GenealogyBuff.com - a great place to start your genealogy research!

Miscellaneous Clearwater County, Idaho Obituaries


Hans Wetter, 87, Lewiston
Longtime Orofino resident Hans Wetter died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002 at Life Care Center in Lewiston. Hans was born Oct. 4, 1914 to Ferdinand Wetter and Hedwig Zellweger Wetter at Moreschwil, canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. He became a U.S. citizen in 1937. He graduated from Plummer High School in 1933 and earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Idaho. Hans was active in several organizations, including Kiwanis Club, the Republican Party, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was past president of the Orofino Chamber Commerce and worked seven seasons for the U.S. Forest Service in blister rust control in the St. Joe National Forest. During the Great Depression he rode freight trains for two years, finding harvest jobs in the Midwest wheat belt. After college he worked for the Clearwater Tribune in Orofino. His hobbies included raising pigeons, gardening, traveling and reading, and he was an avid stamp collector. A funeral service was held Tuesday at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino, followed by burial at the Wells Bench Cemetery.

Donald E. Webster, 64, Weippe
Retired Weippe logger, rancher and school teacher Don Webster died Jan. 11, 2002 at his Weippe home and farm. As a child he lived in various rural counties throughout the west before his family moved to Weippe, where he graduated high school. He attended the University of Idaho from 1954-1957. Don balanced his passion for being a woodsman with his love of being a family man and farmer on his ranch in Weippe on Three Miles Road. He was careful not to scar the land during his woodsman career. he taught school in Weippe until the late 1970s, and later was active in a number of events and organizations, such as the Odd Fellows, the Hilltop Heritage Society with his wife Nancy Webster, the Hilltop Theater Group, the Weippe City Council, the Camas Festival, and the Weippe I.O.O.F. organization. Don enjoyed sports, hunting, and the history of the hilltop, as well as sharing stories about the native area. A memorial service was held Wednesday at the Wesleyan Church in Weippe. A graveside service was held at the Weippe Community Cemetery.

Patricia A. Taylor, 79, Lewiston
Patricia A. Taylor of Lewiston died Jan. 10, 2002 at the home of her daughter in Orofino. Patricia graduated from White Bird High School and attended business college at Lewiston. During her 55 years of marriage to Mark Taylor they owned the Skookumchuck Ranch near White Bird, a trailer court and a portable rock crusher. Following Mark's construction jobs the couple moved a lot, but Pat was always cheerful when the time to move came. Pat enjoyed camping, working in her yard, her flowers and spending time with family and friends. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will take place Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1424 Main Street in Lewiston. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Gregory Leon Key, 45, Weippe
Funeral services were held Monday for Gregory Leon Key, a telecommunications technician, who suffered an apparent heart attack. He died Jan. 9, 2002 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. Greg was involved in FFA and 4-H as a youth. He graduated from Umapine High School in Oregon. In 1978 Greg and his father Lenard formed Lenard Key Farm at Umapine, where they farmed together until Lenard's death in 1981. Greg continued operating the farm until it was sold in 1988. He began working seasonally for the U.S. Forest Service, eventually relocating to Orofino as a radio technician with the Clearwater National Forest. He enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing, and was a jack-of-all trades carpenter and loved to work with wood and in the woods. An avid supporter of the Weippe Wesleyan Youth Center, he spent many hours helping with maintenance and remodeling, and was a member of the Weippe Odd Fellows. Burial occurred at Fraser Cemetery. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Edward Dawson, 78, Woodland, Wash.
Edward E. Dawson, who had heart disease, died Dec. 17, 2001 at Southwest Medical Center. He was born March 21, 1923 in Orofino and moved to Woodland from Utah in 1977. After serving in the Navy, he worked in civil service and was involved with top secret work for the U.S. Department of Defense for 34 years. He loved to dance and taught dancing, enjoyed woodworking, was a life member of the Kalama-Woodland Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite of Vancouver. A service will be held later.

Margaret H. Johnson, 90, long of Orofino
Margaret H. Johnson, long-time Orofino resident, passed away at Sunbridge Manor Nursing Home in Meridian Jan. 20, 2002. Margaret married Alfred O. Johnson in 1930 in Orofino, and they made their home in Orofino until Margaret moved to Meridian 20 years after Alfred's death. For many years they operated a dairy farm on Harmony Heights and after leaving the farm Margaret worked at most of the Orofino restaurants. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, canning, walking, Bible study and many volunteer activities. She also enjoyed traveling with her sister, Myrtle, to visit family and friends. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002 at 11 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church. A private burial was held at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Doris Boring, 72, Orofino
Dorothy Doris Boring died Jan. 16, 2002 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston following a fall in her Orofino home. Born in American Falls, ID Dorothy lived in Orofino for many years and was well-known and loved. She attended the S.D.A. Church and enjoyed gardening and having flowers around her. She always helped others.

Thomas (Tom) Henry Cottenham, 61
Thomas Henry Cottenham passed away Jan. 19, 2002 at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise. Death was attributed to a heart attack. Born in Lansing, Mich. and raised in Tacoma, WA, he married his wife Shirley in 1962. In 1990 they moved to Peck and then to Orofino in 1994 before moving to Riggins in 1995. Tom served one year in the U.S. Coast Guard was an active member in the Fraternal Order of Eagles for several years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed camping as well as spending time with friends and family. Cremation has taken place. Sevices will be held Friday, Jan. 25 in the basement of Summervills American Bar and Grill at 106 S. Main St., Riggins, ID.

Nancy C. Webster, 57, Weippe
Nancy Carole Webster of Weippe passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of a ruptured brain aneurysm. Nancy attended school in Pierce, Oroville, WA, Calgary, Alberta, Canada and Spokane and graduated from Pierce High School in 1962. She also attended the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College and planned to graduate in May 2002 with a bachelor's of science degree in social science with a minor in eduction. Among her numerous activities and hobbies was a passion for history, and she wrote about many hilltop families and spearheaded a drive to start up the Hilltop Heritage Society. "Everyone's history is important," she often insisted, inspiring others with her endless enthusiasm. A memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 31 at the Wesleyan Church in Weippe, with the Rev. Don Blain conducting. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Arthur B. Johnson, 80, Orofino
Longtime Orofino resident Arthur B. Johnson died Dec. 24, 2001 at Spokane. Art graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1940 and later from the University of Idaho with a degree in forest management. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, piloting P-61 Night Fighters in Italy. Afterwards he married and worked for the U.S. Forest Service until retirement in 1976. He was a member of WWII Night Fighters groups, the Kiwanis, Elks Lodge and the National Rifle Association, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at the Orofino United Methodist Church.

Raven Dawn Jones, infant
Raven Dawn Jones, born Oct. 23, 2001, went to be with the Lord Dec. 23, 2001. "We are so glad to have had her these past two months. She blessed our lives and we will miss you, Pumpkin," said her family. Graveside services were held at the Elk River Cemetery Dec. 28. Arrangements were under the direction of Short's Funeral Chapel.

Everett W. VanDevender, 83, Texas
Everett W. VanDevender of Chamanche, TX passed away Dec. 21, 2001 at a nursing home in Burleson, TX. Everett grew up on a small farm his parents purchased, three miles southwest of Weippe on the breaks of the Lolo Canyon. He attended school at the O.K. School Dist. #30, a one-room schoolhouse with 30 students of all ages and grades and one teacher and spent much of his young adult life farming and working at the local lumber mills. Soon after Pearl Harbor, in 1941, Everett was drafted into the U.S. Army. His armed services career took him to various army bases around the U.S. and eventually overseas in 1943, where he fought in the combat lines in Germany. Following retirement in 1983, Everett bought some land in Comanche and built a retirement home, where he and his wife enjoyed nature's scenery. Funeral services were held in Burleson with burial following at the Comanche Cemetery.

Beulah Pederson, 95, Orofino
Beulah Pederson died Jan. 2, 2003 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. Beulah was born April 2, 1907 in Southwick to Fred Grimm and Mary (King). She attended the Elk Creek School on the North Fork of the Clearwater River, completing the eighth grade. She married Iver Pederson in Asotin, Wash. March 23, 1934. She was a homemaker all her life and a member of the Christian Church. Survivors include two daughters, Helen Vernon and Violet Lee of Orofino; two sons, Ray Pederson of Grangeville and Elmer Pederson of Lewiston; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Fred Browning officiating. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Abell Solomon, 70, Troy
Mildred Elaine Abell Solomon passed away Jan. 3, 2003. She was born Oct. 17, 1932 to Eula Grace and Claude Bowman in Maple City, Kan. At the time of her death, she had been living in Troy, moving there in 1986 from Elk River, where she had been a resident since moving from Missouri in 1959. Mildred was a housewife, mother and grandmother. A business woman, she owned and operated the restaurant in Elk River for many years called Esther's Cafe. She was an Avon representative for 30 years and delivered papers for the Daily News in Moscow the past six years. She also worked at the University of Idaho and at the University Inn at Moscow for many years. She enjoyed playing canasta, gardening, making candy and going on picnics, and organizing the yearly Easter picnics and Christmas dinner gatherings. Mildred is survived by her four children, Lawanda and Gerald Snyder, their children Lisa and Lacey Snyder and Robin, Karin and Darrin Dahl; Bonnie and Joe Higgins, their daughters Corina and Monica Higgins; Francis Latta, his children Wade and Wyn Latta and Jeffrey and MaryAnn Latta; Debbie and Walt Runkle, their children Michael and Jennifer Knott and Danielle Knott. She also has 19 great-grandchildren and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States, and many cherished friends. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church of the Nazarene in Troy. Pastor David Halverson will officiate. Following the service a covered dish dinner will be held at the Deary Fire Hall in Deary. A graveside service will be held at Three Pines Cemetery in Elk River at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in the form or contributions to the Troy Elementary School Playground Equipment Fund.

Jonnah Parker, 17, formerly of Orofino
Jonnah M. Parker of Eugene, Ore., died of pneumonia Dec. 30, 2002. Jonnah was born Oct. 3, 1985 in Spokane, Wash. Her parents were William H. Parker, Jodie (Haggard) and Laurence Haggard. Before moving to Eugene, Ore. one month ago, Jonnah lived in Orofino, Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene. She received her education at Orofino Elementary School, Lewiston Middle and High Schools and at Opportunities Unlimited. Jonnah was a miracle child and gave many interviews, being written up in the papers many times. She enjoyed listening to music and singing, being read to, dance, shopping, cooking, caring for others and making them happy. She enjoyed going to church and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is survived by her parents, Laurence and Jodie Haggard of Eugene, Ore.; three brothers, Kenneth Shriver of Orofino, Phillip Shriver of Lewiston and Matthew Shriver of Las Vegas, Nev.; one sister, Jeni McGovern of Coeur d'Alene and grandparents, June Haggard of Orofino and Fred and Betty Parker of Sun City, Ariz. Funeral services were held Jan. 4 at the Santa Clara Second Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial followed at West Lawn Memorial Park. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Opportunities Unlimited, 2705 E. Main St., Lewiston, ID 83501. A memorial service to celebrate Jonnah's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Orofino LDS Church, 13610 Fremont Ave., Orofino.

MacKenzie Irene Lee
MacKenzie Irene Lee was born and entered rest on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash. She is the daughter of Bruce and Amanda Lee of Rathdrum. Survivors are maternal grand-parents Gary and Wilma Hartig of Weippe and great-grandparents Dean and Irene Snyder, Orofino and Leroy and Ann Hartig of Pierce. Paternal grandparents are Jay and Coral Lee of Orofino. Great-grandparents are Vivian Sawyer, Orofino; Will Lee, Rochester, Wash., Don and Ellen Berry of Anderson Island, Wash. and Don and Eva MacArthur of Glen Allen, Alabama. She is also survived by a half sister, Meghan Miller of Orofino and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino, with a private burial following at Riverside Cemetery.

Curtis Morse, 97
Curtis Morse of Newberg, Ore., died Dec. 10, 2002 in Newberg. He was born Sept. 21, 1905 to Asa and Anna Morse. He moved to Nampa at age seven and completed high school in Melba. He attended George Fox University, then called Pacific College. He met his wife, Margaret Nothiger, in 1930 and they married three years later. The couple spent a year in full time Christian work before Curtis became employed at a sawmill in Weippe, Idaho. Five years later they moved to Lewiston, Greenleaf, and Homedale, and then to Oregon. Curtis is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Newberg, Ore.; three sons, Sam and Geraldine Morse of Beaver Creek, Ore., Paul and Meredith Morse, Tigard, Ore., and Howard and Monna Morse of Trout Creek, Mont.; a daughter, Barbara Morse of Oaxaca, Mexico; a brother, Donald Morse of Hayden; eight grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Dec. 14, 2002 at the Newberg Friends Church.

Neil S. Eck, 50
Neil S. Eck of Lewiston, died Dec. 25, 2002 after a long battle with heart disease. He was born July 22, 1952 in Moscow to Carmen and Leona Foster Eck. He attended school in Elk River and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1971. Neil is survived by Cyndi of Lewiston; Shawn of Moses Lake, Wash; Nicole of Lewiston; Jason of Champaign, Ill.; Cory and Megan, both of Lewiston; his mother, Leona Eck of Lewiston; brothers Rusty of Orofino and Greg of Post Falls and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Vance A. Wilburn, 82
Vance Allen Wilburn, Kamiah, died Jan. 5, 2003 at Orofino. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Trenary Funeral Chapel in Kooskia. Interment will be at Kamiah Cemetery under the direction of Trenary Funeral Home.

David Eugene Fallwell, 31, Pierce
David E. Fallwell died Dec. 26, 2003 when his life was cut short as the result of a tragic accidental shooting. The accident occurred in the mountains near his Pierce home. He was 31. David was born Aug. 15, 1972 in Orofino to Michael F. and Janice C. Fallwell. He lived and attended schools in Kamiah, graduating from Kamiah High School in 1991, having achieved nearly perfect attendance. Following graduation Dave joined the Idaho Army National Guard where he successfully completed training and two years of service before his honorable discharge. He worked in construction with various companies throughout the nineties, a trade he enjoyed and was greatly skilled in. He moved to Lewiston, where he was employed by Alpine Archery for several years. He was most recently employed by Jared Construction of Pierce. In May of 2001 Dave met and fell in love with Heather M. Nelson of Lewiston. They were married at Faith Tabernacle in Lewiston on March 23, 2002 in a loving ceremony attended by a host of family and friends. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Rylee Paige on April 28, 2003. She was the light of her daddy's life and his proudest accomplishment. Their second child is due in July of 2004. David was a gentle and fine person. His family was so very proud of the man he had become. Dave, Heather and Rylee were building a life together in Pierce when his life was cut short. He loved the outdoors and anything associated with it, and was always happiest when he was there. He will always be remembered as a loving son, grandson, brother, uncle and cousin. He will be especially treasured as a wonderful husband and father. He was a cherished member of the Nelson family. In addition to his wife and daughter at the family home, Dave is survived by his parents, Mike and Jan Fallwell of Clarkston, Wash.; grandmothers Sylvia Fisher and Bernice Fallwell, both of Clarkston and three sisters: Candy Barton of Minnesota, Tammy Ragains of Kamiah and Stacy Rice of Rochester, Wash. His uncles and aunts, Gene and Sharon Kasper of Clarkston and Gene and Janet Fisher of Hubbard, Ore. also survive him, as well as three cousins and numerous nephews and nieces. Dave also leaves behind his father and mother-in-law, Darvin and Ronda Nelson of Pierce; sisters-in-law Jennifer and Melissa Nelson of Lewiston and brother-in-law Jacob Nelson of Pierce. He was preceded in death by his Uncle David Fallwell and grandfathers Charles Fisher and John Fallwell. Dave was a member of New Life Fellowship in Pierce. His faith was a vital part of his life, showing itself in his caring ways and servant's heart. We take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord. Viewing and visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 30. A celebration of Dave's life was held Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierce. Burial followed at the Pierce Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established at White Pine Credit Union, P.O. Box 266, Pierce, ID 83546. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Clarence Willis, 89, Weippe
Clarence Willis, Weippe, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003 at the home of his daughter. He was 89. Clarence was born March 26, 1914 to Julius Fielden and Martha M. Wegner Willis at Kamiah. He lived in Kamiah until the late 1930's, when he moved to Weippe. In 1941 he married Velma York at Kooskia. The marriage ended in divorce. He married Mary McWhirk in 1954. The couple made their home on a ranch outside of Weippe. Clarence worked for several area loggers as a Cat operator, including Lloyd Hesler and Wes Laws, Schmidt Brothers and Finke Logging. He retired from Finke Logging at the age of 67. After retirement he continued to farm and ranch at their Weippe home. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include one sister, Mary Dudek of Red Granite, Wis.; four sons, Larry of Weippe, Jim of Black Diamond, Wash., Ike of St. Helens, Ore., and guy of Kooskia; five daughters, Janie Sharp, Annette Bergstrom and Kathy Meisner, all of St. Helens, Clarise Joiner of Yakima and Teresa Wilson of Weippe; 24 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. His wife Mary preceded him in death, as well as three brothers, Irvie, Frank and Walt. Six sisters, Leona, Viola, Lorine, Jennie and twin sisters who died at birth, also preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Wesleyan Church with Tristan Harvey officiating. Burial followed at the Weippe Cemetery, with a covered-dish luncheon afterward at the Rebekah Lodge. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.


Return to Main Page

GenLookups.com - Marriage Search Engines - CanadianObits.com - HonorStudentsArchive.com - WeddingNoticeArchive.com