Ritzville Memorial Cemetery Obituaries

                                                                                  Adams county, Washington by Marge Womach

                                                                     Page S through Z

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This listing is a work in progress

Sackmann: ( b. Mar 9, 1884, d. Jul 24, 1947)  “Funeral services for Martin Sackmann, 63, retired Adams County farmer, were held from the Philadelphia Congregational church at Ritzville on Sunday afternoon, the Rev R. Kirschenmann officiating, with burial in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Sackmann, who had lived for 42 years in the  Adams County farm region south of Odessa, retired a few years ago to make his home at Ritzville, where he died July 24. He had been in poor health for some time.  Survivors include his widow, Caroline, at the home; three sons, Herbert, Odessa; Richard and Milton, Seattle; two daughters, Mrs. William Weis, Seattle; and Mrs. Leslie Lee, Omak, and 5 grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 7-31-1947)

Sackmann: ( b. Sep 20,1925, d. Mar 18, 2000)  Milton Paul Sackmann, 74, died March 18, 2000, at his home in Ritzville. He was born Sept 20, 1925, the son of Martin and Caroline (Hille) Sackmann. He was graduated from Odessa High School with the Class of 1942, and the U of W school of Law in 1951.  He married Nancy Lee Franke on March 21, 1949. Burial occurred in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, 2 sons, 2 daughters, a brother, Dr Richard Sackmann of Yakima; two sisters, Wilma Lee and Martha McKinnon. (notes from Odessa Record: 3-23-2000)(NI) 

Sackmann: ( b. Mar 18, 1907, d. Feb 5, 1998)  “Funeral services for Pearl (Fink) Gering Sackmann, an Odessa native and former area resident, were held Tuesday, Feb 10, in Ritzville. Mrs. Sackmann, who was 90 years old, died on Thursday, Feb 5, 1998, at her home in Ritzville. She was born Pearl Fink, on March 18, 1907, in Odessa, the daughter of Conrad and Anna Stumpf Fink. She attended the Odessa schools and at the age of 19, on July 4, 1926, married Joseph J Gering at the Fink family home. The couple lived on their farm 19 miles southwest of Odessa until Mr. Gering’s death in 1972.  In 1975, she married William Sackmann. They then lived on the Sackmann farm near Lind until his death in 1987. Subsequently she moved to Ritzville. She was being cared for in her home until her death. She was a member of the Crossroads Christian Assembly of God in Ritzville. She is survived by three sons, Gayle Gering and his wife Gaynel, of Ritzville, Sidney Gering of Las Vegas, NV, and Dennis Gering, of Spokane; four daughters, Gladys Morales, of Warrenville, IL; Joyce Clark and husband Ross, of Ritzville; JoAnn Lytle and husband Robert, of Redmond, WA; and Mareine Kravitz and husband Stan, of Salem, OR; 22 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; one brother, Harry Fink, of Coeur d’Alene, ID; two sisters, Leona Kuest, of Odessa; and Jean Biermann, of Bellevue, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Pastor Steven Schofstoll officiated at the funeral, held at the Danekas Funeral Home Chapel in Ritzville. Interment followed at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 2-12-1998)(NI)

Sayre: (d. 1973)  “Enoch (Frank) Sayre.—His home, W707 Fourth, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Grace Sayre, at the home; 3 daughters, Mrs. Jack Thomas, Mount Vernon, WA; Mrs. James Lothrop, Santa Barbara, CA; Mrs. Ernie Crandall, Miles City, MT; one son, Phyllip Sayre, Bethesda, MD; one sister, May E Galvin, Charlotte, ND; 10 grandchildren. He was a member of the United Trinity Methodist Church, Ritzville. He was a past president and member of the Ritzville Lions Club. A member of Humboldt Masonic Lodge No. 195, Humboldt, Iowa. A member of the Washington Educational Assn, the National Education Assn, the Washington State School Directors, the National Retired Teachers’ Assn. Mr. Sayre served as superintendent of the Ritzville Schools from 1958 to 1968, when he retired. Funeral services Wednesday, May 30 at 2 p.m., from the United Trinity Methodist Church, the Revs. Floyd Green and Ernie Springer officiating. Interment, Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 5-31-1973)  

Schaefer:( d. 2002)   “Graveside service for Florence Schaefer, 96, will be today at 10:30 a.m. at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, followed by memorial service at 11 a.m. at Danekas Funeral Chapel in Ritzville.  Mrs. Schaefer, a longtime resident of Ritzville, died Saturday.  Born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, moved to Ritzville as a child. Attended Ritzville Lincoln School and Ritzville High School. In 1923 she married Fred Schaefer in Coeur d’Alene. They lived in Odessa, WA, from 1925 to 1939, when they moved back to Ritzville. Mrs. Schaefer worked at Wentworth Jewelry, Ritzville Drug, Pfann’s Pharmacy and Nauditt’s Grocery until retirement in 1981. Member of St Marks Episcopal Church, Order of Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors. Her husband died in 1958. Survivors include a daughter, Betty Schwisow of Ritzville; a son, M. F. ‘Bill’ Schafer of Juneau, Alaska; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.” (Spokesman-Review: 12-11-2002)   

Schafer: ( b. 1859, d. 1937)  “Mrs. Conrad Schafer died at Ritzville this week and was buried there on Wednesday afternoon. She is a relative of the Conrad Fink family and her son is Joe Schafer, deputy sheriff at Ritzville. Several friends from here attended the funeral.” (Odessa Record: 4-29-1937) (edit: 1959, d. 1937, Anna)

Schafer: ( b. May 19, 1900, d. 1972)  “Funeral services for Elmer R. Schafer, 72, were held Friday at the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home.  He died Tuesday at the Ritzville Memorial Hospital, having been in poor health the last several months.  He was a farmer all his life and active in many programs for the improvement of the community and the wheat industry.  He was born in Ritzville May 19, 1900, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Schafer. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Ritzville Lions International, a past master, and the first one, of Marcellus Grange, and a member of the IOOF lodge No. 58 of Ritzville.  He was a charter member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers.  He is survived by his wife, Lillie, at the home at 302 E Third Ave. Two daughters survive, Mrs. J. W. (Marjorie) Tharp, Newton, Iowa; and Mrs. Kermit (Arlene) Wellsandt, Ritzville.  There are three sons who survive their father, Gerald E. Schafer, of Odessa; Dale R. Schafer of Ritzville; and Kenneth C Schafer of Moses Lake. Surviving also are 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild.  The Rev Floyd Green conducted the funeral service.  Dr Bruce Hille sang ‘My God and I’ and ‘In The Garden’ accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Orville Moeller. Interment was in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers were Arthur, Roy, Richard and Virgil Schafer, Aaron Braun and Daniel Kembel.” (Odessa Record: 11-09-1972)  

Schafer:( b. Oct 21, 1888, d. Oct 13, 1963)  “Funeral  services for Mrs. Mary Schafer were held at Zion Congregational Church in Ritzville Thursday afternoon. She died early Sunday morning, Oct 13, at Bakersfield, CA, where she had lived the past 18 months during an illness.  Mrs. Schafer was born Mary Stromberg at Kolb, Russia, on Oct 21, 1888. She came to America, arriving July 4, 1905. On April 14, 1910 she was married to Samuel Schafer. She lived on a farm nine miles southeast of Ritzville until 1945, when she moved to Ritzville. Her husband died 12 years ago. She was a member of Zion Congregational church and of its Mary Circle.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ora Wynia and Hazel Schafer, both of Bakersfield; and by a son, Ralph G. Schafer of Ritzville. Also a sister, Mrs. Anna Rieker of Ritzville survives. There are four grandchildren, Marcia and Larry Schafer, and Brenda and Fred Jr. Wynia.  The Rev Beryl Melcher conducted the funeral service.  Pallbearers were George Freese, Rudy Rogel, W. Walters Miller, James Kadlec, Larry Benzel and G. E. Bentz. Honorary pall bearers were Elmer Schoesler, George Adler, Victor Donis, Jacob Lenhart, Fred Schmidt and Roy Langenheder.” (Odessa Record: 10-24-1963)

Schafer: ( b. Oct 11, 1864, d. 1939)  “Funeral services for Mrs. Jacob Schafer, 74, Ritzville pioneer who died Wednesday morning, were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Philadelphia Congregational Church with the Rev H. Neutzmann officiating.  Burial was in the Ritzville Cemetery. Mrs. Schafer had been ill for about five years and died Wednesday about 8 a.m., following a paralytic stroke, which she suffered last Saturday morning.  Mary Katherine Schafer nee Weidemann was born Oct 11, 1864, in Frank, Russia. She was married in 1885 to Jacob Schafer and in 1891 they came to the United States, settling first in Bickleton, Wash.  In 1900, they moved to a farm 15 miles northwest of Ritzville and in 1920 retired to Ritzville.  Besides her widower, she is survived by three sons, Henry, Ritzville; Reuben, New York; and Leslie, Spokane; six daughters, Mrs. C. J. Oestreich, Ritzville; Mrs. George Kiehn, Spokane; Mrs. Fred Kiehn, Spokane; Mrs. Willie Butler, Bremerton; Mrs. George Greenwald, Bremerton; and Mrs. H. Klapper, Klamath Falls, Oregon.” (Odessa Record: 6-15-1939)    

Schafer: ( b. Oct 29, 1900, d. Mar 10, 1996)  “Ruth C. Schafer, 95, the last survivor of the families which originally settled in the Packard-Marcellus area, died on Wednesday, March 10, 1996, at the Odessa Convalescent Center.  She had been a long-time resident of Ritzville. She was born on Oct 29, 1900, at Spring Valley, MN, the daughter of Ernest A and Nellie Carlisle Robertson. In 1918, the family moved to Great Falls, MT, where Ruth finished school, graduating from high school there in 1919. Following her mother’s death, she and her sister Esther moved to Spokane and were later joined by their father.  Ruth attended Cheney Normal School and earned a teaching certificate.  She then moved to Adams County and taught school for one year at the rural Schoessler School Dist. #28. She met Henry L Schafer, and they were married June 1, 1921 in Ritzville. They farmed in the Packard-Marcellus area until 1948, when they retired and moved into Ritzville. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Ritzville. She enjoyed reading, gardening and needle work.  Her husband preceded her in death in 1982. She continued to live in Ritzville until 1990, when she moved to Odessa to be closer to her daughter, Mary Ann Burghard. For the past four years she had been a resident of the Odessa Convalescent Center. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Herb Burghard, of Odessa; son-in-law, Raymond Schoessler, of Ritzville; four grandchildren, Jerry Burghard, of Odessa, Terry Burghard, of Moses Lake, Lynn Schoessler, of Salem, OR, and Jan Burghard Weeks, of Waldport, OR; three great grandchildren, one step-great grandson, and one great granddaughter. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Alice Schafer, in 1931, and Laura Schoessler, in 1988, and by a sister, Esther Strauss, in 1980. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 23, at the Danekas Funeral Home Chapel in Ritzville, with the Rev Edd Denton officiating. Interment was in Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 3-28-1996; edit: Alice Schafer has a TS in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, 1925-1931)

Scheel: (d. 1971)  “Dean Scheel.—His home Ritzville, WA. Survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Carl Heinemann, Ritzville; Mrs. Clarence Thiel, Washtucna, WA; several nieces and nephews. Member of C J Newland American Legion of Ritzville. Funeral services, Saturday, March 20 at 2 p.m., from the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, the Rev Joseph Castle officiating. Interment, Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 3-20-1971)

Scheel: (d. 1969)  “W. F. Scheel (Will).—His home Ritzville, WA. Survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Carl Heinemann, Ritzville, WA; Mrs. Clarence Teil, Washtucna; one son, Dean Scheel, Ritzville, WA; 4 sisters, Mrs. Lucy Smith, Mrs. Clara Clerc, both Spokane, Mrs. Lean Keinn, Mrs. Minnie Yokum, both John Day, OR; brother Dan Scheel, Coeur d’Alene, ID; 3 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. A member of the Trinity Methodist Church, Ritzville, IOOF No. 58 Ritzville. Funeral services Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m. Chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home. Rev Joseph Castle officiating. Interment Ritzville, WA Cemetery.” (Spokesman Review: 3-25-1969)

Schell: ( b. Nov 22, 1914, d. Sep 3, 1937)  “Memorial funeral services for Bertha Schell, a native and long time resident of Ruff, will be held on Monday, Sept 15, at the Moses Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Mrs. Schell, who was 82 years old, died on Wednesday, Sept 3, 1997, at the Lake Ridge Care Facility in Moses Lake.  She was born at Ruff on Nov 22, 1914, the daughter of John and Christine Pfaff Bischoff. She attended school at Ruff until the 10^th grade, when she began working on the family farm. She married Henry F. Schell on Feb 9, 1937 at Ruff, and together they farmed and lived at Ruff for more than 60 years. Henry preceded Bertha in death in May 1977. She continued to live at Ruff until two years ago, when she moved to Moses Lake. She is survived by her son Jim Schell and his wife Linda, of Marl in; daughter Vivian Hoffman and her husband Ron, of Moses Lake; two brothers, Harvey Bischoff and his wife Betty, of Ruff, and Marvin Bischoff and his wife Nat, of Walla Walla; sister Helen Jones, of Portland; six grandchildren: Donna, Danny Vickie, Jimmy, Pam and Julie, and nine great grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Peggie. Pastor Bill Sabin will officiate at the memorial funeral service. Private burial and vault interment was at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home of Ritzville was in charge of funeral arrangements.” ( Odessa Record: Sept 1997)

Scheller: ( b. Sep 2, 1898, d. Mar 12, 1996)  “George Scheller, 97, died on Tuesday, March 12, 1996, at a health care facility in the Spokane Valley.  Mr. Scheller was born Sept 2, 1898, in Russia and came to the United States with his parents as a small child. He farmed for many years between Odessa and Ritzville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose, in August 1982. He is survived by a daughter, Violet Rushmeier, of Tacoma; a son, Irwin Scheller, of Spokane, and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were held March 16 at the Philadelphia Congregational Church in Ritzville.” ( Odessa Record: March 1996)    

*Schluter: ( b. d. 1914) "Martin Schluter, for many years a resident of the Odessa country, where he was a prosperous farmer 7 miles south of town, died at his home in Ritzville last Friday after an illness of long duration. The funeral services were conducted on Monday by Rev H E Wittrock, pastor of the German Lutheran church of Ritzville, assisted by his son, the Rev Whittrock of Lind. Services were held both at the home and at the Lutheran church, the funeral being one of the largest in the history of Ritzville. Interment was made in the Ritzville Cemetery. Mr Schluter came to this country twenty years ago, and settled on a homestead south of Odessa. In recent years this farm has been in charge of his two sons, John and Charles. Besides these two sons, a wife and two daughters survive him, and the sympathy of hundreds of Odessa friends is extended to the family in their grief." (Odessa Record: 8-28-1914) 

Schmidt: (d. 1973)  “Fred L .Schmidt.—His home, W 209 Seventh, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Grace, at the home; four daughters, Mrs. Arnold (Ella) Meske, Sumner, WA; Mrs. Paul (Alvina) Lodoen and Mrs. Freida Peters, Fairbanks,  Alaska; and Mrs. Robert (Irene) Rome, Pullman, WA; five sons, Alfred Schmidt, Olympia, WA; Harold and Terry Schmidt, Seattle, WA; Reuben and Herbert Schmidt, Moses Lake, WA; two step-sons, Lt. Colonel Donald J Roberts, Springfield, VA, and Willis D Roberts, Seattle; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. A member of the Philadelphia Congregational Church, the Marcellus Grange, FOE No. 2739, and the Moose Lodge No. 161. Funeral services at 2 p.m. at the Ritzville Philadelphia Congregational Church on Nov 26, with the Rev Ernest Sprenger officiating. Interment in Ritzville, Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 11-26-1973)

Schoessler: ( b. 1882, d. 1949)  “Mrs. Henrietta Schoessler, 66, Ritzville, died at Spokane Saturday of a stroke. She was buried at Ritzville Tuesday afternoon, form the Zion Congregational church, the Rev Peter Ruder officiating. She is survived by her husband, Jacob, at the home; one  son, Elmer, of Ritzville, two grandsons. Two of her sisters, Mrs. George Grening and Mrs. Henry Gies, live in Odessa.” (Odessa Record: 4-07-1949)

Scott: ( b. 1890, d. 1970)  “Allen D. Scott.—His home, Benge, WA. Survived by his wife, Mary Scott, at the home; three daughters, Mrs. Alvin (Lura) Allert, Washtucna, WA; Mrs Donald (Lois) Murphy, San Diego, CA; Mrs. Barbara Rickenbach, Pasco, WA; one sister Mrs. Wallace Beckley, Northport, WA; 7 grandchildren. A member of the Community Church in Benge, WA; Benge IOOF No. 296, and Benge Grange. Funeral services Monday, Oct 5 at 2 p.m. from the Community Church in Benge, WA. The Dr Mark Lee officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 10-03-1970)

Secrist: ( b. 1908, d. Mar 1, 1974)  “Margaret E. Secrist.—Entered into rest March 1 in a local hospital. Her home, N224 Herald Rd.  Survived by a sister, Dorothy Lind, Spokane; one brother, Walter Fortier, Spokane; 2 sons, Joseph Secrist, Columbia Falls, MT; Harry Fortier, Tucson, AZ; 2 daughters, Mae Casey, Bonners Ferry, ID; Karen Secrist, Lafayette, IN; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Funeral services Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Flowers, Riplinger Funeral Home, the Rev R. W. Heinrich officiating. Graveside services at 1 p.m. at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, Ritzville, WA. Riplinger Funeral Home, Spokane in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 3-03-1974) 

Seidl: ( b.  May 31, 1869, d.  Oct 18, 1954) “Mrs. Rose Seidl died Monday at the Ritzville hospital of cerebral hemorrhage, at the age of 85 years. She came to Ritzville from Bloomer, WI, some 65 years ago, as a bride, to live on a homestead 14 miles northwest of Ritzville, and experienced hardships as only the early pioneers did. After the death of her husband, she and the children moved to town for the children’s schooling, where she has lived ever since.  She leaves five children as survivors: Mrs. Walter Schoonover, Odessa; Mrs. Bruno Sielaff, Ritzville; Mrs. Ralph Gillis, Washtucna; Mr. Edward Seidl, Ayer, Mass., and Mrs. Bernice Cooper, Portland, OR.” (Odessa Record: 10-21-1954) (Shared TS in Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, with George Seidl: Feb 25, 1860-Sept 29, 1905.) 

Sielaff: (d. 1968)  “Christina (Tena) Sielaff.  Her home, Ritzville, Wash.  Survived by one daughter, Mrs. Garland Westover, Spokane; 5 grandchildren, member Zion Congregational Church, Ritzville. Funeral services Wednesday, June 19, at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, Wash.  Rev Earnest Springer, officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, Wash, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 6-20-1968)  

Sieverkropp: ( b. Mar 25, 1926, d. Dec 16, 2007)  Eldred H. Sieverkropp died Dec 16, 2007, in Moses Lake, aged 81. He was born March 25, 1926, to Herman and Millie (Arlt) Sieverkropp in Puyallup, WA. The oldest of six siblings, he spent his youth working on a berry farm in Puyallup. The family moved to a farm outside Odessa , in the early 1940s. Eldred married Elena Beckman in Ritzville on May 29, 1955. He is survived by his wife Elena, of Ritzville; two sons, John Sieverkropp and Dan Sieverkropp, both of Moses Lake ; three daughters, Cheryl Sieverkropp, of Ritzville, Karen (Scott) Okerlund, of Moses Lake , and Deanna (Mark) Hoefner, of Entiat; four brothers, Raymond (Doris) Sieverkropp and Robert (Shirley) Sieverkropp, all of Ephrata; Donald (Dolores) Sieverkropp, of Odessa, and Wayne (Dorothy) Sieverkropp, of Veradale; a sister, Ruth Kendall of Melber, Ken., and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at Emanuel Lutheran Church,Ritzville, with vault interment at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery,  Danekas Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (notes from Odessa Record: Dec 2007) 

Sieverkropp: ( b. Jun 2, 1895, d. Dec 24, 1956)  “Funeral services for Herman Sieverkropp, who died at Ritzville on Christmas Eve, will be held on Friday from the Emmanuel Lutheran Church near Menno, at 2 o’clock. The Rev William Houser will officiate, with committal at the Ritzville Cemetery. Mr. Sieverkropp was raised in the Odessa area, and for a time made his home at Puyallup, returning here in recent years to farm. He had been ill for about a month. Survivors include his wife, Millie, at the home; five sons, Eldred, of Schragg; Donald and Wayne, at home; Raymond and Robert, Ephrata; and a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Kendall, Paducah, KY.” (Odessa Record: 12-27-1956)  

Sieverkropp: ( b. Jun 7, 1900, d. Apr 1, 1995)  Millie Anna Arlt Sieverkropp died April 1, 1995 at Moses Lake , age 94. She was born June 7, 1900 in Ritzville, the daughter of Frederick and Anna Wuethrich Arlt. The family lived near Schrag, and she attended the Weber School. For two years she worked for a family in Seattle. She married Herman Sieverkropp in Seattle on June 4, 1925. They made their home in Puyallup,WA, where they operated a berry farm. In 1940 they moved to Odessa, where they took over operation of the John Sieverkropp farm south of Lauer. Her husband Herman died in 1956. She moved to Cheney in 1957 and worked at the cafeteria at EWSC, for more than 21 years. Surviving are her daughter, Ruth Kandall, of Paducah, KY; five sons: Eldred Sieverkropp, of Ritzville; Raymond Sieverkropp and Robert Sieverkropp, both of Ephrata; Donald E. Sieverkropp, of Odessa, and Wayne A. Sieverkropp of Veradale; 25 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Ida Babcock, of Spokane; and Emma Albershardt, of Cheney. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers: Fred, Art, Robert and Ed Arlt; and 3 sisters, Minnie Lang, Lena Schmidt and Alma Eckhardt. Burial was held at Ritzville City Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: April 1995) 

Simonson: ( b. Dec 26, 1915, d. Dec 26, 1985)  George Simonson of Ritzville, born Dec 26, 1915 in Rexburg, Idaho to Nels and Sarah Simonson, died Dec 26, 1986, at Ritzville... Burial Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Married Deloris Borgens in Ritzville in July 1945. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-09-1986)

Simonson: (1952-2012)  “Simonson, Paul G. was born Aug. 10, 1952, in Pocatello, Idaho, to George and Deloris (Borgens) Simonson. He attended school in Aberdeen, Idaho, graduating in 1970. Immediately after graduation the family relocated to Ritzville to farm the Borgens Family homestead. Paul went on to college at Columbia Basin College in Pasco and obtained a degree in Applied Welding Science. He worked as a welder in the Seattle shipyards as well as in the Tri-Cities in the Hanford area.  He returned to assume the responsibilities of the family farm in Ritzville in 1979. Paul married Carol Sackmann in April 1983. They moved to the farm in 1985 where they have made their home. Paul was active in a variety of groups in the community including the Ritzville Lions Club, Ritzville Classic Car Club, Pheasants Forever, Ritzville Gun Club and the Washington Wheat Growers Association. He was a certified Hunter Education instructor and was passionate about teaching firearm safety to young people. He was actively involved with his children's activities throughout their years in Ritzville including coaching T-ball and Little League, float construction for the Ritzville Festivals Association, FFA  volunteer for the trapshooting team and ag mechanics team and a host of other activities. He was an avid hunter and succumbed to an apparent heart attack while elk hunting with a group of his friends in the Blue Mountains near Pomeroy, Wash ., on Oct. 30, 2012.  Paul is survived by his beloved wife Carol and their three children: Justin Simonson and Travis Simonson of Ritzville and Jennifer Dahl (Enoch) of Wells, Nev. He is also survived by grandchildren Isaiah, Luke and Savannah Dahl, his mother, Deloris Allert of Ritzville, sister Karen Greenwalt of Goldendale and special brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.  A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, 106 W. Broadway in Ritzville. Private inurnment will be at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory of Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 11-08-2012) 

Smith: ( b. May 28, 1899, d. May 11, 1985)  “Esther Eckhart Smith (Schmidt), a former Odessa resident born in Bickleton May 28, 1899 to Conrad and Anna Margaret Echhardt, passed away at Ritzville May 11. She married Harry Smith (Schmidt) in Odessa in 1923 and the family made their home on the Smith homestead 14 miles southwest of town near Batum. They retired to Ritzville in late 1949, where he husband preceded her in death in 1968.  Mrs Smith was a member of the Philadelphia Congregational Church, Ritzville. She is survived by a son, Edward C Smith of Odessa; by two daughters, Harriet Kieson and Ethelyn Dormaier of Ritzville; by four sisters: Katherine Derr, Clara Kissler and Lydia Hopp, all of Odessa; and Julia Hagelgany of Portland; and by 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held May 14 at Philadelphia Congregational Church, the Rev Paul Eaton officiating. Vault interment followed at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville.” (Odessa Record: 5-23-1985)

Smith,  Rudolph: (d. 1935)“Bolting Mules Death to Youth.  Rudolph Smith, 22, Ritzville, son of Mr and Mrs Warren Smith, was killed Wednesday morning on Rattlesnake flat when a team of mules bolted with a weeder. They body was discovered by one of the young man’s brothers and was taken to Ritzville. A brother, Felix, works with Harold Fix in the Ritzville bakery.” (Odessa Record: 7-12-1935; edit: buried Ritzville Memorial)  

Streeter: ( b. Jun 27, 1899, d. Aug 7, 1995) Mary C. Miller Streeter died on August 7, 1995 in Ritzville. She was born on June 27, 1899, at the family homestead near Crab Creek between Odessa and Ritzville. She was the oldest of nine children born to Jacob and Anna Margaret Schafer Miller. She attended the Geissler country school. She married Ralph O Streeter on Nov 10, 1922, at Wenatchee. They moved to Ritzville in 1923. Mr. Streeter died in 1993. She is survived by two sons, Barney Streeter, of Spokane; and Stanley Streeter, of Ritzville; a daughter, Celia Ann Replogle, of Carson City, NV; two sisters, Esther Hughes and Naomi VanVleet, both of Ritzville and two brothers, Otto Miller of Pasco, and J Austin Miller of Odessa. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Leanne Streeter, in 1975. Interment was at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (notes from Odessa Record: 1995)  

Stoops: (d. 1940)  “John C Stoops, Adams County clerk, died Sunday at Spokane of a heart ailment. Mr Stoops came to Ritzville from Missouri as a boy, started out as a bootblack and learned the barber trade, which he followed for 20 years. He was an active lodge worker and musician. His widow and one son, Haven, survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday from the Trinity Methodist church.” (Odessa Record: 1 Aug 1940)

Streeter: (d. 1974) “Everett Al (Pete) Streeter.—His home Ritzville, WA. Survived by three daughters, Mrs Harold (Lucille) Miller, Spokane; Mrs Alfred (Barbara) Fode, Lind, WA; Mrs Richard (Janet) Bailey, Greenville, TX; one brother, Ralph Streeter, Ritzville, WA; 12 grandchildren; one great grandchild. A vet of WW I; member of the C J Newland American Legion Post No. 51, Ritzville. Funeral services Tuesday, Jan 8, 1974, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, C J Newland American Legion Post No. 51, Ritzville, officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 1-11-1974)

Stromberger: ( b. 1884, d. 1943)  “Jacob Stromberger, 56, and an 11 year old daughter, Janice, were instantly killed Thursday morning at Sprague, when Stromberger failed to see an oncoming train at the crossing west of the city limits and drove his pick-up directly into its path. It was snowing heavily at the time and vision was almost nil.  Stromberger, a farmer living on Crab Creek about 12 miles west of Sprague, was taking his daughter to school. She is the youngest of ten children.  Survivors are Mrs. Stromberger and the other nine children: Mrs. Carie Egers, Walla Walla; Mrs. Lydia Wilson, Deer Park; Mrs. Elsie Frise, Bremerton; Mrs. Esther Smith, Sprague; Miss Olga Stromberger, Bremerton; Lawrence Stromberger in the army; Solomon, Bremerton; and Daniel and Arthur, in Sprague.” (Odessa Record: 1-28-1943)

Stumpf: ( b. 1939, d. 1950)  Eileen Stumpf, age 10, daughter of Fred Stumpf, froze to death after the car in which she was riding went off the road. The two children died in their attempt to reach their house on foot. Survivors include the parents, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Deife of Odessa. Their funeral was held in Ritzville. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-19-1950)

Stumpf: ( b.  1943, d. 1950)  Frederick (Donnie) Stumpf, age 6, son of Fred Stumpf, froze to death after the car in which he was riding went off the road. He and his sister died in their attempt to reach their house on foot. Survivors include his parents, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Deife of Odessa. Their funeral was held in Ritzville. (notes from Odessa Record: 1-19-1950)

Stumpf: ( b. Mar 22, 1914, d. Jan 19, d. 1970)  “Mrs. Gertrude Stumpf, a lifetime resident of the Schragg area, died at her home suddenly on Monday, Jan 19.  She had been in good health, until the past few weeks, when she complained of not feeling well.  She died shortly after retiring on Monday evening of the past week.  Mrs. Stumpf was born near Schragg on March 22, 1914, daughter of Edward Stephen and Amelia Graber Stephen.  In 1934 she was married to Emanuel (Mike) Stumpf. The couple had one daughter, La Wanna. She is married to Gerald H. Campbell of Lompoc, CA.  Mrs. Stumpf is survived by three sisters, as well as her husband and daughter.  They are Mrs. Clifford (Dorothy) Schuler of Ritzville; Mrs. Dan (Esther) Schragg of Pasco; and Mrs. Ruby Derundelow of Kennewick. Three brothers, Harvey Stephen of Sunnyside, Otto Stephen of Benton City, and Harold Stephen of Yakima, and a grandson also survive.  Funeral services were conducted in Ritzville Friday afternoon with burial at the Ritzville Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 1-29-1970)

Suko: ( b. Mar 8, 1920, d. Dec 19, 1990)  Leila B. Suko of Moses Lake died there Dec 19, 1990.  She was born March 8, 1920 in Ritzville to the late Benton H. and Bessie Snyder. She grew up near Washtucna. She was married to Raymond Suko in 1938. Burial was in Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: 12-27-1990)

Suko: ( b. 1915, d. Nov 3, 1983)  “Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov 8, 1983, from the Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake for Raymond Suko, 68, who passed away at the Moses Lake Hospital on Nov 3, 1983.  Ray Suko had lived in Moses Lake for the past several years after selling his Ford Garage sales and Service business in Odessa. Ray and his wife, Lela had two sons, Lonny and Randy.  Survivors include his wife, Lela, at the home; Lonny Suko and wife, Marcia, Yakima; Randy Suko, Olympia; 2 grandchildren; one brother, Elton Suko, Coeur d’Alene; his mother, Ida Suko, Moses Lake; numerous nieces and nephews. Following the services in Moses Lake, graveside services and interment were held at the Ritzville Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 11-17-1983)

Telecky: (d. 1974)  “Lillian Telecky.—Her home was W50 5^th, Ritzville, WA. Survived by 3 daughters, Mrs Miner (Ruth) Silingsby, Wenatchee, WA; Mrs George (Mabel) Burrill, Ritzville, WA; Mrs Irene Gilliam, Spokane; two sons, Richard Telecky, Ritzville; Orval Telecky, Wenatchee, WA; one sister, Mayme Milbert; one brother, Arthur Hedec, both of Hopkins, MN; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral services Monday April 15 at 11 a.m. form the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, WA, Rev Ernest Sprenger officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge of the arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 4-15-1974)

Telecky: ( b. 1914, d. Nov 6, 1989)  Stanford G. Telecky, 75.—Passed away Nov 6, 1989 at a Ritzville Nursing Home. His home, Ritzville. Survived by his wife, Laura; one daughter, Janet Keister, Selah, WA; son, Michael D. Telecky, Ritzville; brother, Clifford Telecky, Ritzville; two sisters, Bernice Jansen, Spokane; Rosaline Longmeier, Seven Bays, WA; sister-in-law, Lucille Telecky, Ritzville. Graveside service Nov 9, 1989 Ritzville Memorial Cemetery . Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, in charge. (notes from scrapbook obit)

Thaut: (d. 1971)  “Henry Thaut.—His home E210 5^th, Ritzville, WA. Survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Harry Henrichs of Ritzville, Mrs. Harold Koch of Bayview, ID; 2 brothers, Fred Thaut and Carl Thaut, both of Ritzville; 4 nephews. He was a member of the Lutheran church, the CJ Newland American Legion Post 51 of Ritzville. Veteran of WW I. Funeral services, Monday, Oct 11 at 11 a.m. from the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville. Pastor Floyd Yokers officiating. Interment Ritzville, WA. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge of funeral arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 10-09-1971)

Thaut: (d. 1971)  “Lavine Thaut.—His home 104 West Birch, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Martha, at the home. One daughter, Mrs. Doug (Marvine) Makaiwi, Ellensburg, WA; 3 sisters, Mrs. Lydia Wagner, Ritzville, WA; Mrs. Alec (Katie) Stamm, Milwaukee, WI; Mrs. James (Amelia) Donner, Spokane; 2 brothers, Rudy Thaut, Ritzville; Harold Thaut, Lamont, WA. A member of the American Legion Post No. 51, Ritzville, WA; Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb 9 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA. The Pastor Floyd Yokers officiating. Burial services Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 2-09-1971)

Thaut: ( b. Jan 8, 1919, d. Nov 15, 200_)  Martha Amelia Derr Thaut died Nov 15, 200_ in South Bend, WA. She was 81 years old. She was born near Batum on Jan 8, 1919, the daughter of Henry and Emelia (Lobe) Derr. She attended the Janke School near Batum before her family moved to Ritzville in 1932. She married Lavine Thaut on June 8, 1939. She retired in 1983.  Her husband died in 1971. Martha continued to live in Ritzville until 1996, when she moved to Raymond. She is survived by her daughter Marvine Makaiwi and her husband Douglas, of Raymond; a sister, Elsie Kock, of Spokane ; four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Hulda Hennricks, and two brothers, Theodore and Samuel Derr. Interment was at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery , Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville in charge. (notes from Odessa Record: undated) (NI)

Thiel: ( b. Jan 20, 1884, d. Aug 7, 1969)  “Anna M. Thiel.—Her home, 202 W 6^th, Ritzville, WA. Survived by four daughters, Mrs. Loren Griffith, Spokane; Mrs. Roy Kinzel, Moses Lake, WA; Mrs. Ora Hoff, Mrs. Ernest Deking, Mrs. Walter Deking, all of Ritzville; one son, Walter Thiel, Ritzville; one brother Robert Derr, Ritzville; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren. Member of Philadelphia Congregational Church, Ritzville; Senior Ladies Aid. Funeral services Monday, Aug 11, 2 p.m. from the Philadelphia Congregational Church, Rev Ernest Sprenger officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home of Ritzville, in charge of funeral arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 8-11-1969)

Thiel: ( b. 1898, d. 1974)  “Clarice Thiel.—Her home, Ritzville, WA. She is survived by one sister, Frances Colvin, St Cloud, MN; one sister-in-law, Irene Seavey, Aitkin, MN; one nieces, Carolyn Matter, St Cloud, MN; 2 nephews, Troy Oestreich, Ritzville, and Jerry Oestreich, Moses Lake, WA.  She was a member of St Marks Episcopal Church, Ritzville, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec 10 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, Father Godfrey White officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 12-12-1972)

Thiel: (d. 1930)  “Fred Thiel Died Friday. Fred Thiel, age 50, formerly a prominent Odessa business man, and well known to practically all local Record readers, died at Ritzville Friday night of Bright’s disease, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Earl Caldwell, after an illness of two months.  Mr. Thiel was a pioneer druggist at Odessa, coming here from Ritzville shortly after graduating from the State College of Washington, with William Spring, and opening the Odessa Drug Company, 26 years ago.  He was then a young man but he soon became a leader in business, civic and fraternal circles, and during his residence here filled the offices of city councilman, mayor, president of the commercial club and master of the Masonic lodge. He was recognized as a man of strong convictions, but few men in town had more friends than he, when he left here to go into business at Medical Lake. He was born at Culbertson, Nebraska, Dec 18, 1879. He came to Ritzville with his parents in 1883, and in 1904 graduated at Pullman. In 1907 he was married to Miss Maude Johnson, then a teacher in the Odessa schools. To this union four children were born, three of which with their mother survive him. Mr. Thiel’s health began to fail over two years ago, but he was able to work as usual until his final illness which started Feb 7.  Besides his widow, daughter, Miss Ruth, and two sons, Maxwell and James, he is survived by five brothers, John of Helmville, MT; Peter of Scotts Bluff, NE; Henry and Jack of Ritzville; and William of Hoover, WA. Also two sisters, Mrs. Marie Eckhart, Seattle; and Mrs. Pauline Caldwell of Ritzville.  His funeral services were held from the Zion Congregational Church of Ritzville. The Rev George L Zocher officiated and spoke words of comfort to the bereaved relatives and the many floral tributes told of the high esteem he was held in the community. After the church service Odessa Lodge No. 156, F & AM gave the Masonic funeral service at the Ritzville Cemetery where he was buried in the Thiel family lot.” (Odessa Record: 4-11-1930)

Thiel: ( b. Apr 10, 1882, d. Jul 25, 1952) “Funeral services were held from the Ritzville Philadelphia Congregational church on Tuesday for Jacob Calvin Thiel, 70, a 69 year resident of Ritzville. The Rev M.r Kirschenmann officiated. Thiel died Friday at a Spokane hospital.  Survivors include his widow, Anna May, at home; five daughters, Mrs. John Huff, Spokane; Mrs. Roy Kinzel, Cheney; Mrs. Loren C Griffith, Mrs. Ernest Deking and Mrs. Walter Deking, Ritzville; a son, Walter R. Thiel, Ritzville; three brothers, S. W. Thiel, William R. Thiel, Ritzville; Peter J. Thiel in California; two sisters, Mrs. Marie Eckhart, Seattle, and Mrs. Earl J. Colwell, Ritzville; nine grandchildren.” (scrapbook item: July 25, 1952)

Thiel: ( b. 1894, d. 1945)  “Martin D. (Foxy) Thiel, widely known Ritzville resident, died at his home there Tuesday. Thiel was active in lodge work and an outstanding golfer. About 25 years ago he was a part time resident in Odessa, in connection with the Standard Oil company.” (Odessa Record: 10-11-1945) 

Thiel: ( b. 1904, d. 1964)  “Solomon B. Thiel.—His home E109 2^nd, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Marie Thiel, at the home; one daughter, Mrs Lois Peters, Kent, WA; 2 grandchildren; 5 nieces and 2 nephews. A member of Philadelphia Congregational Church, Ritzville. Eagles Lodge; funeral services Wednesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. from the Philadelphia Congregational Church, Ritzville, WA, Rev Herbert Haemmelmann officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 7-14-1964)

Thomsen: ( b. Jan 25, 1877, d. Jan 11, 1938)  “Mrs Anna Thomsen, 60, living near Wilson Creek, died at a Spokane hospital on Saturday. Funeral services were held at Ritzville on Tuesday, with the Rev Mr. Davis of the Wilson Creek Presbyterian church officiating. Survivors include her husband, Hans Thomsen, former Ritzville merchant; two sons, Elmer and Ingwer, all at home; four brothers, Ed Spanjer, Ephrata; John Spanjer, Seattle; Will Spanjer, Peshastin; George Spanjer, Cashmere; four sisters, Mrs. Ella Rosenoff, Ritzville; Mrs. Johanna Weiand, of Alameda, CA; Mrs. Marie Hagelganz, Portland; and Mrs. Minnie Smythe, of Chicago.” (Odessa Record: 1-13-1938; edit: TS at Ritzville Mem. Cem)

Thompson: (d. 1969)  “Thomas G Thompson, age 85.—His home was Washtucna, WA. Survived by his wife, Ella Lucinda Thompson in Washtucna; one daughter, Mrs James Murphy, Jr, Washtucna; 2 sisters, Mrs Annie O’Malley and Mrs John Winkler, both of Seattle, WA; one brother, Anthony Thompson, Czar, Alta., Canada; 2 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren. He was a member of the Washtucna Community Church, F & AM Lodge No. 93, Sedro Woolley, WA. Funeral Tuesday, June 10 at 2 p.m. from the chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, Masonic Lodge conducting. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home at Ritzville in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 6-10-1969)

VanBuren:( b. 1898, d. 1918)  “Mr and Mrs. F. E. Snyder and Mrs. Harry Morgan were Ritzville visitors on Sunday afternoon where they attended the funeral of Dyke Van Buren who died in the Ritzville hospital early Saturday morning form appendicitis. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. M. H. VanBuren of Keystone and a nephew to Mr. Snyder and Mrs. Morgan.” (Odessa Record: 8-27-1915)(TS:1918)

VanVleet: (d. 1973)  “Guy M. VanVleet.—His home, 802 W Main, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Catherine VanVleet at the home; 5 sons, Dale VanVleet, Milwaukie, OR; Ronnie VanVleet, Connell, WA; Nathan VanVleet, Robert VanVleet and Terry VanVleet, all Ritzville, WA; 2 sisters, Mrs. Frances Sickman, Ritzville, WA, and Mrs. Rosaline Parsons, Spokane; 2 grandchildren. Funeral services Tuesday, Jan 16 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA. The Rev Edward Schmidt officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 1-15-1973) 

VanVleet: (d. 1970)  “Lester W. VanVleet.—His home at Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Naomi VanVleet, at the home; one daughter, Leslie VanVleet, Ritzville, WA; 2 sons, Dustan VanVleet, Spokane; Gaylen VanVleet, at the home, Ritzville; 2 sisters, Mrs. William Sickman, Ritzville; Mrs. H. E. Parsons, Spokane; one brother, Buy VanVleet, Ritzville; one granddaughter, Heather VanVleet, Spokane. Funeral services, Wed., Dec 9 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA. The Rev A. Hausauer. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 12-07-1970)

VanVleet: ( b. Feb 28, 1915, d. Jun 3, 2000)  “Naomi Miller VanVleet, Age 94.—Was born Feb 28, 1915, at the family home near Schoonover, Washington. She was the youngest daughter in a family of nine children born to John J. and Anna (Schafer) Miller.  She died June 3, 2009, at the Ritzville Life Care Center, where she had resided since Dec 2007. Naomi was a lifetime resident of Ritzville. Upon graduation from high school, she worked in the Ritzville Creamery. She and her husband, Lester, then ran a dairy in Ritzville for many years.  Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and seven of her siblings. She is survived by a daughter, Leslie Adams; sons, Dustan and daughter-in-law, Marcia VanVleet, and Galen VanVleet; grandchildren: Heather VanVleet and Clint Adams and wife Paula; great grandson, Gage Adams; sister Esther Hughes and numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service is to be held Tuesday June 9, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Danekas Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville.” (submitted, undated)  

Vostral: ( b. Jan 24, 1936, d. May 29, 2009)  “Dawn Janice Vostral. Age 73.  Dawn passed away peacefully Friday, May 29, 2009 at Valley Hospital in Spokane. Dawn was born Jan 24, 1936 in Priest River, ID to Frank A and Ruth Thiel Presto. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Anthony (Tony) Vostral; daughter Melinda Benzel; son Randy Benzel; brother Michael (Joyce) Presto; sisters: Kay (Marvin) Stelzer and Patricia Visage; granddaughter Stephanie (Aaron) Madison; grandsons: Justin Benzel, Austin Benzel; great granddaughter Ava Dawn Madison, numerous nieces and nephews and her faithful companion who was always at her side, ‘Cosmo’.  A memorial service will be held Wednesday June 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville. Interment will be private at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, is entrusted with arrangements.” (Spokesman-Review: undated)

Vostral: (d. 1976)  “Edward R Vostral.—His home was at 507 W Broadway, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife Alice at the home; 2 daughters, Mrs Roy (Helen) Gallion of Spokane, Mrs Allen (Elaine) Fracchia, Santa Rosa, CA; one son Tony also of Ritzville; three sisters, Mrs Carl Kiehn of Ritzville, Mrs Dan Andersen of Ritzville, Mrs Oscar Andersen of Odessa, WA; one brother, Henry Vostral of Ritzville, WA; 8 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He was a member of St Agnes Catholic Church of Ritzville, Ralston Grange, The Washington Wheat Growers Assn and the Ritzville Warehouse Co. Rosary Thursday Jan 8 at 7:30 p.m., chapel of the Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville. Funeral Mass Friday Jan 9 at 10 a.m., St Agnes Catholic Church, Ritzville. Father George Morbeck officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 1-08-1976) 

Vostral:(b. Sep 08,1910, d. 2006)  “Hazel D Vostral, age 95.—A lifelong resident of Adams County, passed away on Thursday, Aug 3, 2006 at the hospital in Ritzville, WA. Hazel was born Sept 8, 1910 in Lind, WA and attended Lind Schools. She worked for the telephone company in Lind before her marriage to Rudolph Vostral in 1930. They moved to rural Ritzville and farmed until 1971 when Rudy retired and they moved into town. Rudy preceded her in death in Sept of 1976. Hazel continued to live by herself until 2003 when she moved into the Rose Garden Estates in Ritzville. Surviving is her daughter Patty Lou Richmond and husband Tom of Goodyear, AZ; and three grandsons, Kevin, Kirk and Kent Herring. Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Monday, Aug 7, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA is in charge of funeral arrangements.” (Spokesman-Review: 8-05-2006, submitted)

Vostral: ( b. 1870, d. 1949)  “Joseph Vostral, 78, Ritzville pioneer, died suddenly at his Ritzville home on Tuesday, Feb 1. Funeral services were held Friday from St Agnes Catholic Church there, with Father C. M. Depiere officiating. Interment was in the Ritzville Cemetery. Mr. Vostral was approaching his 79^th birthday. He was born in Bohemia and came to this country at the age of nine, with his parents. Later he homesteaded a place eight miles north of Ritzville, and lived there for about 12 years, then moving to Silver Lake, MN, farming there four years, returning to Ritzville to locate on a farm 12 miles north of Ritzville, living there over 40 years. For the past year and a half he has made his home in town. He was married to Agnes Pavlish, of Minnesota, who preceded him in death by five years. He is survived by two sons, Ed, of Ralston, and Henry, of Ritzville; three daughters, Mrs. Agnes Kiehn and Mrs. Alice Anderson of Ritzville; Mrs. Ethel Anderson of Odessa; and three sisters, Mrs. S. J. Williams, Ritzville; Mrs. Emma Aherin of Odessa; and Mrs. Katie Wilcox, Medical Lake.” (Odessa Record: 2-10-1949)

Vostral: ( b. 1901, d. 1948) “Joseph James Vostral, 47, died at the Ritzville general hospital Tuesday. He had been a lifetime resident of the Packard area. Surviving are his father, Joseph Vostral, Ritzville; two brothers, Henry, Ritzville; and Ed, Ralston; three sisters, Mrs. Carl Kiehn and Mrs. Dan Andrews, Ritzville; and Mrs. Oscar Anderson, Odessa. Mr. Vostral was a member of the St Agnes Catholic church. Rosary will be held at 7:30 tonight, and funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in St Agnes church, the Rev C. M. Depiere officiating.” (Odessa Record: 6-10-1948)

Vostral: ( b. 1909, d.  Dec 30, 2003)  “Martha Fredia Vostral, age 94, Ritzville, WA.—a life long area resident of Adams County, passed a way on Tuesday, Dec 30, 2003, at the Life Care Center in Ritzville, WA. Attended Ritzville schools graduating from high school there in 1929. Martha married Henry John Vostral on Nov 8, 1932. They made their home on the Vostral wheat farm near Marcellus, WA until his death, Feb 18, 1981. she moved into Ritzville in 1982. Member of the St Agnes Catholic Church and active in the church alter society,  member of the Marcellus Grange and held several offices. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, six sisters and three brothers. Surviving is her son Henry J Vostral and wife Lois of Kalamazoo, Michigan; three granddaughters, Sharra Vostral and husband Ray Fouche’ of Schenectady, NY, Mara Vostral of Cambridge, MA, and Chandra Vostral and husband Andrew Shauer of Salt Lake city, Utah; a sister, Bertha Allen, of Cheyenne, WY; a grandson Eads Vostral Fouche’; and by several nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be held Jan 5, 2004 at 10 a.m. at St Agnes Catholic Church, Ritzville, WA. Concluding services and vault interment will follow at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, is in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 1-03-2004)**

Wacker: (d. Sep 22, 2009)  “David J Wacker.—Passed away Sept 22, 2009 in Spokane, WA; his home, Davenport, WA. He is survived by his wife Mary Wacker at the home; one son, Michael and Susan of Spokane Valley, WA. He has two grandchildren, Chris Walker and Sharma Thornton and five great grandchildren. He also has one step-daughter, Kathleen (and Ted) Ludgate of Edmonds, WA and four step grandchildren, Jada Pomeroy, Lindsey Witcomb, Marit Ludgate and Rubby Ludgate. David also has one brother, Jerry (and Kathy) Walker of Spokane Valley, WA; and one sister, Florence Brevet of Spokane, WA, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Phyllis Wacker in 1966, two brothers, Alvin and Richard Wacker and two sisters Ruth Jacquot and Bernice Gaspard. He was a member of the Odessa VFW, EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.), IBEW, and was WW II Army Air Corp Vet and was a bombardier in a B-17 bomber. Funeral service, Friday, Sept 25, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Davenport, WA with Father Pat MacMahon, officiating. Family Interment will be held at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, Ritzville, WA. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, is caring for the family.” (Spokesman Review: submitted)  

Wagner: ( b. Dec 13, 1917, d. Oct 30, 1998)  “Mabel M Wagner, age 80.—A lifelong resident of Ritzville, WA, passed away on Friday, Oct 30, 1998 at the Life Care Center, Ritzville, WA. Surviving is a son, Byron Wagner and his wife Barbara of Ritzville; a daughter, Janice ‘Pud’ Iltz and her husband Marvin of Ritzville; a sister, Viola Cady of Spokane; a brother, Melvin Cree of Tacoma; four grandchildren; Layne Iltz and Nancy Voise, Jay and Keith Humphrey; 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emil Wagner in April of 1963 and by a brother, Isham ‘Babe’ Cree. She was a member of the C. J. Newland American Legion Post #51 Ladies Auxiliary and the Moses Lake Eagles Lodge. Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Monday, Nov 2, 1998 at 11 a.m. at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Sandra Sparks officiating. Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, is in charge of funeral arrangements. Mrs. Wagner will lie-in-state at the Danekas Funeral Home on Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon to 7 p.m. and on Monday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.” (Spokesman-Review: 10-31-1998)

Wagner, Victor:   11-05-1936

"Funeral services for Victor L Wagner, 27, insurance salesman from Ritzville, who committed suicide there Saturday, were held Tuesday at 10:30, from the Philadelphia Congregational church, the Rev H Neutzman officiating." (Odessa Record: 11-05-1936)

Walenta: ( b. Mar 24, 1894, d. 1954)  “Funeral services were held from a Ritzville funeral home chapel on Saturday afternoon for Joseph Walenta, 60, who died Tuesday afternoon at the Adams County Memorial hospital. The Rev R. W. Reiger officiated.  Walenta was born March 24, 1894, in Czechoslovakia, and had operated a garage business in Odessa for many years. He moved to Ritzville form Odessa 19 years ago. A mechanic all his life, he was operating his own garage there at the time of his death.  Survivors include the widow, Katherine, at the home; one daughter, Mrs. Frances Hoffman of Ritzville; two sons, Lawrence of Ritzville and Howard of Seattle; and six grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 4-29-1954)  

Walenta: ( b. Oct 12, 1895, d. Sep 21, 1980)  Katherine Margaret Walter Walenta died Sept 21, 1980 in Ritzville. She was born Oct 12, 1895 in Walla Walla. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph in 1954. Interment was in Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Survivors include: daughter, Mrs. Frances Hoffman of Ritzville; two sons, Lawrence and Howard Walenta; brother, Adam Walter of Spokane; sisters: Mrs. Leona Clark of Tacoma and Mrs. Alice Stewart of Tumwater, WA. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-09-1980) died Sept 21, 1980 in Ritzville. She was born Oct 12, 1895 in Walla Walla. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph in 1954. Interment was in Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Survivors include: daughter, Mrs. Frances Hoffman of Ritzville; two sons, Lawrence and Howard Walenta; brother, Adam Walter of Spokane; sisters: Mrs. Leona Clark of Tacoma and Mrs. Alice Stewart of Tumwater, WA. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-09-1980)

Walenta: ( b. May 16, 1921, d. Nov 20, 2002)  Lawrence J. Walenta died Nov 10, 2002 in Ritzville. He was born in Odessa on May 16, 1921, the son of Joseph and Katie (Walter) Walenta. He attended school in Odessa until 1935 when his family moved to Ritzville.  He graduated from Ritzville High School in 1940. He entered the US Army in July 1942. He married Allaine Weise in 1943. Following WW II he was employed by the Shell Oil Co. He purchased the business in 1946 and operated it until his retirement in Sept 1980. He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Walenta and a grandson, Tucker Taylor. Surviving is his wife, Allaine, at the family home; two daughters, Laurice Moore and husband Robert, of Kent, WA; and Laurel Taylor and husband Greg of Sandpoint, ID; grandchildren; and a sister, Frances Hoffman of Ritzville.  Interment was at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: 11-21-2002)

Walter:( b. May 19, 1891, d. 1956) “Funeral services were held from Ritzville Zion Congregational church on Wednesday afternoon for Conrad A. Walter, Ritzville pioneer. The Rev R. W. Reiger and the Rev Alex Rehn officiated with interment in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.  Mr. Walter was born May 19, 1891, at Frank, Russia. He married Anna Marie Weber on Nov 16, 1897, and from their union 14 children were born, four preceding him in death.  Mr. and Mrs. Walter came to the US on March 27, 1903, stopping at Ritzville. Mr. Walter worked on a farm that summer at Odessa, then at the Flouring Mill here until 1908. After that he took up farming on his own, on various places in the Odessa and Ritzville area until 1936 when he retired to Ritzville until his death on Monday, after an illness of six years. He was 85.  Mr. and Mrs. Walter would have celebrated their 59^th wedding anniversary on Nov 16.  Survivors include his wife, Anna Walter, at the home; 8 daughters, Mrs. Fred Lenhart, Odessa; Mrs. Art Stueckle, Colfax; Mrs. Virgil L. Lind, Ellensburg; Mrs. Gene Koch, Wenatchee; Mrs. George Ils, Ritzville; Mrs. Ervin Ziemer, Ritzville; Mrs. L. W. Kuch, Ritzville; and Mrs. Don Pankow, Toppenish; two sons, Henry Walter, Marlin, and Sam Walter, Ritzville; 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 9-30-1956)

Walters: ( b. Nov 5, 1917, d. Jul 18, 1998) “Karl Walters passed away July 18, 1998 in Tigard , OR , at the age of 80. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. at the Ritzville City Cemetery. Mr. Walters was born on Nov 5, 1917, in Ritzville to Jacob and Mary (Adler) Walters. Karl attended school in Ritzville and graduated from Harrington High School in 1937. He married Lucille Darling on Sept 29, 1966. Mr Walters was a wheat rancher for 50 years in the Harrington and Davenport areas. He retired in Salem, OR , in 1981 and moved to the Portland Metropolitan area in 1985, where he resided until his death. His hobbies included traveling and bowling. He was a lifetime member of the Lions Club. He also was a member of the Grain Growers and the Odessa Union Warehouse Co-op. He is survived by his wife Lucille Walters, of Portland, OR; his stepsons, Garry Lynch and his wife Carol of Battleground, WA, and Steven Lynch of Portland; his sisters, Rosemary Blankenship of Ritzville, Viola Lilla of Spokane, and Helen Gullidge of Whidbey Island; his nephew, Nick Lilla and his wife Sue of Beaverton, OR; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Young’s Funeral Home in Tigard , OR was in charge of arrangements.” (Davenport Times:  7-23-1998)   

Warsinke: ( b. 1897, d. 1946)  “R. G. Warsinke, well known Ritzville business man and chief of the volunteer fire department there for the last 10 years, died suddenly of a heart attack Tuesday at his home there. Through his fire department activities he had become widely known throughout the area.” (Odessa Record: 5-02-1946)

Weber:  “Caroline Weber.—Her home , Ritzville, Wash.  Survived by seven sons: Henry Weber, Wenatchee; John Weber, Dan Weber and Harold Weber, all of Ritzville; Dave Weber, Odessa; George Weber, Seattle, and Sam Weber, Ontario, OR; five daughters: Mrs. Lena Reiman, Dryden, WA; Mrs. Lydia Heimbigner, Ritzville; Mrs. Edith parries, Everett, WA; Mrs. Elsie Hoppe, in CA, and Mrs. Martha Williams, Odessa; 73 grandchildren; 167 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Martha Guenthner, Berkeley, CA. Funeral services Monday, Sept 30 at 11 a.m. from Philadelphia Congregational Church, Ritzville, WA. Rev Ernest Sprenger officiating. Interment the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, Ritzville, WA. The Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, in charge. Mrs. Weber will lie in state at the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, Sunday, Sept 29.” (Spokesman Review: undated 1968)

Weber:( b. Dec 31, 1916, d. Mar 24, 1973)  “Eugene John Weber, 56, died suddenly at his home Saturday night, March 24.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Zion Congregational Church. Eugene Weber was born Dec 31, 1916 at the farm of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W Weber, on the Lincoln-Adams county line. He was a farmer, and in recent years moved to Ritzville, continuing to farm. He was a rural mail carrier here, driving the mail daily to Packard, Marcellus and Kageleville. He was a member of the Zion Congregational Church and the Marcellus Grange. His wife, Anna, preceded him in death about two years ago.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Weber, Ritzville; and by six brothers, Ernest of Quincy; Pete of San Bernadino, CA; Tom of Seattle; Jack of Brush Prairie, WA; Jerry of Odessa; and Michael of Ritzville. The Rev Donald Blanchette conducted the funeral. A duet, Mrs. Henry Leisle and Mrs. Martin Ernst, sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘Lead, Kindly Light’.  Organ accompanist was Mrs. Doug McLean.  Pall bearers were Walter Heimbigner, Victor Hoersch, Howard Kramer, Alfred Dormaier, Ronald Reiman and David Schafer. Honorary pall bearers were Ben Gunsch, Clarence Schoessler, Ted Young, Lawrence Lenhart and Robert Maier. Concluding services and vault interment were at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 4-05-1973)

Weber: ( b. 1886, d. 1964)  “Funeral services for Gotlieb P. Weber, long time resident of the Odessa and Ritzville areas, were held at the Zion Congregational church in Ritzville on Saturday. Burial was in the Ritzville Cemetery. The Rev Beryl Melcher officiated.  Survivors include his wife, Agnes Weber, at the home; three daughters, Mrs. William (Lillian) Miller, Ritzville; Mrs. C. W. (Opal) Stephens, Soap Lake; Mrs. Ray (Violet) Hardin, Riverside, CA; 2 grandsons, Merrill N. Schutz, Spokane; Dennis C. Stephens, Soap Lake; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mrs. John Hopp, Odessa; Mrs. Nathan Reiman, Stockton, CA; 4 brothers, J. P. Weber, Odessa; John P. Weber, Oregon City, OR; H. P. Weber, Stockton, CA; Rev Jonathan P. Weber, Rocky Ford, CO.” (Odessa Record: 9-22-1964(

Weber: ( b. Jan 25, 1896, d. Sep 5, 1988)  “Louise C. ‘Lucy’ Weber of Ritzville, born Jan 25, 1896 in Menno, SD to Gottlieb and Sophia Schorzman, passed away Sept 5 at Ritzville Memorial Hospital. She had lived in recent months at a Moses Lake retirement home.  She came with her parents to the Quincy area in 1903, where she married John Weber in 1915. The couple moved to a farm northwest of Ritzville, living there until their retirement, when they moved into Ritzville. Mrs. Weber was a member of Zion Congregational Church, a 50-year member of Marcellus Grange and a charter member of the Ho’n’Gro Garden Club. She was also a member of the Daughters of Zion, the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, the Adams County Historical Society, and the Gritman Senior Center. She had been a 4-H club leader as well. Mrs. Weber, preceded in death by her husband in 1981 and by three sons and a daughter, is survived by six sons: Gerald Weber of Odessa, Ernest Weber of Quincy, Peter Weber of George, Thomas Weber of Seattle, Jack Weber of Brush Prairie and Michael Weber of Ritzville; by a sister, Kathryn Reiman of Ritzville; and by 24 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Funeral service was held Sept 10 at Zion Congregational Church, Ritzville, the Rev Russell Clark officiating. Interment followed with concluding services at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, her sons acting as casket bearers.” (Odessa Record: 9-22-1988)

Weber: ( b. Nov 17, 1929, d. Sep 29, 1969)  Robert J. Weber died Sept 29, 1969 in a car-train collision. Burial in Ritzville. Bob was born Nov 17, 1929 at Ritzville, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Weber. He married Evelyn White at Ritzville on Sept 15, 1951. He leaves his wife, two sons, a daughter, his parents, 7 brothers. (notes from Odessa Record: 10-02-1969) 

Weizel: ( b. Sep 24, 1891, d. Jan 9, 1976)  “Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan 12, at 11 a.m. for Mrs. Katie Weizel at the Philadelphia Congregational Church, Ritzville, with the Rev Ernest Sprenger officiating. Mrs. Weizel had gone to California on Dec 15 for the holidays and to be with members of her family. She became ill while at the home of a daughter and died on Jan 9 in an Orange, CA, hospital, at the age of 84.  Katie Lenhart Weizel, the daughter of George and Katherine Lenhart, was born at Walla Walla, on Sept 24, 1891. Jacob P. Weizel, her husband, preceded her in death on July 31, 1973. After marriage the Weizels farmed between Ritzville and Odessa and continued to do this until 1947 at which time they retired to their newly built home in Ritzville. Surviving Mrs. Weizel are one son, LeeRoy Weizel, of Ritzville; and two daughters, Mrs. James (Lucille) Ferguson of Orange, CA, and Mrs. Orville (Virginia) Parn of Hoquiam, WA. She is also survived by two brothers, John Lenhart of Spokane and Jacob Lenhart of Ritzville; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a member of the Philadelphia Congregational Church and the Senior Ladies Aid. Three sacred selections were sung during the service by the congregation. Mrs Robert Heider served as organist. Casket bearers were Selmar Kirstein, Laurence Lenhart, Don Schibel, Clarence Lenhart, Wayne Lenhart and William Schmidt. The concluding services and interment was in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 1-22-1976)  

Wentworth: (d. 1968)  “Clinton D. Wentworth, age 85.—His home, Ritzville, Wash.  Survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. A. R. (Helen) Hanson, Ritzville; Mrs. Jean Bush, Mercer Island, Wash.; one son, Donald Wentworth, Puyallup, Wash; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Member of Philadelphia Congregational Church. Funeral services Thursday, June 20, at 11 a.m. form the Chapel of Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, Wash.  Rev Ernest Sprenger officiating. Interment Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.” (Spokesman Review: 6-20-1968)   

Wiest: ( b. Mar 1, 1890, d. May 27, 1966)  “Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 31, at 2 p.m. for Michael Wiest at the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, with the Rev Gordon Welk officiating. Mike Wiest passed away Friday, May 27, at the Odessa Memorial Hospital.  Sacred selections sung were ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ and ‘Going Down the Valley One by One’ by soloist, Milton Sackmann. Organist was Diane Roloff. Mike Wiest was born in Liepsig, Bessarabia, South Russia on March 1, 1890. In 1898 he came with his family to the US and settled near Glen Ulen, N Dakota. After the death of his mother the family returned to Russia in 1910. Mr. Wiest served 6 years and 7 months in the Russian Army most of this during World War I. On March 22, 1918 he was united in marriage to Mary Grams in Klestiech, Romania.  Because of Mr. Wiest’s intense desire to again return to the US and because the immigration quota from Romania was very small, in the fall of 1925 Mr. and Mrs. Wiest and children emigrated to San Paulo, Brazil where Mr. Wiest became a Brazilian citizen so he could enter the US under the Brazilian immigration quota. In April 1928 the family arrived at Ralston, Washington and lived there until 1956 when Mr. Wiest retired after working 26 years for the Milwaukee Railroad, and moved to Ritzville. Mrs. Wiest preceded her husband in death in July 1961. Three children died in infancy. Survivors include: one son, Alfred Wiest, Odessa; 2 daughters, Erna Coleman, Opportunity; and Landa Trimble, Spokane; 7 grandchildren which include Harold, David and Paul Wiest of Odessa; one sister, Mrs. Andrew (Ella) Kellar, Waterloo, NY; and 3 brothers, Henry Wiest, Hazen, ND; Theodor Wiest, Hamburg, Germany; and Johan Wiest, Timisara, Romania. Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased: Arthur Roloff, Edwin Roloff, Otto Grams, Adolph Grams, Ronald Grams, and Bill Grams.  Interment was in the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 6-02-1969(NI)  

Wiffin: ( b. 1868, d. 1935)  “A. L. Wiffin, pioneer Ritzville jeweler, died there Sunday after a long illness with heart trouble. He had lived at Ritzville 29 years, coming from Chicago , where he had been with a wholesale jewelry house for many years. He established a jewelry store there and sold it last November to Grant Hahn, Spokane .  During his time at Ritzville he served two terms as mayor and had been councilman at large many years.  He is survived by his widow, a son and two daughters.” ( Odessa Record: 12-20-1935)

Wittmaier: (d. 1975)  “Jacob Wittmaier.—His home 307 S Columbia, Ritzville, WA. Survived by his wife, Erma, at the home; one step-daughter, Mrs James Holschen, Portland, OR; a stepson, Darold Oestreich, of Winston-Salem, NC; 6 sisters, Mrs Robert Zeizzler, San Jose, CA, Mrs John Dismond, Glendale, AZ; Mrs Carl Cole, Flint, MI; Mrs Tobias Wolf, Hazen, ND; Mrs David Boeckel, Beulah, ND; and Mrs John Anderson, Holiday, ND; 2 brothers, Carl Wittmaier, Beulah, ND; and Sam Wittmaier, Catskill, NY; 3 step grandchildren. He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy of Pasco, WA. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan 7 at 2 p.m. from the Church of the Nazarene, Ritzville, WA, with the Rev Harrell Poarch officiating. Interment Ritzville City Cemetery. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 1-07-1975)

Woitt: ( b. Dec 19, 1894, d. Apr 23, 1915)   "The funeral of Mrs. Josephine Woitt, wife of Jake Woitt formerly of this city but who has made his residence at Ritzville for the past year, was held at the Methodist church in Ritzville on Sunday afternoon, the Rev C W Williams conducting the services. Mrs. Woitt passed away at her home in that city last Friday afternoon. A large number of friends and relatives from here attended the funeral among them being: Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Woitt, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Woitt, Mr. and Mrs. Con Walter, Mr. and Mrs. John Hopp, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Schatz, Mr. and Mrs. John Schafer, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hein and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Giese." (Odessa Record: 4-30-1915)  

Wollenberg: ( b. 1880, d. 1955)  ( Ferdinand)" F. F. Wollenberg, 75, widely known through this area as a grain elevator operator, died at a Spokane area hospital Friday. Funeral services were held at Edwall on Monday, the Rev Clyde Hall officiating, with burial at Ritzville. The Strate Funeral Home was in charge, and the Ritzville Masonic lodge had charge of the burial service.  Born at Valley Creek, MN, March 6, 1880, Mr. Wollenberg came to this area in 1900.  He farmed north of Irby, then operated warehouses at Irby and Mohler, moving to Edwall in 1927. He was married to Miss Elsie Ott of Ritzville, Feb 14, 1905.  He was a member of the Edwall Methodist Church, and belonged to the Ritzville Masonic and Modern Woodmen of America lodges.  Survivors include his wife at the home;  two sons, Harold and Leroy Wollenberg, and one daughter, Mrs. Ella Gebert, all of southern California.” (Odessa Record:  10-06-1955)

Woodside: (d. 1971)  “Frank E. Woodside.—His home, 102 E 5^th, Ritzville, WA. He is survived by his wife, Lyda, at the home; one daughter, Mrs. Howard (Barbara) Teske, Ritzville; one son, Loren Woodside, Lind, WA; 8 grandchildren. He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville. He was a charter member of Twin Bridges Legion Post No. 31, Montana. A member of F&AM No. 101 Ritzville. A retired employee of the Washington Water Power Company for 38 years. Funeral services will be Friday, Aug 6, at 10:30 a.m. from the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville. Pastor Floyd Yokers officiating. Interment at the Lutheran Cemetery, Ritzville, Wash. The Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, is in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 8-06-1971)

York: ( b. 1959, d. 1936)  “Frank York, 76, pioneer of the Menno district, died Friday and was buried on Monday in the Ritzville Cemetery, with services at the Haight chapel, Elder Paul Gering of Menno officiating.  Born in Ireland in 1859 he came to this country when a boy, lived in LaSalle, IL, until 1889, at which time he located on a ranch in Adams County, where he raised pure bred horses and cattle. In 1903 he was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Gillmore, who died soon after, and in 1906 he was married to Miss Emma E Cauble. He is survived by his widow, three brothers and three sisters, and many friends.” (Odessa Record: 5-14-1936; edit: Agnes and Frank have TS at Ritzville Mem. Cem.)

Zabel: ( b. Mar 27, 1866, d. Oct 24, 1918)  Frank Zabel, one of the oldest pioneers of Adams and Grant counties, died Thursday morning, Oct 24, of heart trouble and other complications at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo Rose, of Ritzville. He was 52 years of age. Frank Zabel as a man was highly respected by everyone who knew him. He was born in Germany, Mar 27, 1866, the son of Carl and Charlotte Zabel. He came west to the frontier about 1888 and settled at Lower Crab Creek with his brother, Gus Zabel, who succumbed several months ago. After two years he returned to Germany and came back in 1890 and married Othelia Kruger in Ritzville, then re-settling at Lower Crab Creek. Here he began life as a cowboy, buying some cattle of his own and riding for some of the renowned western cowmen of the country. About 1897 he moved to Adams County, settling in the Weber Coulee, and took up a homestead. He started the first alfalfa ranch in eastern Washington which was a perfect success. He still owned it at the time of his death, and at present it is rented by Fred Arlt.  He was a Christian man, first attending the Lutheran church and later affiliating with the Methodist church. He is survived by his wife and four daughters. They are Mrs. Olga Rose, Spokane; Mrs. Elsie Rose, Ritzville; Mrs. Clara Nelson and Miss Lydia Zabel, Marysville, WA. Funeral services were held at 2 PM Saturday, conducted by Rev M J Perdue.”  (Ritzville Journal Times: 10-31-1918)       

Zeiler: ( b. Jan 22, 1909, d. Dec 21, 1972)  “Mrs. Elsie Heimbigner Zeiler, who passed away the morning of Dec 21 at her home in Odessa at the age of 63, was born Jan 22, 1909 in Ritzville. She received some of her elementary education in Ritzville and graduated from Farmington High School. She worked for several years in Spokane and then was married to Edward Zeiler on Dec 10, 1939. She has been a resident of Odessa for the past 33 years.  Funeral services for Mrs. Zeiler were held at 2 p.m. on Dec 26, 1972 from Danekas Chapel in Ritzville, with Strate Funeral Home in charge. Pastor Daniel Cronrath officiated. Casket bearers were Jim Kinzel, Roy Koch, Everett Koch, Carl Repp, Bud King and Lloyd Kinzel.  Mrs. Zeiler is survived by her husband, Edward Zeiler, at the home; one daughter, Mrs. Beatrice Kaye Lyon of Spokane; her mother, Mrs. Mary Heimbigner of Ritzville; one sister, Mrs. Ruby Zeiler of Odessa; three brothers, Roy Heimbigner, Oakesdale; Clarence Heimbigner of Spokane; and Everett Heimbigner, Phoenix, AZ. Interment was at the Ritzville Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 12-28-1972) 

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Ritzville Memorial Cemetery Obituaries, Adams County,

Washington contributed by Marge Womach to the

WAGenWeb, 2008-2009. 

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