Odessa Vicinity Deaths

Becker: “Word was received here from W. H. Becker, last Saturday, that his father, Philip Becker, had died prior to his arrival in Kansas City that day, and that the funeral was to be held last Sunday afternoon. The cause of his death was heart trouble, and he had been ill for a month, although not seriously ill until a few days before his death. He was born in Brensbach, Germany on Feb 27, 1832, and came to the United States in 1855, when 23 years of age, first settling in St Louis. In 1856 he removed to Westport (now Kansas City) and was one of the pioneer settlers of that city. Two years ago he visited with his son here, and made a number of friends among our residents, who regret to hear of this good old man’s demise. Besides his son, W H Becker, of this city, he leaves three other sons and one daughter. An interesting incident in his life was the raid made on his shoe shop in Westport by Quantrell and his band at the time they were enroute to Lawrence, Kansas, to plunder and sack that town.” (Odessa Record: 12-05-1913)

Burford: Frank Golder Burford died April 13, 2004. He was born in Waterville, WA on June 22, 1917. The family moved to Colfax where he graduated from high school in 1935. He enjoyed a career in law enforcement prior to entering the military in WW II. After discharge he enrolled in the University of Idaho and graduated in 1953. He married Jeanette Ott Burford at Ritzville, WA on June 10, 1951. He worked for Pacific Northwest Bell in Seattle and Bainbridge Island, followed by American Bell International which took him to Iran and Ireland. He retired to Mt St Helen’s and then Clearwater, Idaho. His survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jeanette of Kuna, ID; 3 daughters: Lou Ann Fox Bender of Solvang, CA; Tuckie Burford Shaver of Boise, ID; Judith Burford Grown of Kuna, ID; a sister, Merilyn and George Lee of Twin Falls, Idaho; and brother-in-law, Jim Williams of Renton, WA; 6 grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents: ‘Brick’ and Alice Burford Lewis; step-father, J D Lewis; a sister, Barbara Jean Williams Ryan; and infant twin daughters. Memorial service at a later date. Cloverdale Funeral Home, Boise, ID is handling arrangements. (notes Spokesman Review: April 2004; detailed work history)

Campbell: “Tragedy in Campbell Home. Word reached Hatton Saturday morning that Homer Campbell, living with his aged mother and brother near Connell had taken his life by cutting his throat with a razor; he was found soon after the tragedy by his brother Fred, who was passing the barn door, glanced up to see him in a pool of blood breathing his last. Homer had been in ill health and a great sufferer of many months. He left a note in his picket to his mother saying among these things, ‘You don’t know how much I’ve suffered.’ The funeral services were conducted in Connell Sunday p.m. by the Rev Wallar of the Hatton M E Church.” (Lind Leader: 7-22-1920)

Dekker: (1914, d. 1978) “Sunnyside.—William Dekker, 63, of 1110 Cemetery Road, died Monday at his home. A lifelong resident, he was a member of one of the pioneer Lower Valley families. He graduated from Granger High School and , in 1938, married Annabelle Elliott. He farmed in the Satus, in the Quincy area and in Warden. Following the death of his first wife, he married Helen McDonald Sept 18, 1971, and lived in Sunnyside. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and served as chairman of the board of deacons for two years. He also was a church trustee and taught the Senior Citizens Sunshine Sunday School class. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Daniel (Danny) Dekker of Othello; a stepson, Stanley McDonald of Kennewick; four step grandchildren, Douglas and Craig McDonald, both with the us navy, Tracy and Tena McDonald, both of Kennewick; and two brothers, Laurence of Outlook, and Dirk of Yakima. Also surviving are three sisters, Mrs. J. Everett (Tina) Reed of Selah, Mrs. Lafayette (Lydia) Noah of San Rafael, CA, Mrs. Kenneth (Johanna) Briggs of Wenatchee, numerous nieces and nephews.” (Yakima paper: 2-22-1978; Beck data card collection; tombstone in Warden Cemetery)

Elmer: “Graveside Inurnment for Dorothy (Cook) Elmer, 84, will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Newport Cemetery. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Mrs Elmer died March 21. She was born at the foot of Mount HooDoo, southeast of Newport. She was a member of the United Church of Christ Church in Newport, Eagles REAC and Hospitality House, where she enjoyed playing pinochle. As a member of the Pend Oreille County Historical Society, she volunteered at the museum. Mrs Elmer enjoyed reading, especially Reader’s Digest and National Geographic magazine. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Jack Decker, Clarence Bullock and Dick Elmer. Survivors include five step-children: Ron Bullock, of Spokane; RaNae Higgins and Linda Tifft, both of Priest River, Idaho; Allen Elmer of Spokane; and Ken Elmer of Blanchard, Idaho; a brother, Lyman Cook of Aiea, Hawaii; and a sister, Merna Harroun of Spokane Valley.” (Spokesman Review: 4-03-2004)

Frieske: “Ida Frieske. Her home, E10920 17^th. Mother of Mrs. Lorraine Hanifen, Spokane, Valley; Walter Frieske, Spokane Valley; Clarence Frieske, Hayden Lake, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister of Mrs Clarence (Lydia Swanson, Peshastin, WA; Mrs. Martha Kuhlman, Spokane; Mrs. Frank (Leona) Baulne, Spokane Valley; Edward Suchland, Brewster, WA; Harold Suchland, and Reinhold Suchland, both of Odessa, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Westminster Congregational Church. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 1, 1974 at 10 a.m. in the Drawing Room Chapel, Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, the Rev James W Montgomery officiating. Burial Spokane Memorial Gardens.” (Spokesman Review: 7-01-1974)

Grams: “Emma (Seibel) Grentz Grams. Emma Grams, 94, passed away at Cashmere Convalescent Center on Tuesday, May 31, 2005, surrounded by her loving family. Born July 20, 1910, to Henry and Maria Seibel and grew up on a farm near Odessa, Washington. Married Frank Grentz in 1933, lived on their orchard in Monitor and raised their daughter, Loretta. Frank died suddenly in 1953. She continued to run the orchard for 9 years. In 1963, Emma married Cashmere orchardist, Otto Grams at Grace Lutheran Church in Cashmere. They built a new home in Monitor, blending children and orchards. They were members of the Dryden Community Church. After retiring in 1972, Emma and Otto enjoyed traveling, with trips to Germany, Hawaii and Mexico. They became ‘snowbirds’, spending many winters in California and Arizona. In 1998, they moved to Colonial Vista and enjoyed the friendships and activities offered there. Emma was a very active lady, still on a bowling team at age 94. Emma’s last few months were spent in Cashmere. Her other interests included family, cooking, gardening, pinochle, shopping and visiting. Emma is survived by her daughter, Loretta ‘Lori’ (Larry) Ward of Monitor; three grandchildren, Greg (Patty) Ward of Monitor, Glenda (Dan) Love of Cashmere, and Sharon (Rick) Cox of Cashmere; five step-children, Judy (Mike) Cenotto of Federal Way, Gary (Judy) Grams of Cashmere, Galyn (Vilene) Grams of Sumner, Daryld Grams of Federal Way, and Rollin (Judy) Grams of Seattle; 8 step-grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; three brothers; two husbands; and one grandson. Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2005, at Grace Lutheran Church in Cashmere. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2005, at Wenatchee City Cemetery with Pastor Rob Gohl officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Betts Funeral Service.” (Wenatchee World: 2 June 2005; submitted)

Hauff: “Loraine Werner Hauff, 87, longtime resident of the Peshastin, Leavenworth areas, died Monday afternoon, Dec 26, 2005, at Cashmere Convalescent Center. Born Loraine Werner on Oct 16, 1918 at Odessa, to Rudolph and Clara (Hinzman) Werner. She later moved with her parents to Spokane, where she started school. In 1929, the family moved to Peshastin where she continued her education. On Nov 23, 1935, she married Emil Hauff at Peshastin, where they made their home. While raising their four children, Loraine packed apples each season and Emil worked at the sawmill until his death in 1979. Her artistic talent was an asset for many community and school projects. She served as Cub Scout Den Mother and a Bluebird Leader. In 1982, Loraine moved to Leavenworth, where she was a member of the Hilfrieche Hausfrauens, the ladies Monday Lunch Group, served for many years on the Cascade Hospital Foundation Board, a member of the ABC Club of Peshastin, the Peshastin United Church of Christ and the Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her many travels both abroad and throughout the US. She adored her family and always looked forward to their visits and family gatherings. She will be dearly missed by all her loved ones. Surviving are her two sons and daughters-in-law, Darold and Charlotte (Lundin) Hauff of Moses Lake and Dennis and Suzann (Speer) Hauff of Whidbey Island, WA, and daughter and son-in-law, DeVona and Chuck Ferrel, Jr, of Lake Wenatchee; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emil Hauff in 1979; brother, Hugo Werner of Oroville, CA; sister, Evelyn Williams Nelson of St Louis, MO; and daughter, Deanna L Cowles of Leavenworth, in 2000. A memorial Service of Commemoration to Celebrate the Life of Loraine Hauff will be conducted at 11 o’clock Saturday morning, Dec 31, 2005, at the Peshastin United Church of Christ with Pastor Ron Yates, officiating. Private family burial will precede the memorial service in the Cashmere City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday between 12 and 7 p.m. in the Ward’s Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth.” (Wenatchee World: 12-29-2005)

Hein: “Virgil F Hein, age 84, died April 2, 2010, at his home in Ritzville. He was born on the family farm near Odessa on Feb 3, 1926, to Conrad and Katherine (Becker) Hein. He attended grade school in Odessa, Ritzville and Harrington, graduating from Harrington High School in 1944. He farmed with his father near Mohler, but always had other jobs as well. He worked at the Davenport and Moses Lake Lifestock Auctions, worked as a carpenter on odd jobs and for Seim Builders, roofed houses, cut and wrapped meat at The Meat Block and worked part time for Washington State Highway Dept. He married Ester Cech on Dec 12, 1947. Together they raised four children: Melanie, Stephanie, Wendy and Joel. He and Ester moved from the farm to live in the city of Ritzville in 1985. It has been said he was always active in his community and volunteered many hours of his time by serving on the Board of Directors for United Grain Growers, participating as a member of the Mohler Grange, serving as an assistant to the Sunday School supt at his church for 25 years and always making himself one of the faithful workers in many of his church’s activities. He enjoyed playing town team baseball. He started at the age of 14 playing for the Mohler group and then moved up to play with the Harrington Lions Club team as their first baseman. It is said he will be remembered for his gentle kindness and his lovely garden. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Ester, their four children: Melanie and Stephanie Hein, both of Walla Walla, Wendy Knight (David) of Minnesota, Joel Hein (Helen) of Tacoma, 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 3 sisters: Florence Norby, Frances Manke and Virginia Higby. Memorial Services were April 5, 2010 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville. Private inurnment will be at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Ritzville. Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory-Ritzville was entrusted with arrangements.” (submitted: apparent Ritzville paper: 4-08-2010)

Hiner: “Mrs. Jessie Hiner, 84, who, with her husband, Richard, came to the Yakima Valley for long visits many times in past years, died Sept 10 in her home in Battle Creek, NE. She made many friends in Yakima during her stays in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lloyd Durbin, and in Ellensburg, where three sons, Maurice, Harry and Virgil, make their homes. The Hiners celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Ellensburg in 1957, and their 65^th anniversary in Battle Creek in May. In addition to Mr. Hiner and her children in the area, she is survived by another son, J. V. Hiner, Alhambra, CA; two daughters, Mrs. Eva Holcomb, San Gabriel, CA , and Mrs. Wilma Schacher, Battle Creek; 14 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.” (Yakima Republic: 9-19-1962)

Hopf: “A number of people from this vicinity attended the funeral of the Rev C Hopf at Qui ncy Wednesday. He is well known in this locality having served here occasionally. Those attending from here were: Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Spies, August Reiner and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bohnet and family.” (Odessa Record, Ruff Notes: 1-01-1926)

Klemmer: “Magdalina (Maggie) Klemmer.—Her home, E13720 20^th Ave. Mother of Dale Klemmer, at the home; 4 grandchildren; sister of Mrs John (Amelia) Ottmar, Mrs. John (Louisa) Roth, Harrington; Mrs. Fred (Carrie) Rennick, Lind, WA; Mrs. Lydia Roth, Odessa, WA; Eva Glover, Wenatchee, Mrs. Clara Jingling, Moses Lake; John Miller, Spokane; Christ Miller, Ben Miller, Abe Miller and Henry Miller, all Portland, OR; several nieces and nephews. Member of Park Heights Baptist Church. Resident 43 years. Funeral services, Wednesday, July 14, at 11 a.m. Alwin Chapel, Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, Rev Robert F. Burchell, officiating. Burial services, Greenwood Memorial Terrace.” (Spokesman Review: 7-14-1968; Beck data card collection)

McDermott: John H McDermott, age 83, died May 27, 2003 in Spokane. He was born Nov 6, 1919 in Roberts, ID. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Pam McDermott; daughter Rita McDermott; grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary Anne McDermott; son, Daniel McDermott; brothers: Lawrence McDermott, Gid McDermott; sisters: Kate Campbell, Anne Webb and Clara Becker. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. (notes Spokesman Review: 5-31-2003)

McMillan: “Lois Marilyn (Gering) McMillan died May 22, 2009, at the age of 65 after a 5-year battle with cancer. She was born April 23, 1944, to Henry and Bertha (Yanke/Janke) Gering, their ninth child, on the family farm located between Ritzville and Moses Lake. She attended Ritzville schools, graduating in 1962. She went on to attend Ether’s School of Beauty in Spokane, where she later met Ken McMillan. After two years, they were married in Spokane at the First Presbyterian Church on Aug 22, 1964. The couple then moved to Odessa, where Lois worked as a hairdresser and Ken as a mechanic for seven years. Their first child, Thomas Ross, was born in Odessa April 23, 1971. The family moved to the McMillan family farm, 12 miles south of Wilbur that fall. Their second child, Karin Kae, was born in 1973. The McMillan family lived and worked together on the farm, raising wheat and cattle. After living in the family homestead home for nine years, they built a new home nearby and moved into it in December, 1979. In the summers, the family loved to boat and water ski on Lake Roosevelt. Lois, Ken and their family were involved in the Community Presbyterian Church in Wilbur, where they all are members. Lois taught Sunday School for 17 years and also served as a Deacon. She was a 4-H leader for several years and also a Cub Scout leader when her son was young. Lois loved being a member of The Historical Society of German from Russia and attended their annual conventions, traveling to various states. One highlight was when her brother, Floyd, joined her at Oklahoma City, OK, for one convention. Lois was a board member of the Big Bend Historical Society, which has a Museum building in Wilbur and loved helping many people research their heritage. She was a member for many years. She made many family photo albums and especially enjoyed making them for each of her aunts and uncles, which were displayed at Gering family reunions. She was also a member of the Wheatridge Grange for 17 years. Lois enjoyed her hobby of taking photographs, especially of her sic grandchildren. She also loved to share her pictures with people and kept albums for her church and also the museum. She also enjoyed keeping in touch with Ritzville class of 1962 classmates and enjoyed the reunions, taking her class scrapbooks for all to view. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ann, of Long Island, NY. Lois is survived by her husband of 44 years, Ken, of Wilbur, son Tom, wife Holly and children Andrew, Madison, Abigail and Isaiah McMillan, of Everett; daughter Karin, husband Dale and children Tessa and Benjamin of Mountaintop, PA. Also surviving are Lois’ siblings: Howard of Moses Lake; Martin of Ritzville; Carolyn of Olympia; Paul of Ontario, OR; Kenneth of Phoenix, AZ; Floyd of Switzerland and Virg of Spokane. Sisters-in-law Colleen (and husband Mel) Novotney of Wilbur and Wanda (and husband Fred) Esvelt of Rice and other in-laws, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and friends are also left to mourn her. Services were held Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Wilbur Presbyterian Church. Strate Funeral Home of Wilbur is caring for the family.” (Odessa Record: 5-28-2009)

Miller: “Mrs Helen F Miller.—Services will be conducted in the Colonial Chapel of the Jones & Jones Funeral Home Monday morning at 10:30 o’clock. Pastor E Duane Tolefson will officiate. Concluding services and the interment will follow in Wenatchee Cemetery with arrangements by Jones & Jones.” (Wenatchee World: 4-24-1970, page 14) “Mrs Helen F Miller, 68, of 1631 Washington, a long-time Wenatchee resident, died in a Wenatchee hospital Thursday afternoon following a brief illness. Born in Quebec Aug 25, 1901, she came to Wenatchee with her parents when a small child. She received her education here and in 1921 married John J Miller. They made their home in Wenatchee. Mrs Miller was a bookkeeper for Whiteman Fuel Co for many years and later worked at the Chieftain prior to her retirement. She was a member of Astral Chapter 75, Order of Eastern Star and the Ladies of Elks. Surviving are her husband; one daughter, Mrs Dorothy Kemp, Wenatchee; two brothers, Weston Farwell, Sunnyside and Kenneth Farwell, Bellingham; and three grandchildren. A son, John H Miller preceded her in death, May 8, 1949. Funeral services are announced by Jones & Jones.” (Wenatchee Daily World: 4-24-1970, page 2)

Raugust: “Gotthilf Raugust.—His home, E2806 19^th. Survived by his wife, Lena Raugust, at the home; 2 sons, Harvey Raugust, Spangle, WA; Calvin Raugust, Garfield, WA; daughters, Mrs. Alfred H. (Leona) Chase, Marshall, WA; Mrs. Dorothy Tormino, Spokane; 9 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 4 brothers, Jake Raugust, Fresno, CA; Rudolph Raugust, Odessa, WA; Alex Raugust, Moses Lake, WA; Christ Raugust, Pasco, WA; 2 sisters, Emma Goede, Bertha Kiez, both of Odessa, WA; several nieces and nephews. A member of the Westminster Congregational Church, Moran Grange No. 161. Funeral services Saturday June 19, in the Chapel of the Chimes of the Thornhill-Geraghty & Langbehn Funeral Home. The Rev Dr Edward H. Hastings officiating. Interment Spokane Memorial Gardens.” (Spokesman Review: undated scrapbook item)

Raugust: “Paul Herbert Raugust.—His home, Colfax, WA. Survived by his wife, Gladys, at the home; one son, Richard P. Raugust, Seattle; one daughter, Marilyn Raugust, Colfax; 3 brothers, Walter Raugust, Los Angeles, CA; Carl C and John Raugust, both Minneapolis, MN; 3 sisters, Mrs. Blerkett Harvey, West Hartford, CT; Mrs. Raymond Willenbring, Fargo, ND; Mrs. Grant Goheen, Aberdeen, SD. A member of Plymouth Congregational Church and the American Legion. Funeral service, Wed., June 1, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the L. L. Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, WA. Rev John R. Branden officiating. Burial, The Colfax, WA, Cemetery.” (Spokesman Review: 5-30-1966; Beck data card)

Rieke: “Karen Sue Kerr Rieke, 60, well-known resident and business woman of Leavenworth for the past 32 years, died Sunday morning, May 14, 2006, at her home. Born Karen Sue Kerr on Oct 17, 1945, at Marion, Ohio, to Judson and Rowena Marie (Wagner) Kerr. In 1955, the family moved to Akron, Ohio, where she grew up and received her early education, graduating from Firestone High School in 1963. She then attended Capital University at Columbus, Ohio, receiving a degree in Elementary Education in 1967. On Aug 19, 1967, she married John Mark Rieke at Marion and they made their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where John attended Law School and Karen taught school. In 1971, they moved to Coon Rapids, Minnesota and they later moved to Washington State, settling at Holden Village on Lake Chelan, where she was a one-room school teacher. In 1974, they moved to Leaven worth where they operated until her death. Karen was a member of the Leavenworth Faith Lutheran Church, of which she was instrumental in its revitalization in 1975. Also involved with her walking group, ‘Leavenworth Light Footers’, member of the Leavenworth Golf Club, Leaven worth Winter Sports Club, Red Hat Society ‘Red Hatters’, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Leaf Festival Association, Upper Valley Coop Preschool Teacher, Village Voices, and a former member of the Amberleaf Theater. Karen along with her husband, were very active supporters of the school and sports activities their children were involved in and she loved ‘skate skiing’. Karen was a very loving and generous mother and grandmother, one completely dedicated to Christ and her family. She was a true gift to family and friends. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Jim Brewer of Bellingham; two sons and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Teddy Rieke of Leavenworth and Micah Rieke of Cheney; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Cathy Kerr of Davis, CA, and John and Diane Kerr of Palo Alto, CA; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Mary and John Schramm of Leavenworth and Grace and Jerry Schimke of Seattle; three grandchildren, Dakota Rieke, Johnna Rieke and Carson Rieke; six nephews; and five nieces; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1995; and her parents. A memorial service of commemoration to Celebrate the Life of Karen Sue Rieke will be held at 7 o’clock Wednesday evening, May 17, 2006, in the Cascade High School Commons with Pastor Alex Schmidt, officiating. Inurnment will be in the Mt View Cemetery. Ward’s Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth is in charge of the arrangements.” (Wenatchee World: 5-15-2006, submitted)

Sams: “William Mason Sams.—Passed away on June 5, 2003 in Spokane, WA. Mason was born on May 30, 2003 to parents, Brad and Tanna Sams. Mason is also survived by his grandparents, Ordean and Patsy Opsal, Spokane, WA, Shirley Deymonaz, Spokane, WA; Jack Sams, Ohio; great-grandmother Sally Deyarmin, Spokane, WA; Godparents, Robin and Juli Weishaar, Odessa, WA; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends who are loved dearly. Mason was preceded in death by his grandfather, Mike Deymonaz. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003 at Christ Lutheran Church, Spokane Valley, WA.” (Spokesman Review: 6-05-2003)

Suchland: “Louise Suchland.—Her home, Lind, Wash. Survived by 3 daughters, Lucille Jacobsen, Sacramento, CA; Mrs. Emma Kanzler, Lind, WA; Mrs. Edith Gfeller, Lind, WA; _ grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren. A member of the Assembly of God Church, Lind, WA. Funeral services Friday, Dec 30 at 2 p.m. from the Assembly of God Church, Lind, WA. Rev Robert Hansen officiating. Interment the Lind Cemetery, Lind, WA. The Danekas Funeral Home of Lind, WA, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 12-30-1967; Beck data cards)

Thomsen: “Ruth W Thomsen, age 100, passed away in Spokane, WA, on May 7, 2002. Born Ruth Wilhemena Wiltse in Verdan, Nebraska on May 4, 1902, she moved with her parents to Ritzville, WA at an early age. Attended Cheney Normal School, worked as a telephone operator and school teacher in Ritzville. After graduation, embarked on a ten-year career as a school teacher in Walla Walla, WA. In 1939 she married the late Ingwer William Thomsen. They operated a farm in Wilson Creek , were active in the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church, where Ruth served as organist, pianist and choir director. Retired from public school teaching, Ruth fulfilled her passion for music and education by giving free piano lessons to many young people of the community. She and her husband were also instrumental in the college education of numerous young adults from the Wilson Creek area. The Thomsen's retired from farming in 1967 and moved to Spokane… Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday May 15, 2002 in the Seeley G Mudd Chapel on the Whitworth College Campus, Spokane. Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.” (excerpt Spokesman-Review: May 2002)

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