Glenn Taylor Guthrie
Glenn Taylor Guthrie, 87, of Moore, Idaho, passed away January 25, 2004 at Bingham Memorial Hospital from a lingering illness. He was born February 8, 1916 in Swink, Oklahoma. He was the fourth child of Zackary and Leila Fly Guthrie. Glenn lived in Texas and Oklahoma in his early years. At the age of 16 he left home and went to work in the mines of Nevada and Arizona. In 1939 he met Fern B. Kinney. They were married January 26, 1940 in Nevada. To this union one son, Tommy E., was born on December 25, 1940. Glenn was a heavy equipment operator and supervisor in Kwait, Denmark, Scotland and Canada. Both Fern and Glenn came to the Lost River and Salmon area where they had a well drilling business for 33 years. Glenn was an avid hunter, fisherman and horseman. Survivors include his wife Fern of Moore: a son Tommy E. (Lydia) Guthrie of Grand Junction, Colorado; one brother, Foy E. (Betty) Guthrie of Lafayette, Louisiana; three sisters, Josephine Hagen of Hobbs, New Mexico, Valera Storey of Atlanta, Texas and Leila (Chet) Jenkins, Wymore, Nebraska; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Funeral services were held Thursday at the Simpson-Marvel Memorial Chapel in Arco. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lost Rivers EMTs, P.O. Box 503, Arco, Idaho 83213.

Judith Marie Gearheart
Judith Marie Gearheart, 51 years of age, took the hand of her savior on January 19, 2004 after the courageous battle of a long-term illness. She was born Judith Marie Counts, on October 19, 1952 in Pray, Montana the daughter of Thomas Theodore and Patricia Ann (Callentine) Counts. She spent most of her childhood between Roseburg, Oregon and Livingston, Montana. Judith married the love of her life, David William Gearheart on January 10, 1987 at St. Andrews Church in Livingston, Montana. She was very strong in her faith, and led St. Andrews youth and prayer groups for many years. She was an accomplished Christian writer and poet. Judith and David moved to May in 1992, where she opened “This and That Country Store.” Judith operated the store until illness forced its closure. Judith enjoyed being active in her community; she was the Grange Master and member for many years. One of her great joys was putting together awards for achievement of academics of Patterson Elementary students, and letting them know their community was proud of their efforts. Judith leaves to mourn her passing her Mom, Sandra Callentine of Three Forks, Montana; two sisters of the heart: Mrs. Bonnie Maynard and her husband, Larry of Challis and Mrs. Helen Gilbert and her husband, Ed of Clyde Park, Montana; her children: Cindi Ferro of Kendrick, Tashi Counts and her husband, Mike of Melrose, Minnesota, Shonda Solomonson and her husband, Mathew of Livingston, Montana, Kenneth Milliner and his wife, Crystal of Belgrade, Montana, Amber Shields and her husband, Toby of May, and Missey Gibson of Pacific, Washington; 11 grandchildren: Marrisa, Amanda, Alexis, Brandi, Samantha, River, Patricia, Kahtona, Avery, Dakotah and Isabella. She was preceded in death by her mother Patricia Ann Callentine, her father Thomas Theodore Counts, husband David William Gearheart, and her Dad Wayne Callentine. Memorials are suggested to the Pahsimeroi Emergency Team or to the Pahsimeroi Fire Department. Funeral services were held at the May Grange Hall, in May on Saturday, January 31 with burial in the May Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Johnny F. Hammond
Johnny F. Hammond, 81, of Challis, passed away January 29, 2005, at his residence in Challis. Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 2, 2005, at 1 p.m. under the auspices of Philip Kirk American Legion Post No. 109 of Challis. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Challis EMTs, P.O. Box 24, or to the Challis Volunteer Fire Department or a favorite charity of choice. Burial in Challis Cemetery is under the direction of Challis Funeral Home.

Danny Watkins
Danny Watkins, 55, of Challis passed away January 29, 2005 at his residence in Challis. Private family memorial services will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Challis EMTs. Arrangements are under the direction of the Challis Funeral Home.

Robert Edward Carlson
Robert Edward Carlson, 79, Leadore, passed away at his residence, November 14, 2004. Robert was born in Salmon on June 23, 1925, the son of Nels Edward and Greta Hudelson Carlson. Robert grew up and attended school in Leadore and graduated from Leadore High School in 1944. Robert played basketball and football for Leadore. On June 23, 1949, Robert married Norma Hutchings at her parent’s home in Gilmore, Idaho and their marriage was sealed later in the Idaho Falls Temple. Robert was born with a love for airplanes and flying and he received his private pilot license. Robert loved adventures which included snowmobiling, four-wheeling, riding motorcycles, 1929 Ford trucks and horses. His life revolved around his family. He was a rancher all of his life. He retired in 2001 and was rehired to help work the ranch. Robert is survived by his wife Norma and is dearly loved by his daughter Eunice and Scott Tyler, his five grandchildren Jamie, Julie, Kimberly, Hollie and Richard; two great-grandchildren, Mathew and Jessica and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and one brother. Funeral services were held Friday, November 19 at the Leadore Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Merrill Beyeler conducting. A 1929 Ford truck led the procession with Robert’s casket for burial in the McRea Cemetery in Leadore. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Leadore EMTs or to Salmon Valley Hospice, 506 Vandreff Street, Salmon, Idaho 83467. Arrangements and services were by Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon.

Kim Jack Hammond
Kim Jack Hammond passed away August 20, 2004 at the University Hospital in Salt Lake City. He lived in Challis for six years and loved the town and people. He will be missed by all.

Shirley E. Robson
Shirley E. Robson, 84, passed away on January 3, 2004 in San Leandro, California where she had been living for the last 61 years. Shirley was born on April 22, 1919 near Challis in the Pahsimeroi Valley to George and Flora Miller and raised by Carl John and Flora Herman. She loved people and enjoyed life, and always had a positive outlook on life. Shirley met her husband, Elijah J. Robson of Mackay 64 years ago at Patterson. They had many wonderful years together until Elijah passed away in September of 2000. She is survived by her son, Lanny Robson and his wife, Juanita; one grandchild; two great-grandchildren; all of La Grande, Oregon; sister Stella Falker of Livingston, Montana and brother Robert Herman of Salmon. Graveside memorial services for Shirley E. Robson will be conducted at the Gibbonsville Cemetery of Gibbonsville on Saturday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. with Karen Hunter officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home 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.

Edgar Frank Coleman
Edgar Frank Coleman, Jr. was born in Challis December 8, 1909 and died December 4, 2003. He was known in the area simply as “Junior.” He was the youngest of the four children of Edgar “Frank” and “Kate” Coleman. He married Evelyn Thornhill in 1936 and moved to California. They settled in Modesto, California in 1941. He was a surveyor with the City of Modesto until his retirement in 1973. In their retirement, they travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. The Diamond D Ranch was the summer ranch of the Colemans’ prior to Demorest and the Boyles. He is survived by one daughter, Karen Sawtelle of Oroville, California, five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. He was the uncle of Gerry Lewis of Challis.

Judith “Judy” Joanne Taber Wilson
Judith “Judy” Joanne Taber Wilson, 66, a resident of Newberry Springs, California for 24 years, died Monday, November 17, 2003. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas November 18, 1936. She worked as a homemaker for 50 years. She was a very loving mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed her world traveling, family gatherings, helping other people, arts and crafts, and performing in the theater. She has been a performer at Calico Ghost Town and in many films and commercials. She was an EMT and the first woman firefighter in Eagle Nest, New Mexico. She has been the campground host at Cottonwood campground for the past five years, in which she took much pride. She considered Challis her second home. She, her husband and children, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary October 10, 2003. Survivors include her husband, Duane C. Wilson Sr., of Newberry Springs; daughter, Lorraine J. Williams of Telluride, Colo.; sons, Duane C. Wilson Jr. of Mesa, Ariz., and John S. Wilson of Winnemucca, Nev.; mother, Virginia K. Henderson of Springerville, Ariz.; sisters, Donna Carroll of Springerville, Ariz., Janelle Mosher of Lemon Grove, Calif., Susan Morland of Spring Valley, Calif., Carol Taber of Angeles City, Philippines, Joan Morley of Las Vegas, Nev., Lavon Laursen of American Fork, Utah, and Doris DellaSilva of Anchorage, Alaska; brother Stan E. Wilson of Jakarta, Indonesia; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild due in March and many nieces and nephews.

Harry Lewis Mills
Harry Lewis Mills, 65, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2003 in Challis at his home as the result of an accident. Harry was born January 11, 1938 in Geneva, Nebraska the first of three children born to William Howard and Ruby Elva (Emerick) Mills. He attended East Side school in Idaho Falls and graduated from Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls with the class of 1956. Harry worked for Bears Tire Shop and was a partner at Grays Landscaping for a few years. He attended Idaho State University majoring in mechanics and then entered the Army National Guard in 1960. Following his discharge from the Army he returned to Idaho Falls and while working with his dad ventured to Salmon on a job. He stayed for over 30 years. Harry married Janet Fisher November 14, 1998 in Salmon and he worked at the Swahlen Ranch on Bohannon Creek until the ranch sold. Harry retired in June of 2003 and in July Harry and Janet moved to Challis to enjoy their retirement. Harry had a passion for music, cars and flying. He could tell you anything about cars from the Model As to the new makes. He enjoyed working the land and helping others. He was a soft-spoken man with a big heart. Harry is survived by his wife, Janet Mills of Challis; stepson Josh Fisher of Challis, Stephen Fisher and his wife Barbara of Camp Pendleton, California; granddaughter Brenna Fisher of Camp Pendleton; mother, Ruby Mills of Idaho Falls; two sisters, Jean Westergard and her husband, Jim of Idaho Falls, and Ilene Mills of Priest River; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father William Mills and stepson Travis Franck. Funeral services were November 26 at the Assembly of God Church of Challis with Pastor Billy Alder officiating. Interment was in the Challis Cemetery following the services under the auspices of the American Legion Philip Kirk Post #109. Memorials are suggested to the scholarship funds at the Challis or Salmon High Schools. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Harry Lewis Mills
Harry Lewis Mills, 63, passed away at his home in Challis Sunday, November 23. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 26 at the Assembly of God Church in Challis at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Challis Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones and Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Lawrence Floyd Bradbury
Lawrence Floyd Bradbury, 84 died at his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon on Thursday, September 23, 2004. Lawrence Floyd Bradbury was born Friday, February 20, 1920 in Challis, the son of Floyd M. and Violet M. (Smith) Bradbury. He attended elementary school and high school, graduating from Challis High School, class of 1938. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Idaho studying agriculture. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1942. He immediately entered into the United States Army under the ROTC Program June 25, 1942 receiving the Rank of Infantry Unit Commander. During his time of service he served in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received his Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Theater Ribbon with Three Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star, Metal, Purple Heart, Croix de Guerre, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He received his Honorable Discharge as Captain of the United States Infantry December 22, 1945. During his college term he met Marie Commick, who was also a student at the University of Idaho, and following his tour of duty with the United States Army, they were married November 18, 1945 in the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Genesee, Idaho. They made their home in Challis working with his father Floyd M. Bradbury on the family ranch raising heifers and bulls. The Bradbury Ranch was a third generation homesteaded ranch in Challis. He was a member of the Idaho Cattlemen Association and served as president of the association in 1969. Following the death of his father, Lawrence continued to operate the ranch until 1976. Lawrence continued to be very active working for the Cyprus Mine as drill site manager, and Custer County Bank as a bank loan officer. They moved to Lewiston, Idaho in 1981, and he developed an interest in timber. He enjoyed going on rafting trips, riding horses and fishing for trout and salmon. He enjoyed traveling in the United States, New Zealand, and countries where he served during the War. He moved to Klamath Falls in 2000 to be near his family already residing in Klamath County. Survivors include his wife Marie Bradbury of Klamath Falls, Oregon; daughter and son-in-law Marcia and Pastor Mike Leake of Brush Prairie, Washington; son and daughter-in-law Dr. Mark and Maria Bradbury of Klamath Falls; grandchildren John and Mary Bradbury; sister Evelyn Wick; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Campbell. At the families request, cremation has been provided by Klamath Cremation Service and O’Hair & Riggs Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Lawrence Floyd Bradbury’s life will be held Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Bible Church, 21810 NE 37th. Avenue, Ridgefield, Washington. Mr. Bradbury’s son-in-law Pastor Mike Leake will officiate. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the City of Lewiston Normal Hill Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorial contributions in memory of Lawrence Floyd Bradbury may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Bob Danner
Robert Danner was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on January 24, 1942. A legendary aviator, he passed away September 13, 2004 doing what he loved most, flying in the Frank Church Wilderness. He grew up and attended school in Stanley. Upon completing high school, Bob served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. It was there that his passion for flying took flight. Bob was an extraordinary and skilled pilot who knew the Frank Church Wilderness and the Sawtooth Mountains like the back of his hand. He and his beloved wife Dia were known as the “dynamic duo” who touched the lives of countless travelers and friends. “Danner” as he was called by many, loved to fish and hunt. His projects were as vast as his talents. They ranged from roofing an airplane hanger to casting a fly rod. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Those who knew him well, will feel an empty void. His smile, his humor, and his generosity of spirit will be missed greatly. His spirit will be felt in the mountains beneath many wings and by dreamers. The family of Robert Danner would like to express their deep and sincere gratitude to everyone for their support during this difficult time. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Norma Danner. Bob is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Dia Terese, Gay Wiig, the mother of their three children; his children, David Danner and Kimberly McCain. His son Darren passed away at the age of 11 in 1978. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Bobby Danner, Jenny Danner, and Danielle McCain; his four brothers Charles from Boise, Howard, Leonard, Leslie, from Reno, Nevada and his sister Myrna from Elko, Nevada. It has come to the attention of the family, that some people had difficulty seeing and/or hearing the memorial service held on Saturday, September 18 at Stanley Air Taxi in Stanley. For those who would like to receive a videotape copy, please mail your request to the Danner Family, c/o Pamela Peters, P.O. Box 137, Stanley, Idaho 83278.

Barbara Amar
Barbara Amar, 75, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2003 at the Discovery Care Centre of Salmon. Barbara Jean Sproul was born October 1, 1928 in La Puente, California. The older of two children born to Paul and Velma Paden Sproul, she grew up in La Puente and graduated from La Puente High with the class of 1946. After graduation she attended UCLA and received an associate degree in dress design. During this same period of time, she started dating a young man, Fidele Amar who hung out at her Dad’s garage. They were married July 6, 1948. To this union five sons were born: Steve, Ken, Keith, Tom and Pete. After a trip to Yellowstone Park, the Amars drove through Salmon and fell in love with the town. In March of 1958 they moved from La Puente, California to Williams Lake and Lake Creek Ranch. The family had to walk across a swinging footbridge. Tourists would drive to the ranch and Fidele would Jeep them to the lake. Barbara found herself cooking at the lodge. That winter Fidele and Barbara decided they would purchase Lost Trail Ski Lodge. That meant that every Saturday and Sunday Barbara would load the blue station wagon full of hot dogs, hamburgers and kids and head for the ski lodge. In 1961, Pete was born and Barbara and Fidele left the lake and ski lodge to raise potatoes on Briney Creek south of Salmon. In the next few years, farms were purchased in Ellis and Challis. Amar Farms became the world’s largest Foundation Russet Burbank Seed Potato Farm. A total of 2,000 acres of potatoes were cultivated. When growing seed potatoes, one has to rogue out diseased plants. One time after rouging several rows, Barbara sat down to rest. To her great surprise she sat on a rattlesnake, after that her kids said they had the fastest Mom in the world. During this time, Barbara was able to move her parents to Salmon and help them through their later years. This was a great move and made it possible for the kids and grandkids to get to know “Banna and Dada” better. Family reunions were very important to Barbara. For several years the family would meet at Redfish Lake for a fun-filled time of skiing, swimming, great meals, and some type of entertainment. One year she decided that the family should try something different so she rented a house boat on Lake Powell and her family enjoyed each other’s company day and night. Living in Salmon provided Barbara the opportunity to watch her grandchildren participate in baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling and other school activities. One activity that Barbara did not miss was cutting up animals during hunting season. She always pitched in without complaint when her boys brought in multiple animals each hunting season. However, when the next generation began hunting and animal numbers had the possibility to reach more than ten, she drew the line. She often reminisced when the hunting season would begin that she “sure was disappointed that she did not have to do that anymore.” Barbara always enjoyed traveling. She and Fidele would travel to sell seed and spend time in Mexico. After her husband’s death she traveled extensively with her little dog. She decided the trailer was too large so she traded it in on a motor home. After several years of traveling around in the motor home, she bought a park model trailer and became a snowbird, spending the warmer months in Salmon and traveling back to San Diego when the snow began to fall. As time went by, she began to extend her travels across the globe, even traveling to Berlin, where she brought home a piece of the wall for each of her grandchildren. Some of the places she visited included Russia, Norway, Mexico, Canada and even a cruise to Alaska. No matter where she traveled, she took time to find something representative of her travels to bring home. She might be on the other side of the world, but her family was always close to her heart. Barbara kept busy throughout her travels volunteering in both locations. In Salmon she volunteered at Wags & Rags, Hospice, Meals on Wheels and the Mahoney House. While in California, she thought nothing of driving the freeways to help at Villa View Hospital, Claremont Recovery Center, or the United Way. Her dedication throughout the years brought her great joy, and plenty of stories to share with her family. She was even honored as volunteer of the year by the United Way. Barbara had volunteered for 15 years, and they introduced her at a Padres Game for the presentation. Barbara also enjoyed nothing more than to sit out on her deck and bask in the fresh mountain air. It didn’t matter if there was a beautiful sunset, a couple of deer in the yard, or just a typical day. She would sometimes even call her friend Joyce or one of the family to come and enjoy with her. She also treasured sitting on the deck at Williams Lake where she would bring her needlepoint to work on while the family played in the water. She loved the mountains; while the boys were young they had many an adventure in the Land Rover. Fidele and Barbara would load up the boys, head into the mountains and explore where no roads existed. These roadless expeditions sometimes required the use of toilet paper just to find the trail back out, in fact rumor has it that somewhere up Hat Creek is a trail appropriately name Toilet Paper Hill. Another joy of her life was Beta Sigma Phi. She was an active member in both Salmon and San Diego and just received her 25-year pin. The local duck race was always a big part of her summer. During June, no one would get away without hearing “Do you have a duck ticket yet?” Even the family was not exempt. In fact, the grandkids often helped set up tables in different locations around town where she would set up her ticket sales. Few could do it better. Some say that when Barbara and Fidele came to Idaho, they were on adventure. To this end, it can be said that the adventure never ended. She is survived by four sons, Steve and Judy Amar of Meridian; Keith and Sheryl Amar of Salmon, Tom and Gretchen Amar of Challis, Pete Amar of La Mesa, California; nine grandchildren, Kevin and Elizabeth Amar of Nampa, Jeremy and Laura Amar of Ogden, Utah, Kymberly Amar of Boise, Mica Johnson and Jerry of Ridgecrest, California, Andrea Shirt and David of Nampa, Paul Amar of Salmon, Nick Amar of Moscow, Alex and Addison Amar of Challis; four great-grandchildren, Tanner, Mason, Luke and Parker. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Fidele, her parents Paul and Velma Sproul, and her son Ken. She will be sorely missed. Funeral services were conducted November 29 at the United Methodist Church of Salmon with the Reverend John Farquhar officiating. Interment was in the Salmon Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Bruce Fuller
Bruce Fuller passed away November 13, 2003 in Sandpoint, Idaho of Alzheimer’s disease. He has been in a nursing home in Sandpoint for the last two years. He was a long time resident of the Challis area and owned the Royal Gorge Motel and RV Park until his illness forced the sale of his property. He is survived by a brother Gary Fuller of Texas and a daughter, Linda of Coeur d’ Alene. He had two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Hazel. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mr. and Mrs. George John Gilbert
George John Gilbert, 88, longtime Darlington resident, died December 7, 2003 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. He was born December 31, 1914 in Moore, Idaho, a son of James and Martha Ann Dent Gilbert. George was raised and received his education in Moore and Elko, Nevada. On December 21, 1935, he married Wanda Asay in Salmon, Idaho. They made their home in several locations as George worked with the Civil Service Corp. (CCC). Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they raised five children. In 1943, George enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theater until his honorable discharge in 1945. After his enlistment in the Navy he worked construction as a heavy equipment operator. He also farmed and worked as a maintenance manager for the Big Lost River Irrigation District. Following George’s retirement in 1981 from the Irrigation District, he and Wanda purchased a ranch in Overton, Nevada. They spent their winters there making many wonderful memories. On May 6, 1998 Wanda passed away. George was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served for many years as a faithful home teacher. He was also a member of the VFW Harland Clendenin Post #7137, the American Legion Joe Nowacki Post #16, he served on the Board of Directors for the Soil Conservation and commissioner for the Lost River Highway District. He enjoyed visiting with people and loved his grandchildren more than life. He also enjoyed traveling and fishing. On August 14, 1998, George married Rula Bingham Lawson in Mackay. They enjoyed several good years together before Rula passed away in August of 2000. He is survived by two sons, George A. Gilbert (Vera Jean) and Robert E. Gilbert (Janita), both of Leslie; three daughters, Martha L. McCoy (Alvin), Challis, Marie Lanier (Merritt), Leslie, and Charlene Clark (Charles), Pocatello; a brother, Leo Gilbert, Pocatello; a sister Martha; 27 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, seven sisters and his parents. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Leslie LDS Ward Chapel with Bishop David Fullmer conducting. A viewing will be held Thursday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Leslie LDS Ward Chapel and for one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Leslie Cemetery under the direction of the Hawker Lost River Funeral Chapel in Arco.

Mary Piva
Mary Celestina Yacomella was born April 23, 1913 and entered into rest December 1, 2003 at her home in Challis. She was born to Celesta and Marco Yacomella at their home on the East Fork of the Salmon River near Clayton, Idaho. Mary lived on the ranch at East Fork with her parents, her sister, Netta, and her two brothers, George and Frank. She attended school on the East Fork through the eighth grade. After finishing eighth grade, she stayed home and helped at the ranch. At the age of 19, Mary went to California and spent time with her cousin, Remy and family. Upon her return to Idaho, she worked for various businesses and people in the Clayton and Challis areas. After a brief courtship, she married Marion Piva on December 15, 1942. They moved to Challis and lived on the lower Piva ranch until they moved to their home on Challis Creek Road. Three children were born to this union, Frankie, Julian and Gary. She kept busy raising her kids and taking care of Marion. She was always there for her family, cooking, cleaning and taking them to school dances, movies and sporting events. They always managed to find time, however, to dance. Mary and Marion loved to dance. They could be seen dancing the night away at the IOOF or the Grange Hall while the kids slept on the piles of coats left on the stage. She always worried about her kids and would never go to sleep until she knew they were all home. Mary was a friend to everyone and especially those who had none. Her kids’ friends were always welcome at the house no matter what time day or night. Mary took in boarders and babysat to make ends meet. No one ever left her house hungry. Mary made sure her family had three filling meals a day that always required half an hour resting/napping period after eating because there was so much. In her later years, she could often be heard asking her children, grandchildren or guests if they were hungry or needed anything to eat over and over again. “Mangia, mangia” was her mantra. Mary loved her church and her rosary. She had crucifixes and rosaries all over her house and faithfully went to church. Mary’s driving was a source of entertainment for everyone in town. People would see her car coming down the middle of Challis Creek Road where she would stay, her head barely showing between the steering wheel and the top of the dashboard. She had about one speed, “slow,” maybe 20 miles per hour. Mary loved to play cards. Mary and Marion belonged to the Country Club Pinochle group where they often got into bidding wars with each other when they were on opposing teams. In her later years, she often kept her caretakers awake playing rummy into the wee hours of the morning. Her caretakers (Beverly, Kathy, Kim, Terri, Amy, Cheryl, Mimi, Carol, Elaine, Kristi, Deb, Mary and Sue) enabled Mary to stay in her home when she required full time attention. And when Mary was acting up, we could always count on Dr. Jim as the threatened enforcer. These people gave her back much of the love and care she had given to so many others throughout her life. To them, we are eternally grateful. Mary’s family was her diamonds and jewels. Besides her three children, Frankie, Julian and Gary, she had 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She loved them all very much. She was our sister, mom, grandma, and friend. We will all miss her forever. Mary is survived by her three children, Frankie Polson of Dillon, Co., Julian (Peggy) Piva of Challis and Gary (Sue) Piva of Meridian, her sister Netta Jones of Challis, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Marion Piva, her father, Marco Yacomella, and mother, Celesta Fontana Yacomella, and two brothers, Frank and George Yacomella. A mass of Christian burial was held at Living Waters Ranch Saturday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Paul Wander officiating. Interment was at the Challis Cemetery.

Elza Piva
Elza Mary Piva, 76, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2003 in Emmett, Idaho. She was born on the East Fork of the Salmon River on August 6, 1927, the youngest of five children born to Antonio and Dominica (Delrey) Yacomella. She grew up on the East Fork of the Salmon River and attended East Fork elementary, Jr. High in Clayton and graduated from the Challis High School with the class of 1946. On October 8, 1946 Elza was united in marriage to Bruno Piva in Hamilton, Montana in a double ring ceremony along with her sister Minnie, who married George Yacomella. To this union five children were born: Marilyn, Joe, Dan, Mike and John. Bruno and Elza made their home at the ranch northeast of Challis for 57 years. Elza dearly enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. She shared her home with many nieces and nephews and everyone else’s children. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she traveled on many occasions to watch them participate in their activities and events. At election time she was faithfully there year after year to help out. She was an active member of the Saint Louise Catholic Church. In her spare time she enjoyed bowling, playing cards, crocheting, gardening and cooking. The cookie jar was never empty at her house. Her week often started out with a Sunday afternoon drive to the East Fork with a picnic. She will be dearly missed by her family and her many longtime friends. She is survived by her husband Bruno of Challis, daughter Marilyn Qualls and her husband Dean of Emmett, Idaho, four sons: Joe Piva and his wife, Linda of Challis, Dan Piva and his wife, Cheryl of Rathdrum, Idaho, Mike Piva of Challis, John Piva and his wife, Kathy of Challis; 13 grandchildren: Dennis Qualls of Twin Falls, Etta, Tim, and Anna Qualls all of Emmett, Jennifer Piva of Challis, Victorio Piva of Boise, Idaho, Kelsey and Dylan Piva of Rathdrum, Idaho, Josh Franks of Boise, Chelsea Piva of Challis, ZhohnAnn, BreeAnn and Kaden Piva of Challis, two great-grandchildren: Ruger and Rowdy Jarvis; one sister, Minnie Yacomella of Challis and one brother Tony Severino Yacomella and his wife, Madge of Challis, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Tony (in infancy) and Cleto Yacomella. Mass of Christian Burial was conducted from the Living Waters Ranch of Challis on Monday, November 3 with Reverend Paul Wander officiating. Interment was in the Challis Cemetery following the services. Visitation and Rosary was Sunday, November 2 at the St. Louise Catholic Church of Challis. A memorial fund has been established in Elza’s memory at the Wells Fargo Bank of Challis, or to your favorite charity. Arrangements were under the direction of Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.