conditions.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband Dick, son Doug, grandson Blake, siblings Vern & Barbara, and parents Phebe & Cecil. She is survived by her son Steve (Shannon) of Spokane, daughter Molly (Dan) of Beaverton, OR, four grandkids Katie (Francisco), Drew (Whitney), Jim (Emily), Tony (Katie), and nine great-grandchildren. A vigil service will be held Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m. and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m. Both will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 3327 S. Perry Street, Spokane, WA 99203. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 3327 S. Perry St, Spokane, WA 99203, or Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA 99202.

Sally Ann (Wade) Peters

Sally Ann Peters died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at Willowbrook Terrace in Pendleton with her family by her side. She was 82 years old.

obit photo of Sally Ann (Wade) Peters

Sally Ann was born June 4, 1940, to Lewis A. “Bud” and Jennie Rae Wade in Pomeroy, Washington, where she was raised and educated. She graduated Pomeroy High School and went on to graduate from Kelsey Baird Secretarial School in Spokane.

She married Robert J. Peters in 1979, they made their home in Burbank, Washington, moving to Kennewick, and later settling in Pendleton. Robert preceded her in death.

She worked for Dr. Heron in Pomeroy, Dr. Rasmussen in Hermiston, and finished her career as HR Director at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco.

She committed herself to Ron Haynes in a commitment ceremony officiated by an Episcopal minister in 2017.

Sally Ann is survived by 3 children and their spouses: Shelly & Temby Zander, LuAnn & Twuan Ksor, and Sheila & Frank Ashbeck, 4 grandchildren & their spouses: Shelby & Bryan McQuinn, Jennifer & Conan Fisher, Temby Jr. "T.J" & Erin Zander, and Tonya & Nate McFarlane, 5 step-grandchildren & their spouses: Sarah Hazlett, Laura Hazlett, Jason McClure, Allison & Justin LeGrand, and Bailey & Andy Brooks, 7 great-grandchildren: Adrie, Shaylor and Peyton Fisher, Tugg and Kolt McQuinn, Aislin and Scarlett McFarlane, and 9 step-great-grandchildren: Mariah, Brady, Nicole, Brandon, Hannah and Holly; Ceila, Brayden and Jemma; and Sylvia.

Celebration of life service will be held at Burns Mortuary Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 10th, at the Pomeroy City Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Sally Ann may be made to the Salvation Army.

Eugenia “Genie” DeBow

obit photo of Eugenia 'Genie' DeBow

Eugenia “Genie” DeBow, age 74, passed away on January 29, 2023, at Martha and Mary in Poulsbo, Washington. Genie was born on October 28, 1948, in Pomeroy, Washington, to Jack and Lorna DeBow. She was one of three children with an older sister, Renee, and a younger brother, Steve.

She graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1967. She attended Washington State University in Pullman, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Genie graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education in 1971.

Genie spent most of her life in western Washington, working as a mortgage broker where she initially bought her first home in West Seattle. Seeking the simplicity of a small-town lifestyle, Genie relocated to Indianola (Bainbridge Island) in the early ‘90s and eventually settled in Poulsbo.

Her personal interests involved traveling, gardening, collecting antiques, and caring for her beloved pets. It brought Genie great pleasure to reminisce about growing up on the family ranch on DeBow Road, surrounded by the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse. Her favorite childhood memories included taking hikes down to Deadman Creek with her siblings, capturing barn cats with the “DeBow grip,” and riding Blackie, the horse.

Genie was preceded in death by both her parents and siblings. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Deborah DeBow; three nieces, Emily DeBow, Kendra DeBow, and Lisa Nikolich; and a nephew, James Sanford. Genie will also be missed by her loyal partner of several years, Brian Anderson, and lifetime friend, Cam McKinley.

Friends may make memorial donations to Martha and Mary (Bay Unit) in Poulsbo (marthaandmary.org), where Genie received long-term care; or to a favorite animal rescue organization.

Virginia Rose (Worthington) Beckwith

Virginia Beckwith, 93, left to be with our Lord, January 21, 2023.

obit photo of Virginia Beckwith

Virginia was born to Matilda (Tillie) Richmond Worthington and William (Bill) Worthington in Cle Elum, March 18, 1929, the youngest of four children. The family moved to Yakima during Virginia's freshman year of high school. She graduated from Yakima's Davis High School in 1947 and attended Yakima Business School where the US Reclamation Bureau selected her as their typist/office employee. It was during this time she met and married John Beckwith on May 29, 1948. They moved to the Oregon coast at Warrenton, where daughter Sandra was born in Astoria. Then they moved back to Washington in 1951, following John's construction jobs. They lived in Penawawa, Wash. until 1954, where John was Farm Manager of Eggers Fruit and Cattle Ranch. Daughters Beverlee and Sharon were born while they lived there, in 1951 and 1952.

In 1955, they bought a peach orchard in northern Garfield County along the Snake River. Virginia maintained a huge garden and canned and froze the vegetables and fruit that they raised.

They also bought a cattle ranch and wheat field 16 miles farther down river at Wades Bar during the early 1960s. In 1967, the Corps of Engineers bought their upper land for the Granite Dam project and then the lower place for the Little Goose Dam project a few years later. They moved into Pomeroy and built the Beckwith Apartments and bought the Grange Insurance Agency, where Virginia worked with John. John also sold real estate.

During their retirement years, the Beckwiths moved to King City, Oregon, and enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, and also via plane, train, and ship to every U.S. state, plus Canada, Caribbean Islands, and the Panama Canal. They also became snow birds heading south each winter while John was able to drive the motorhome.

After 64 years of marriage, John passed away in 2012. Virginia moved from King City to the Salmon Creek area in Vancouver, Wash., to be nearer to family.

Virginia is survived by daughter, Beverlee (Ralph) Funk of Vancouver, Wash.; five grandchildren: Cory (Tina) Denman of Lafayette, Colo., Lindsay Denman (Jon) Stockman of Vancouver, Wash., Christina Blattner (Ben) Turley of Snoqualmie, Wash., Sara Funk (Justin) Kessel of Puyallup, Wash., and Brittney Funk (Kjell) Mauseth of Liberty Lake; also great grandchildren: Dylan and Aubrey Stockman, Jake and Cole Kessel, Ava Denman, and Sawyer Turley. Virginia is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Previously deceased are husband John Beckwith; daughters Sandra Beckwith (Bill) Rennewanz, and Sharon Beckwith (John) Blattner; sisters Viola (Marvin) Stamper, Thelma (Kenneth) Money, and brother Robert (Betty) Worthington.

A service will be held March 18, her birthday, in Vancouver, Wash. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Gary Lee Niebel

Gary Lee Niebel passed away in Florence, Arizona Saturday, January 7, 2023.

obit photo of Gary Niebel

Gary was born on September 26, 1957, to Delbert and Ada (Lueck) Niebel in Pomeroy, WA. Gary was raised on a small wheat farm where he learned the value of hard work (and perfection). From a young age he had a love for athletics. He played football, basketball, and participated in track. He graduated from Pomeroy High School, class of 1976 and earned football scholarship at Columbia Basin College where he studied from 1976-1978. He met the love of his life, Sheri in April, 1978, and they were married in March, 1979. The newlyweds moved to Cheney where Gary studied at Eastern Washington University from 1978-1980.

In January 1980, Gary and Sheri moved to Tri-Cities where Gary started his 40 plus year career in the auto industry. Even after retirement, he continued to work part-time for McCurley Chevrolet.

Gary and Sheri started their family with the birth of their son, Brian in 1981 and completed it with the addition of their daughter, Jenny in 1983. Gary shared his love of the outdoors and athletics with his children. He coached both his children in baseball and basketball.

Growing up on the family farm, he learned to love riding motorcycles. As an adult, Gary rode four wheelers and his Razr.

Gary was proceeded in death by his parents, Delbert Lee Niebel and Ada Margaret (Lueck) Niebel.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sheri Niebel (Beem); son Brian Niebel (Megan and granddaughters Bailey and Jordyn); daughter Jennifer Butenhoff (granddaughter, Harper); his sister, Karen Solt; his brother, Glen Niebel; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Donna Briggs

obit photo of Donna Briggs

Donna Briggs, a lifelong resident of Pomeroy and Clarkston, died on January 6 at the age of 95.

Donna was a 1945 graduate of Pomeroy High School and attended Kinman Business school in Spokane. She and Sewell married in 1945 and began their life together in Pomeroy. They enjoyed playing golf in Pomeroy and later in Clarkston. They enjoyed many years of life with their friends in Pomeroy. Later, Donna moved to Clarkston and remained there until 2018 when she moved to Vashon Community care.

She was preceded in death by her son, Tim Briggs, in 1988 and husband Sewell Briggs in 1995.

Donna leaves behind her son Daniel Briggs and daughter in law, Mary Margaret Briggs in Vashon, Wash., and daughter Nicki Kuhn of Santa Rosa, Calif., along with three grandchildren, Sean Kuhn, Trinity, Florida, Sam Briggs, Seattle, Wash., and Flora Briggs, Vashon, Wash. Her two great granddaughters Lily Kuhn and Hannah Kuhn, her brother Gerald Martin in Benicia, Calif., and her cousin Shelley Williams of Clarkston.

Services are pending [as of late-Januuary, 2023], but burial will occur later in the year at the Pomeroy Cemetery.

Carl Henry Wade

obit photo of Carl Wade, Pomeroy

Carl Henry Wade, born Oct. 2, 1957, in Pomeroy to Cecil Wade and Beverly Smith Wade, passed away surrounded by his family Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane because of interstitial lung disease at the age of 65.

Carl was a lifelong resident of Pomeroy, graduating from Pomeroy High School in 1976. Carl married Kim Capwell on Sept. 10, 1977, recently celebrating 45 years of marriage. Carl and Kim were blessed with three sons, Jeff, Michael and Andrew.

At an early age, Carl worked for various farmers and also worked for a short time at General Tractor and Implement in Pomeroy. Carl began his career at Dye Seed Ranch in 1978, where he was the mill supervisor and seed lab tech — he was a dedicated employee of Dye's for 44 years.

Carl's favorite season was hunting season, something he looked forward to every year. From a young age, he immensely enjoyed hunting with his dad and other family members, to later in life when he hunted with his sons and friends. He loved everything about that time of year: the preparation, the time spent with family and friends, and getting a deer or elk was an added bonus. Carl was lucky enough to draw multiple quality bull tags and harvested two trophy Blue Mountain bulls, which were memorable experiences for him. Fishing and camping with family were some of his favorite pastimes. Carl was a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan and enjoyed watching the NASCAR races.

For 20 years, Carl was a volunteer firefighter and a first responder with the Garfield County Fire Department. Carl began working with the Pomeroy Junior Gun Club when his boys began shooting and continued with the program for many years even though his sons were no longer participating in the program. He enjoyed trapshooting and one of his special memories of that time was when he was on a shooting squad with four other friends and each of them shot straight 25s with none of them missing a target in the round.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Beverly, and his grandparents Henry and Rena Wade, Carl and Marie Smith, Bernice and Ray Pence. He is survived by his wife, Kim; sons Jeff, Michael and Andrew (Amanda); grandson Greyson, all of Pomeroy; sisters Connie (Duane) Larson, of Potlatch, Debbie Taylor, of Potlatch and Tami (Kaare) Norland, of Clarkston, sister-in-law Colleen Capwell, of Spokane, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Clark and Lillian Capwell, of Colfax.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital c/o Bob Cox, P.O. Box 545, Pomeroy, WA 99347; or Pomeroy Junior Gun Club, c/o Ken Bott, 389 15th St., Pomeroy, WA 99347.

A memorial service for Carl will be held at a later date in the Blue Mountains.

Richardson-Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy is in charge of arrangements.