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Miscellaneous Custer County, Idaho Obituaries


Scott Hardy
William Scott Hardy, 18, of Mackay, left us on March 24, 2004. He was born on February 22, 1986, in Arco, Idaho, to Bill and Lori Denison Hardy. Scott attended preschool in Mackay, kindergarten at Teresa Bunker Elementary School in Idaho Falls, then returned to Mackay where he attended school through his senior year. Scott participated in high school basketball, football and rodeo. He had a great love for his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed hunting, football, riding horses, riding with his Grandpa Ivan, playing poker with his friends, listening to music and most of all, teasing his brother and sisters. Scott was a member of the High School Rodeo Assn., Ski Club and County 4-H. He was planning to pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force. Survivors include his father, Bill Hardy and stepmother Karlene Hardy; his mother, Lori Denison Palmer and stepfather Chip Palmer, all of Mackay; his siblings, Christopher and Kristen Hardy, Allie and Gabby McIntosh, all of Mackay, and Melissa Palmer and Cinnomon Webster, both of Pocatello; grandparents, Ivan and Dona Hardy, and Edward Denison, all of Mackay; step-grandmother, Carroll Palmer of Mackay, stepgrandparents Richard and Ann Wood; and step-great-grandparents, Vail and Bessie Van Leuven of Roberts; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Peggy Denison. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 30 at the Mackay High School Gymnasium with Josh Ratzlaff officiating. Burial was in the Mount McCaleb Cemetery in Mackay. Arrangements were under the direction of Simpson-Marvel Chapel in Arco.

Raymond Edward Dickerson
Raymond Edward Dickerson died Monday, January 20 at his home in Challis at the age of 74. Ray was born on September 24, 1929 in Lewiston and grew up in Spokane, Washington. During his summers as a youth he lived in Northern Idaho. Always an adventurous youth, Ray was fascinated with airplanes and had his pilot’s certificate before he had a driver’s license. During the Korean war he served in the Air National Guard. He trained in Boise and was stationed in England. After his return, he met his wife, Elfriede Lang Dickerson, a Swiss exchange student pursuing a Master’s degree in Cheney, Washington. They were married on September 21, 1953. They shared a wonderful life together. Ray and Elfriede went first to Chanute, Illinois for more National Guard training and then they lived in Spokane, Washington for a short time. However, Ray wanted more adventure and was fascinated by flying in Alaska. Ray convinced his wife and off they went to Alaska where Ray pursued his passion of flying in addition to several other pursuits including gold mining and a civil service job at Eielson Air Force Base as a refrigeration specialist. It was in Alaska that their two children Matt and Heidi were born. Ray pursued his love of flying and he and Elfriede came to love Alaska. After his retirement, Ed and Elfriede operated a fuel distributership for Chevron in Fort Yukon, Alaska. In 1993 they retired to Challis and have lived here since. They were a quiet couple loved by those who got to know them. Elfriede, his wife died last summer, and Ray passed away in his home January 20. His funeral service was held in the Challis Community Church last Saturday, January 24. Burial was in the Challis Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon and Challis. He is mourned by many. He is survived by Matt Dickerson of Renton, Washington, and Heidi Dickerson, a Naval officer currently living in Spring Valley, California. Ray is also survived by his two brothers, Roger Dickerson, Paul Dickerson and two sisters, Lexie Bohn and Jane Dickerson, who all live in Washington.

Bill Knox, Sr.
William “Bill” LeRoy Knox, Sr. passed away peacefully in the home that he built at the age of 64 years on January 12, 2004 in rural Challis, Idaho. He was born on August 14, 1939 in Portland, Oregon the fourth child of 11 born to Robert Edward and Mary LaVerne (Howard) Knox. He spent the first years of his life in Baker, Oregon. Bill moved to midway between Salmon and Challis and attended Salmon High School. He stayed around the area and worked for the Forest Service and local ranches. In 1957, while working at Piva’s ranches he met the love of his life, Lawana Giampedraglia. Bill and Lawana were united in marriage on January 11, 1958 in Nampa and to this union three children were born: Debra, Tanya and William Jr. They lived in Baker for about a year, and moved to Clayton where they lived until their home burned in March of 1962. In July of that same year, they settled on their property between Clayton and Challis. In the following years Bill built the house they still live in. Bill was an industrious hard worker. He owned and operated a saw mill. His favorite part of working in the lumber industry was going to the mountains to get logs. He loved being in the mountains. He also enjoyed travelling, camping and spending time outdoors. He particularly loved to snowmobile. Bill leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Lawana of Challis; two daughters: Debra Knox of Boise and Tanya Corrigan and her husband, Dan of Challis; son William Knox Jr. of Challis; three grandchildren: Kayla and Kevin Corrigan, and William Knox III all of Challis; four brothers: Bob and Jan Knox of Haines, Oregon, Jerry and Faye Knox of Challis, Jack and LaVerne Knox of Big Fork, Montana, and Tim and Jean Knox of Boise, Idaho; step-brother Mike Swett of California; four sisters: Rose Bybee of Grass Valley, California, Nadine Simmons and her husband, Wayne of Sacramento, California, Bonnie Swett of Boise, and Floress Florian and her husband, John of Buhl; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted from the Challis Community Church U.C.C. on Saturday, January 17 with the Reverend Richard Miller and Vern Rusk officiating. Interment was in the Challis Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Wood River Valley at 507 North 1st Avenue, Ketchum, Idaho 83340 or to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Bill Wilson
William Dean “Bill” Wilson, aka “the Cookin Cop,” passed away Monday, January 5, 2004, at his home. Bill was born May 1,1927 in Flushing, Michigan. He spent time in the Marines serving in WWII and soon after married Leslie Lorene Rogers. For many years he served as a police officer in both Michigan and Florida, as well as a member of the Bomb Squad in Texas. In the 1980s Bill moved to Challis and was employed by Cyprus Mine. Later, he worked as a dispatcher for the Sheriffs office, deputy coroner, and at times, a baliff. Bill served on the Challis City Council, and was a member of several organizations. He will be remembered for his unmatched wit and his love of telling jokes and making people laugh. The words, “Did you hear the one about...?” or “Did you hear about the guy who...?” will forever stay in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have been entertained by him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Leslie Wilson; sons, Bill Wilson, Bob Wilson (Debi), John Wilson, Mike Wilson (Lori), Mark Wilson; daughters Paula Hensarling (Jan), Lisa Cleeves (Mike) and numerous grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Salmon River Funeral Chapel.

Steve Banta
Steve Banta, 48, Salmon, passed away in Missoula, Montana December 16, 2003. He was born in Salmon, the son of Westley Gail and Bonnie Banta, and spent his whole life in Salmon except for about six months in Redding, California in 1981. He formed close ties with Ralph Frazee, Glenn Sorenson and Bill Bolton. They became father figures for Steve after his father moved away. Steve married Natalie Kathryn Woodward March 20, 1982 after a four-month engagement. He was stepfather to Natalie’s two children, Nathan Woodward, 14, and Heidi Ann Woodward, 9. A year later, Christopher Stephen Banta was born on February 19, 1983. Three years later, Breana N. Banta, better known as Amy, was born on August 16, 1986. Two years after that, Julia Elizabeth Banta was born on August 17, 1988. Steve worked for various logging and construction companies from 1977 until 1985: Mile High Logging, Westfall Logging, J&D Saw Sales, Doreain Pehrson Construction and Bob Smith Welding and Auto Repair. He also worked for the BLM on the helitack crew fighting fires. He became a skilled operator on numerous pieces of heavy equipment and was known to be one of the best skidder operators of his day in the early 1980s. In 1985 Steve was hired at Cyprus Thompson Creek Mine. By April of 1995 Steve was a mill maintenance lead tech over the entire concentrator. He supervised 12 mechanics. Then, in December 1997, he advanced to be a mill maintenance coordinator for the grind floatation and fresh water circuits. He was responsible for maintaining the mill at 98 percent availability. In July 2001, Steve decided to take a job with the city of Salmon as a mechanic so he could spend more time at home. He also ran a home business, Steve’s Saw Repair, for about 10 years. He is survived by his mother, Bonnie Banta of Salmon; sister, Kathy Luther of Nampa; wife, Natalie of Salmon; children, Chris, Amy and Julia of Salmon; stepchildren, Nathan Woodward of Burbank, California and Heidi Osborne of Escondido, California and five grandchildren.

William D. Fox
William D. Fox died of natural causes December 27, 2003 in Boulder City, Nevada. He was born in Challis, Idaho January 2, 1916, to Burton D. Fox and Beatrice Bradbury Foley Fox. He passed away at his home in Boulder City, Nevada on December 27, 2003. He was a graduate of Challis High School in 1933 and a graduate of Albertson’s College of Idaho in 1956. Bill served as Custer County Assessor from 1941 to the time of his enlistment in the Navy. A Navy veteran of WWII he served from August 31, 1942 to October 26, 1945. He is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 60 years and daughters, Joyce Welsh of San Pedro, California; Susan Bicek of Boise; Patricia Fox of Spring Creek, Nevada; and Kristin Fox of Air Oaks, California, three grandchildren, and his sister Elsie Sharp Smith of Challis. A celebration of his life will be held next summer at the Fox family cabin in Obsidian.

Jean Cameron Giese
Jean Cameron Giese, 83, of Denton, Texas, died Monday, December 29, 2003, at her residence. She was born April 18, 1920, in Challis, to William Cameron and Laura McClure Cameron. She lived in Chalis from 1920 to 1943 and continued to return to visit the area as recently as the summer of 2003. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and her master’s degree from Texas Women’s University. On September 10, 1949, she married J.W. “Bill” Giese in Challis. She was a board member of the City County Day School and was active with Meals on Wheels in Denton. A memorial service was held Friday, January 2, in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors. Survivors include her husband of Denton, Texas; one daughter, Katie Giese Owen of Corpus Christi, Texas; three sons, Mark Giese of Little Rock, Arkansas, Tim Giese of Denton and Jeff Giese of Boise; one brother, Duncan Cameron of Dixon, California; and seven grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the City County Day School, 1603 Paisley, Denton, TX 76209 or to the Jean and J.W. Giese Scholarship Fund c/o University of North Texas, P.O. Box 311250, Denton, TX 76203 or the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church St. Vincent DePaul Building Fund, 1215 N. Elm St., Denton, TX 76201.

Evelyn Louise Simmons Barrow
Evelyn Louise Simmons Barrow, ("Louise” to family and friends), previous resident of Challis, passed away peacefully at home in Lanett, Alabama on Saturday, January 3, 2004. Born in Des Moines, New Mexico, May 16, 1918, Louise is survived by her husband of 63 years William Barrow of Lanett, her three daughters, Nancy Hesse of Lanett, Deborah Barrow Zak and her husband Frank Zak of Las Vegas, NV and Laurie Kemerer, of Delmont, PA. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathleen Clark, Betty Stowe and James Simmons, her sisters-in-law Claudia, Rita and Ann. Louise was the proud and loving grandmother of Cherrell, Linda, Rene, James, Neeley, Randy, and Sean. She also was great-grandmother to Brianne, Melissa, Lindsey, Ashley, Erin, Rebecca, Michael and Cassie, and great-great grandmother of Joseph. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren in whom she delighted. Louise was a gifted and prize-winning artist. Her preferred medium was pencil and although she excelled at portraiture, she also enjoyed drawing and painting wildlife, landscapes and fashion. She was also a gifted, self taught seamstress and designer. As a young woman she considered a career in fashion as well as a career with Disney Studios. Instead she chose marriage and family although she had a long history of working outside the home as she traveled to many different locations with her husband during his 22 years of military service. Besides her artwork and sewing, Louise’s many activities and interests included crochet, quilting, Toastmaster’s, genealogy, gardening, reading, rooting for her favorite baseball teams and enjoying the companionship of her dogs. Louise’s sharp intelligence, humor and wit will be missed by all. A small graveside service is planned in Challis on Friday at noon at the Challis Cemetery and a memorial service is planned for later this month in the Las Vegas home of her brother.

Joyce Bradshaw Fidler
Joyce Bradshaw Fidler, a long-time resident of Ketchikan, Alaska, died December 17, 2003 in the Olympia General Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Joyce was born December 20, 1937 in her grandma’s house in Rexburg, to Leona and Ray Bradshaw. Her father died August 1991. Survivors include her husband Phil of Yelm, Washington; four children, Janice Bonman of Boise, Jody Hall of Ketchikan, Alaska, Joe Rollog of Bellingham, Washington and Jay Rollog of Boise; her mother, Leona Bradshaw of Challis and her brother, Keith Bradshaw of Challis; six grandchildren and one nephew, Rustan Bradshaw. Cremation took place in Olympia, Washington.

Cesira Cominotti
Cesira Cominotti, 86, Blackfoot, died Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the Bingham Memorial Hospital. She was born October 29, 1917 in Zurich, Switzerland, the daughter of Severina Bettega Alfieri. On December 2, 1950, she married Fabio Cominotti in San Francisco, California. Cesira was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. She worked as a maid for three years in Connecticut. She also lived in Clayton, along the Salmon River and then moved to Blackfoot in 1992. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Daniel Cominotti, Antone (Maricela) Cominotti, all of Blackfoot; daughter, Edna (Gary) Hagan of Clarkston, Washington; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and a sister. A funeral service was held Monday, December 15 at the Hawker, Hill Funeral Home. According to her wishes, cremation followed the service under the direction of the Hawker, Hill Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Blackfoot Senior Citizens Center Meals on Wheels Program, P.O. Box 849, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.

Freddie L. Chaffin
Freddie L. Chaffin, 74, of Blackfoot and formerly of Mackay, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born February 9, 1930 in Blackfoot, Idaho to John Oscar and Veda Irene Mathews Chaffin. Freddie was raised and attended schools in Rose and Moreland, graduating from Moreland High School in 1948. Following high school he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served in England. Upon his discharge he returned to Blackfoot and began working in the potato industry for a brief time before starting work for Ag. Services. In 1955 he married Alice Fortner. From their marriage they had three children, Linda, Freddie, and Kelly. Alice and Freddie were later divorced. On June 12, 1972 he married Barbara Hocking in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Blackfoot where Freddie worked for Ag Services Inc. as a general foreman and a pump specialist. After many years of working for Ag Services, Freddie retired. In 1978 they began spending their summers in Mackay where Freddie worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 11 years. For the past five years they have spent their winters in Quartzsite, Arizona. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Freddie has been a life member of the Elks Lodge #1416 in Blackfoot and a member of the American Legion Joe Nowacki Post #16 in Mackay. He enjoyed hunting, camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, traveling and working in the yard. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his dog. They gave him so much happiness. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John and a sister, Alice Herbst. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Chaffin, Blackfoot; two sons, Freddie Chaffin (Debby), Winnemucca, NV and Kelly Chaffin (Kate), Pocatello; a daughter, Linda Warner (Spence), Swan Valley; three step-children, Connie Anderson (Dennis), Billy Hocking (Caryn), both of Blackfoot and Margaret Van Orden, Mackay; a brother, Roscoe Chaffin (Joanne), Groveland; two sisters, Ada Stewart (Claude), Inkom, and Vera Wixom Horrocks, Rose; 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held March 29, 2004 at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave., Blackfoot. Interment was in the Groveland Cemetery. Military rites were performed by the American Legion Stewart Hoover Post #23.

Charles Warnecke
Charles Herman Warnecke, born February 25, 1933, passed away suddenly on March 12, 2004 in Challis, Idaho. A resident of Challis for the past seven years, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology and worked as a civilian engineer for the Department of the Army for 30 years, the last several as Deputy Director of CAMDS, in Tooele, Utah. After retiring from the Department of the Army, he worked as a private contractor at CAMDS for several more years. He enjoyed several years of retirement and truly loved hunting, fishing (he was a proud member of the steelhead club), the open range, traveling in his motor home, and being a member of the Masons. He also enjoyed staying in touch with friends and family via emailing on the internet. He is survived by his daughter Lynn (Kyle) Strate of Sandy, Utah; sons Kurt H. Warnecke of Pottsdam, New York, and Charles B. Warnecke of Merritt Island, Florida; and ten grandchildren, Sean, Hayli, and Emmi Dickey, Cassity, Tate and Tyse Warnecke, Braxton and Grayce Warnecke, and Sadie and Torie Strate. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Dorothea Warnecke, and is lonely no more. By request he is being cremated and will have no service. In lieu of flowers and due to his strong commitment to the Masons, family suggests donations in his name to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Arrangements were under the direction of Challis Funeral Home, Challis.

Beryl Bradley
Beryl Bradley, 89, formerly of Salmon and Challis, passed away March 13, 2004 at the Community Hospital in Missoula, Montana. Beryl was born on May 20, 1914 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the sixth of seven children born to Charles and Martha Allen. Beryl was married to the love of her life, James Bradley for 72 years plus. James preceded her in death in October 6, 2003. Beryl was one of the rare people who found something to enjoy in everything she did in work as well as pleasure. The Bradley home was always a place of warm welcomes and hospitality to all who entered. Beryl was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her last home was at the Remington in Hamilton. Beryl was very much loved and respected by all. Beryl was preceded in death by her parents and husband James Bradley and one brother, Carl J. Allen. Beryl is survived by two daughters, Lorine (Cliff) Chaney of Victor, Montana and Evelyn (Don) Strickler of Loon Lake, Washington; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held March 17 at the Challis Cemetery. Burial was in the Challis Cemetery. Services were under the direction of the Challis Funeral Home, Challis.

G. Margaret Olin
Goldie Margaret Olin, 78, of Challis, died March 4, 2004 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. She was born October 12, 1925 at Alliance, Ohio to Lewis Szasz and Susie Balogh Szasz. She grew up and attended schools in the area. Following graduation, she earned a degree in Nursing at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. On May 24, 1953, she married Kenneth Marshal Olin at Newport Beach, California. She worked as a Registered Nurse. She lived in Newport Beach, California before moving to Challis. Surviving are niece Jacqueline (Mike) Bilbrey, Lenexa,Illinois, sisters Mary Hebert, Florida; Emma La Fountain, New York; Irene Lower in Alliance, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sisters, Helen Dugan and Susan Korosy, and one brother, George Balogh. At the request of the family, no services will be held. Local arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave. in Idaho Falls.

Ruth Kalenik
Ruth Kalenik passed away at a hospital in Oregon City after having a knee operation. Ruth and her husband Pete moved to Thompson Creek in the late 1970s to a log home on the bank of the Salmon River. Both Pete and Ruth worked at Cyprus Mines. They have many friends in this area, from Smiley Creek to Salmon. A few years ago, they moved to Oregon City, Oregon. Ruth loved to garden and grow beautiful flowers. They returned every year to Challis for the Bill Millick Golf Tournament and to visit friends. Ruth especially liked Main Street of Challis and visited all the shops and businesses when they were here. She will be missed. Cremation has taken place. There will be no services.

Jesse Gerald Nicholson
Jesse Gerald Nicholson, 87, a resident of Filer, lost his fight with leukemia and answered his Lord’s call on Friday, February 20, 2004 at 11:19 p.m. at Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls. Gerald was born April 1, 1916 southeast of Filer. He was the oldest of four children born to Jesse Warner and Anna Ivan (McGill) Nicholson. In 1919 his family moved to the Northside via a ferry on the Snake River above Shoshone Falls where he was raised on a ranch in the Sugar Loaf area east of Jerome. He attended grade school at the Sugar Loaf School and Jerome graduating from Jerome High School in 1935. After graduation Gerald worked in the Magic Valley area in various jobs tied to the agricultural industry. In 1941 he married Ruth Geisler and they moved back to the family ranch working with his father. Gerald and Ruth had two sons, Gary and Don. In 1954 Gerald moved his family to Jerome and worked for several years as an equipment operator and foreman in the road construction industry assisting on many of the projects in the intermountain west. During his years in the Jerome area he was a member of the Sugar Loaf Grange, Jerome Moose Lodge and the Jerome Rod and Gun Club. After several years of roadwork Gerald had a career change so he could be closer to his family. Gerald became a carpenter working for Volco in Jerome. Gerald’s wife died in 1958 and he was faced with the challenge of being a single parent. In 1962 Gerald married Freda (Lintz-Garrison) of Twin Falls and his new blended family gave him two daughters, Hazel and Susan. The family lived in Jerome and Gerald continued his work in the construction industry. Gerald’s love for “Stanley Basin” began as a young adult when he and his brothers frequently hunted and fished in the area and his love for the area grew even more after he was able to live there. In 1964 Gerald and Freda purchased property and lived in the Sawtooth Valley south of Stanley where Gerald continued his contractor’s work in the Stanley area during the summer and in the Twin Falls area in the winter. During the late 1960's before the creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Gerald was president of the Sawtooth Valley Association, an organization of landowners that studied the issues concerning the future of the area. The group opposed the National Park concept and supported the creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). The SNRA concept would allow hunting and other multiple uses in the Stanley area to continue while protecting the natural beauty for the future generations. Gerald was a member and officer in the Salmon River Snowmobile Club and helped lay out race courses for the many snowmobile races held in the Sawtooth Valley during the 1960s and ‘80s. In 1971 Gerald and his wife purchased the C.A. Gregory building in Stanley, building a laundromat, providing lease spaces for the Stanley Post office and living in an apartment in the rear of the building while Gerald maintained his construction business. Gerald took training to become an EMT and assisted with the construction of the first Salmon River Emergency Medical Clinic building in Stanley. In 1972 Gerald expanded their business property to house the Sawtooth Gem Shop that was operated by his brother-in-law Frank Lintz. During this time in Stanley Gerald was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Stanley City Council and was later elected to that position. After serving his city council term he was elected mayor. He also served on the board of the Custer County Development Association. During his six-year term the city of Stanley obtained land and built the Community Center in Stanley, a local sewer district system was established, and 40 acres of BLM ground was obtained for use by the city where a portion of the property is the site for the Stanley Elementary School and the Sawtooth Chapel. The chapel is used by several denominations serving the community and visitors to the area. Gerald donated many hours of personal time laying out the chapel and coordinating its construction. In 1978 after being trained in the art of lapidary and jewelry making, he took over operation of the Gem Shop while he and his wife continued operating the laundromat. Gerald and Freda sold the business and building in 1994 and purchased property in the Filer area starting their retirement. In 1996 Gerald joined the Filer Senior Haven Senior Center and served on the board as a member and as president. In 1998 Gerald answered a call in his life and became a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Filer, which included services on Sunday and Monday Senior Bible Study that became his passion. Gerald enjoyed his family, his church, and the view from the front porch of their house. Interests included fishing, hunting, carpentry, metal working and vehicle repair and maintenance. He is survived by his wife Freda of Filer, son Gary (Laura) of Tacoma, Wa., son Don (Margo) of Boise, daughter Hazel Schutte of Twin Falls, daughter Susan (Brent) Stastny of Murtaugh, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, his brother Delmer (Adele) Nicholson of Boise and Yuma, AZ, sister-in-law Martha Nicholson of Polson, MT and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mollyo Freeman, and his brother Dwight Nicholson. Gerald’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28 at Peace Lutheran Church in Filer, followed by internment at the Filer Cemetery and a celebration of life with family and friends at Peace Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary Benedix will be officiating. Services are under the direction of the Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Peace Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Virginia Sue Sullivan
Virginia Sue Sullivan, 74, of Twin Falls, formerly of Clayton and Challis, Idaho, passed away February 15, 2004 at the Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls. She was born December 30, 1929 in Thornton, Arkansas, the daughter of Harry and Ollie Russell Wright. She was a hard worker all her life and enjoyed cooking and serving others. While working at the Flying B Ranch as a cook, she met Bill Sullivan. In 1971 she and Bill moved to Clayton, to own and operate the Silver Bar and the Clayton Motel. They worked there until retiring and moving to Challis. After Bill’s passing in August of 2000, she moved the following May to Twin Falls to be closer to her family. Surviving are her children Sandee (Robert) Taylor of Tempe, Arizona, Tom Henson of Kimberly, Shiela King of Twin Falls, Teri (Gary) Wilson of Jerome, Diane (Jack) Frey of Buhl, Mike (Cindra) Henson of Buhl, one sister, Louise Bivens of Jackson, Tennessee, along with Bill’s children, Tom, Phil, Carolyn, Connie and Terry, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Sullivan, daughter Judy, brothers Clifton and Jack Wright, sisters and brothers-in-law, Quinola and Dan Denny, Eva and Jay Holt and nephew Richard. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A service of remembrance was held Wednesday, February 18 at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls with Mike D. Parke officiating. At her request, private family inurnment will follow at a later date.

Edna McGown
A grand lady, loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend left us on February 6, 2004. Edna McGown was born on November 22, 1906 in Stanley, Idaho to Ellen Martin and Leslie Niece. She had many fond memories of life in the Stanley Basin and Sawtooth Valley. On November 27, 1924 she married A.W. “Tuff” McGown of Challis and together they hiked the mountains always prospecting for “their” gold mine in the sky. Custer became their home in summer and Challis in the winter. In 1961 Edna and Tuff established the Custer Museum in memory of their son Art. The museum was later sold to the U.S. Forest Service and it continues to operate, bringing pleasure to many people each summer. Edna turned the first shovel of dirt to begin construction of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center in Challis. She co-authored two books of the Salmon River and Yankee Fork country and authored an additional two books. In 1999 she received the Esto Perpetua award from the Idaho State Historical Society for her significant contributions to Idaho history. Mrs. McGown was preceded in death by her husband Tuff McGown, a son Art McGown, a daughter Adelaide Walters, one brother Rupert Niece. Edna is survived by her daughter Edna Mae (George) Jukich of Twin Falls, her granddaughter Lori (John) Head and their two children Lacey and Alex Head all of Pocatello, and many good friends. Until we meet again, thanks Mom for all these years of love and caring. We all love you, Mom and will miss you so much. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 16, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Challis. Interment will follow in the Challis Cemetery. The family suggests memorials in Edna’s name to the Challis Interpretive Center. Contributions may be mailed to Reynolds Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 1142, Twin Falls, ID 83303 or left with funeral chapel staff at the services.

David William Taylor
David William Taylor, 62, of Blackfoot passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at Rosetta Assisted Living. He was born April 16, 1941 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Virgil Eugene Taylor and Edith David Turman Taylor. David graduated from West Jefferson High School. On November 2, 1964 he married Verna Horton in Challis. They were sealed on October 5, 1967 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He served 22 years in the United States Navy, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer. While in the Navy the family moved around. After retirement from the Navy in 1980, they moved to Blackfoot. They later moved to Pennsylvania where David taught ROTC for seven years, before returning to Blackfoot to make their home. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he was involved with the Boys Scouts. David taught school for several years after his retirement from the Navy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bow hunting and he loved spending time with his family. He is survived by the mother of his children, Verna, of Challis; three sons, Aaron Taylor, of Star Valley, WY, Jason (Angie) Taylor, of Montpelier, ID, David (Elisha) Taylor, of Cedarburg, WI; four daughters, Kelly (Chris) Duncan, of Blackfoot, Amy (Jim) Allan, of Getzville, NY, Karen (Kris) Fawcett, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Stephanie (Jason) Dahlke, of Pocatello; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stacy Taylor Baldwin, his parents, and a sister, Linda, his grandparents, and aunts and uncles. A graveside service was held February 7, 2004 at the Challis Cemetery with Kenny Dizes conducting. The opening prayer was offered by Jason Taylor. A musical selection was presented. The life sketch was given by Karen Fawcett. Angie Taylor sang, “O My Father,” after which Kenny Dizes offered the dedicatory prayer. Casket bearers were Aaron, Jason and David Taylor, Jason Dahlke, Kris Fawcett and Jim Allan. Services under the direction of the Hawker, Hill Funeral Home. Military rites were presented by the Pocatello Naval Reserve Unit and the American Legion Philip Kirk Post #109. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all those who helped care for David throughout his illness.

Evelyn Benham
Evelyn Powers Benham, 87, passed away January 29, 2004 in Pocatello, Idaho. Her health had been failing the past few months. Evelyn was born April 27, 1915 in Heber City, Utah, to Roy and Myrtly Leona Sims. She attended school there and in Republic, Washington. She married Joseph Benham February 17, 1934. To this union two sons, Sherrill and Norman, were born. Evelyn worked at Swagger Foods and Garrett Freightlines in Salmon before moving to the Challis community. Joe and Evelyn were engaged in building homes and businesses enterprises in both communities. While in Challis they owned a service station and the Holiday Lodge. Evelyn loved to play bridge and she was always happy preparing for these events. She will be missed as you were always welcome at their place in both communities. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe. She is survived by two sons, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, three sisters, Bernice Kmetz, Rene Marshall, Iris Ivie and brother Burton and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Arco Cemetery on Memorial Day 2004 at 1:00 p.m.


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