2019 Funeral Notices and Obituaries for Pomeroy Related People

Marie Kathleen (Jaspers) Williams

Marie Kathleen (Jaspers) Williams passed away on December 18, 2019, in Spokane. Marie was born to Leo and Alta Jaspers in their family home in Lewiston on June 3, 1941.

She lived with her husband, Dan Williams, on the Williams family farm in Pomeroy. Marie and Dan were just two weeks shy of their 50th wedding anniversary when Marie passed while being cared for in Spokane. Marie taught Home Economics to the students of Pomeroy High School and then continued her crafts, cooking, baking, and volunteering efforts for the entire community for many years afterwards. She loved to share her many gifted talents and spent numerous hours teaching her nieces and nephews the ways of the kitchen.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Leo Jaspers, born in Pomeroy and Alta (Heitstuman) Jaspers, born in Uniontown; her step-children Scott Williams and Lisa Williams; and brother-in-law Lewis Williams. She is survived by her husband Dan Williams; and her sisters Marjorie Brewer and Vivian Gregson of Spokane; and her brothers Robert Jaspers of Wenatchee and Philip Jaspers of Eugene.

A Funeral Mass, officiated by her nephew, Rev. David Jaspers of Portland was celebrated on March 21, 2020, at her parish of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Inurnment followed at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Spokane on Monday March 23, 2020.

[editor's note: Marie was very involved with the American Cancer Society and was their local representative in Pomeroy. You may want to make a donation to the Society in her name. The Spokaner branch office is 1212 N Washington, Suite 325, Spokane WA 99201.]

Robert "Bob" Edward Feider

Robert Edward Feider passed away on December 11, 2019 in Sun City Arizona. Bob was born in Pomeroy on March 12th, 1942, to Edward and Dorothy Feider. Bob was raised on his family farm with his two siblings, Pat and Annie. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing from the backdoor of the farm.

In high school, Bob played varsity basketball among other sports, was actively involved in and nationally recognized for his contributions to the Future Farmers of America, and participated in student government where he served as the student body president in his senior year. Bob graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1960 and then attended Washington State University where he played basketball and pursued veterinary studies. After college, Bob was married and had a son, Darren in 1964. Bob worked for Westinghouse for several years until 1982.

In the early 1980's, Bob and Diane Ferguson began their relationship, eventually marrying in 1988. In 1982, Bob and Diane had started their family business, Quality Rentals, which they successfully ran until retirement in 2013.

Bob and Diane enjoyed travelling, camping with family and friends in their motorhome, and anything to do with their grandchildren. They developed a large group of friends and acquaintances over the years. Bob will always be remembered for his large annual Labor Day party which friends and family members always looked forward to. Bob and Diane enjoyed living in their Lake Cle Elum home until eventually moving to Arizona full time in 2013 to enjoy the weather.

Bob is survived by his wife Diane Feider, brother Pat Feider, and sister Annie Feider; children Darren (Ingrid) Feider, Scott (Lisa) Ferguson, Leeane Marston; and grandchildren Sara Ferguson, Ryan Ferguson, Matthew Feider, Elise Feider, Nicholas Ferguson, Cameron Munno, and Madison Mckee.

A memorial service for Bob and Diane Feider was held on September 24th, 2021, at the Roslyn Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service in the Roslyn Cemetery.

Patricia Wilsey

Patricia Lee Wilsey, 86, of Asotin, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, in Clarkston. She was born March 1, 1933, to Vera Ellen Scoggins and Kenneth Nereus Thornton, in Pomeroy.

Patt spent her childhood in Clarkston and Asotin, where she was active in school activities such as being a majorette, self-taught tap-dancer and cheerleader. She graduated from Asotin High School in 1951.

She and Wayne R. Wilsey were married August 26, 1951, at the Asotin Methodist Church. The couple moved to Seattle while he was in the U.S. Navy. In 1955, they bought a house and moved back to Asotin, and lived there for the past 64 years.

Patt worked many jobs while being a homemaker, including as a ticket taker at the Roxy Theater in Lewiston, as a waitress and cook in several Asotin restaurants, as an in-home daycare provider in Asotin and as a city clerk for Asotin City Hall. She also counted ballots for the elections and worked seasonally at both the Potlatch Tree Farm and Twin City Foods.

She was always involved in many community organizations, including PTA, FFA, Asotin County Fair Board and as chairperson for the Asotin Christmas Parade. She was well known for her prize-winning pies, dill pickles, and angel food cakes in the Asotin County Fair. In her later years, she was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Patt is survived by her husband of 68 years; daughter Cathy Wilsey Forgey, of Clarkston; son Robert (Vina) Wilsey, of Cora, Wyoming; daughter Lenna Kay (Russ) Wilsey Nesbitt, of Lewiston; son Bill Wilsey, of Lewiston; brother Jim Thornton, of Asotin; sisters Kaye Maier-Hart, of Clarkston, and Vanessa Thornton Rhoades, of Spokane Valley; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Loren, Doc, and Ray Thornton; and grandchildren Ryan and Jenny Wilsey.

Her funeral was held November 27 at Merchant Funeral Home, Clarkston, with Pastor Jim Osborne officiating the service. A covered-dish lunch followed at the Lions Club in Asotin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Diabetes Research Institute.

William ("Bill") Gilmore Brattain

William Gilmore Brattain (“Bill”) passed away in his sleep, at his home in Portland, Oregon. Born April 3, 1943, in New York City, he died November 17, 2019, at the age of 76.

Son of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Walter H. Brattain and chemist Keren (Gilmore) Brattain, Bill had a natural gift for math and science. He earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics at Carleton College and microbiology at the University of Washington. He created interlocking wooden puzzles and taught science at a private school. Bill shared his father’s interest in “tinkering” with mechanical devices to understand how they worked.

His deepest impulse was service to others. He worked for many years as a chef and manager in a nursing facility. Later, he served as a nurses’ aide at a memory care facility. In retirement, he volunteered at a shelter for homeless families. He had a knack for relating to the elderly, whose perspectives he valued. Bill was known for his easygoing temperament, sense of humor, and inclusiveness. Nobody was beneath him: he treated all with respect.

Bill loved classical music. One of his favorites was Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World.” He delighted in card games, especially bridge, which gave him an opportunity to make new friends. Bill also enjoyed taking walks, reading mystery novels, and trying new restaurants.

Family was important to Bill. He loved to connect with his extended family. He is survived by his daughter Karen and son Ross, his brother Webb and sister Debi, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Evelyn (Ehrichs) Brattain, his dear wife of 33 years, preceded him in death in 2007.

Bill had a big heart. His greatest desire was to help people. Anyone wishing to honor him can donate to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. A private ceremony was held in November, 2019, to inter his ashes beside his father in Pomeroy City Cemetery.

Mary Kay Wommack

Mary Kay Wommack, 82, was called to join her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, as she passed away in her beloved home in the presence of members of her family.

Mary Kay was born Dec. 27, 1936, in Walla Walla to Bert and Alfreda Richardson. She grew up in Pomeroy and graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1955. At Pomeroy High School, she was an active member of the student-body and was a member of the school’s cheerleading squad.

Upon graduation from Pomeroy High School, Mary Kay attended Washington State University in Pullman for one year before transferring to Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. In 1957, she graduated from Stephens College with an Associate of Arts degree in secretarial science.

Mary Kay returned home and married Andy Reinland from Dayton in 1958. Andy and Mary Kay had two children, Catherine Ann and Jeffrey Eliot. The couple divorced in 1975. In 1976, she was married to Robert Peasley, of Pomeroy, and they were later divorced in 1985.

Mary Kay went on to work as a legal secretary for Keatts & Burns, and Burns & Henry Law Practice in Pomeroy where she was employed for the large majority of her working career, retiring in 2007. She also aided her father, Bert, and her first husband, Andy, in the family funeral directing business in Pomeroy. Mary Kay was married to Willis Wommack in 1988 and she and Willis enjoyed a wonderful marriage up until Willis’ untimely passing in 1997.

Mary Kay loved her family unconditionally and many of her activities were centered around her family and what was going on in their lives. She loved to read all kinds of books on a multitude of subjects, both informational and entertainment. One of the things she enjoyed doing most was vacationing at Spirit Lake, Idaho, at her parents’ cabin, just lounging around with family. Mary Kay was an excellent water skier in her younger years and truly enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle that came with vacationing at Spirit Lake.

She enjoyed vacationing at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast and loved walking the beach near Haystack Rock with her daughter, Cathy. Along with reading, one of her favorite hobbies was listening to Elvis records and CDs, of which she especially loved Elvis’ gospel recordings.

Mary Kay was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching basketball games of all levels. She was totally engrossed in son Jeff’s teams’ basketball games, and always required a debriefing prior to each game to include a complete game plan followed by a phone call after the game requiring a detailed analytic breakdown of what went on during the game and why.

Mary Kay loved the holiday season and sincerely enjoyed being around her family during those times. She loved giving gifts and was constantly concerned whether or not she was giving the proper gift, and if not, you could feel free to return it and get something else.

More than all of those things though, Mary Kay loved to spend time in her beloved home in Pomeroy, where she and her sister, Nancy, grew up together, where her parents, Bert and Alfreda, lived the majority of their lives and where she lived the majority of her life. Mary Kay’s home was absolutely her favorite place on Earth and she cherished having family and friends come to visit her there. She was a devoted and loving mother and was completely dedicated to the lives of her children. Anything that was of importance to her children was extremely important to her and she always kept up on everything that was happening in their lives.

Mary Kay is survived by a daughter, Cathy Reinland, and her boyfriend, JD Brown, of Pomeroy; a son, Jeff Reinland, and his wife, Marti, of Walla Walla; a granddaughter, Aleah Johnson, of Pheonix; a grandson, Brandon Johnson, and his wife, Maralee, of Stevensville, Montana; grandsons Maxton Reinland and Drew Reinland, both of Portland; great-grandson Wylder Johnson, of Stevensville; a sister, Nancy Stanley, and her husband, Wally, of Spokane; cousins, nieces, nephew, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bert Richardson, and her mother, Alfreda Richardson, and her husband, Willis Wommack.

There was a public graveside service for Mary Kay at the Pomeroy Cemetery on November 10 followed by a dinner for family and friends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Pomeroy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and the American Association for Cancer Research.

Freda Maxine (Crawford) Mock

Freda Maxine Crawford Mock, 87, of Pomeroy, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Pomeroy.

Maxine was born to Clement Eugene Crawford and Mae Augustine Taylor Crawford Nov. 9, 1931, in Pomeroy. She attended grade school in Pomeroy and graduated from Pomeroy High School. Maxine married Jerry Mock June 17, 1949, at Pomeroy.

She worked as a telephone operator, a bookkeeper for Cardwells’ Department Store and Able Automotive and in customer service for Pomeroy Pharmacy, OM Scott & Sons, just to name a few. Maxine was interested in photography, metal detecting, gambling and garage sales. She was the Garfield County Fair apple pie champ for many years and crocheted afghans and tablecloths. In 1949, she was crowned the Garfield County Rodeo queen.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Jerry Mock of Pomeroy; daughter Cathy (Steven) Mock Perry of Pomeroy; son Rich (Jolene) Mock of Steptoe; daughter Julie (Kevin) Knodel of Benton City; son Ronnie Mock of Clarkston; daughter Diana (Mark) Schmidt of Pomeroy; grandchildren Tricia Brown, Christopher Keizer, Tim Mock, Megan Belfore, Andy Mock, Brian Ruchert, Brooke Stokes, Rusty Ruchert, Briana Solik, Brady Mock, Brandon Mock, Patrick Grim and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clement Crawford; mother, Mae Augustine Crawford and brother Ron Crawford.

A service with the Rev. Roger Pederson was at Richardson-Brown Funeral Home in Pomeroy.

Clifford Jay Fitzsimmons, 1947-2019

Clifford Jay Fitzsimmons, 72, of Knoxville, made last call Sept. 23, 2019, after a short battle with cancer.

Raised on a wheat ranch in Pomeroy, Washington, Cliff moved to East Tennessee after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force.

He established and later sold the first office supply business in Sevier County. He also changed the nature of cattle shows in Tennessee, bringing his western ways to the Sevier County 4-H program in 1972. He worked in auto sales, engineering drafting and steel frame design before returning to school and earning his associate from Pellissippi State and bachelor degree from the University of Tennessee in his 50s.

He devoted much of his later years to service organizations, in particular as an advocate assisting veterans in obtaining their benefits from the VA. He served as the Executive Director of Tennessee AmVets, Director of Amvets National District III and National Judge Advocate for the AmVets due to his tendency to kick much ass despite having only one leg. He also served many years as a convener and national vice president for the Clan Graham Society of North America, was inducted into the Jimmy Boys and wore his kilt with pride despite a tendency to be misidentified as Sir Sean Connery. He was re-elected several times as president of the Smoky Mountain Highland Games and oversaw the festival’s growth and then move from Gatlinburg to Maryville College, but still maintained an active presence on the game’s field even in official presidential retirement. He was also a life member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, holding offices in both over the years.

Always ready with a story and joke, he never failed to help his friends and had a low tolerance for those who crossed him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marcus Creighton Fitzsimmons; his twin sister, Colleen Fitzsimmons; and his wife, ElTeresa Fitzsimmons. His right leg preceded him in 1998 but he never let that loss slow him down though he occasionally left his replacement leg in odd places at odd times much to the entertainment of friends and horror of various flight attendants, bartenders, waitresses and at least two members of the Scottish nobility. He is survived by his beloved mother, Kathleen Fitzsimmons; brothers Tom Fitzsimmons (Jamie Carothers) and David (Carroll) Fitzsimmons, sisters Vicki Brenner (Tim Collier) and Linda (Jim) Vandeweg. He is also survived by his son Marcus (Susan) Fitzsimmons, of Seymour and Thompson’s Station; daughter Sarah Wimbish, of Knoxville; and stepson Lee (Riann) Horner, of White Pine; and grandchildren Titus, Bryan, London, Bailey, Aubree, Paige and Katelyn, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral was October 1, 2019, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway in Knoxville. The family would like to thank Smith’s Funeral and Cremation of Maryville for helping with arrangements for a veteran. Donations may be made in Cliff’s memory to AMVETS Service Foundation, Attn: Scholarship Fund, 1205 Malabar Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660.

William "Butch" Taylor

William “Butch” Taylor passed away Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at the Garfield Memorial Hospital.

Butch was born Sept. 2, 1958, in Lewiston to Marion and Bill Taylor. He married Janet Crawford Taylor on Aug. 9, 1980, in Pomeroy.

Butch graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1977 and attended Walla Walla Community College earning his criminal justice degree. He worked corrections in Walla Walla and security in Alaska and Puyallup, Washington. He worked for the Dye See Ranch when he and Janet returned to Pomeroy in 2017.

He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, hunting, fishing, camping, boating and supporting his Seahawks, Vikings, and Mariners.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Taylor; son Robbie Taylor, who is in the Army Special Forces in Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughter Willow Taylor, of Walla Walla; daughter Keri Taylor, of Pomeroy; sisters Linda (John) Keizer and Rose (Terry) Houtz; brothers LeeRay (Carolyn) Taylor and Dan Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Delbert and Olive Taylor, mother, father and brother Jim Taylor.

A Celebration of Life service was held September 14 at the Pomeroy Nazarene Church.

Butch was loved by many and will be missed.

James A. Scott

James A. Scott, 95, of Pomeroy, died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Garfield County Hospital.

Following his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, Jim married Maxine Dye of Pomeroy on June 14, 1946. They lived at Pullman until he graduated in 1948.

Jim and Maxine lived and farmed in Garfield County near Pomeroy. In 1960 they built a wheat and barley seed conditioning business. Maxine passed away in May, 1996.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine and son Neal. He is survived by son, Gregory J. Scott of Pomeroy; two daughters, Janice Mathison of Wenatchee and Nancy Scott of Salinas, California; and many grandchildren.

Arrangements were with Richardson-Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy.

Phyllis Summers

Phyllis B. Summers, 96, of Pomeroy, died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Garfield County Hospital in Pomeroy.

Richardson-Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Jo (Brons) Herres

Peggy Jo Herres passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at Garfield County Memorial Hospital, in Pomeroy.

Peggy Jo Brons was born August 3, 1951, in Yakima, to Floyd and Margaret Brons. She attended Outlook Grade School and Sunnyside High School. After graduation, she attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane. Peggy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in the spring of 1973. She immediately began working at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

That following fall, Steve Herres and Peggy were married November 3, 1973, and moved to Pomeroy. Steve worked on the family farm and Peggy began working at Garfield County Memorial Hospital. They had sons Ryan, Tom and Nick, all born in Pomeroy. The family then moved to Starbuck, to farm the ground for Herres Land Co., in the Pomeroy, Dayton and Starbuck area. Peggy went to work at Dayton General Hospital, where she served as a registered nurse for more than 20 years.

Peggy’s nursing career also included time at Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She loved being a nurse, but was especially fond of serving her patients in the recovery room. Steve and Peggy returned to Pomeroy in 1992, where their sons all attended and were graduated from Pomeroy High School.

Peggy was her three sons’ biggest fan, and anyone who attended any of her boys’ sporting events knew it. She was a proud football and wrestling mom and hosted many team dinners. Peggy eventually retired to enjoy her family full time, which was first and foremost in her heart. The annual “Pig Roast” at the Brons family farm in Outlook, Washington, was a particular favorite event of Peggy’s. She also enjoyed traveling with husband Steve in their motorhome and spending time with her three sons and their families, which included seven grandchildren. Peggy’s brother, Steve Brons, and his wife, Bonnie, often joined in on the traveling adventures, and while home, Peggy and her sister, Linda McKeirnan, could often be found side by side.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Floyd and Margaret Brons. She is survived by her husband, Steve; sons Ryan (Heather) Herres, of Spokane, Tom (Danielle) Herres, of Seibert, Colorado, and Nick (Piper) Herres, of Pomeroy; brother Steve (Bonnie) Brons, of LaPine, Oregon; and sister Linda (Jim) McKeirnan, of Pomeroy; grandchildren Logan, Carter, Henry, Madison, Teagan, Jillian, and Kyzer; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family, all of whom had a special place in Peggy’s heart.

Any contributions or donations can be made in Peggy’s name to the Holy Rosary Altar Society in Pomeroy.

Timothy Baker

Timothy David Baker, 57, a recent resident of Pomeroy and formerly of Enterprise, Oregon, died Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at Pomeroy.

Arrangements are with Richardson-Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy.

Fred "Fritz" Leroy Harris

Fred (Fritz) Leroy Harris of Enterptrise, Oregon, formerly of Pomeroy, passed away on August 20, 2019, at Wallowa Memorial Hospital, Enterprise.

Fred was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 30, 1949, to Lloyd Burton Harris and Pauline Onitha Burna-Wortman, the second born of Puliline's seven children. He met Sharon, his wife of 53 years, in California. Fred and Sharon Isaacson-Harris married June 14, 1966 in Kooskia. That next year on Valentine’s Day, daughter Sherrie was born. One year and two weeks later, son James arrived.

Fred spent his earlier years working many different jobs in several towns. In the early 1970’s, he discovered his welding talent while working for Morrell’s Construction in Lewiston. In 1984, Fred moved his family to Pomeroy where he worked for the Pomeroy Grain Growers for 14 years. In 1998, Fred and Sharon found their “forever home,” on a perfect piece of property, facing the beautiful Wallowa Mountains in Enterprise. They packed up their family (2 dogs, a cat, and 5 horses) and relocated to their piece of heaven where Fred worked for the Wallowa County Grain Growers until retiring in February, 2014.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd; mother, Pauline; brother, Robert McMillian; and grandson, Kai Ledgerwood.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of Enterprise, daughter Sherrie (Larry) Ledgerwood of Pomeroy, son, James (Tammi) Harris of Colorado Springs, CO, 6 grandchildren (Mercedes Macomber, Forest, Addie, Noah, Cassie and Christian Harris), as well as four sisters and one brother.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, August 31, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Wallowa Memorial Hospital-Ambulance, 601 Medical Parkway, Enterprise, OR 97828

Loretta Niebel

Loretta L. Niebel was born April 6, 1938, in Bozeman, Montana, to John and Nellie Parmer. She was born into a family of 14 siblings, which included seven brothers and six sisters. The family lived in Montana and Washington as her father’s job took them to different locations.

Loretta met Ronald F. Niebel and they were married March 27, 1954, in Pomeroy. Together they lived at the family farm until she lost her battle to kidney disease. She wanted to be home with her kids, grandkids and husband, Ron. They were married 65 years, and most of those years were at the family farm, where she raised her five children and lost one daughter, Sharon Louise Niebel, two short days after her birth. Her children are Ron W. Niebel (Connie), Robert D. Niebel (Sharlene), Charles E. Niebel (Sandy), Sherri A. Niebel Batterton (Larry) and Oscar L. Niebel.

Loretta loved her family utmost unconditionally, along with her 14 grandkids and 23 great-grandkids. She enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, gardening and crafting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nellie Parmer; daughter Sharon; five sisters, Kate, June, Nitta, Ardella and Myrtle; and six brothers, Jay, Earl, Ralph, Harold, Eugene and Elwood.

Surviving at the family farm is her husband, Ron. Other survivors include children Chuck, Oscar and Sherri; a sister, Shirley Rodriguez, of Missoula, and her brother, Bill Parmer, of Clarkston.

The family would like to extend their thank-yous and for the outpouring of love and meals that were graciously brought to their home during this time of their loss.

Marston Fitzsimmons

Marston Fitzsimmons, 98, of Pomeroy, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at Garfield County Hospital in Pomeroy.

Marston was born and raised in Garfield County. He married Marjorie Robinson in February, 1943. The couple farmed for many years in Garfield County until their retirement, and still lived in their farm home where Marjorie grew up.

He is survived by his loving wife, a daughter, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Richardson-Brown Funeral Home of Pomeroy.

Andrew Herres

The world recently lost a wonderful man. Andrew Herres was a man of all occasions, loved by all.

Andrew grew up in Pomeroy and married there. He lived most of his adult life in western Washington State. He was an All-Star basketball player at Pomeroy High School and played college ball at LCSC in the 1970’s. He loved to golf. He was always game for a new adventure. He and his wife Susan travelled the world and most recently started traveling the American west by RV. Andrew was a teacher and coach for 41 years and everybody loved Mr. Herres. He had a great sense of humor and spoke fluent “Duck”. Andrew listened to people and was always supportive. He was a humble man, putting other people first. To be loved by this man in any way was a great honor. The best way to pay tribute to his memory would be to live your life well.

Andrew and his wife had just retired and are building their dream home in Wilder, Idaho by the Snake River next to a golf course. He loved being in Treasure Valley and has greatly enjoyed his new friendships.

At 66 years young with no warning sign, he was taken from us suddenly. He is survived by his wife and partner of 16 years along with his brother and sisters, children (AJ Herres, Todd Herres, Kaisee Herres, Kelsey Wright and his step-sons John, Michael and Gregory Genoni) and grandchildren.

His funeral was held in Caldwell, Idaho on July 12, 2019. There will be a Celebration of Life for Andrew held in Eatonville, Washington, on Saturday, August 17, 2019.

Christopher Louis Pawlik

Christopher Louis Pawlik passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home in Pomeroy at the age of 67.

Chris was born in Pomeroy Dec. 2, 1951, to Hugo and Carlene Pawlik. He was blessed with a happy and secure childhood, growing up as a child of the ’50s in a small town. He shared in the family’s love of the outdoors. Fishing, arrowhead hunting and excursions to the rivers and mountains were his favorites. He graduated from Mater Cleri Seminary in 1970 and attended Western Washington State College in Bellingham. The following years were spent in Seattle, where he was employed by, and eventually became the proud owner of Native Design Gallery, located in the Pioneer Square area.

In 1995, he relocated to Whidbey Island, residing first in Coupeville and then Langley, where he worked as a bartender and in a used book and graphics store and then Virginia’s Antiques, a town fixture. His passions were reading, authors and antiques, so he was able to hone his expertise of these subjects on a daily basis. In 2009, Chris moved back home to Pomeroy to help care for his parents. He soon became the head of the local food bank, a position he held for the past 10 years, and where he will be sorely missed.

Chris loved to hunt morel mushrooms with his nephews and often hosted friends from the coast to come and share the Pomeroy experience of morel hunting and exploring his favorite local haunts. Chris was well-traveled; his favorite spot to unwind being a little cabin on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. He loved to cook, and in addition to being a voracious reader, was a talented writer and journalist. He loved to share jokes, stories and recipes, and will be missed not only by the family, but in the community and by beloved friends of many years.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Hugo, and infant brother, Jerry. He is survived by his mother, Carlene; four sisters, Kathy (Ron) Dixon, Susan (Bill) Thurmond, Carla (Keith) Danielson and Marti (Neil) Natwick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At his request, a private family celebration will be held. Memorial donations in Chris’ name may be made to the Garfield County Food Bank in Pomeroy.

Carol Jane (Wassard/Baker) Calkins

Carol Jane (Wassard) (Baker) Calkins, of Kennewick, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019. She was formerly of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, and Pomeroy. She had lived with Parkinson’s disease for about 20 years.

Carol was born in Portland, Oregon, August 2, 1942, to Jane (Gould) and Jack B. Wassard. She was the first of six children. The family moved to Garfield County in Washington in 1948, and Carol started school when they lived on Sweeney Gulch Road. Two years later, the family moved to the Howell Grade Road. She attended all 12 grades at the Pomeroy School District, as did all of her brothers and sisters. Her dad farmed his grandfather’s homesteaded land on Howell Grade in the Valentine Ridge area.

After high school graduation in 1961, Carol went to beauty college in Spokane. She married Roger Baker in 1962, and they farmed wheat land in the Mayview area of Garfield County until the mid-1980s. Carol and Roger had two children, Terry Baker, of West Richland, Washington, and Katrina, who died in a tragic accident while in childhood in 1972.

Carol and Roger divorced about 1979, and Carol moved to Spokane. She received a certificate in merchandising display from Spokane Falls Community College. She worked in merchandising for a number of years. She married Charles Calkins (of Calkins Machinery) in 1990, and they lived in Nine Mile Falls, until 2009, when Charlie died. Shortly after, Carol moved to Kennewick near her son, Terry.

Carol loved to raise lovely vegetable and flower gardens. In 1998, Carol and Charlie’s garden was voted the most outstanding garden in Spokane County. It had a 10-foot landscaped waterfall and two creeks and many lovely flowers, shrubs, plants and decks.

Carol and Charlie took many fishing trips around the United States, where they won many fishing contests. They also traveled to Fiji, Australia and Alaska.

Carol was an excellent seamstress and made many items of clothing. She loved to do artwork and did many crafts. She was a talented cake decorator and made many cakes for various occasions in the county. She belonged to the local garden club and one of the home economics clubs.

Carol always dressed very beautifully and had excellent taste in clothes.

Carol is survived by her son, Terry Baker, of West Richland; a grandson, Brandon (Heidi) Baker, of Clarkston; and a granddaughter, Katlyn (Tanner) Shelton, of Enterprise, Oregon. She is also survived by all of her siblings: sisters Cosette (Jerry) Moore, of Pomeroy; Kristine (Jim) Pryle, of Ellensburg, Washington; and Becky (Pat) Laughery, of Nine Mile Falls; and brothers Jack “Pepper” (Francee) Wassard, of Payette, Idaho; and Bill “William” (Nikkie) Wassard, of Kennewick; and a great-grandson and daughter of Clarkston; and another soon-to-be great-grandchild in August, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Jane Wassard; and her daughter, Katrina. Carol is missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Pomeroy cemetery. There will be a family and friend gathering at the Pomeroy City Golf Club House after the cemetery services. All are welcome to come and share stories, songs and food with the family. Anyone wanting to bring salads, relish dishes or desserts would be appreciated.

Helen Marie Tenney

Helen Marie Tenney, 73, of Pomeroy, died Thursday, June 6, 2019, at her home.

Helen was born December 5 1945, To Ralph J. Brissette, and Irene E. {Laliberty] Brissette. she was one of Ten children, Shirley & [Bill] Franks, Ruth & [Leo] Gray, Paul & [Sue] Brissette, Walter Brissette, Jeanne & [Mel] Lavoie, Theodore & [Evy]Brissette, Patricia Adams, Ralph & [Colleen] Brissette, Stephen & [Wanda] Brissette.

She had just lost her Husband Martin whom she loved and missed so. Helen had 4 beautiful children David Turner, James Turner, Jenney Benson, and Eric Benson. She adored her grandbabies and cherished her visits with them. she was talented and made many items either knitting them or crocheting and it helped her to pass the time but also brought in some income.

She loved to travel and enjoyed the everyday things of life. Her sister Jeanne will miss their chats over the phone when they laughed about the memories they had growing up. She will be missed by family and friend alike, she was a good person who helped others whenever she could. She had suffered for a long time with cancer and she never complained. We will miss you and until we meet again.

Rest in Peace.

[The editors of this page are grateful to Helen's sister Jeanne Lavoie for the above obituary.]

Mountain View Funeral Home of Lewiston was in charge of arrangements.

Grace Margaret Dashiell

Grace Margaret Dashiell passed away on Monday, June 4, 2019, in Spokane, Washington. Our mom was born in Pomeroy on March 23, 1926, the second of the late Isabel and Lester McKeirnan's nine children. Mom attended Pomeroy Hight School and graduated from Sacred Heart Nursing School in 1947. She was an RN in the nursery at Sacred Heart for many years.

She married Kelly Dashiell, who passed away in 2008. Our mom moved to Rockwood Lane, where she had so many special friends. She loved watching Jeopardy and Gonzaga basketball with Dolores, who loved and helped her in any ways.

We are so grateful for mom's loving caretakers, Sandy and Bernice, who made it possible for her to live out her life at Rockwood, and the special care of Dr. Margaret Clark. Mom's door was always open and friends came in and out all day. Everyone was welcome. She loved helping people so much and never expected anything in return.

Mom was preceded in death by husband Kelly and so many loved ones, who are waiting to reunite with her. Mom is survived by her son Mike and wife Vivian; daughter Marcia Pourfarrokh, daughter Sheila Kato and husband Ken, and Annette Bowman and husband Scott. Her eight grandchildren are Lisa, Dennis, Mitra and partner Coco Cohen, Kevin, Lauren and husband Will James, Stephanie and husband Mike Loucks, Heather, and Nick. Mom's three great-grandchildren are Christian, Greyson, and Azurite. She is survived by brothers, Lee McKeirnan and Jim McKeirnan; and sister, Lois Sticklin. Countless friends and family miss her.

A vigil/Rosary was said at St. Augustine Church in Spokane on Friday, June 14, 2019. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, June 15, 2019. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Spokane's Hospice House South, whose staff cared for her so lovingly, or Community Cancer Fund. Please know if you were lucky enough to know our mom, you will forever be watched over and prayed for.

Avis Clark

Avis Amelia Clark, 95, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away May 15, 2019, at Cascade Inn Assisted Living at that city. She was born in Pomeroy, Washington, to Edwin Eman Jones and Blanche (Carter) Jones. She finished the 12th grade.

Avis was a member of Grace Point Christian Church.

She loved her family, music and playing cribbage.

Avis is survived by her children, Edward J. Clark, Karen E. (Clark) Keefer, Theodore D. Clark and Kenneth L. Clark; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Hoss Clark; sons, Harold John Clark and Duane L. Clark; father, Edwin E. Jones; mother, Blanche Scoggins; sisters, Irene Bower, Pearl Fogus and Nelda Johnston; brother, Marion Jones; and grandson, Clark John Keefer.

A memorial service was held May 20, 2019, with a visitation on Sunday, May 19th, 2019, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, Washington.

Donations in Avis's memory may be made to TCM or Grace Point Christian Church.

IlaMae (Johnson) Bartlow

IlaMae (Johnson) Bartlow died peacefully at Grace Assisted Living Center on May 15th, 2019, in Nampa, Idaho, at the age of 96 ¾ or older (if you asked her).

IlaMae was born on August 10, 1922, in University Park, Iowa, to Edward Hays & Helga Marie (Wade) Johnson. She spent her youth during the Depression in many locations in the Upper Midwest attending 12 different schools in seven different states. She attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa for 2 years as a History Major, where she met her "hottie," Don Bartlow. In 1944 she traveled 7½ days and nights from San Francisco by bus with her mom to marry Don in New York City, where he was in meteorology school after enlisting in the Army Air Corps.

While in the service, they were moved many times. Following the end of the war, they moved to Pomeroy. IlaMae spent most of her remaining years as a farmer's wife in the Alpowa Ridge area, riding herd on four recalcitrant jackrabbits (five if you count the farmer) until they moved to town in 1990.

Some Garfield county residents still remember her as an Avon lady. That was her last venture in door-to-door sales, after meeting new people through Nobility (a flatware company), and Beeline (a party clothing company).

She loved music, and was a member of the Lewis-Clark Sweet Adelines chapter for many years. She loved reading the Bible and romance novels; oil and china painting; Burger King Whoppers; watching basketball; and table games. She loved Jesus dearly.

IlaMae was the youngest & last remaining of her 4 siblings, and is survived by her three children, Howard (Carol) of Nampa, ID, Barbie (Steve) Sharp of Pomeroy, Murray (Dalene) of Sherwood, OR, and Gary (Pat) also of Nampa; 11 grandchildren, Ann (Chris) Rink, Gary (Jana) Sharp, Jackie Freeman, Brian (Angle) Bartlow, Greg (Katrina) Sharp, Debbie (Ryan) Brown, Staci (Ben) Jaquith, Becca (Byron) Henrickson, Stefanie (Chris) Steynor, Brent Bartlow, and Jenae (Miles) Hunter; 18 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and lots of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Don.

Jimmy Griffin

Jimmy passed away on from cancer Saturday, April 20, 2019.

Jim was born September 20, 1954, to Bill and Opal Griffin, in Pomeroy. After graduating from Pomeroy High School in 1974, he began a career as a mechanic, first working at ABLE Automotive in Pomeroy, then spending a few years in Pasco before returning to Pomeroy as a John Deere tech for General Tractor for 15 years. Since 1995, Jim has been employed at Farm and Home Supply as a Case IH tech.

On June 27, 1981, Jim married the love of his life, Debi Ingram, in the Blue Mountains, which was a special place to both of them. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Cricket Lynn, 36, and Keri Lane, 33. They also had the joy of an honorary daughter, niece Madison Grimm, 26.

Jim was very family-oriented, always working hard to take care of everyone. He loved to hunt with his dad, brothers-in-law, nephews and his many friends. He especially loved to shoot guns with Debi at the Ingram family ranch in Clarkston where much time was spent, even camping out there on the weekends. Jim enjoyed woodworking and tinkering, whether to fix something or create something new.

Jim is survived by his wife, Debi; daughters Cricket and Keri (Dan); mother ; brother Rodney Griffin; sister Lynn Shawley; father-in-law Bill Ingram; brother-in-law Tim Ingram (Brenda); an honorary sister, Jodene Wommack; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Griffin; mother-in-law Terri Ingram; brother-in-law Jim Shawley; and sister-in-law Patti Grimm.

A memorial service was held at the Church of the Nazarene in Pomeroy. Memorials may be made to Cancer Research Institute.

Lloyd Morgan

Lloyd Francis Morgan died Friday, April 12, 2019, at age 90 in Spokane. He was born June 8, 1928 in Pomeroy, Washington to Florence Ella (Long) and Harold Martin Morgan, the eldest of two children. At this time, Harold worked for a variety of farmers and moved where he could find work. Lloyd started school in Garfield County at Rainwater which was a three-mile walk one way. The next several years found him in classes at Central Ferry, Pomeroy, Dixie and Deadman schools. In the 9th grade, he returned to Pomeroy. After starting the 10th grade in Pomeroy, he got ill and never returned to school. The next spring, Lloyd started farming in partnership with his father and they farmed together for 20 years.

He soon met and fell in love with Maxine Myrn Oldenburg. They were married October 15, 1949 in Pomeroy. The settled down and farmed on Deadman Creek and later at Central Ferry where they built their home. Lloyd taught himself how to play the harmonica, guitar, banjo and steel guitar. He couldn't read music, but was quick to pick up a tune and improvise. His singing was always a source of pride and comfort for his mother and he "cut a couple of 45 RPM records" at that time. In 1959 Lloyd was diagnosed with Acromegalia. Successful treatments were very rare, but a team of Spokane doctors was able to, over several months, remove Lloyd's pituitary gland with radiation. Over the years, Lloyd's health was unusual and Maxine believed in the power of prayer that saved his life on more than one occasion.

The summer of 1966 Lloyd and Maxine were displaced from Central Ferry to Rosalia. The Army Corps of Engineers wanted to build the second of three dams on the Snake River. In the rush to finish harvest at Central Ferry and to move before school started, they were surprised when the house they were to move into at Rosalia burned. The move still had to take place, and temporary quarters had to be developed in a rush. A 10' x 12" cabin was moved to the the farm, outhouse readied and beds for their two children were set up in the small shop 300 feet from the cabin. It was a cold winter, but after four months, a basement had been poured, a house was moved in, heat hooked up and a plank provided access to the front door. Once they settled into a new routine, Lloyd and Maxine worked on the house, unpacked and got involved in Kenova Grange actives. Lloyd served in several positions and was a past Master.

He was a Life Member of the Malden Masonic Lodge where he recently received a 50 year pin, and was a past Master. Lloyd also enjoyed these activities in the El Katif and Whitman County Shrine. Both Lloyd and Maxine were avid fundraisers on behalf of the organization and the Shrine Hospital in Spokane. Lloyd was a progressive farmer and while living on the river, built a pond for erosion control. Upon moving to the Rosalia area, he encountered much the same problem and once again built a pond. For these efforts, he received a Conservation Farmer of the Year. He later stocked the Rosalia pond with rainbow trout and had a "catch and release" policy for the school children and relatives who would bring families out to fish. LLoyd explained to his young audiences the importance of a pond for flood control, water conservation and increased drainage for the neighboring fields. When they lived near Pomeroy, his hobbies were hunting, fishing, searching for Indian artifacts and trap shooting. After moving to the Rosalia area, he gave up the first three hobbies but continued to trap shoot until the early 1980s when failing eyesight became an issue. He then joined Maxine in researching genealogy and they spent much of the spare time developing their family trees.

Lloyd lost Maxine last November. He is survived by daughter Annette Moller (Dusty) and son Terry Morgan (Janet), grandson Gabriel Morgan, step-grandchildren Ben (Katherine), Heather Garrett and Grace Di Biase, step-great-grandchild Roman Schulze, Sam and Prudence Di Biase; bother Harold Eugene Morgan (Virginia) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were at Richardson and Brown Funeral Home, Pomeroy, Washington on Friday, April 19, 2019, followed by a brief graveside service and luncheon. Memorial donations may be given in his name to the Shriners Hospital for Children Spokane or Union Gospel Mission Spokane.

Barbara Bingman

Barbara E. Bingman, of Pomeroy, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Prestige Care and Rehabilitation in Clarkston. She had celebrated her 88th birthday just two days earlier.

She was born March 31, 1931, in Milton, Oregon, to Hayden and Mary Sams Alderman. She attended school there, graduating from McLoughlin High School.

She married James Moore, and together they had three children: Connie, Christy and Jerry. They later divorced.

Barbara attended Walla Walla Community College School of Nursing, earning a degree as an LPN. She worked for many years at the VA hospital in Walla Walla, and later at Memory Manor in Pomeroy.

She married Ivan Bingman on May 1, 1982, in Pomeroy. They were married for 33 years before his passing in 2015.

She enjoyed crocheting and sewing. There were many lucky recipients of her handiwork, from afghans and blankets to pajamas and hot pads. She especially loved working in her flower gardens and spent countless hours tending to them. She is renowned for growing beautiful flowers, and iris were her favorite. She was a member of the garden club and Pomeroy First Christian Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Ivan Bingman; son Jerry Moore; daughter Christy Moore Grandy; stepson Mylon Bingman; brother Eugene Alderman; and sisters Jenny Zerba, Melvina Brown and Ruth Thomas.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie (Ron) Niebel of Clarkston; stepson Bob (Teresa) Bingman of Pomeroy; stepdaughters Melody (Steve) Jones and Candy (Bob) Howard of Walla Walla; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held April 13, 2019, at Pomeroy First Christian Church, followed by a graveside service at Pomeroy City Cemetery.

Richardson-Brown Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Pomeroy First Christian Church or to the charity of one’s choice.

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