G. Bruce McLaughlin, 80, Orofino
G. Bruce McLaughlin, Orofino, died peacefully at his home with his family around him Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004. Death was attributed to complications from diabetes and surgery. He was 80. Bruce was born to John Donald and Zelda McLaughlin March 5, 1924 in Minneapolis, Minn. He moved with his family to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at a young age, where his father worked for Von Platen Fox Lumber Company. Graduating from Trout Creek High School in Michigan in 1941, Bruce then served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Battle of the Bulge Campaign. After his discharge, he returned to Trout Creek. He attended Western Michigan State College on a football scholarship. He married Marguerite Miller Oct. 18, 1947 in Ewen, Mich. They remained in Trout Creek where Bruce worked with his dad and brother, logging for various companies. A daughter Pam, was born in 1948 and a son Mick, was born in 1951. The family moved to Orofino in 1952 to continue in the logging industry. In 1957, their youngest daughter, Cindy was born. Bruce worked for Ponozzo Brothers and other logging companies before starting his own business. He began McLaughlin Logging Company in 1958. Today it continues to be a family business and a strong employer to the Clearwater community. The business has been featured in numerous logging magazines, including the Smithsonian Archives. Bruce was a communicant of St. Theresa's of the Little Flower Catholic Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He was one of the first members of the Association Logging Contractors of Idaho and along with other area loggers, met personally with Vice President Mondale and Sec. of Interior Cecil Andrus on logging issues. He was a lifelong Democrat and served as Precinct Committee person. He was a member of the VFW Post 3296. Bruce and Marguerite served as Grand Marshals for the Orofino Celebrations, Inc. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball and served on the Boy Scouts Advisory Board. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and was a catcher on a semi-pro team where he had the opportunity to play against the Detroit Tigers in an exhibition game. In later years, Bruce's primary enjoyment was spending time with his family, enjoying times spent with his grandchildren, and going for rides on old logging roads. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack, of Trout Creek, and sisters Marian Bessent and Patsy Paulek of Albuquerque, NM. Surviving him at the family home is his wife of 57 years, Marguerite; daughters, Pam Clift and husband Robbie of Orofino, and Cindy Francisco and husband Jerry of Paul; son Mick and wife Mary Anne of Orofino; grandchildren Joni Francisco, Michelle McLaughlin, Lexi Maetche and husband Jake, Bruce McLaughlin, Timberly Clift, Molly McLaughlin, Andrea and Nate Francisco; nieces Donelle Napier Normington, Kitty Napier, and numerous other nieces and nephews; and his little sidekick, Tarzan. A Funeral Mass was held Tuesday at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Orofino. Burial followed at Wells Bench Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Bruce's name to VFW Post 3296 Elevator Fund, P.O. Box 1270, Orofino, ID 83544, and to St. Theresa of the Little Flower Parish Stained Glass Window Fund, P.O. Box 1169, Orofino, ID 83544. Bruce never knew a stranger and will always be remembered for his friendship and notorious giggle.

Lamar D. "Swede" Engstrom, 91
Beloved father, grandfather "Papa", and great-grandfather, Lamar D. "Swede" Engstrom, passed away Monday, Oct. 25, 2004 in Boise. He was 91. Swede was born Aug. 24, 1913 in Huntsville, UT to Charles and Malinda Engstrom, the youngest of six children. His parents died when he was a young boy, and he was then raised by an aunt and other family members. He graduated from Utah State in 1938 with a BS in Agriculture and began a career in the dairy business. In 1939 he traveled to Chicago and received recognition as the World Champion Butter Maker. Swede married Mena Shorten on March 15, 1940 and together they had two sons and a daughter. Following their marriage, they moved to Tempe, AZ, where he worked for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture prior to entering the service in 1942. He served as Platoon Sergeant while overseas, and the younger men following his lead nicknamed him "Pappy", and looked to him for support and guidance. After discharge from the service, Swede and Mena moved to Pendleton, Ore. and operated a creamery. In 1955 they moved to Orofino, where they owned and operated the Orofino Creamery, until selling their business in 1971. Following that, they managed the Konkolville Motel for eight years, and Swede also worked for Konkolville Lumber Company. In 1989, Swede and Mena moved to Salem, Ore. to be near their daughter and her family, finally settling in Boise in 1992. Swede and Mena celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in March 2002. Mena passed away July 16, 2002. While living in Orofino, Swede was active in the Lion's Club, was a lifetime member of the Elks, and a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a staunch supporter of the school athletic programs his entire life and was his children and granddaughters' biggest fan. Baseball has lost their biggest fan. Swede is survived by his daughter Patti Wilson of Boise; sons Chris Engstrom of St. George, UT and Charles Engstrom of Olympia, WA; eight granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, his parents, three brothers, two sisters and a granddaughter. Graveside services will be held Friday, Oct. 29 in Huntsville, UT where he will be laid to rest next to his wife and granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Idaho Commission for the Blind, 341 W. Washington, Boise, ID 83702.

Ermadean M. Richards, 75, Pierce
Ermadean Merrie Richards, Pierce homemaker, died Oct. 20, 2004 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. She was 75. Ermadean was born Feb. 26, 1929 to George Hedden and Margarett Stang in Boise. She graduated from Boise High School in 1947 and married Melvin G. Richards Dec. 24, 1948 at Bonners Ferry. She spent her life being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and caring friend to many in the community. she was an avid fisherman and camper. One of her favorite pastimes was working with her flowers, feeding wild birds and watching the deer from her window. She brought laughter to many in her portrayal of "Prospector Pete" during Pierce 1860 Days. Ermadean was president of Pierce Goldduster Senior Citizens. She was baptized April 10, 2004 at Pierce. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by a son, Douglas A. Richards of New Plymouth; six daughters, Mary Ann Thompson of Lewiston, Sue Clark of St. Maries, Linda Watkins of New Plymouth, Charlotte Maki, Dione Martin and Frances Jeter all of Pierce; a sister Helen Hogan of Billings, Mont.; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Pierce Community Center. Pastor Gail Hart will officiate. Memorials in her name may be made to the Timberline EMT's, P.O. Box 87, Pierce, ID 83546 or to the Salvation Army. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond G. Bolon, 79, Lewiston
Raymond G. Bolon, 79, passed away Friday Oct. 22, 2004 at Orchards Rehabilitation and Care Center in Lewiston. He was born to William G. and Helen Bolon February 17, 1925 on the Melrose Prairie, near Culdesac. He grew up in and around Greer. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served aboard the USS Arided during World War II. After mustering out of the Navy in 1945, he returned to Idaho and worked with the family hunting guide service. The majority of his life he worked as a logger, in home construction and as a cabinet builder. He loved the outdoors and could frequently be found wading Kelly Creek, fly fishing long before the stream became so well known. While in the Navy, Ray married Dorothy Brown in California and they had a son. That marriage ended in divorce. He then married Shirley Mercer and they had two sons. Following his divorce from Shirley, he married Virgie McKenzie and they had three sons and a daughter. During his later years, Ray lived with his long time companion, Jean Clark of Post Falls. Ray is survived by his brother, William E. Bolon of Greer, his six sons, Danny Wilkins of Eugene, Ore., Larry and Lyle Bolon of Lewiston, William Bolon of Moscow, Dale Bolon of Boise, Joseph Bolon of Spokane and his daughter, Barbara Corbett of Hillsboro, Ore; his stepson Paul Frances of Spokane; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. His parents and a brother, Milton preceded him in death. A graveside service for family will be held in Orofino at a later date.

Guadalupe Kinney, 97, former resident
Guadalupe E. Kinney, a former resident of Orofino and Lewiston, died June 24, 2004 in Post Falls at the home of her son, where she resided for the past six years. She was 97. Mrs. Kinney lived in Orofino with her husband, Robert J. Kinney DDS, from 1935 until 1976, when they moved to Lewiston where Dr. Kinney passed away in 1984. In 1993 she moved to Post Falls to be near her only son and family. Guadalupe was born in El Oro, Mexico on March 28, 1907 to Alfred and Antonia Howell. She moved with her family to San Antonio, Tex. when she was 12 and then remained in the United States. She met her husband at the University of Southern California, and they were married in Salt Lake City June 2, 1933. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Delcey Kinney of Post Falls and five grandchildren; Brother Benedict (Shawn) of Winona, Minn., Theresa Murray of Brisbane, Australia, Fr. Chad C. Kinney of San Malo, France, Natasha of Veneta, Ore. and Cherie of Post Falls. She also had four great-grandchildren of Peter and Theresa Murray: Philomena, Brianna, Brendan, and Melissa. Mrs. Kinney was a practicing Roman Catholic and member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Post Falls. A Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Chad Kinney July 17 at the St. Dominic's Girl's School Chapel in Post Falls. Burial was in the Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston beside her deceased husband.

Martha A. Philpot, 100, Orofino
Martha A. Adams Philpot died Aug. 21, 2004 in Orofino. She was 100. Martha was born Jan. 31, 1904 to Steven and Lena Adams in Kalispell, Mont. She moved to Orofino with her family at a young age. She married Thomas Henry Philpot, Jr. in 1926 in Orofino. He died in 1959. Martha remained in Orofino until moving to Stites to live with her daughter Evelyn in 2001. She enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Stephensen, Stites and Blanche Anderson, Yuma, Ariz.; one son, Clarence Philpot, Orofino; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death besides her husband, was one son, Clifford Philpot. A graveside service was held Saturday, Aug. 28 at Weseman Cemetery, Orofino. Pastor Paul Cross officiated. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Norman Clair Snyder, 76, Weippe
Norman C. Snyder passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004 of cancer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. He was 76. Norman was born July 30, 1928 to Walter and Flarnie Bonner Snyder. He spent most of his life in Weippe. After serving in the Korean War he met and married A. Gerry Wiley on June 21, 1953. They returned to Weippe, where he worked for Schmidt Bros. Lumber Mill for several years. He then worked for School District #171 as a custodian and bus driver. After that he worked for Carl Nelson Logging as a truck driver and finished his employment with Finke Logging. Norman enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, and watching his grandson play baseball. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gerry Snyder; one daughter, Debra and Jim Kidder of Lewiston; four sons, Gary and Lisa Snyder of Lewiston, Gerald and Lawanda Snyder of Emmett, Dale Snyder of Lewiston and Ronald Snyder of Weippe. Grandchildren include Jodie, Nikki and Jacee, Lewiston and Brian and Travis, also of Lewiston, Lacey of Emmett, Lisa Zander of Hawaii, and Noell and Desi of California. Also surviving is one sister, Delores Brink of Lewiston and one brother, Boyd Snyder of Orofino. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Don Blain will officiate. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Loah McLane, 80
Loah Ergene McLane, 80, of Orofino died Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. The funeral was held in Idaho Falls. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Karl Dean Stanton, 61, longtime resident
Karl Dean Stanton, Sr., a longtime resident of Orofino, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 while driving a truck on Hwy. 3. He was 61. Karl was born April 15, 1943 in Hillsboro, Ore. to Milton and Stella Stanton. The family moved to Orofino in 1949, where Karl lived his entire life. He began driving trucks very early in life and bought his first one around 1966. He served in the Vietnam War as part of the 116th Engineer Battalion in 1968 and 1969. Upon returning to Orofino Karl returned to the woods and the work he loved. He continued to work as an excellent diesel mechanic, a driven logger and a master fabricator for his entire life. He was part owner in Stanton Brothers Logging and H&W Logging and enjoyed working in Alaska, but his greatest love was his family. Karl married Glenda Lyness March 12, 1970, and they had four children. He is survived by all and their significant others: Karl Stanton, II and Christina Allen of Blaine, Wash., David and Darcy Stanton of Orofino, Kathy and Dominic Ponozzo of Lewiston, and Holly Stanton and Monty Smith of Orofino. He is also survived by his extended family, who were all special to him, including nieces, nephews, greatnieces and nephews, and those who called him grandpa: Harley, Victoria, Clinton, Amelia, Zack, Kelsye and Katie; and his siblings, Darold Stanton, Sharon Spencer and Susie Bonnalie, all of Orofino, JoAnn Croteau of Kennewick, Wash. and Lois Moore of Waha. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jerry and Frank Stanton, a sister, Anita Little, and a foster son, Emmett Cavanaugh. Karl was the backbone of his family and a magnificent man who will be greatly missed by all. He will be cremated and a military burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Weseman Cemetery on Grangemont Road in Orofino. Following the burial will be an informal memorial of his life at Spencer's Shop on Grangemont Road. Please bring memories, stories, a potluck dish and chairs. Memorial donations can be made to the Karl Stanton Memorial Account at Potlatch #1 Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1030, Orofino, ID 83544.

Charles Sharrad, 70, Craigmont
Charles Sharrard, 70, of Craigmont passed away Dec. 25 at St. Mary's Hospital in Cottonwood. Charlie was born Oct. 6, 1934 in upper Michigan. He and his wife came to Idaho in 1962 and resided in the Pierce area. He worked in the woods until 1984 when they opened Hoot's Taxidermy Shop at Pierce. He retired in 2002 and moved to Craigmont. He loved hunting, fishing and everything related to the great outdoors and all people. Charlie is survived by his wife Dixie; two sons, Harley of Lewiston and Preston at Moscow, and four grandchildren. He had six sisters and three brothers with two surviving siblings, Tom (Lois) Sharrard of Kamiah and Elaine Massey of Michigan. He was cremated and there will be no services.

Betty Lou Durant, 80, Clarkston
Betty Lou Durant of Clarkston, formerly of Weippe, passed away Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston. She was 80. She was born Nov. 30, 1924, in Lewiston to Byron and Nellie Shuss Benedict. Raised on an Anatone-area ranch, she graduated from Anatone High School in 1943. Betty served as a registered nurse in the Army Cadet Corps from 1943 to 1947. She married W. H. (Ben) Durant Jan. 13, 1947, in Lewiston. They moved to Weippe where they owned and operated Durant's Grocery Store there for 40 years. They retired to Clarkston in 1987. Betty practiced her R.N. training in Weippe for many years. She taught cooking in 4-H and helped start a swim bus that took Weippe children to Orofino for swim lessons around 1960. She enjoyed playing bingo and loved to travel to see different places. Betty Lou is survived by her husband, W.H. Durant of Clarkston; a daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Ron Smith of Weippe; two grandsons, Ronnie Smith and Lon Smith of Weippe; a great-grandson, Zachery Smith of Weippe; an aunt, Alley Jordan of Lewiston; a sister-in-law, Helen Benedict of Clarkston; and a sister, Jo Rae Grow. She was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Nellie Benedict; a brother, Robert (Bud) Benedict; a sister, Kathleen Benedict; father and mother-in-law, E.X. and Nellie Durant. No services are planned. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Weippe Museum, the Weippe Senior Citizens, the Weippe Library, or to a charity of one's choice. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.merchant-funeralhome.com/.

Bonnie May Dick, 61, Illinois
Tremont, IL - Bonnie May Dick, 61, of 113 West Ripley in Tremont, died at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005 in Pekin, IL. She was formerly of 1301 Fenley St. in Pekin. Born Dec. 16, 1943 in LaPrairie Township, Marshall County to Harry LeRoy and Grace Leona Stotler Colwell, she married Bernard Stanley "Bernie" Dick on Nov. 24, 1962 in Pekin. He survives. Also surviving are one son, Scott Allan (Lonna) Dick of Longview, WA; two daughters, Kelly Michelle Albrecht of Morton, IL and Brenda Lynnette (Gary) Waremburg of Tremont; seven grandchildren, Ashley N. Albrecht, Philip M. Albrecht, Sarah E. Albrecht, all of Morton, Lacey D. Dick, Brittany A. Dick, Jay T. Jacobs and Bret M. Jacobs, all of Longview, WA; five brothers, Miles (Catherine) Colwell of Glasford, IL, Charles (Dollie) Colwell of Peck, ID, Kenneth (Linda) Colwell of Sparland, Wayne (Mary) Colwell of Chillicothe, IL and Ralph (Janet) Colwell of Genesee, ID and three sisters, Mary (Ed) Bireline, June Vonk, both of Chillicothe and Nancy (Alvin) Smolinski of Orofino. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Jordan Alexander Dick; one brother, Harry Colwell, Jr. and a son-in-law, Kirk Albrecht. She worked in housekeeping at the former Holiday Inn in Pekin and then for the Fireside House. She then worked as the activities director at the former Perino's Nursing Home and later at the Galena Park Nursing Home. She later worked in the housekeeping department at the Riverview Retirement Community in East Peoria. She last worked part time for H&M Campers in Pekin.

Margot Elaine Walrath Davis, 71, MT
Memorial service for Margot Elaine Walrath Davis, 71, former Orofino resident now of Stevensville, MT, was held Monday, Feb. 7 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Hamilton, MT. Margot passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2005, in Missoula, MT of a heart attack. Margot was born in Orofino, ID on July 12, 1933, to Theodore M. and Margaret Dickinson Walrath. She graduated from Orofino High School in 1951, and attended Deaconess Nursing School in Spokane, WA, and Steven's College in Missouri, graduating from the University of Montana in 1984. She loved cooking and children, raising a total of 13 children during her lifetime, including her own three sons and a granddaughter, Carol Ann, daughter of her son, Daniel. Margot held several jobs as cook and for a time owned and operated a restaurant. For 10 years she was Second Cook on an iron ore boat on the Great Lakes. Her marriage to John Collett in 1956 ended in divorce as did a later marriage to Joe Butterbaugh. She raised the children of her good friend, John Miller. Nov. 1, 1990 Margot married Walter Davis in Stevensville, MT where they made their home. She is survived by her husband, Walter; her brother, Harry Walrath of Fairbanks, AK; sons, George Collett of Boise, ID and David Collett, Eugene, OR; grandchildren Tynen and Brandon Collette, of Pocatello, ID, Nathan and Lauren Collett of Eugene, OR, and Carol Ann Collett of Hood River, OR; two nieces and one nephew.. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Collett.

Breyden Chase Foster, 19 mo., Orofino/Weippe
Nineteen-month old Breyden Chase Foster passed from this earth into the arms of his loving heavenly father on December 28, 2004. Breyden was born May 16, 2003 to Kelley Foster and Clayton Naset Jr. Breyden's life gave much joy and purpose to those about him as he fought courageously against the effects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, SMA, type I. Breyden's favorite activities were to talk on the phone, dance with his mom, fly in the arms of Jeremy, or go 4-wheeling through the mud puddles laughing when the spray hit the windows. His favorite cartoons were Wiggles, Stanley, Rolly Polly Olie, and Elmo. Breyden eagerly shared his favorite food: Cheetos with Bubba the dog; one for Breyden, two for Bubba. He also had a liking for green beans with butter. Breyden's favorite song was Rubber Duckie, fittingly so as bath time gave him freedom to move that otherwise was not his. Special people that helped Breyden in his earthly journey included: Jay Dexter and Jill Renner, the doctors and nurses of Clearwater Valley and Deaconess Hospitals, and the Weippe Ambulance crew. Breyden is survived by his mother and her partner, Jeremy Hartig of Weippe; his father, Clayton Naset Jr. of Orofino; his aunt, Morgan Foster of Boise/Orofino; maternal grandmother, Patricia Foster of Orofino; his grandfather figure, Stanley Stuffing of Orofino; his paternal grandparents, Earl and Connie Darst of Clarkston; and maternal great-grandparents, Nick and Mary Welk of Otis Orchards, Washington. Viewing was held at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino on Sunday. Burial was at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Melrose Cemetery near Peck. A Memorial Service and potluck followed at the Orofino Tabernacle Church. It is suggested that memorials be sent to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) PO Box 196, Libertyville, Il. 60048-0196.

Leroy Elwood Steiner, 77, Lewiston
Leroy Elwood Steiner, 77, passed away January 1, 2005, at the Idaho State Veteran's Home, Lewiston. Leroy was born to Ellen (Webb) and Jesse Steiner in Clarkston, WA on November 5, 1927. He attended school in Kooskia, ID and served as a Seaman 1st Class during World War II in the US Navy, receiving the WWII Victory Medal. He worked in a Sawmill in Coos Bay, OR following his discharge from the Navy. Leroy came to Orofino in 1950 and went to work for Orofino Builder's Supply. He helped build the VFW building. Leroy owned the Idaho Inn from 1952-1957 in Orofino and was married to Mary J. Myers. They later divorced. For 25 years, Leroy owned and operated the Orofino Body Shop. He worked as a janitor for Orofino Elementary School for five years as well as contracted with the US Forest Service. Leroy loved music, playing, jamming, and listening. He played numerous stringed instruments. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved golf, rafting, and bowling. Leroy built fiddles and won the high honor of having built the second best fiddle in the world, 1980, Vancouver, BC. He belonged to the VFW Post 3296 in Orofino since 1965. Leroy married Helen Palmer and later divorced. Leroy is survived by three sons, Brock and Randy Steiner of Orofino, and Terry Steiner of Coeur d' Alene; three daughters, Darla McGee, Janet Overman, and Teena Gortsema, all of Orofino; two brothers, Art Steiner of Coeur d' Alene, and Waldo Steiner of Orofino; 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Two sisters, three brothers, one grandson, along with Leroy's parents preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 7, 2005 at 1 p.m. at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel with a luncheon and fellowship to follow the service at the VFW Hall in Orofino. The Rev. Paul Cross will officiate. Memorials to the Idaho State Veterans Home are suggested.

Vernay M. Thrapp, 86, Lenore
Vernay Mae Thrapp, 86, passed away Dec. 27, 2004, in Fort Collins, CO. Vernay was born to Otto and Vernay Stoffregen in Akron, CO. on Nov. 19, 1918. In 1924, the family moved to Fort Collins and then to Greeley, CO. There, Vernay graduated from high school and went on to earn a fine arts degree in education at Colorado State College of Education, where she was president of Delta Phi Omega sorority. She taught at La Porte, CO, and at Rocky Ford, CO before her marriage to Hilton Thrapp in 1942. While he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps in Europe, Vernay worked as a draftsman in New York City. After the war, the couple moved to Moscow where Hilton completed his degree at the University of Idaho and Vernay worked as a staff artist for the university publication department. Vernay taught for the Clarkston School District from 1956 to 1959 then moved to Independence, MO where she taught art at Fort Osage High School from 1959 until her retirement in 1980. Upon retirement, she and Hilton moved back to Idaho, building a home above the Clearwater River overlooking the small town of Lenore. She is survived by three children, Stephen Thrapp of Fort Collins, Mary Keeler of Seattle and Dan Thrapp of Tucson, AZ; three grandchildren, Curtis Thrapp of Eugene, OR, Capt. David Thrapp of St. Roberts, MO, and Julia Wilcox of Minneapolis, MN; and two great-grandchildren, William Thrapp and Mia Grace Wilcox. Cremation has been completed, and a memorial service at Lenore is planned later.

Darren D. VanKomen, 33, Fort Lewis, WA
Staff Sgt. Darren Dale VanKomen, 33, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq. Darren died doing what he loved, being a soldier. He was a member of Alpha Troop 2/14 Calvary, Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Darren was born May 2, 1971, in Lewiston. He grew up in the area, graduating from Culdesac High School in 1989. In 1991, he joined the U.S. Army. Before going to Fort Lewis, WA, he had been stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. Darren is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie, and a daughter, Chelsea, of Olympia. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Betty and Jerry Clemens of Orofino; six brothers, Butch, Darrell, Bill, Tom, Danny and David; and two sisters, Pam White and Tina McDaniel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Dewaine, and a sister, Debbie. The funeral was held Friday at the funeral home in Tumwater, WA.

Coy E. Melton, 72, Kamiah
Coy E. Melton, 72, of Kamiah passed away Sunday, January 2, 2005 at St. Mary's hospital in Cottonwood. Coy was born May 4, 1932 in Montgomery, AL to Coy Ellis and Margaret Ruth Stephens Melton. As a young child, Coy and his family moved to Canada. He grew up in the logging town of McBride, British Columbia (BC). After high school, Coy joined the Navy and served his country during the Korean War. In 1966, Coy married Betty June Sorenson. They made their home in Kamiah. He worked as a heavy equipment operator building roads. Coy enjoyed hunting and fishing and talking about hunting and fishing. In September of 1997, Betty passed away. He is also preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marylon Godfrey, and two brothers, William and Louis. Coy is survived by his son, Wade and Dawn Melton of Lenore; two daughters, Stacy and Jamie Longmore of Kendrick, and Elizabeth and Sean Sweeney of West Richland, WA; three sisters, Florence and Carl Storr of South Haven, MI, Margaret and Gerald Clarke of BC, and Carylon and Ron Elliot of BC, and 10 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7 at Trenary Funeral Home Chapel in Kooskia. A covered dish dinner will follow at the conference room at the Clearwater 12 Motel in Kamiah.

Ardis "RD" Mryle Schilling Oppen Millage
Ardis "RD" Myrle Schilling Oppen Millage departed us on Christmas Eve, in the year of Our Lord, 2004. A family's love (near and far) was surrounding an extraordinary woman as acalm stilled the home of a longtime Alger, WA resident. She was 69 years old. On December 30, 1935 in Weippe, Idaho, a tiny bundle of joy, Ardis Myrle Schilling was born to Albert and Mary (Voss) Schilling. She began her life journey as a nurturing and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother and lifelong friend to one and all that graciously entered her realm. Being the fifth of eleven children, her love knew no boundaries. Often thought of as a surrogate mother by her siblings and their offspring she was and is a favorite among those who were around her. On December 23, 1952 she was united in marriage to Dick "RD" Oppen, bringing about a love freely given back by their four children, Jean McMahan, Dick Oppen, Rose Lauzier and Rick Oppen. Ardis loved fishing, camping, dancing and spending quality time with her family. After her first husband, Dick Oppen died in 1981 in a jeeping accident, God granted her a second love, John Millage, whom she readily married on November 29, 1985, sharing a love as promising and unconditional as her first. RD retired from Boeing on January 1, 1991, allowing them to spend more time with family, traveling during the winter months to see family in Arizona and making stops in Montana, Idaho and eastern Washington in the spring on their way home to Alger. Rd is survived by her dedicated husband, John, who was by her side as she peacefully passed away. Also by her children, Jean, Dick, Rose and Rick and her step-children, Mike Hagg, Lisa Tomlinson, Tim Millage and Shannon Millage and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. Her brothers, Ervin and August Schilling; her sisters, Ruth Bates, Christa Ladd, Gladys Morden, Janice Byrnes and Darlene Marriott and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her. She will be missed by all of her brothers and sisters-in-law of the Schilling, Oppen and Millage family lines, including all that had the opportunity to call her a friend. The peaceful knowledge that she is not alone but laughing, fishing and camping once again with her parents, first husband Dick, sisters Inez Betz and Joyce Crooks and brother, Albert Lee Schilling, among other departed loved ones can only bring a smile to those that loved and cherished Ardis Myrle Schilling Oppen Millage. Funeral services for RD were held Thursday Dec. 30, 2004 at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Pastor Ron Schenk of the Lyman Baptist Church officiated. Interment followed at the Greenhills Cemetery in Burlington.

Tamara Ann Parke, 46
Tamara Ann Parke, 46, of Orofino died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2005 at Clearwater Health and Rehabilitation Center in Orofino. A memorial service will be held at 1 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel.