Sophie Demick Weaver
Sophie Demick Weaver, age 84, passed away peacefully at the Odyssey Hospice in Mesa, Arizona on March 14, 2001. Sophie was born in Salmon, the daughter of Vasil and Anna Demick on March 21, 1916. Sophie would have been 85 years old on March 21, the first day of spring. Sophie and her husband Oriel owned many restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. They retired in Anacortes, Washington where her husand passed away in 1988. Sophie moved to the Salmon area which she loved. She purchased a four-wheel-drive Jeep so she could enjoy the beautiful fall colors in the mountains, down the Salmon River and at her sister's home at Williams Lake. She is survived by Helen Denny, Donna Godfrey and Joe Demick of Salmon, Liza Pendleton of Casper, Wyoming and Bill Demick of Yakima, Washington, cousins Duke, Dick, Louie, JoAnn, Eli and Caroline Demick, all of Salmon. Funeral services were held March 20 at the St. Charles Catholic Church with Father Allan Cox officiating. Pallbearers were Gary Godfrey, Brent Godfrey, Mark Brown, Don Pendleton, Sam Thoen and Dick Demick. Two songs were performed by Herb and Gary Godfrey, "Red River Valley" and "Springtime in the Rockies." We will miss you Sophie and know we will always love you. Burial took place in the Salmon Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon and Challis.

Laura Bishop
Laura Thelma Bishop was born June 6, 1904 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the first daughter of Dr. R.W. and Ethel Thompson Philps and died March 2, 2001 at the age of 96 in Salmon, Idaho at the Discovery Care Centre. The family moved to the Challis area in 1910 arriving on Laura's sixth birthday. The journey took almost a week as the horses broke loose one night and had to be gathered and returned to the camp site. The journey took them through Little Lost River area and into the Pahsimeroi Valley. The road came down a high grade just below what is presently known as the Fred Ives property. She was riding in a buggy with her grandmother who became so frightened of the high road that she had a stroke. Six-year-old Laura grabbed the lines and drove the horse down off the grade to where the rest of the family awaited. She grew up learning the ranching business. Laura graduated high school in three years taking Latin all three years. When she was 19 she met and married C.E. "Slim" Bishop. When daughter Ethelella was three years old, the family moved back to his homestead 60 miles out in the badlands east of Saco, Montana. They spent one winter there, but sold those holdings and moved back to Round Valley where they became owners of the old Jack Bradbury ranch that had been a stagecoach stop six miles south of Challis. Here they raised their four children, Ethelella, Betty, Elinor and David. She lost her husband and dearest friend in 1958. She continued ranching and became the hub of a large family wheel. Her love of land and hard work she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was more at home on the back of a horse pushing a herd of cows or operating some machinery than at any other time. Her real love was working the soil, but that did not deter her from being a superb cook and seamstress. She was preceded in death by her husband, Slim Bishop, her only son, David, oldest daughter Ethelella, her parents, her brother David, and infant brother, Robert and two sisters, Ethel McFarland and Anabel Corrigan. Surviving are two daughters, Betty and Elinor Corrigan of Challis, one sister, Roberta Green, also grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Challis Community Church. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Tim, K. John, Mitch, Dan and David Corrigan and Mario Escalera, a long-time friend and employee. Honorary pallbearers are Frank Giles, Kenneth Johnson, Butch Johnson, Dick Corrigan, John Corrigan, Ben Howard and Mark Stark. Flower girls will be her granddaughters, Pat Bricker, Pam Landon and Megan Burk. The program will consist of members of her family under the direction of Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon and Challis, Shaun O'Reilly, owner, and the Community Church of Challis. She will be laid to rest in the Challis Cemetery on March 10, 2001.

Claude Stanley Bradbury
Claude Stanley Bradbury was born June 19, 1932 in Challis Idaho, to Claude Stanley Bradbury and Dora Violet Magnuson Bradbury. He returned to his Lord on May 22, 2001 in Grangeville, Idaho while on vacation. A memorial service was held Saturday, June 2, 2001 at the Hornet Creek Cemetery outside Council, Idaho, in the family plot. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Alta, and his sister and brother-in-law, Dee and Lee Cole of Council. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Elmer James 'Speed' Rush
Elmer James "Speed" Rush was born January 2, 1914 to J. L. and Myrtle Sangwin Rush at their homestead farm near Rupert, ID. He attended Pioneer Grade School and graduated from Rupert High School in 1931. He entered college in 1932 and worked on the Sam Simis ranch for his board and room. He played on the college basketball team. In 1934 he attended the Southern Branch of the University of Idaho in Pocatello, taking Civil Engineering courses. In 1935 he married Lucille Stringer from Glenns Ferry, a girl he had met in Gooding. They helped his parents on their farm for a year and then returned to Gooding College where they both graduated in 1937. He earned his degree in education. Subsequently, in 1963 he earned a Masters of Physical Science Degree from the University of Idaho. His first teaching job was as science and math teacher and coach in the Challis High School where he made lifelong friends. Over a period of 40 years, he taught, coached and administered schools in Paul, Shoshone, Hazelton, Acequia, Burley, Minidoka County, Boise and Jordan Valley. Through the years he farmed in the Roston-Jackson Cassia County area, where he and Lucille raised their four children. In 1968 he sold the farm and moved to Boise where he taught at Capital High School. In 1970 he decided to retire but was asked to go to Jordan Valley, Oregon where he spent four years as teacher and superintendent. In 1977 he really retired from teaching and he and Lucille moved to their farm near Middleton, where she taught in the high school and he farmed. In 1987 they moved to McCall. As a volunteer, he taught geometry in the alternative school. He was a member of the Rupert Methodist Church and the Paul Masonic Lodge. Hobbies included reading, traveling, playing chess. He loved being with family and friends. At age 70 his son introduced him to rafting rivers. For the next 12 years he enjoyed Idaho white water. He also floated the Colorado River. Survivors include his wife Lucille, brother Kirk Rush and wife ImoGene, sister Pearl Light, children Marjorie Collins and husband Ken, Jim Rush and wife Mary Lou, Anne Rush, Mary Preuit and husband Clay, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His sister Ruby Wheeler preceded him in death. The family appreciates the kindness and respect shown to Elmer by neighbors, St. Alphonsus doctors and staff and Valley View Rehab Center. He did not want a funeral, so a gathering and potluck dinner will be held at the home of Jim and Mary Lou Rush, 176 Maki Lane, near Lake Fork, south of McCall, on June 10, at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited. A short memorial service will be observed. Because Speed and Lucille have always been dedicated to education, an E. J. and Lucille Rush scholarship fund has been established. In lieu of flowers or gifts, send your scholarship contribution to Jim Rush, P.O. Box 608, Lakefork, ID 83635.

Lucille Rush
Lucille Stringer Rush, 87, of Boise passed away Monday, September 24, 2001. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2001 at the Hillview United Methodist Church, 8525 Ustick Road in Boise. A potluck dinner will follow. Lucille was born August 15, 1914 to Ruth Lenora and Edward David Stringer in a construction camp at Alexandria, Idaho. Her father was an engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad, which gave Lucille the opportunity to travel extensively during her youth. She enjoyed many trips to what were then distant and exciting places. She attended school in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, and graduated from high school there in 1931. She then attended college in Gooding, Idaho, where she received her teaching certificate in 1937. During her career, Lucille taught business, career education, library science and English. Lucille loved teaching and looked forward to every day in the classroom. She enjoyed her students and always took an active interest in their lives. In 1935 she and Elmer James Rush of Rupert, Idaho, were married at the New Methodist parsonage in Gooding, Idaho. During their 66-year marriage, they made their home in Challis, Paul, Shoshone, Rupert, Boise, Jordan Valley, Middleton, McCall and Eagle, Idaho. Through the years they farmed in the Roston-Jackson Cassia County area, where they raised their four children. Lucille's hobbies included reading, writing, gardening, sewing and corresponding with friends; but above all she loved time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was always open to family, friends and strangers in need. Survivors include her sisters, Ruth Gruse, Nellie Wollever, Mary Lea and Francis Swanson; a brother, John Stringer; her children, Marjorie Collins and husband Ken, Jim Rush and wife Mary Lou, Anne Rush, Mary Preuit and her husband Clay; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Her husband Elmer James Rush and her sister Edna Carnahan preceded her in death. Because Lucille and her husband, Elmer, were always dedicated to education, an E.J. and Lucille Rush Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. In lieu of flowers or gifts, send scholarship contributions to Mary Preuit, 7060 Alydar Court, Nampa, Idaho, 83686

Louie Maraffio
Louie Maraffio, 78, a longtime resident of Challis, died in Pocatello, Idaho of an extended illness on May 11. Louie was born October 21, 1922. He was raised on his family's ranch near Clayton, later moving to Challis. Described by many as a "real cowboy," Louie loved the outdoors. He held many jobs, herding cattle and sheep and irrigating the land. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and rodeos. Louie told many stories of the good old days before so many people moved to Challis. He liked the simple life. He married Mary Catherine and later divorced. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Maraffio and a brother, Jimmy. He is survived by his sister, Nellie (Jim) Moldenhauer of Pocatello, long-time friend Erma Benson of Blackfoot and many cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Services were held in Challis at the St. Louise Catholic Church Wednesday, May 16. Graveside services at Challis Cemetery followed. Arrangements were by Salmon River Funeral Chapel.

Lillian V. Keyser
Lillian V. Keyser, 89, of Arvada, Colorado died November 15, 2001. She was born Lillian V. Nichols on June 23, 1912, in Omaha, Nebraska. Her parents, Henry and Lillie, moved to a ranch in May, where Lillian learned to love animals. Lillian graduated from Challis High School and took a job as a telephone operator. She met Marion Keyser, who owned the Texaco station, and they married on January 15, 1931. Their daughter, Jeanette, was born in 1933. They sold the gas station, bought a ranch and sold it three years later. Both of them took jobs at the Ramshorn mine, Marion as a miner and Lillian as a cook. They relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, then years later moved to the Chicago, Illinois area. Lillian was an avid gardener and belonged to the Garden Club for many years. She retired from Bekins Moving and Storage Company where she was a bookkeeper for 28 years. They spent many years in Fort Meyers, Florida and traveled to almost every state. Lillian moved to Colorado in 1998 to live closer to her daughter and son-in-law and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion, her brothers, Al and Dan and her parents, Henry and Lillie. She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Keyser) Crown of Arvada, CO; her brother, Don Nichols of Kelso, WA; her sister, Thelma (Nichols) Howard of Boise; grandchildren Patsy (Crown) Meise of Brighton, CO, Mary (Crown) Phillips of Montrose, CO and Mark Crown of Yorkville, IL; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were November 19 at First United Methodist Church of Golden. There was cremation.

Annie "Alyce" Polson
Annie "Alyce" Polson, 89, of Salmon, Idaho died May 17, 2002 at the hospital in Idaho Falls. Alyce was born on December 11, 1912 in Menan, the daughter of Hans Emanuel Olaveson and Maude Christopherson Olaveson. Alyce was raised in Menan, attending Midway High School. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alyce married Charles Arthur Polson on March 28, 1930 in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls L.D.S. Temple in January of 1981. Charles preceded her in death on December 12, 1979. She worked in the Roberts school lunch program and at the Dutson Grocery Store in Roberts for 20 years. She moved to Salmon were she has lived for the last 29 years. Alyce enjoyed gardening, flowers, quilting and her grandchildren. Survivors include daughters Patsy Jean Bryan of Bozeman, Montana; Dixie Lee (Milton) Harkness of Elko, Nevada; Elaine Alyce Bishop of Meridian; Sydney (Gary) Takacs of Escondido, California; sons Neil (Joyce) Polson of Labelle; Dee (Linda) Polson of Idaho Falls; sisters Edith Crook of Shelley and Ila (LaVerl) Crow of Ammon; half sisters Joyce Stallings of Lewisville; Neva (Carl) Jones of Firth; Nadine (Leo) High of Blackfoot; brother Clint (Florence) Olaveson of Camarillo, California; half brothers Dell (Janice) Olaveson of Annis; Gene Olaveson of Mountain View, California; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren. Alyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one boy and girl in infancy, one son Robert, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one brother Darrell, and one half brother Earl. Funeral services were held on May 21 at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel with Mark Polson conducting. Burial followed the services at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Rodney Webb
Rodney Duane Webb, 54, a resident of the Challis area, died May 1, 2002 in the Bannock Regional Medical Center following a massive heart attach. Mr. Webb was born Nov. 29, 1947 at Blackfoot, Idaho, the son of Amos Duane Webb and Marjorie Faye Curtis Webb. He grew up in the Thomas/Pingree area of Bingham County, attending Rockford Elementary, Snake River Jr. High and High School and Aberdeen High School. While in high school, he joined and served in the Idaho National Guard. He married Sandra Pfaff and they were later divorced. On May 30, 1997 he married Debra Powell in Riverton, Idaho. They lived at Aberdeen and Challis. While in Challis, he worked for the Challis Redi-Mix cement company as a driver. He was also active in the community serving as a EMS first responder and driver for the Challis Ambulance, a member and equipment officer of the Custer County Search & Rescue, a long standing American Legion in both Blackfoot and then Challis, and was a lifetime member of the Bingham County Mounted Sheriff's Posse. He loved the mountains, traveling, camping with his family and cars. He is survived by his wife Debbie of Challis; children Kim (Amy) Beebe, Challis, David (Jennifer) Webb, Pocatello, Kelly Lynn Webb and Marjorie Daeline Webb, both of Fort Hall; step-children Joyce Nadyne Staley and Robert (Donna) Bates, both of Idaho Falls, Devin Patrick (Shelly) Bates, stationed with the Navy in Oak Harbor, WA, Bradley Wayne (Jodi) Bates, St. Anthony, Katherine Veneda Workman and Elizabeth Delynn Workman, both of Challis; his mother Marjorie of Sterling, ID; two sisters Coral LaDean (Richard) Montague, Salt Lake City, UT and Nancy Ann (Lynn) Smith, Portland, OR. There are also six grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Monday, May 6, 2002 in the Lakeview LDS Chapel in Springfield, ID. A celebration of his life will be held May 12, 2002 at the Challis Hot Springs from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. At Rodney's request, he was cremated. Bidwell Funeral Home in St. Anthony are handling the arrangements.

Betty Whitworth
Betty Jean Donahue Whitworth, 79, passed away April 9, 2002 at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, due to complications following surgery. She was born July 5, 1922 at Mackay, the oldest daughter of Dennie V. and Ella Hunter Donahue. Her family moved to Pahsimeroi Valley for a short time when Betty was four years old. They then returned to Mackay, where Betty grew up. She graduated from Mackay High School in 1939. On May 5, 1939, she married a cowboy from Lava, George Whitworth. They were married in Salmon and lived their first years near Mackay. On their 12th wedding anniversary they moved to their Pahsimeroi Ranch. In 1992, they sold their ranch and moved to Challis. Betty was a member of the St. Louise Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Mackay. The most notable of Betty's many achievements was her efforts in restoring the May Grange Hall. She was a 4-H leader for many years and loved being involved with children. She was also a charter member of the Salmon River Cowbelles for whom she served at nearly all local levels and was historian and auditor for the State Cowbelles Association. Some of Betty's hobbies were reading, sewing, gardening, cooking and writing poems. She had a great love for her children and their families and enjoyed traveling to their many activities. Betty is survived by three daughters, Kathleen (McGee) Latimer, Jeanne (Roy) Ellis of Ellis, Joanne Pederson of Challis; nine grandchildren, Dennis (Laurie) Latimer, Bruce Latimer, Jack (Allicyn) Latimer, Kathy (John) Piva, David Ellis, George (Kristy) Ellis, Graydon (Tina) Pederson, Shanna Pederson and Judd Pederson. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren: ZhohnAnn, BreeAnn and Kaden Piva, Stephanie and Drew Latimer, Kaleb Latimer, Chaeney, Kadie and Paige Latimer, Logan and Madison Ellis, Bryant Sullivan, Angus, Marigwen and JoAnna Campbell. Also two brothers, Buddy (Donna) Donahue, Terrence (Carol) Donahue of Mackay, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Whitworth, an infant son, Timothy and son George Dennis, parents Dennie and Ella Hunter Donahue, sister Kathleen, nephews Gerald Whitworth, Bobby Donahue and Bill Barrett, brother-in-law Jack Whitworth, sister-in-law Jerry Whitworth, son-in-law Chuck Pederson. Funeral services were held Saturday at the Mackay High School Auditorium with Father Alan Cox officiating with burial at Mt. McCaleb Cemetery in Mackay under the direction Simpson-Marvel Memorial Chapel. The family suggests those desiring may make memorial donations to the American Legion Auxiliary, Challis Wrestling Team Fund, Challis High School Wrestling Scholarship or the M.S. Society.

Adella Ramsay
Adella Rachel Ramsay, 94, died March 31, 2002 at the Discovery Care Centre in Salmon, Idaho. She was born March 18, 1908 in Kanesville, Utah to Charles L. and Elizabeth Ann Starkey White. She received her education in Ogden, Utah and worked in and around Salt Lake City, as a young lady, living in the Beehive House. April 4, 1930, Adella was married to Edgar A. Ramsay of Evanston, Wyoming. She and Edgar were blessed with two children, Loretta Marjorie and Keith Alan. Adella was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an asset to her family and the community of Challis. Survivors include her daughter Loretta (Dick) Bruno of Challis and son Keith (Violeta Marting Munz) of McMinnville, Oregon; granddaughter, Jan (Dave) Anderson of Richlands, North Carolina; grandsons, Bruce (Debra) Bruno, Dale (Susan) Bruno both of Challis; Odyssus Ramsay of McMinville, Oregon. Great-grandchildren include Mike (Mindy) Bruno, Challis; Eric (Stephanie) Anderson of Moscow; Mark Bruno of Challis; Erin (Jason) Kokinda of Aden, North Carolina; Breck Ann and Bailey Bruno of Challis. Great-great grandchildren include Carston Anderson of Moscow, Vanessa and Kade Bruno, Challis and Jason Kokinda of Aden, North Carolina. She is preceded in death by her husband Edgar A. Ramsay, her father Charles Lorenzo White, mother Elizabeth Ann Starkey White, brothers Joseph Charles, Rudger John, William Henry, Alice Elizabeth, Frances Lorenzo, Wallace Walter, Albert Moroni, Morris Starkey, Ruby Jane Starkey, Becky Bruno. Graveside services were held at the Challis Cemetery on April 4 with Mike Hanson conducting. Mike also gave the welcome, opening prayer and the life sketch. Clyde Rigby gave the closing prayer and dedicated the grave. Burial was in the Challis Cemetery under the direction of Jones & Casey Funeral Home, Salmon.

Rex Calvin Andrews
Rex Calvin Andrews, 78, passed away at the Steele Memorial Hospital April 4, 2002. He was born September 3, 1923 in Teton, the first child of Ernest and Fay Poulson Andrews. Rex began school at Bernice and then the family moved to Howe, where he continued school until fourth grade. When that school closed he was sent to live with his grandmother Andrews in Newdale. She was a loving grandmother but very strict. Rex soon became very homesick, which made him lose interest in his school work and was eventually sent home where he had to repeat the fourth grade. While the family lived at Kilgore it was Rex's job to get the milk cows to pasture on an island, which meant fording the river twice a day on his horse. After these years, the family relocated to the Pahsimeroi Valley where they raised sheep and cattle. During this time Rex, his sister and two brothers rode horse back to school in Hooper, where sometimes the temperatures dropped to 50 degrees below zero. When it was too cold they were driven to school. Rex attended high school in Challis where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Millick. After graduation in 1942 they were married on May 18 in Salmon at the courthouse. They spent their first night of marriage tending Rex's siblings while his parents spent the night in Salmon. On October 3, 1943 they became the proud parents of a baby boy, Melvin William. Eight and a half years later they were blessed with a baby girl, Sandra Fay on May 27, 1952. Rex and Mary lived and ranched at Pahsimeroi until the fall of 1943 when they moved to Tendoy and ranched with his parents. In 1949 they moved to the 17-mile ranch where they lived for 20 years. For the next 20 years they leased the McDevitt Creek Ranch at Tendoy. During this time Rex and Mary purchased the Ruley Ziegler Ranch at 17-mile, where they moved, and leased the ranch portion of the property to Melvin and Martha. Rex then went to work for the Forest Service until he retired. In 1993 Rex and Mary sold the ranch and bought a home in Salmon where they have resided since. Rex is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary, his son Melvin (Martha) Andrews and his daughter Sandra (Tom) Udy, two brothers Gail (Louise) and Boyd (Lorna), and two sisters Goldie (Rinaldo) Jenson and LaRae (Jerry) Dance. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Jennifer Andrews Rosin, Amy Andrews Sikes, Julie Andrews Summers, Gregory Rex Udy and Twyla Udy Williams and nine great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. Rex will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandpa. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Funeral services were held Monday, April 8 at the Salmon Elks Lodge with Fr. Bob Perry officiating. Two songs were sung, "Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine" and "Goin' Home" by Lianne Ames accompanied by Janna Herbst. Jerry Dance gave the eulogy. A harmonica medley of songs was pIayed by Jeff Summers. Pallbearers were Greg Udy, Curt Rosin, Gary Sikes, Jeff Summers, Glen Goulet and Larry Andrews. Honorary pallbearers were Chic Farro, Bob Cope, Bill Hildreth, Douglas Basford, Charles Wing and Luther Phillips. Burial was in the Salmon Cemetery under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home, Salmon.

Donald N. Ferguson
Donald Norton Ferguson, 75, passed away on May 25, 2002 at the Mountain Valley Care and Rehabilitation Center of Kellogg. He was born on February 5, 1927 in Wallace to parents John Frazier Ferguson and Zoe (Beswick) Ferguson. He attended schools in Wallace and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1949 with a degree in geological engineering. He married Evelyn Fisher of Kellogg on November 22, 1957 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked for mining companies in Telluride, Colo., Myers Cove, Central Idaho and Clayton. He worked for the J.R. Simplot Company for several years in Nevada and other western states. He went on an assignment in the Philippines for Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company. He was associated with mine exploration activities in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District. Finally, he worked for Hecla Mining Company for 15 years prior to retirement from his first profession. He was a prominent rancher on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River where he engaged in many other activities including tree farming, sawmilling, hunting, horse packing and playing bridge. He received the Idaho Tree Farmer of the Year Award in 1991. He was a gourmet cook and gracious host for the many guests who visited "the river." Don Ferguson was a life member of the Idaho Ski Club, member of the Society of Mining Engineers, Wallace Elks and other local service organizations. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gloria Ferguson, brother Pat Ferguson and sister Gladys (Tude) McClurken. Survivors include his wife of 45 years Evelyn; at the family home in Silverton; and son John E. Ferguson and wife Lynette of Tamarack Ridge. He is survived by nieces Frances McClurken and Becky Lilley and nephew John McClurken. Great nieces and nephews are Tina Marie, Jill, Jodi and Sean Tobacco, Christopher and Jennifer McClurken and Kevin and Matthew Lilley. A memorial service was held May 30 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Wallace. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Shoshone Funeral Service, Kellogg and Wallace.

Donnie Johnson
Donald “Donnie” Ray Johnson, 31 years of age, of Winnemucca, Nevada and Clayton, Idaho passed away on Friday, January 10, 2003 in Fresno, California due to injuries sustained in a semi-trailer accident. He was born on July 21, 1971 in San Jose, California, the youngest of four children born to James and JoAnn (Sarmento) Johnson. The family moved to Clayton, Idaho when Donnie was just four years old. He attended school in Challis, Idaho and Clayton. Following graduation from ICS, he worked in the mining industry and served as an EMT for Custer County. Donnie worked as a cook at Mountain Valley Restaurant in Stanley, Idaho for two years before attending trucking school in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was a long and short haul driver for the last ten years. Donnie loved life, was full of laughter and noted for his presentations of opinions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on the computer. He was a steadfast volunteer for the American Red Cross Winnemucca Service Center for the past three years. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Donnie is survived by his parents Jim and JoAnn Johnson of Clayton, Idaho; two brothers, Edward Johnson of Moscow, Idaho, Rob Johnson and his wife, Sunny of Winnemucca, Nevada; one sister Dottie Johnson of Kamiah, Idaho; seven nieces, JoAnn Casalez and husband, Jeff of Winnemucca, Jamie Johnson and Jason West of Windsor, California, Louri Lesbo and husband, Mike of Elko, Nevada, Lindsay Martin and husband, Anthony of Penn Valley, California, Jeanie Gibson of Kamiah, Amanda Johnson of Winnemucca, Tabitha Johnson of Moscow; four nephews, Robert Donald Johnson and wife, Stephanie of Winnemucca, James Oley Gibson of Kamiah, R. Jonathan Gervais of Oakville, California and James Johnson of Moscow; four grandnephews, A.J. and Ethan Martin of Penn Valley, Gavin Fullerton and Michael Jeffrey Casalez of Winnemucca; one grandniece, Jordyn Johnson of Windsor, California and several aunts, uncles, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward W. and L. Faye Johnson, John E. Sarmento, Dorothy and Jim Shannon; uncle Joe Sarmento; aunt Lucille and husband, Lee Herick. Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross Winnemucca Service Center, 3200 Trader’s Way Suite B, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445 or to the Silver Leaf Rebekah #27 Scholarship Fund, East Idaho Credit Union, Challis, Idaho 83226. You may visit the web site set up to sign Donnie’s register book on line at: http://www.geocities.com/shae_anna/TributetoGrizz.html. Funeral services were conducted from the Challis Mission Church Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Paul Stroud and Robert Beasley officiating. Interment was in the Challis Cemetery. The Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon, Idaho was in charge of arrangements.

Leona Clara Fisher
Leona Clara Fisher, 86, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2002 at her home in Clayton. She was born on September 3, 1916 in Des Moines, Iowa the oldest of two children born to Roy and Alberta (Pruett) Betts. She grew up in Iowa and graduated from the Gem State Academy in Caldwell. Following high school she went to the Walla Walla University where she earned her teaching certificate. After graduation she was sent to Slate Creek above Clayton for her first teaching assignment. She taught the Fisher children at the Fisher Ranch for a few years. While teaching, she met Alfred Fisher. They were united in marriage on December 21, 1940 in Hailey, and to this union three children were born: Ronald, Leonard and Glenda. Alfred and Leona were blessed with 62 years together. They made their home in parts of Custer, Lemhi and Jerome counties while the children were growing up. Leona and Alfred lived in Clayton from 1955 in the old Crawford house until 1966 when they moved to the East Fork home where they resided presently. Leona was an outdoors person. She enjoyed spending time in the garden tending to her flowers and yard. She spent hours puttering around outside and looking for the prettiest rock. Her many hobbies included sewing, scrapbooking and her favorite, working crossword puzzles. She is survived by her husband, Alfred of Clayton, two sons: Ronald Fisher and his wife, Pat of Thompson Falls, Montana, Leonard Fisher and his wife, Diane of Clayton; daughter Glenda Cates and her husband, Alan of Pocatello; nine grandchildren: Diane Monroe and her husband, Don of Spokane, Washington, LeeAnne Sapp and her husband, Greg of Rathdrum, Chris Fisher of Sand Point, Paul L. Fisher and his wife, Kelly of Wells, Nevada, Dena Fisher of Twin Falls, Evan Fisher of Clayton, DeLane Cates and his wife, Mary of Metline, Washington, Tim Cates of Portland, Oregon, Teresa McKissack of Pocatello, 15 great-grandchildren; one brother Chauncey Betts and his wife, Gwen of Kennewick, Washington; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Leona was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services for Leona Fisher were conducted from the Challis Community Church U.C.C. on Friday, December 27 with the Pastor Brian Carlton officiating and under auspices of the Silver Leaf Rebekah’s #27. Interment was in the Challis Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Clayton Community Hall or the Rebekah’s Scholarship Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.

Sam Ysen
Sam Ysen, 58, of May, Idaho passed away at his home on June 25, 2003. Sam was born December 8, 1944 in Bagley, Minnesota, to Ole and Lydia Ysen. He was raised in Clearwater County on the family farm. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1962. He had a passion for “Fast Cars” and any type of machinery. As a young man he was a partner in a logging operation. He enjoyed logging with a team of horses and in later years with “Big Trucks.” Sam married Kathy Dukek in 1965. They had two children, Natalie and Chad. They later divorced. Sam sailed on the Great Lakes as a merchant marine and was later drafted into the Army where he served in the maintenance battalion. After being honorably discharged Sam made his way west to Wyoming and Montana working in the oil fields and logging industry. He met and married Glenna Roberts in 1973. They had two sons, Travis and Corey. They moved to Salmon and later divorced. Sam continued to log and helped clean up after the Teton Dam flood in the Rexburg area. While living in Salmon, he met Linda Hayes. Sam made his home with her for many years helping her raise her three children. In 1986 Sam moved to May in the Pahsimeroi Valley where he lived and worked as a ranch hand until his death. Sam loved the outdoors and was an extremely hard worker. He enjoyed all aspects of farming and ranching. He was highly respected by everyone in the valley, often going out of his way to help his friends. He had an unlimited talent for fixing anything broken, often making his own parts or special tools. Sam was an excellent welder and mechanic. While living in May he raised pigs, horses, dogs and any neighbors kids. He was proud of his many champion 4-H pigs. Sam was also known as being somewhat of a snake-wrangler, in addition to being a fun-loving character. Sam was an honest and true friend to everyone and anyone he met. He was highly respected and loved by all. The void in our lives will never by filled. He is survived by his children, Natalie (Don) Starren, Warroad, MN; Chad (Amanda) Ysen, Nashwalk, MN; Travis (Melanie) Ysen, Augusta, GA; and Corey Ysen, Fayetteville, NC. Three stepchildren, Charolette White, Fosston, MN; Eddie Hayes and April Edelymar, May; sisters Muriel Ranisate, Shevlin, MN; Arline (James) Jakeman, Bloomington, MN; Nancy (Gary) Thorson, Bagley, MN; Ruth (Garret) Willborg, Bemidji, MN; Mary Lou Freyholz, Hibbing, MN; Sylvia (Virgil) Miller, Landers, WY; brother Thomas Ysen of Bagley, MN and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Linda Hayes, his parents Ole and Lydia Ysen, one niece and four nephews. Funeral services were held July 2 at the May Grange Hall, May, Idaho. Arrangements were under the direction of Salmon River Funeral Chapel of Salmon.

Bill Jordan
William “Bill” R. Jordan, 79, Challis, passed away June 13, 2003 in the St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho after about two years of suffering from chronic lung disease, probably due to the smoke and chemicals he inhaled during his working career as a professional firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He was born July 31, 1923. Bill was proud to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II from February 1942 through August of 1945. He served in three major campaigns: Guam, Marianas Islands, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He received a citation for meritorious conduct as he led his platoon through the night despite repeated strong fanatical enemy attacks. Though wounded and in poor health, he continued in the performance of his duty throughout the operation. As a rifle platoon sergeant he was the highest ranking officer left of his platoon. In March of 1946 he married Juanita Carpenter and two children were born of this union, a girl, Tanya Rae, and a boy, Rodney William. Having been divorced, he married again in 1967 to Josephine Hager Green, who also had two sons, George Edward and Randy Paul. Bill and Jo had been married 35 years. Soon after his discharge, Bill was employed with the Los Angeles County Fire Department where he had served 28 and a half years when he retired in 1974. Bill loved the northwest, the mountains, fishing, hunting and simply being out and about. His friends all knew of his love for Hershey bars which he called his “vitamins.” He and Jo traveled a lot but mostly west of the Rockies. He never met a stranger, liked to tease and enjoyed little children so much. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1957 and served in many different callings. Bill was preceded in death by his sister Betty Miller and his parents, Frank and Helen Jordan. Bill is survived by his wife Jo at home in Challis; two children, Tanya Maxfield of Murrieta, California, Rodney Jordan of Lancaster, California; his stepsons, Eddie Green of Heathsville, Virginia and Randy Green of Palmdale, California; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was laid to rest June 23 in the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California, with full military honors.

Elsie Dean
Elsie Julia (Bradshaw) Dean was lost to this earth, to her family and her friends on Saturday, June 14, 2003. She died of natural causes at the Village Health Care Center, Missoula, Montana. Elsie was born on August 30, 1920 on a ranch, five miles north of Challis. Her parents, Pearl (Millick) and George Bradshaw were first generation Americans. Her mother’s family were of German and English extraction and came to Idaho via Michigan. George’s parents had emigrated from Wales. George Bradshaw homesteaded their ranch around 1910. He personally built their two-story squared-log home in an idealic setting beside Challis Creek, near Challis. Here, Elsie grew up with her three sisters. Her cousins lived on the next ranch and were her playmates. Elsie attended and graduated from secondary schools in Challis before completing Henneger Business School in Salt Lake City in 1939. For several years thereafter, she worked as a secretary and stenographer at businesses in the Idaho Falls and Pocatello area. In 1942, Elsie quit her job as a bookkeeper in the Pocatello bank to join the World War II war effort. She traveled to Washington, D.C. where she joined the legions of young women who came to the nation’s capital to perform the multitudes of assignments which kept the wheels of government turning during that crisis. Among her other positions, she served as secretary to one of the “dollar a year” men. These were executives from industry who volunteered their services to the government for the duration of the war for a salary of $1 per year. In 1943, Elsie relocated to Long Beach, California where she was again a secretary. This time she was with the United States Coast Guard. On May 15, 1944, while in Long Beach, Elsie married Jerdon J. Dean, a career member of the United States Navy. For the next 31 years she made a home at or near naval bases throughout the United States, twice in the Republic of Panama and once in Japan. There she lived successively in Ishiki Hayama, Yokohama and Yokosuka. Suitcase in hand, she accompanied her husband when his duties in Washington, D.C. required him to travel to the U.S. naval bases scattered around the Mediterranean. The life of a Navy wife is not an easy one. She must accept long separations when her husband is at sea or overseas. She must move her home frequently. Many times she is subjected to poor and primitive living conditions. Neither her family nor friends accompany her to these places. She must adapt to circumstances and make friends as she goes. Elsie was the perfect Navy wife. She was friendly, gregarious, outgoing and a life-long practical joker. Elsie adapted to any location at any time and made a cheerful and happy home whenever and wherever. On September 1, 1974, Elsie’s husband retired from the Navy and they established their final home in Missoula. This was both a permanent home and a base for travel. The couple was fond of recreation vehicles with which they traveled for four to six months per year until Elsie’s health prevented travel. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Jean Lewis and Deane Peterson. She is survived by her husband, Captain Jerdon J. Dean and her sister Pearl McAffee, both of Missoula, Montana. Memorial Services will be held Friday, June 20, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Garden City Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Navy Relief Society, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. 20350.

Elfriede Dickerson
Elfriede Elsy Dickerson, 78, of Challis passed away at her home Saturday evening, June 7. Elfriede was born on June 21, 1924 in Flurlingen, a small village in northern Switzerland, the daughter of Friedrich Lang and Elsa Elisabeta Appenzeller. Her father was a school teacher and later the school principal. Elfriede came to the United States as an exchange student and earned her Master’s degree in education at Eastern Washington State College where she met her husband Ray. This year marks their 50th wedding anniversary. A few years after their marriage, Ray and Elfriede went north to Alaska where he worked at several enterprises over the next 37 years. Ray was a bush pilot, gold miner and refrigeration mechanic among other pursuits. They retired to Challis in 1993. Elfriede was a very talented lady, a painter, a piano player, and she spoke several languages. With all these talents she chose to remain at home using her talents raising her children. She spent her life quietly in the service of others, never with a thought for herself. She gave freely of the blessings she received. She had a deep love for gardening and she could be found cultivating the earth at every opportunity. Winters would find her knitting and sewing gifts for family and friends. Her simple, quiet life touched many people. All who knew her loved her and they will miss her deeply. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Dickerson of Challis and two children. Their son Matt, a Boeing engineer, lives in Renton, Washington with his wife Peggy and four grandchildren. Their daughter, Heidi, is currently in the US Navy serving as the Executive Officer of the USS Pearl Harbor currently on its way from the Persian Gulf to Australia. Heidi lives with her husband, Dave Agle in Spring Valley, California. Elfriede has one brother, Fritz Lang, who survives her and lives with his wife, Sylvia in Uhwiesen, Switzerland. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 11 at the Challis Cemetery with burial following. Arrangements were under the direction of the Salmon River Funeral Chapel.