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Rose Etta Turner
Rose Etta Turner was born to Ed and Viola Ballard in Tonasket, Wash., on Oct. 27, 1948. She graduated from Oroville High School in 1967. She married Wayne Turner June 20, 1970. She died in their home in Okanogan Aug. 3, 2010, from cancer.
Rose worked for several years as a bank teller. After the children arrived on the scene, she was a full time mother and home maker, assisting with pre-school, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire and youth sports as the children grew up. When the kids were old enough to care for themselves after school, she went back to work for several more years at Rawson's. Health problems ended her working career, but she was able to manage the home she loved until nearly the end. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
When the two children were young, every summer she would put together a summer vacation trip that over time we saw most of the western US states and Canadian provinces. In 2004 she made a trip in a motor home with her parents, husband and daughter to Texas for a family reunion. Rose enjoyed recreational things with her family, including playing pinochle, catch with a Frisbee and campouts. During this last difficult year she was able to make the trip to Ohio for her son's wedding and a couple weeks later celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary.
Rose was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Ballard; and her sister, Edna Gabriele. She is survived by her parents in Oroville, Wash.; and her husband, Wayne, of Okanogan. Also surviving are, daughter, Lisa Turner, of Okanogan; son, Brian Turner, and his wife, Becky, of Lake Oswego, Ore.; sister, Alice Gregg, of Marysville; brother, Marion Ballard, of Okanogan; and many nieces and nephews..
Services for Rose Etta Turner, 61, will be held Saturday Aug. 28, at 11 a.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church, in Okanogan.
Okanogan County Crematorium is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the cancer society, Our Savior Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
Luke Buckminster
OKANOGAN — Luke James Buckminster, 22, Okanogan, died Aug. 28, 2010, at his home.
He was born March 13, 1988, to Steven and Christine Buckminster in Ellensburg and was a Wenatchee Valley College student.
A private family graveside service was Sept. 4 at Fort Okanogan Cemetery
in Monse. A memorial service was at Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel, Okanogan.
Arrangements were by Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel.
Larry Rodgers Hamilton
Larry Rodgers Hamilton passed away May 18, 2011 at Deaconess Hospital, after a long battle with cancer and kidney disease.
Larry was born on May 25, 1956 to Rodgers and Barbara Hamilton of Okanogan. He graduated in 1975 from Okanogan High School. He went to work for Whitley Fuel and later owned Okangoan Texaco. Several years later he became an Okanogan Deputy Sheriff, then a police officer for the city of Omak, where an injury ended his career. He then became an owner/operator to long-haul for Hatfield Trucking of Spokane, until illness forced him off the road.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara of Okanogan; sisters, Lynn of Orlando and Leslie of Spokane; and his brother, Doug and wife Linda; niece, Kathy of Okanogan; and several other nieces and nephews of Spokane and Orlando; and also a very special friend, Chris Erickson, of Spokane. Chris was there to care for him the last two years of his illness.
At Larry’s request, there will be no services.
Stanley William Hinger
Stanley William Hinger was born on a homestead near Pettibone, N.D., on Dec. 30, 1929. He passed away May 14, 2011, at the age of 81.
When he was just seven-years-old he moved with his family to the Okanogan Valley, where at 13 his family bought part of the orchard that he himself would one day pass on to his children.
At the age of 19 he served in the Signal Corps in the army. Later, with his brother Dennis, he purchased a dairy farm from his parents, which they later sold the herd from in order to finance a business venture in speculative construction. For a decade, he and his brother went on to build several pools and houses in the Okanogan Valley. Meanwhile, productive apple trees replaced the dairy farm prompting him to give up carpentry and become an orchardist like his father before him.
In March of 1956 he married Esther Pugh. They moved into the home where he would eventually pass away; they enjoyed 55 years together. Beloved by family, children and dogs, Stan was quiet and reflective, at least until politics were brought up. He had a passion for this, and among his favorite pastimes was debating such with his brothers and nephews. Fishing, however, was his most treasured pursuit.
Stan is survived by his sister, Gail Engleson; wife, Esther Hinger; children, Phil Hinger and Sharon Skirko; and grandchildren, Angela and Nathan Skirko, all of Malott, Wash. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Huldah Hinger; sisters, Jeanette Baker and Gloria Turner; and brothers, Dennis Hinger and Duane Hinger.
There will be a memorial service Saturday at 1 p.m., June 4, 2011, at the Malott Improvement Club.
Arrangements assisted by Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel, Okanogan, Wash.
Jack C. Johnson
Jack C. Johnson, 87, of Curlew died Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at his home in Curlew. He was born, Sept. 3, 1923 in Day Creek, Wash. to Frank and Leona Johnson. At the age of nine, Jack began working full time as a tail sawyer in his father’s sawmill.
On Sept. 9, 1942 he married Dorothy Greer in Colville, Wash. In January 1948, Jack and Dorothy joined Jack’s mother’s church and both were baptized at Beaver Lake near Chesaw the following July. Together, they spent their married life on the ranch and Jack spent his whole life working in and around sawmills. He was last employed by Zosel Lumber Company from which he retired. His wife, Dorothy, preceded him in death in 2004. On May 20, 2005, he married Veva Rathbun in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.
Jack is survived by his wife, Veva Johnson; son, Steve (Barb) Johnson of Kenai, Alaska; grandson, Albert (Jeannie Armstrong) Johnson of Soldotna, Alaska; granddaughter, Christina (Dane) Dahlgren of Kenai, Alaska; and four great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Johnson; sister, Lydia McKinney; half-brother, Ed Carlson; and half sister, Florence Windgren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 11 a.m. at the Curlew Civic Hall with graveside services at the Curlew Cemetery. A potluck luncheon will follow the graveside services at the Civic Hall. Memorials may be made to Ferry County Hospice.
Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket/Republic was in care of arrangements.
Edward L. LaGrou
Edward L. LaGrou, son of Jules and Margaret (Wagner) LaGrou, joined life eternal on May 8, 2011. Ed was born in Ellensburg, Wash. on May 28, 1934. As a young child his family moved to Omak where he attended Omak schools and graduated in 1952.
Following graduation he served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Ed returned home after his military service and worked for Biles-Coleman and other logging operations, which included clearing the right of way for Snoqualmie Pass. He also worked at Rocky Reach Dam. Later in life Ed was self-employed.
As a child he would take the logging train from the Eastside to Disautel and fish Omak Creek all the way back home. Ed knew the back roads of Okanogan County from Lone Frank Pass to Beth Lake. He enjoyed scouting, hunting, and taking drives throughout the region. He loved sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his family and friends.
Ed often read books to learn how to do new things. He built his own home and worked on his rental properties. He coached community baseball teams and was often seen at sporting events around Omak. He was a great conversationalist about any topic one cared to discuss.
In 1961, he married Marcelle Evon Ames in Okanogan, Wash. After their marriage and birth of their first son, Ed attended Eastern Washington University pursuing a degree in the field of physical therapy. Family responsibilities brought him back to Omak. Family relationships were important to him as he assisted his parents and other family members as needed.
Ed had a special relationship with each of his children, devoting a majority of his time to them. The family would spend time on lakes in Okanogan and Chelan counties. Ed took all of his children hunting each fall, and there were scouting trips to see wildlife anytime of the year. He attended and supported his children’s activities inside and outside of school and encouraged his children in the fields of their choice as a constant teacher, mentor and coach.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Myrtle Claussen. He is survived by his wife, Marcelle LaGrou; his sons, Joseph William (Shelly) LaGrou and John Robert (Misty) LaGrou of Omak; and his daughter, Evon Marian LaGrou of Yakima, Wash.; a nephew, Wayne Claussen of Goldendale, Wash.; ten grandchildren; and many other extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Omak, Wash. on Monday, May 30, 2011, at 11 a.m., with Reverend Stanlee Wright officiating.
Legacy Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to the Omak High School Athletic Department, P.O. Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 or a charity of one’s choice.
Felix McCraigie
Felix McCraigie was called back home to our creator on May 13, 2011 at 10:57 p.m. He was a respected tribal elder in the community. When he passed on at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash., he was surrounded by loving family.
He was born on Nov. 29, 1923 in Disautel, Wash. to Charlie and Sarah Bone McCraigie. His siblings included: Dennis McCraigie, Willie McCraigie, Nancy Desautel (McCraigie), Lucy Burris (McCraigie), Jerry Eneas, and Johnny McCraigie.
On May 15, 1943 Felix answered the call to help defend America from the tyranny occurring in Europe. Felix served with the United States Army where he was granted an Honorable Discharge from service on Aug. 7, 1946. While he was on active duty with the United States Army, he held the rank of private.
Upon completion of his service to his country, Felix returned to the U.S. and worked in the train yards in Chicago. While he was in Illinois, the reservation called to Felix. He moved back to the area and took up work with Biles & Coleman in the Omak and Coulee Dam yards pulling green chain. A very tough and demanding job by any standards.
In 1971, Felix married Marcella Struckman. With the union of Felix and Marcella, and no children of his own, he gained seven children. In 1981 Spepalina joined the family. Felix loved his wife, family and new life.
After his employment with Biles & Coleman, Felix started working with Mount Tolman Fire Center at the original location on the Colville Indian Agency Campus before the complex was moved to its present location at Mount Tolman. Felix worked at maintaining fire supplies in the warehouse to ensure equipment needed could be readily gathered to help fight fires.
Felix later started working as a relief lookout operator with James Monaghan Sr. They would bring supplies up the to the lookout operator who was going down for the weekend and then staff the lookout while the primary operator was on days off.
After seventeen years with Mount Tolman, Felix retired and lived life to the fullest. Their house in Nespelem was always full of friends and family from the states, as well as Canada. Felix and Marcella welcomed you with love, warmth and open hearts. Food and coffee was always being prepared for the people they had coming and going. Felix was never without a good story to share with you.
Felix, Marcella and Spepalina traveled all over the States and Canada visiting friends and family. No adventure was too far for that trio. If the old blue Ford station wagon wasn’t parked in front of their house in Nespelem, they were on the road somewhere to visit a friend or relative.
Through the work Felix did, he gained many friends across Indian Country in the States and Canada. He was highly respected and revered; many people reached out to him for help. Felix’s love and devotion to his work spanned two nations and he will be greatly missed by all.
As the years passed on, Felix started to slow down a bit and was unable to travel as much as he would have liked. When his health allowed, he would travel to various states and provinces to help people in need.
When the creator started to sing Felix’s song to bring him home, he was surrounded by his family and wrapped in warmth and love. Pray for his swift travel to his family on the other side who will welcome him home. He can rest easy, never go hungry and never be tired. His soul is at peace now. Let us remember the good times, celebrate his life, cherish his memories and enjoy the time we spent with Felix, because that is what he would want us to do.
Felix is survived by his wife, Marcella, of 39 years; children, Larry Struckman Sr., Laura Dunkle, Myrna Struckman, Marci Flores (Ben), Rebekah Struckman, Juanita O’Neal (Michael) and Spepalina Jeannette Kent (Malissa). Felix had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by siblings, Jerry Eneas and Johnny McCraigie.
Felix was preceded in death by one son, Henry Struckman; siblings, Dennis McCraigie, Willie McCraigie, Nancy Desautel and Lucy Burris McCraigie; and parents, Charlie McCraigie and Sarah Bone McCraigie.
An evening rosary was held at the Nespelem Community Center Tuesday, May 17. A funeral service followed on the morning of May 18. Graveside services were at St. Mary’s Mission cemetery where many of Felix’s family members lay at rest.
Thank you Colville Confederated Tribes Public Works for your assistance with the grave site. Father Jake Morton S.J. and Larry Covington of Seven Drums officiated the services.
Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel assisted Felix’s Family.
William “Bill” Monnin
William “Bill” Monnin, 75, died at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Wash. on Sunday, May 15, 2011. He was born to Jules and Margaret “Maggie” Monnin on Sept. 7, 1935, in Everett, Wash. He was the eighth of 10 children.
He grew up in the Danville area leaving a memorable mark through the hills with his brothers. In high school he was active in all sports and was in drama. He graduated from Curlew High School in 1954 and went right into the army, being stationed in Alaska. After he got out of the army he married Thelma Beckley in January of 1958 and started his family. Beginning with Matthew in 1959, then came Debbie in 1962, and finally their beloved Rebecca in 1968. They raised their children in Okanagan.
Bill worked in the logging industry for over 30 years. Before retirement he worked at Randy’s Towing out in the yard, tearing cars apart, which he loved. Throughout his life he loved to make quite the variety of crafts in his large workshop, which he would sell at the farmers market and are spread all over the world. He also loved to dress up and dye his beard, on St. Patrick’s day with his memorable green beard and on Halloween with orange. Christmas was his favorite holiday, playing Santa, bringing joy to many, young and old. He loved the whimsical in everything and was quite the jokester. His greatest love was his family.
He is survived by son, Matthew and Pamela Monnin and their children Mathea, Tyler, Graham, Grace, Chelsea, Ian, Noah, Levi, Faith, and Estelle; daughter Debbie and Ray Caveness and their children Sara and Chris Packwood; with great -grandchildren Sarena and Andy, Ervin “EJ“, and Molly and BJ Reynaga with great grandson Orion; son Jerry Combs with children Jerry, Danielle, Jennifer, and Josh, Thelma “Monnin” Carpenter; brothers Junior and Diane Monnin, Sunny and Karin Monnin; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jules and Margaret Monnin; brothers, Jim “Shorty” Monnin, and Kenny Monnin; sisters ,Dorothy “Dot” Monnin, Edna Hale, Jane Hale, Betty Cates, Ruth Pauley; and daughter, Rebecca Combs.
There was a memorial service in Okanagan, Wash., at the Cariboo Inn Friday, May 20, 2011.
Frederick Lee Jeter
Fredrick Lee Jeter, 77, Arlington, Wash., died Sunday, May 8, 2011. He was in the company of his family at Cascade Valley Senior Living in Arlington, Wash. Fred was born in Lyndon, Kans., July 23, 1933 to Hazel L. & Willard L. Jeter.
Fred was a long-time resident of Omak, Wash. and many will remember Fred as the dedicated man/friend at the Omak sawmill where he worked for over 35 years. Anyone can tell you Fred was a very friendly, peaceful man that loved traveling in his motor home, assembling jigsaw puzzles, or catching that big trout at Fish Lake on a beautiful day. No one would ever refer to Fred as lazy; he was always willing to work hard and to keep working until the job was done.
He was preceded in death by both parents;, a daughter, Patricia Jeter; and a sister, Anna M. Potts.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jeter; a son, Carl Jeter; a daughter, Diane Black; sisters, Mary Martin of Nixa Mo., Jean Coale of Stockton, Mo.; grandsons, Robert Black and Scott Black; and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces too many to name.
At Fred’s request, there was no service.
Robert “Bob” James Lay
Bob Lay, 56, of Omak passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on May 19, 2011. Bob courageously fought frequent life threatening illnesses for the last 20 years and finally found his way home to Jesus, his Lord and Savior, and is suffering no more. He will be greatly missed everyday by family and friends until we see him again in his beautiful illness-free body.
Bob was born Feb. 23, 1955, in Omak, to Leland “Lucky” Lay and Violet (Olaf) Lay. They were orchardists and farmers and they encouraged their son to be the same. He graduated from Omak High School in 1974. Also during that time, he met and married the love of his life, Talana Demmitt, April 13, 1974, a love affair that spanned over 37 years. Additionally, at the end of 1974, they were blessed by the birth of their first daughter, Sarah Gene LaDell Lay; and at the beginning of 1978, another beautiful daughter was born to them, Eleanore Elaine Lay.
He grew up as an orchardist and farmer on the same property that he lived on until his death. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, he loved driving truck to various states and Canada delivering and picking up building supplies. His love of cars led him toward working for various car dealerships as a mechanic and eventually worked his way up to Service Manager at Price Motors. Bob earned awards through Chevrolet, due to his love of people, and because his service to the customer was his joy and calling. One award took him and Talana to Naples, Fla., a trip they never forgot and were very grateful to have experienced together. His vast fix-it-all skills were invaluable to his family and friends. Bob’s life dream was to own his own business and after earning his business degree at Wenatchee Valley College, it did not take long for him and Talana to start TLC Auto Detailing. Bob was always smiling, joking, and ready to help at a moments notice.
It is true that Bob loved to work, but he was also driven toward family and friends. He was an impeccable father and grandfather and never missed an event or a chance to encourage his daughters and grandchildren to work hard and strive for success. Bob was a very loving husband and enjoyed years of laughter and excitement with Talana. Bob was the perfect grandpa (Papa) who was always up for a good time or tease with any of his grandchildren. He was always thankful for all of his friends, who were constantly stopping by to visit and tinker with him in his shop.
Bob enjoyed life and felt that each day was a gift. Even during the peaks of his illnesses, he was able to put on a smile and make everyone laugh. On weekends and evenings, Bob could be found camping, fishing, and working on his latest passion, which was restoring a 1974 Corvette. His later years were spent as an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Omak and working with the Duck Lake Water Association; both of which he enjoyed immensely.
Bob is survived by his wife, Talana Lay, of Omak, Wash.; two daughters; Sarah Yusi and her husband, Nick, Okanogan. Wash.; and daughter Ellie Swartsel and her husband, Ben, of Omak, Wash.; and one sister, Helen Lay of Bothell, Wash. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Calvin Yusi, Olivia Yusi, Haila Hubbard, and Hayden Swartsel; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Blanche (Demmitt) Arbogast and Don Arbogast; and his bonus children, Zack, Alia, and Brennan Schaller.
Bob was preceded in death by both parents, a grandson, Colton Yusi; both sets of grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Visitation was held Thursday, May 26, 2011, at the Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel on Elmway in Okanogan. A funeral service was held at the Omak Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at 10 a.m., with luncheon to follow.
The Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel and the Okanogan Co. Crematory are entrusted with the arrangements.
Antonia Reyes Soria
Antonia Reyes Soria of Okanogan, Wash., passed away at her home on May 23, 2011. She was born June 13, 1925 in Mochoacan, Mexico.
Antonia loved to cook, plant flowers and vegetables as well as taking care of her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter Guadalupe Echeverria of Okanogan, Wash.; her grandchildren, Arturo and his wife, Monica Reyes; Antonio and Cecilia Rosas, and Andres Echeverria; great-grandchildren, Andrea and Gabriela Reyes of Omak; Cindy, Ricardo, and Griselda Rosas of Guadalajara and Vanessa, Andres Jr. and Carlos Echeverria of Hillsboro, Ore.
Antonia was preceded in death by her daughter, Guadalupe.
A memorial service and rosary was held for Antonia on Friday, May 27, 2011, at 5 p.m. at the Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel.
A graveside service was held Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the Okanogan Valley Memorial Gardens on the Conconully Highway.
Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel is caring for the arrangements.
Dorothy Mae Reid
Dorothy Mae Reid, 84, of Omak, Wash., passed away at her home May 23, 2011.
Dorothy was born June 6, 1926, to Alonzo and Barbara Dennis in Denver, Colo.
She and her two sisters, Joanne and Ruth, were raised by their grandparents, William and Mary Dennis, in Taneyville, Mo.
Dorothy worked for Boeing Airplane Co. in Wichita, Kans., during WWII. Dorothy came to Washington state where she worked at Larabees Orchards in Ellisforde. This is where she met and married Robert L. Reid in 1946.
They made their home in Omak raising their four children. She also worked at the Big O/Starcrisp Apple Packing Plant in Okanogan until her retirement in 1988.
Mom loved knitting, quilting, and sewing. Christmas gifts were always handmade. She loved growing her own food and was a competitive gardener!
She is survived by her three sons Don (Lyn) of Newport, Wash., James of Clayton, North Carolina, and David (Kathy) of Bellevue, Wash.; one daughter, Barbara (Michael) Orr of Salem Ore.; one sister, Joanne of Nowata, Okla.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her sister, Ruth and her parents; grandparents and her best friend Wanda (Mitchell) Ogden-Yoder.
A visitation was held on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at the Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel.
A memorial service was held Friday, May 27, 2011, at Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel with interment at The Okanogan Valley Memorial Gardens.
Geneva Margaret McClung-Burnam
Geneva Margaret McClung-Burnam passed away May 20, 2011 in Sutherlin, Ore., at the home of her daughter. Geneva was born June 15, 1927, in Omak to Albert ‘Gint’ and Mabel McClung
Geneva grew up in Nespelem, Wash. and lived in various communities throughout Washington and Oregon states settling in Omak, Wash., ten years ago. She enjoyed being out in the woods camping, gardening and spending time with family.
Geneva is survived by her children, Don Sims of Valley, Wash, Lois Sims of Omak, Wash., Gloria Sims-Shofstall of Arlington, Wash., Joann Burnam-Welty of Sutherlin, Ore, Elaine Burnam-Goodhart of Shelton, Wash., Darrell “Buzz” Burnam of Nespelem, Wash., and Susan Burnam-Speas of Shelton, Wash.; 21 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Dale; daughter, Dixie; and infant daughter, Mary Louise.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2011 at Sacred Heart Mission in Nespelem, Wash., with Father Jake Morton officiating, followed by a dinner for famiy and friends at the Nespelem Long House at 12:30 pm. Geneva will be laid to rest with her sister, Pearl, at Fort Okanogan Cemetary in Monse, Wash.
Robert Lee “Bob” Fry
Robert Lee “Bob” Fry was born Nov. 27, 1933 in Inchelium, Wash., to Alfred B. and Emma Fry.
He died May 22, 2011, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Wash.
In 1953, Robert L. Fry married Marie A. Moomaw and moved to San Diego, Calif., while he served in the United States Navy. When Bob was discharged from the Navy in 1956, they returned to Omak, to make a home and raise their family that included Duane, Gerald and Doreen. Upon their return to Omak, Bob worked for Biles-Coleman Lumber Company. He then joined Omak Beverages, bottling soft drinks, for 13 years. Bob retired from Washington State Department of Transportation on September 21, 1995, after 22 years.
As members of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Bob and Marie developed an interest in research of family relationships and became local experts in the genealogy of founding families of Okanogan County. They created an extensive library of family relationships.
He was a member of the Catholic Church and Colville Confederated Tribe.
Bob is survived by his three children, Duane Fry, Gerald (Katherine) Fry and Doreen (Tim) Vanatta, all of Omak; five grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Pat (John) Marcum of Othello, Wash. Robert joins his family who preceded him in death: his wife of 56 years, Marie; his parents, Alfred and Emma Fry; brothers, Freddy and Bud Fry; and sisters, Bea, Dot, Tiny, Joyce, Jerry and Norma.
A Rosary Service was held for Robert Fry on the evening of May 24, 2011, at the Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel in Okanogan. A Mass Service and Military Honors followed at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2011.
Father Jake Morton officiated.
Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Catherine E. Gilman
Catherine E. Gilman, 74, passed away at home on May 27, after an extended illness.
Catherine was born July 18, 1936 to Manford and Irene Miner in Yakima, Wash. She spent her early childhood in Olympia. The family moved to Omak just in time for the flood of ‘48. She attended high school in Omak and looked forward to reminiscing with old friends at the class reunions.
She married Pal Goss in 1954 and had four sons. Her priorities in life were family first, friends, strangers and sometimes herself.
Creativity showed in everything she did. Flower gardens were just not ordinary flower gardens, all different shapes and sizes, with witty signs and stone sculptures. Of course, there was the greenhouse. Always full when people came to visit, they always left with a plant or five. “Take them,” she would say, “I need more room in the greenhouse.”
Genealogy and photography were two of her greatest passions, often time they went hand-in-hand. Her house was filled with family histories traced back the 1600’s. Apparently some of the family won’t be up for sainthood anytime soon.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; step-mother, Ann; a sister, Margaret; husbands, Pal Goss, Wayne Gilman and Don Burke. She is survived by her brothers, Manny (Carol) Miner, Pahrump, Nev., Jim (Jean) Williams, Okanogan, Bob (Alice) Williams, Electric City; sons, John, Okanogan, James (Amy), Honaunau, Hawaii, Paul of Wenatchee and Michael of Malott; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and three special cousins, Linda, Jan and Phyllis.
Thanks to all the friends and family who came to her “farewell party” she called and you came. She went out happy and complete. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Thank you Amedisys Hospice and Legacy Memorial Funeral Home.
Phyllis Joyce Jones Harsh
Phyllis Jones Harsh, 87, of Mercer Island, passed away on May 29, 2011. Phyllis was born on Aug. 11, 1923, in Okanogan, Wash., to John Byrd Jones Jr. and Lena Wiltz.
Phyllis graduated from Omak High School in 1942. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy in 1946. While at the University of Washington, she was president and charter member of the Chi Chapter of the Lambda Kappa Sigma sorority. After finishing college she married George Randall Harsh and had two children, John and Terri.
Prior to 1960 she worked as a pharmacist for Group Health and Medical Dental Hospital. From 1960-1971 she worked at Virginia Mason hospital and participated in a research grant for Providence Hospital from 1966-1967. Later she worked for Harborview Hospital as a preceptor (teacher), she also worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Colville Indian Health Clinic and Yellow Hawk Medical Center (Umatilla Tribe) in Pendleton, Ore. In addition, she gained her Alaska Pharmacist License and worked briefly in Alaska while keeping her license active in Washington before retiring.
In retirement she spent time in the San Juan Islands as a companion/caregiver to her aunt, Nell Robinson. In her life she loved dancing, skiing, sailing, diving, flying, traveling, painting and live theater.
She is survived by her son, John Harsh of Port Angeles; daughter, Terri Harsh of Mercer Island; sister, Pat Vance of California; and various members of the Jones, Wiltz and Madsen families.
In lieu of a memorial service, donations may be made to support neurological research at Virigina Mason Foundation, P.O. Box 1980, Mailstop D1-MF, Seattle, Wash. 98111.
Sunset Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park of Bellevue, Wash. in care of the arrangements.
