Frances Marie Cole
Frances Marie Cole, 75, died peacefully in her sleep on June 4 at her daughter’s home in Thousand Oaks, California, surrounded by her family. A native of Challis, Fran graduated from Berkeley High School and attended Cal Berkeley before marrying William Cole in 1949. Bill’s 30-year military service gave them the opportunity to live and travel all over the world. Upon Bill’s death in 1982, Fran moved to Rossmoor. She was a devoted volunteer at Mt. Diablo Hospital where she helped in the G.I. Lab and the Gift Shop. Fran was also an avid bridge player. She is survived by her daughters and sons in law Debbie and Tom Crowell and Phyllis and Bob French; brother, Philip Kirk and wife Sigrid; as well as one niece, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Cousins here in Idaho are Frank Burstedt, Bonnie Stilwill, Janette Burstedt Piva, Barbara Hammond and Mabel Schwarting.

Earl Crane
Earl Crane, 64 years of age, passed away Monday, November 3, 2003 at Mosquito Flats, doing what he enjoyed most, hunting and spending time with his family. Earl Clifford Crane was born May 28, 1939 in Jerome, the second of five children born to Clifford and Vilena (Spencer) Crane. He attended school in Jerome and in 1948 the family moved to Challis where they built a sawmill above Mosquito Flat Reservoir. The mill was moved in the 1950s to the mouth of Bruno Creek. Earl graduated from Challis High School with the Class of 1957 and entered the U.S. Army in 1960, serving until 1962. He returned home to Challis and worked with his father for a few years. Earl was united in marriage to Hazel Skeen of Challis on June 23, 1963 in Challis at the Congregational Church and to this union four children were born: Ben, Alfred, Rob and Patty. In 1972 Earl and Rick Hussey bought a sawmill from Oregon and set up their Ruff Cut Saw Mill at Round Valley Lumber of Challis, where he owned and operated the business with his family for the past 25 years. In his spare time you could find Earl dinking around with woodworking projects. He custom built his RV puller for use in his chinking and staining business he had operated the past few years. He remained self-employed for the purpose of spending time with family whenever he felt necessary. Earl loved to hunt and fish with anyone willing to accompany him, especially his children and grandchildren. Earl is survived by his wife Hazel of Challis, mother Vilena Crane of Jerome; three sons: Ben Crane of Eastsound, Wa., Alfred Crane and wife Kelli of Meridian, Rob Crane and wife Cindy of Challis, Patty Sensabaugh and husband Billy of Gooding, 12 grandchildren: Stephanie, Colleen, Jessica, Tiffaney Crane of Eastsound; Danelle and Dillion Crane of Meridian; Devin, Jordan and Dalton Crane of Challis, Courtney, Billy and Abby Sensabaugh of Gooding; sisters: Carol and husband Robert Sobotka of Jerome, Judy and husband John Coppage of Anaheim, CA., brother Art and wife Sylvia Crane of Washington D.C.; brothers-in-law: Melvin Skeen of Salmon, Dale (Karen) Skeen of Burley, Earl (Mary) Skeen of Challis; mother-in-law Georgia Skeen of Challis, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Clifford Crane, brother Bob Crane, father-in-law Alfred Skeen. Memorial services for Earl C. Crane of Challis were conducted Saturday, November 8 at the Challis Junior High School Gymnasium with Richard McDaniels officiating. Military Honors were provided by Philip Kirk American Legion Post #109 at the Challis Cemetery following services. Memorials are suggested to the Challis Athletic Fund of Challis. Arrangements were under the direction of Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Colleen Reed
Colleen Jeanette Miller Reed slipped away in the arms of the angels on November 4, 2003 after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She believed in living life with energy, passion and hope, without complaint or regrets. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia and later moved to McCall where she grew up in a large blended family of 13 children. She joined the U.S. Forest Service when she was 17. Her 26 years of federal public service carried her to many locations and a variety of assignments. She retired in 1999 as a budget analyst in fire management in the Intermountain Regional Office in Ogden, Utah. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family, but especially by her loving husband, Billy, who grew up in Challis, her two daughters, Kari Davis and Celeste (Dan) Critchfield, her two granddaughters, Brittany and Skylee Critchfield, her mother, Mary Dorris and Billy’s mother, Marie Reed, Challis. Others who were important in her life include three stepdaughters, Denise Reed, Reneé (Robert) Miller and Michelle (Robert) Moore and their families; her brother Clyde Miller (Franceska), her two sisters, Mary Tinsley (Bruce) and Kathy McCoy (James). Other survivors include her step brothers and sisters: Ann Giberson (Gary), George Dorris (Susan), Joe Dorris, Linda Dorris, Mike Dorris (Leslee), Pat Dorris (Terry), Karen Morrow (Robert), Bill Dorris (Susan), Kippy Born and their families. The family expresses deep appreciation for the care and services of Dr. Vincent Hansen and his medical staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. A celebration of Colleen’s life was held on November 8 at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson & Sons Mortuary Chapel, 49 East 100 North, American Fork, Utah.

Verl Jones
Verl M. Jones passed away on the morning of November 5 at his home. Verl was 87 years old and carried out his life doing the two most important things in his life, raising a family and his life long passion of ranching. Edward Benjamin and Nova Mildren were blessed with the birth of their second son Verl on February 13, 1916 on Morgan Creek where he was raised with his sisters Ida Faye, Vara, Velma and his brother Val. Verl married Hattie Leora Murphy on October 30, 1955, with her three sons Orval, Neil and Miles. They lived on Morgan Creek throughout their time together with the daughter Nova and sons Ward, Lyle, Clay, Orval, Neil and Miles whom they lost to fate at an early age. Verl loved his ranches which he worked with his family. He strived to maintain his families well being and heritage. Verl, well-known and respected throughout the community, earned his reputation with everyone who was lucky enough to have known him or met him. He was preceded in death by his father Edward Benjamin, mother Nova Mildren, sister Vara Pyfer, brother Val Jones and son Miles Rice. He is survived by his wife Hattie, sisters, Velma Guay, and Ida Faye Sauvageau, sons Ward, Lyle and Clay Jones, one daughter Nova Hays, sons Orval and Neil Rice, 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and too many nieces, nephews and friends to mention. Private graveside services will be held on November 22 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial services will be held at the Assembly of God Church in Challis at 2:00 p.m. with a potluck to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salmon River Coalition or your favorite local charity.

Dale Myers Reese
Dale Myers Reese, 88, of the Sawtooth Valley, Idaho, died Sunday morning, November 2, in a single car accident near Raton, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by Margaret, his wife of 65 years. Dale leaves behind nine children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren to carry on the Reese family legacy of love, kindness and understanding. Dale will be cremated under the direction of French Mortuary in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A memorial flight over the Sawtooth Valley will take place in the late spring of 2004.

Daniel Charles Guerrero
Daniel Charles Guerrero, 63, Challis, died Saturday, October 18, 2003. Dan was born December 31, 1939, the son of John D. and Bozena Guerrero of Mountain View, California. He graduated from Mt. View High School and attended the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. He grew up on the family farm in Chico. Dan moved to Challis in the 1970s. He is survived by his brother John of Chico, California, his sister Mary Ann Reed of Kansas City, Missouri, son Rolf of Chico, California and daughter Melissa Guerrero of San Jose, California, and grandchildren Brandon, Olivia and Tyler. There will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at Bux’s Saturday, October 25 from noon on. Arrangements were under the direction of the Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon and Challis.

Vara Jones Pyfer
Vara Jones Pyfer, 86, Three Forks, Montana, passed away September 30, 2003, in the Bozeman hospital. The cause of death was an aortic aneurism. Vara was born November 27, 1917 to Edward Benjamin (Ward) and Nova Shank Jones at the family ranch on Morgan Creek, near Challis. Vara graduated from Challis High School in 1935. Her desire for further education never ceased. She attended night school while working in Pocatello and Berkley and Oakland, California. She met her future husband, Sgt. Lloyd A. Pyfer while working at the Quarter Master Corps in Oakland. She and Lloyd were married August 31, 1942, in Berkley, California. Lloyd was sent to England and at that time she moved to Butte, Montana where her oldest daughter, Vicki was born. She and Vicki moved to Challis. She worked as the clerk of the Custer County Draft Board until Lloyd was discharged from the Army Air Corps in 1945. They moved to Three Forks to live on the family ranch on the Old Trident Road. Vara was a homemaker and long-time active 4-H leader on local and county levels. She worked with youth groups during her child rearing days. In later years she was active with the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries; Three Forks Senior Center; United Methodist Church and the Montana Association for Blind and Low Vision. She was always there to do what was needed for others. She loved working outside and took great pleasure in her success with plants. She had a lifelong enjoyment of books and collecting. She loved yard sales! Vara is survived and will be greatly missed by daughters and sons-in-law: Vicki and Allen Veltkamp, Three Forks; Linda and Pete Griego, Mead, Washington; Terry and Bob McAnally, Poplar, Montana; a son, Tom Pyfer, Elgin, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren and 10-1/2 great-grandchildren; sisters Velma and husband Ovide Guay, Elk Park, Montana; Idafay (Hessen) and husband Harvey Sauvageau, Caldwell; a brother Verl and wife Hattie Jones of Challis; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years; an infant son; a son, Randy Pyfer; daughter-in-law Mary Ann Pyfer; her brother, Val Jones, and her parents. Vara’s remains were interred with her husband and infant son at the Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Belgrade, Montana. Memorials in Vara’s name may be made to the Three Forks United Methodist Elevator Fund; Headwaters Historical Museum at Three Forks; the Three Forks Library, or to any organization of choice.

James M. Bradley
James M. Bradley, 92, passed away October 6, 2003 at Marcus Daly Hospice Center in Hamilton, Montana after a long, full life. He was born March 24, 1911 in Clawson, Idaho, the son of James Draper and Lucinda May Seely Bradley. Jim had a great love for life and had many friends wherever he lived. He will be missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Carl J. Bradley, five brothers and a grandson. The surviving family members are Beryl Allen Bradley, his wife of 73 years; daughters Lorine (Cliff) Chaney of Victor, Montana and Evelyn (Don) Strickler of Loon Lake, Washington; one brother, Verl Bradley of Springfield; nine grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS Church in Stevensville, Montana with burial in Challis October 10 at 11:00 a.m. In place of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice or to Center for Hospice, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, Montana 59840. Arrangements are under the direction of Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon and Challis.

Jerry L. Hulin
Jerry L. Hulin, born September 25, 1926 to the parents of Lawrence and Stella Hulin in Monroe, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 in Challis, Idaho. Jerry met Jeanie Vazzano in Phoenix, Arizona and they married September 20, 1946; during their nearly 57 years of marriage they were never a day apart. Jerry’s work as an accountant, officer manager and purchasing agent for business construction companies took them to far off places around the world. They were inseparable through their many challenging adventures and moves, always returning home when possible to care for parents and family whom they cherished. In 1993, they moved to Challis under the employment of Hecla Mining Company and began a new adventure together in the wild west; they “adopted” many a family and friend during their residence, always having a word of encouragement and humor. Their life-long love and honor for one another has been a wonderful reflection of their trust and love for Jesus Christ, their Savior and Lord. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanie and Howard Smith, a nephew of Merced, California and a great family of friends whom they adopted everywhere they went. You are invited to attend a memorial service for Jerry Hulin Saturday, September 27, 2003; 11:00 a.m. at the Custer Co. Assembly of God; luncheon to follow. Arrangements were under the direction of the Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon.

Ella Berrey
Ella Viola “Ducky” Berrey, 90, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Bellevue on Thursday, April 29, 2004. She was born March 10, 1914 on the East Fork of the Salmon River to William Milton and Hattie May Baker. She married Stanley McCurry Oct. 17, 1931 in Hamilton, Montana. They were divorced in 1933. She married Elmer Berrey June 18, 1937 in Clayton, Idaho. They lived in Clayton while her husband worked in the Clayton silver mine until 1945, when they moved near Bellevue to ranch and farm. In 1965, they moved into town in Bellevue. Survivors include her four daughters: Louella Myers of Challis, Emily “Dee” Berrey of Bellevue, Vicky Johnson of Richfield, and Linda Nancolas of Rupert; her brothers Lawrence (Violet) Baker of Anchorage, Alaska, and James Baker of Challis; her sister Edna Hanley of Challis; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer in 1991. Graveside services were held Tuesday, May 4 at the Bellevue Cemetery. Rev. Ron Brown of the Calvary Bible Church was the speaker. Arrangements were under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey.

Edna Pasieka
Edna Mae Pasieka, 79, of Challis, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2004 at the Discovery Care Centre of Salmon, Idaho. She was born September 6, 1924 in Buhl, Idaho, the second of three children born to Henry and Ruth Perkins. She attended school in Buhl graduating from Buhl High School. Edna was united in marriage on May 27, 1975 to Bruno Pasieka in Challis by Father Dominic Daws at the St. Louise Catholic Church. They lived in Boise where they operated the “Here’s How Cafe.” They moved to Cobalt in 1952 and ran the Panther Creek Inn and on to Ellis in 1960 where they owend and operated Bruno’s Cafe. They moved to Watts Bridge area in 1968 now known as Bruno Bridge where they operated the cafe for several years. Edna would help run the cafe in the evening and worked at the Ellis Post Office during the day. She was the post master for 22 years before her retirement in 1983. Edna and Bruno enjoyed fishing the Salmon River. There was always a contest as to who caught the biggest one. Even after filling her limit, she still wanted just one more! Edna was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister. She is survived by her husband Bruno of Challis and son Larry Hays and wife of California. Memorial mass will be conducted from the St. Louise Catholic Church May 6 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Paul Wander officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Challis Cemetery. There was a Rosary Vigil Wednesday, May 5 at the St. Louise Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones and Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Robert Herman
Robert Owen Herman, 73, of Salmon, Idaho, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2004 at the Steele Memorial Hospital in Salmon. He was born on December 20, 1930 in Salmon, the youngest of four children born to Carl and Flora (Wells) Herman. Bob attended school in Salmon graduating from Salmon High. Bob was united in marriage to Wanda Margaret Bernard of Salmon on September 12, 1950 and of this union four children were born: John, James, Jerry and Julie. In 1952 Bob was drafted into the United States Marine Corps where he served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He returned to Salmon and worked for the Phillip Y-Bar Ranch, and on to Patterson to work in the Ima Mine. Every few years or less the family moved to a new location for mining or construction work. Bob worked at the Blackbird Mine in Cobalt until 1963 then went to Redding, California for road construction. The next adventure was at Can-Tung, Northwest Territories where he was the master mechanic and assistant superintendent of the Can-Tung Mine. In 1964 the family moved to Tonopah, Nevada where Bob worked road construction until 1975 when he returned to Salmon to work for Kelly Logging. In 1980 he went to work for the Forest Service in the maintenance department until his retirement in 1995. Bob enjoyed his ranch with his sweetheart Vera Fahnholz since 1982. They loved the outdoors, riding motorcycles, horseback riding and fishing. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge in Salmon and in St. George, Utah. He is survived by his three sons John Herman of Salmon, James Herman of Bluffdale, Utah, Jerry Herman and his wife, Vicki of Springville, Utah; one daughter Julie Herman of Bluffdale, Utah; six grandchildren: Amori Herman and John Troy Herman of St. George, Utah, Stacey Hinckley and her husband, John of Provo, Utah, Jerid Herman of Springville, Utah, Cade and Conner Ekstrom of Bluffdale, Utah; six great-grandchildren: Shayla, Alexis, Caden, Carston, Jackson and Gracie; one sister Stella Falker of Livingston, Montana and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack Herman and sister Shirley Robson and his sweetheart Vera Fahnholz. Funeral services were conducted at the Jones & Casey Funeral Home on May 3 with Bob Perry officiating. Interment followed in the Salmon Cemetery under the auspices of the Lloyd Shaw Post #67 American Legion. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Salmon Valley at 506 Van Dreff of Salmon, Idaho 83467. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Barbara Granroth
Barbara Marie Bryan (Fredrickson) Granroth, 75, of Challis, Idaho, formerly of Bemidji area in Minnesota, died Thursday, April 22, 2004 in Boise, Idaho. She was born on July 29,1928, to Jennings (Jinx) and Margaret ((Morton) Bryan in Dowagiac, Mich. She moved to Bemidji in 1934 or 1935 where she attended elementary school at the Pleasant Valley School near Nebish and Bemidji High School from 1942 to 1945. She married Manley Fredrickson on July 20,1950, in Bemidji. While married she worked at Jack’s Supper Club as a waitress, and Les’ Liquor in Shevlin as bartender. She married Marvin Granroth on Dec. 27, 1970, and they lived in Shevlin. She then attended St. Cloud Beauty College from 1970 to 1972. After school, she worked at the Arcade Beauty Salon in Bemidji as a hairdresser from 1972 to 1977. They moved from Puposky to Deer River in 1978 where she worked on arts and crafts, sewing and fishing. They moved from Deer River to White Pine, Mich., in December 1979. While in Michigan, she stayed busy working on arts and crafts, rug weaving and making clothes for her family and friends. From Michigan, she followed her husband (Marvin) on a long journey out west to Idaho. They lived in Challis from 1989 until her death. While in Idaho she stayed busy with arts and crafts, sewing, rug weaving, cooking, smoking fish and attending craft fairs with her sister-in-law Helen Granroth. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Granroth of Challis; sons, Patrick (Karen) Fredrickson of Bemidji, Mich. and Michael Fredrickson of Malden, Mass.; daughter, Corey (Joe) Hilborn of White Pine, Mich.; and a granddaughter.

Ilene Sayler
Ilene Sayler, 63, of Salmon and Elk Bend, passed away May 13, 2004 at the Discovery Care Centre in Salmon from complications of diabetes. Ilene was born in Buhl on September 16, 1940 in the Melon Valley to Marion and Dona Coombes. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, collecting dolls, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. We will miss her terrific sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her father Marion Coombes, one sister, Eleanor Coombes, one brother, Don Coombes and one daughter, Donna Moubray. She is survived by her husband, Norm of Elk Bend and Salmon area; her mother, Dona Hansen of Hermiston, Oregon, brothers Bill Coombes of Challis, Marvin Coombes of Halfway, Oregon and David Hansen of Salmon; sister Marva Lundquist of Umatilla, Oregon; her children, Sheri Altland of Gilchrist, Oregon, Loisa (Lennie) Peterson of St. Anthony, Arlene Hansen of Salmon and Orvil Dean Fairchild of Filer; step-daughters Karen Bullington and Fawn Laverenz of Caldwell, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date in Buhl and in Oregon. Local arrangements were by Salmon River Funeral Chapel.

Jack Taylor
Jack Taylor, beloved father, grandfather and friend of many people in Challis, passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, due to complications of cancer. He will be remembered by many for his beautiful carvings of wood and his restoration projects. He arrived in Challis in 1995 with his wife JoAnn and was accepted into the hearts of many people who grew to love and enjoy their enthusiasm of life. Jack was born in Cincinnati on May 31, 1938. As a teen, Jack moved to California. He joined the Navy and married Louise Posten. From this marriage, three boys, Daniel, David and Darren, were born. Jack and Louise later divorced. Jack then met and married JoAnn. JoAnn passed away in November 2001. Jack is survived by his three sons, three brothers, Walt, Ken and Tim; one sister, Suzi and two grandchildren. Services were provided by Challis Funeral Home. On May 30 a celebration of life will be held at Bux’s Place starting at 1:00 p.m. Please join us and pay respect to a wonderful man.

Maxine Boyle
Maxine Boyle, 78, passed away March 30, 2004, at the Alaska Regional Hospital. Maxine was born on September 27, 1925 in Meridian Idaho, the daughter of Myrel and Ina Tracy. The family left Meridian in 1939 and moved to Salmon. Part of the family was already in Salmon, Maxine was the youngest of four girls. Eva Stroud was the oldest, Irma Stadden and Della Hamilton were her sisters. Mr. Tracy was a bulldozer operator and cut many roads and irrigation canals for the ranchers. Irma’s husband Orrivil was one of the early airplane pilots. Armond ran the bread truck in Salmon to the top of the pass; he became known as the painter in Salmon. Maxine worked at the Old Bakery when she was young. Maxine was a bass drum player in the high school marching band, graduate of Salmon High and she played in the band with Charlie Lipe and Bill Baker for many years. She also played the violin in the school orchestra. She attended Gem State Academy in Caldwell. In 1961 Maxine married Bud Boyle. In 1969 she first moved to Alaska and she worked for CARRS from 1969 to 1971. In 1972 Maxine and Bud moved from Anchorage back to Salmon to operate the Williams Lake Resort for four years, before leaving to enter into the mobile home industry. Maxine also worked in Eugene, Oregon and went back to Alaska in 2000. She was a member of the Eastern Star of Salmon. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlepoint and knitting. The family said their mother loved to bake and cook. She was a prolific needlework artist and won many blue ribbons and first place awards for her work. In addition, she was a suceessful gardener who never met a plant she didn’t like and was able to grow anything. She is survived by her husband, Bud Boyle of Anchorage; daughter & son-in-law, Anita and David Gillespie of Anchorage; one sister, Irma White of Meridian and many nieces. She was preceded in death by two sisters. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Salmon Cemetery with Ritualist services by Hugh Ducan Chapter No. 2 of Salmon and Father Bob Perry officiating. Local arrangements were by Salmon River Funeral Chapel, Salmon.

Frank Burstedt
Frank Burstedt, 89, passed away May 24, 2004 at the University of Utah Medical Center from complications of a stroke. Frank was surrounded by his beloved family at the time of his passing. Frank was born on April 26, 1915 in his family’s home in Challis, Idaho. Frank was the son of Seth and Mollie Burstedt. Frank lived most of his life in Challis and the surrounding area. He loved his family, his home, his community, and his country. After Frank graduated from Challis High School he attended the University of Idaho graduating in 1936 with a degree in animal husbandry. It was also at that time that he married a very special Enid Dickson. Frank and Enid were able to spend 68 years of marriage. Frank’s first job after returning home from college was as Deputy County Recorder for Custer County. He also spent time working as a cashier in the first bank in Challis, the Custer County Bank. In 1943 Frank left his family to serve his country during WWII. He served as a Navy Storekeeper 1st Class in the Pacific, serving on Bougainville, New Guinea, and Mannis Islands. Frank returned in November 1945 to his wife and three children, Idonna, Carl, and Joel. Frank and Enid at that time decided to purchase the family ranch, the Salmon River Hereford Ranch, and they spent many happy years there raising purebred Hereford cattle and two new additions to the family, a son Raymond, and a daughter Lou Ann. In 1965 Frank and Enid sold the family ranch and Frank became president of Custer County Bank in Challis, a position he held until his retirement in 1979. After retirement Frank and Enid enjoyed many happy years with family, friends, and the community of Challis. Frank loved to bowl, golf, fish, and watch any type of sports on TV. Frank was a member of the Idaho Masonic Lodge, Florence Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Yorkrite Masons, the Idaho Shriners, and Philip Kirk Post Number 109 of the American Legion. Frank is survived by his wife Enid, his son Raymond his wife Teri and their family, his daughter Lou Ann Roberds and her husband Bill and family, his daughter-in-law Susan Burstedt and her family, and the surviving children of his daughter Idonna Carlson, Chris, Sue, and Scott, along with many special grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought much joy into his life. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Seth and Mollie Burstedt, two sons, Joel and Carl, and one daughter, Idonna Carlson. The family suggests donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Idonna Carlson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Challis High School. Frank was a man of honesty, integrity, and compassion. He will be remembered and loved by his family as they strive to live the example he set.

Harrold L. Sweeney
Harrold L. Sweeney, 83, passed away of natural causes at his home in Boise May 20, 2004. Harrold was born on Jan. 14, 1921 to Lloyd and Gladys Sweeney in Diamond, Ore. The family engaged in ranching in the Trout Creek, OR area until shortly after the end of World War II, when they moved to Winnemucca, NV. Harrold owned the Grass Valley Ranch until its sale in 1960, when he relocated to the Pahsimeroi Valley near Challis. He ranched in that area until his retirement at age 50. Thereafter he resided in the Boise and Garden Valley areas. On Jan. 15, 1973 he married Louise. They enjoyed traveling and houseboating. Harrold was also an avid gardener and woodworker. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 68 years and was also in the Shrine and Eastern Star. Until his recent move to Boise, he was a member of the Crouch Community Church. Harrold is survived by his wife Louise Sweeney, his son and daughter-in-law Allyn and Mary Sweeney, granddaughter Elizabeth Sweeney, stepsons Herb and Alan Sweeney, and stepdaughters Eileen Sweeney and Karen Lockwood. Services were conducted Monday, May 24 at the Crouch Community Church in Garden Valley. Pastor Brian Smith officiated. Graveside services followed at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise. Services were under the direction of Potter Funeral Chapel, Emmett. Those wishing to give in lieu of flowers may send donations to the Intermountain Unit of the Shriners Hospital, Fairfax Ave. and Virginia St., Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 or to the Idaho Youth Ranch.

Rita Allen
Rita Allen, 77 years young, passed away June 5, 2004, at the Lost Rivers Hospital in Arco, after a long illness and complications due to stroke. Rita was born September 24, 1926, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to George and Mary Becker. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1944, and went to work at the General Electric Plant in Erie. She married John R. Allen and had two children. Rita ultimately went into electronics assembly at Erie Technological Products, where she worked for a number of years. After her divorce, Rita moved to San Jose (Cupertino), California, where Powell Electronics employed her until her retirement at age 66. Rita then moved to Winnemucca, Nevada, to be near her daughter, Michelle. Rita and Michelle eventually returned to Challis in 1996, where Rita enjoyed her retirement with many friends. Illness struck three and a half years ago, causing her to live out her remaining years in the loving hands of the caregivers at the Lost Rivers Living Center in Arco. Anyone who knew Rita, knew of her love of football; she was a diehard fan of the Cleveland Browns, over the years enjoying many friendships with the team players and attending multitudes of games. One of Rita’s fondest memories was having lunch with Brian Sipes (quarterback). She loved to travel and to meet new people. Rita lived life to the fullest. Her father and mother, George and Mary Becker, from Erie, Pennsylvania, a brother, George, from Akron, Ohio, and the father of her children, John R. Allen, preceded Rita in death. Two daughters survive her, Michelle Allen-Hammond, of Challis and Jackie Allen, of San Diego, California, also four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many good friends and ‘adopted kids’ that knew her as “Mom.” All who had the pleasure of meeting her loved Rita, as she did them. She was a very warm and caring person, always there to help if she could, even if it was simply a smile or sympathetic ear. We will all miss her deeply. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Rita Allen to the Challis EMTs and to the Lost Rivers Living Center in Arco. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Challis.