Obituaries

Doroleta Fay Huntley, 79

2007-02-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

Doroleta Fay Huntley, 79, of Grangeville, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2007 at her Grangeville home due to lung cancer.

Doroleta was born August 31, 1927 in Clyde, California to Earl and Maudess Pratt.

Doroleta had numerous occupations during her lifetime. In the 1940’s she spent time on Rabbit Point and Jack Mountain lookouts. When she was 9 years old she got her first pony, which led to a lifetime of breaking and training horses; finishing out and training her last horse at the age of 65. In addition, she spent time working as a clothing model, long haul truck driver, operating restaurants, bars and auction houses, cattle ranching, hard rock mining, and a stunt rider. It was her stunt riding that allowed her to double for Loretta Young in the movie “Rachel and the Stranger”. Of all things she did in life, she liked being a housewife the most.

Marriages to Joe Price, Sub Woods, and Chester Nuxoll all ended in divorce. She married James Huntley on May 20, 1966 and they lived in Grangeville and Dixie ever since.

Doroleta is survived by her husband Jim; her son Lindley Woods of White Bird; stepson James Huntley of Aurora, Colorado; stepdaughters Yvonne Schriber of Bend, Oregon and Betty Writer of Elmira, Oregon, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Wesley Pratt; stepson, Wilbur Woods, and an infant daughter.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Doroleta’s life will be held at her Dixie cabin at a future date.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Syringa General Hospital’s Hospice program.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie J. "Marge" Rose, 81

2007-02-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: Marjorie J. “Marge” Rose, 81, of Grangeville passed away Thursday, February 15, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood.

Marge was born August 31, 1925 at Ferdinand, Idaho a daughter of Leo and Frances Uhlenkott Weber. She attended school in Ferdinand and graduated from high school in 1942. She moved to Lewiston following her education and married Samuel “Dale” Rose on June 13, 1946. They moved to Grangeville where she worked at Joseph’s Bakery, Rickman’s Rockery, did child care and retired from the Idaho County Nursing Home in the mid 1980’s where she worked as a cook. Mr. Rose passed away December 30, 2006.

She enjoyed playing the guitar and yodeling in her younger days. She also liked to bake cakes for all occasions, go on country drives with her husband and most of all having her family gathered around her for any reason.

She was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville and was a former Campfire Leader.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin Rose and Dan Rose of Las Vegas, NV, Mike and Debbie Rose of Nezperce, ID. Daughters; Susan and Keith Ray of White Bird, Sandra and Mike Schoo of East Wenatchee, WA, Nancy and Kevin Asker of Grangeville, a daughter in law Cheryl Roach of Nezperce, 15 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, sisters, Phyllis Sattler, Sister Marie Weber CSJ, Ruth Snyder and Delores Fuchs all of Spokane. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sons, Lanny and Tom, two brothers, Donald and Leroy, two grandsons and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by a special niece, Rosie Rose and her children, Bob and Joe.

A vigil service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow at 1:00 p.m. also at the church. Father Bradley Neely will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Grangeville. Friends may call Monday, February 19th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Loyd R. Simon, 75

2007-02-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: Loyd R. Simon, 75, of Grangeville passed away Sunday, February 11, 2007 at his home.

Loyd was born March 22, 1931 near Grangeville. He attended schools at Tolo and Grangeville. Following his graduation from high school he worked for a few years and then married Irene Smurthwaite on Feb. 6, 1952 at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He entered the US Army in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He returned to Grangeville and worked several different jobs. He then went to work for the Idaho State Transportation Dept. and worked there until ill health forced his retirement in 1988.

He was a member of the Calam Temple of Shriners, Eastern Star and Mt. Idaho Lodge #9 AF & AM. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood cutting and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Irene of Grangeville, his children, Loyd Simon of Lewiston, Eileen Melberg of Puyallup, WA and Thelma Betts of Tacoma, WA, four grandchildren, Kara Simon, Keith Simon, Nicholas Gebbers and Alicia Gebbers, five brothers, Dean Simon of Missoula, MT, Glenn Simon of Kent, WA, Gale of Tennessee, Tom of Texas and Ralph of Renton, WA, and four aunts.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 16, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Gary Allen Stears, 49

2007-02-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE:Gary Allen Stears, 49, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007, after a nine month fight with a brain tumor. He died in his home in the presence of his family.
He was born on June 22, 1957, to DeLen Thomas Stears and Lois Rae Brooks Stears in San Bernadino, Calif., and grew up in Shelley, Idaho. He married Laura Kaye Slaughter in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on March 19, 1981, while attending Ricks College. He played football and graduated from Ricks College with an associate's degree. The family then moved to Logan, Utah, where he attended Utah State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in history and physical education, and a year later graduated with his masters in education. He taught and coached in Utah and Idaho, then went back to school to get his education specialist degree and became an administrator in Fort Hall, Paul, and Grangeville.
He was in his 13th year as a principal of Grangeville High School, which he loved. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, taking his summer trips to Alaska, and guiding on the Salmon River in the summer.

Among his many accomplishments, he served as the president of the Idaho Region II Principals Association in 1996, and as president of the Idaho Association of Secondary School Principals in 2000-2001. He was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Administrator Award in 2005 by the Utah State University College of Education Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and went on to win the overall Outstanding Alumni Administrator Award from the College of Education and Human Services from Utah State University.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Kaye; and his children, Elizabeth, Bart, Bradley, Brian, Erica and Emily; and his two grandchildren, Leland and Lola, his parents, brother Mike Stears and sisters, Bonnie Searle and Julie Dietz.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, Feb 13, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Grangeville LDS Church. The funeral will be held Wednesday, Feb 14, at 1 p.m., also at the church. A visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley, burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery, Shelley, Idaho. Services are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Community, friends and family members are welcome at the services. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

James Warren Guerin, 83

2007-02-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

James Warren Guerin, retired United States Naval Commander and Municipal Bond Consultant, died Monday, February 5, 2007 in Grangeville, Idaho at the age of 83 years.

James was born February 14, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of James and Blanche Warren Guerin who were both members of early pioneer families of Irish heritage. Jim attended St. Ambrose School and was a member of the first eighth grade class of Hardey Preparatory School for boys in 1937. After graduating from Loyola Academy, Jim entered the U.S. Navy V12, an officer’s training program during WWII. He attended John Carroll University in Cincinnati, Ohio and Notre Dame University, from which he received a commission in the U.S. Navy along with a Bachelor’s degree.

Ensign Guerin served as a gunnery and anti-submarine officer on USS PC 797, a large sub chaser. Following the war he was assigned to the Prinz Eugen, a captured German heavy cruiser which sailed to Bikini Atoll to be a target for the first post war experiment in nuclear weapons, designated “Operation Crossroads”.

Separated from active duty, Guerin received a second Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. As a member of the Naval Reserve he became a submarine officer, eventually reaching the rank of Commander, USNR, Ret.

In civilian life Mr. Guerin was a personnel officer for the counties of San Francisco and San Mateo, after which he joined Schwabacher & Company in San Francisco as a municipal bond consultant. He continued this capacity later in partnership with his brother-in-law, forming the firm Rafferty-Guerin and Company until his retirement from the world of business.

Mr. Guerin leaves three sister, Mary J. (Mrs. James F. Rafferty) of Woodside, CA., Martha (Mrs. William Q. Egan) of Glenview, IL., and Blanche (Mrs. John E. Rockwell) of Grangeville, ID. His parents and two brothers, Dr. John W. Guerin and Rev. Mark E. Guerin, and a nephew, William Egan preceded him in death.

James also leaves behind these nieces and nephews: John Guerin’s children, Jay, Michael, Christopher, Charles and Mark Guerin, Darcy Gue and Laura Hunt; Mary J. Rafferty’s children, James, Joanna Malvino, Gael Efron, Mimi Halsted, Rosemary Rafferty and Jeannie Magee; Martha Egan’s children, Edmund, James, George and Frank Egan, Marcy Dalton, Patricia Whitman, Helen Cassin, Blanche Romey, Joan Herlong and Bridget Albertson; Blanche Rockwell’s children, John, Joseph, Peter, James and Patrick Rockwell, Carol Yalbuw, Elisabeth Brown and Mary Bacon, as well as many grand and great grand nieces and nephews and godchildren.

James was a lifelong Catholic. He was a Knight of Malta, an ancient worldwide Catholic Charitable order, one of whose activities is the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Lourdes, France, each member caring for a “malade” during the entire trip, in which Jim participated three times.

Jim also made friends of the boys of St. Vincent’s School, a diocesan correctional center in San Rafael, CA. as a volunteer. He was a trustee of the California St. Vincent DePaul Society, a Boy Scout leader and an aide at a summer camp for blind boys. He was a world traveler, a car and boat enthusiast, entertaining family and friends on his Grand Banks Cruiser from his home on the water of San Rafael.

In 1989 James suffered a major stroke which took him to Grangeville to be near his sister, Blanche. He spent 13 years as a resident of the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center where he made many friends and received expert, patient, loving care.

Friends may gather for a rosary, one of Jim’s devotions, on Saturday, February 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the rosary at 2:00 p.m., with Father Bradley Neely presiding.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Guerin family plot at Calvary Cemetery in Evanston, IL.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Donnallan Family Funeral Services of Skokie, IL are in charge of interment.

You may send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Delbert J. Walker, 93

2007-01-29T10:12:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: Delbert Walker, 93 of Grangeville passed away Friday at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center in Grangeville.

Delbert was born October 21, 1913 at DeWitt, Nebraska a son of Garnett and Grace Lochenhour Walker. He attended school in Nebraska and then graduated from Peru State Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska in 1935. He married Alice Madden and they later divorced. He taught high school in one room schools in Nebraska before entering the US Navy during WWII. While serving in the Navy he was involved in the development of radar. Following his discharge he returned to Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska and obtained his Master’s Degree in 1950. That same year he started teaching at the University of Idaho where he was a math professor. He retired from the U of I in 1978. He then moved to Grangeville. He married Marion Davis and she passed away in 1998.

He enjoyed traveling and visited places all over the world including communist Russia and Ireland. He also liked camping. He was a member of the Grangeville Methodist Church.

He is survived by one son, Thomas Walker of Scottsdale, AZ, grandchildren; Dennis Fredrickson of Riggins, Mike Fredrickson of Grangeville, Scott Fredrickson of Eagle River, Alaska, Kara Martin of Freeland, WA, Wade Walker of Carlsbad, California and Krista Greiner of La Jolla, California, a sister Pauline Bomar of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Thirteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen Fredrickson, a brother Chauncey, and a sister Beulah.

Memorial services will be held Monday, February 5, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Private family inurnment will be held at Mount Idaho Cemetery in Mount Idaho. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Syringa General Hospital Nurse’s Scholarship Fund. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Mabel Elizabeth Wisenor, 85

2007-01-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Mabel Elizabeth Wisenor, 85, of Grangeville, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood.

Mabel was born January 30, 1921 at Jackson, California a daughter of Clem and Ethel Thompson Marks. The family moved to Imnaha, Oregon when she was six months old. She attended the Freezeout elementary school at Imnaha, which was a one room, one teacher school. Most of the kids were cousins. She attended high school in Enterprise, Oregon and worked for her room and board.

Her brother Mark and wife, Addie took her to Pittsburg Landing on New Years day of 1940 to work for Celia Titus. They had the Circle C Ranch crew over for dinner. She said it was a great party! Celia’s brother, Wes Wisenor was working at the Circle C. Wes and Mabel were attracted to one another right away and were soon married on March 15, 1940 in Grangeville, ID. His brother, Rufus and wife, Carol were their witnesses. They went to Lewiston for three days, then back to Snake River to live. They lived there until June 1940 then they moved to Grangeville.

In July 1941 they moved to the Circle C Ranch on the Snake River, where they lived until the spring of 1943 when they moved to the Oregon side of the river and worked for Frank Wilson. They purchased the Tryon Creek Ranch in 1943. They sold the ranch in 1950 and moved to Joseph. In the fall of 1951 they moved to Whitebird and lived there until Sept. 1954 when Wes was injured in a logging accident. He was in the hospital in Spokane until January of 1955. They sold their home in Whitebird and moved to Grangeville where she worked as a cook in area restaurants. She was also a member of the Grangeville Christian Church.

Mr. Wisenor passed away in 1987. She continued to live in Grangeville and in 2003 she moved to the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation. She was happy there and called it her home. The families appreciates the care and love the staff at the rehab. center showed her the last years of her life.

She is survived by her three sons, Clyde and Coleen Wisenor, of Spokane, WA, Roy and Alice Wisenor of Lewiston, Bill Wisenor and his companion Millie Robinette of Whitebird, a daughter in law, Sharon Wisenor of Whitebird, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and a sister in law, Addie Marks of Enterprise, OR. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Bill Needham and three brothers, Mark, Walter and William.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Pastor Harold Gott of the Grangeville Christian Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville. Friends may call Wednesday, January 24, 2007 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Edith E. Fowler, 78

2007-01-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

Edith Elizabeth Fowler, 78, of Grangeville, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born March 22, 1928 in Kamiah, Idaho to Jesse and Rosalia Davis. She attended school in Kamiah.

On December 14, 1942 she married Eugene C. Fowler in Orofino. They had five children, Martin, Reginald Owen, Bill, Lelar and Julie. In 1956, the family moved to Grangeville. After Eugene retired from the telephone company, he and Edith enjoyed traveling in their motor home and going for walks in the mountains. Edith was greatly devoted to her husband and her family.

Edith enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidering and quilting. Her children, grand children and great-grand children were all recipients of her beautiful handy work. She also won many best-of-show awards in area county fairs.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Eugene, at their home in Grangeville; four children, Martin and Anna Marie Fowler of Cottonwood, Bill and Helen Fowler of Grangeville, Lelar and Mark Gravatt of Grangeville, and Julie and Boyd Hopkins of White Bird; five grandchildren, Jeff and Kami Fowler Shadley, Dr. Rayna Gravatt, M.D., Joe and Amy Fowler, Jake and Jessie Gravatt Hackford, and Marcus Gravatt; two great-grandchildren, Justin and Katelyn Shadley; one step great-grandchild, Joe and Amy’s son Adam, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Reginald Owen, and a brother, James “Bussy” Earl Davis.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grangeville EMT Association (GEMTA), P.O. Box 276, Grangeville, Idaho 83530.

Condolences can be sent to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.

George W. Weeks, 82

2007-01-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: George W. Weeks, 82, of Grangeville, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2007 at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville.

George was born August 1, 1924 at Indianola, Iowa a, son of Raymond and Clella Boyd Weeks. He attended schools in Iowa. Following his education he moved to Missouri where he was drafted into the US Army. He served as a side gunner on a B-17 Bomber with the 711th Bomber Squadron in England. He was discharged in 1944. After his discharge he moved to Idaho and worked in the mines in Valley County and also worked for the railroad and in the wheat fields. He moved to Grangeville in the mid 1950’s. He married Thelma McCain in 1962. He worked as a lumber grader and retired in 1979.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time in the outdoors. He was a member of the Grangeville Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Thelma of Grangeville, stepchildren, Charles McCain and Karen Braun of Stites, Mark McCain of Grangeville, Julee Kelly of Melba, ID and Harvey McCain of Grangeville. He is also survived by two sisters Ellamae Warden of Grangeville and Katherine Whitterstacter of Florida, a step sister of Arizona, several grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughters, Estalar, Bonnie Lou, two brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 8, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Cremation will follow and a graveside inurnment will be held at a later date.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

C. Raymond Stewart, 88

2007-01-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

C. Raymond Stewart, 88, of Ferdinand, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Grangeville, Idaho to Ray and Carrie Stewart on March 7, 1918. He met his wife Maxine Stewart and was married on August 10, 1945. They then moved to California where he worked as a rancher and feed-lot manager.

Raymond is survived by 2 sisters; his daughters, Christine Briscoe of Yakima, Washington and Debbie Wassmuth of Ferdinand, Idaho, three Grandchildren and one Great-Grand Daughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at the White Bird Cemetery in White Bird.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Lamar T. Shinskie, 71

2007-01-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Lamar T. Shinskie, 71, of Riggins, died Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Boise.

Lamar was born August 11, 1935 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. He went to elementary school and also graduated from high school in Shamokin. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and served for three years until he was honorably discharged in 1957. In 1962 he moved to Mattawa, Washington and was based there for 20 years while traveling to all different areas constructing power line poles and towers. In 1990 he and his wife moved to Riggins, Idaho and bought a house on the Little Salmon River where he resided until his death.

Lamar enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, at their Riggins home; two daughters, Terrie Kohon and Penny Angelie, both of Lexington Park, Maryland; one step-daughter, Danielle Smith of Spokane, Washington, as well as numerous grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2007 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville with cremation to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Dale Rose, 81

2007-01-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: Dale Rose, 81, of Grangeville, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2006 at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Dale was born August 14, 1925 at Grangeville, a son of Edward and Louise Pendle Rose. He attended Grangeville schools before entering the US Army in 1944. He was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines and served in the Signal Core. He was discharged in 1946. He married Marjorie J. Weber on June 13, 1946 at Lewiston. In 1947 he started a career in the Saw Mill industry and he worked for Camas Sawmill, Inland, Ida Pine and Wicks sawmills as a lumber grader and he retired in 1985.

He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also liked to go on drives in the country with his wife. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville.

He is survived by his wife, Marge at the family home in Grangeville, sons, Kevin Rose and Dan Rose of Las Vegas, NV, Mike and his wife Debbie Rose of Nezperce, Idaho. Daughters; Susan and Keith Ray of White Bird, Idaho, Sandra and Mike Schoo of East Wenatchee, WA, Nancy and Kevin Asker of Grangeville, a daughter in law Cheryl Roach of Nezperce, fifteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren, a brother, Richard Rose of Wallace, Idaho, a special niece, Rosie Rose and her children, Bob and Joe of Grangeville. He was precede in death by his parents, two sons, Lanny and Tom, two grandchildren , two great grandchildren and nine brothers and sisters.

A rosary will be held Friday, January 5, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church followed by a Memorial Mass at 1:00 p.m. also at the Church. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Grangeville. Services are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Parish or the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Clarence Eugene “Gene” Boyer, 72

2006-12-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

Clarence Eugene “Gene” Boyer, 72, died Sunday morning, December 17, 2006 at home with his family in Grangeville.

Gene was born February 2, 1934 in Athens County, Ohio. He was a life long sawyer. He had cut timber from coast to coast. Gene was also an outdoor enthusiast. After 59 years of work and travel and also working in the Grangeville area for six years during the late 70’s and early 80’s, Gene returned to the area he loved best.

Gene loved people; he always was the first to help if he saw someone was in need. He loved to raise and harvest big gardens every year and distribute it to family, friends and total strangers. He also loved spending time with family and friends, but was most partial to his three granddaughters.

Survivors include his former wife and current best friend, Sheila Boyer; son Richard Boyer and his wife Cathy of Grangeville, Idaho; daughter Debra Jumper of Ecru, Mississippi; three grand-daughters, Amber and Samantha Hall of Ecru, and Hannah Boyer of Grangeville; one sister, June Cole; one brother, Donnie Boyer, and two half-brothers, Wayne and Gary McGill, both of Athens County, Ohio.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Boyer and Winnie McGill; one sister, Nellie Moore; one half-sister, Debbie McGill, and one half brother, Mickey McGill.

We will miss you Papa!

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at Mount Idaho Cemetery near Grangeville. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Condolences can be sent to the Boyer family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Sharon M. Liebelt, 56

2006-12-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

Sharon M. Liebelt, 56, of Grangeville, passed away Friday, December 15, 2006 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood with her husband, Robert, by her side.

Sharon was born February 7, 1950 to George and Dorothy Haasl in Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

She graduated in 1968 from Ladysmith High School. She then went out to school to be trained in Lab and X-Ray and graduated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sharon worked in the medical field for 20 years, both in Ladysmith, Wisconsin and at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood.

Sharon enjoyed quilting, sewing, and working on her home.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, at the family home; her daughter and son-in-law, Alissa and John Bunch and granddaughter Myrissa Gates of Kuna, Idaho, and her brother, Wayne Haasl of Neenah, Wisconsin.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy Haasl and a grandson, Dylan Taylor Gates.

Sharon will be loved and missed by her family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Robert J. Leonard, 82

2006-12-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

Robert J. Leonard, 82, of Grangeville, died Thursday, December 14, 2006 at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville.

He was born November 27, 1924 at Kuna, Idaho to Benjamin and Cecilia Hilgert Leonard.

After high school, Leonard joined the U.S. Army on September 23, 1943. He served in Germany during World War II and was honorably discharged on April 24, 1946. After serving his country, he moved to Grangeville in 1947 and became a member of the Grangeville Assembly of God Church and was the oldest living member up until his death. He also worked as a fork-lift operator for Ida Pine and Wicks Corporation and continued this work up until his retirement.

Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycle riding in the mountains. He was also a pilot and enjoyed flying his plane and also played trumpet for the church for many years.

He is survived by a sister, Barbara Golden of Woodside, California, and two nieces, Ardell Ainsworth of Dixie, Washington and Suetta Puryear of Seattle, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dot Puryear, and an infant niece, Cecelia Puryear.

Graveside services were held on Monday, December 18, 2006 at Prairie View Cemetery.

Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville was in charge of the arrangements.

Richard K. Wheeler, 59

2006-12-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

Rick K. Wheeler, 59, of Harpster, passed from this wife Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at his home from a long history of illnesses.

Rick was born January 21, 1947 in Missoula, Montana to Warren and Donna Wheeler. He and his family later moved to Idaho Falls. He then married and had a daughter but that marriage ended in divorce. A few years later he met Imojean Moore and they were married on May 14, 1977 where he had five stepchildren.

Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking, camping and watching physical sports.

He is survived by his wife Jean at their Harpster home; three living stepchildren, Lorraine Coomer, Laura Cummins and Kathy Ladd, all of Harpster; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; three sisters, Christina Pearce of Idaho Falls, Rose Yorkson of St. George, Utah, and Linda Jones of Pocatello, Idaho and one step-brother, Robert Howard of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother and stepsons, Elliott and Dennis Ladd.

Cremation will take place and services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Madelyn M. Sanberg Wagner, 81

2006-11-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Madelyn M. Sanberg Wagner, 81, died at her home in Grangeville from Alzheimer’s Disease on Sunday, November 26, 2006.

She was born Oct. 13, 1925, in Jerome, Idaho. She lived in Jerome until 1942 when the family moved to Grangeville. She graduated from Grangeville High School in 1943. She attended the University of Idaho in Moscow and was president of the Alpha Chi Omega House. She graduated from the U of I in 1947. She received numerous honors as a student there.

After graduation she taught school and then married her high school sweetheart, John Wagner on Aug. 11, 1948. She taught school in Moscow until she and her husband moved back to Grangeville in 1950.

She sang and directed the Sts. Peter and Paul Church choir for more than 40 years. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, fishing, camping, golfing and skiing. She also loved to play bridge and was a member of two clubs. She was active in PEO, Busy Homemakers Society, Grangeville Country Club Women’s Golf Association and Camas Choristers. She and John traveled throughout the world and enjoyed RVing throughout the United States and Canada. They visited all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii as members of the Good Sam Club.

She was a devoted wife and mother of three as well as a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years at the family home in Grangeville; son, Jim Wagner, of Grangeville; and daughter Margaret Wagner of Portland, Ore. She is also survived by son-in-law, Terry Vanderwall, of Grangeville and brother Jim Sanberg of Moscow; four grandchildren: Jason Vanderwall of Lolo, Mont., Mark Vanderwall of Grangeville, Jill Wagner of Moscow and Samuel WagnerForster of Portland. In addition, she is survived by four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Vanderwall, in January 2003.

A rosary will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville and a Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m., also at the church. Burial will follow the mass at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville with a reception to follow at the Sts. Peter and Paul Gymnasium. Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Memorials may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.

Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville is in charge of the arrangements. Send condolences to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Lorna Hitchcock, Alice Fergason and Sherry Jolliff for the past three years of excellent care. In addition, they thank all others who helped in the care of Madelyn.

Frank M. Halford, 83

2006-11-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: Frank M. Halford, 83, of Grangeville passed away Saturday, November 18, 2006 at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Frank was born October 4, 1923 in Grangeville a son of William and Mary T. Mattox Halford. He attended school in Grangeville. He then farmed in the area before marrying Olphelia Dazey on January 25, 1948 in Sandpoint. Mrs. Halford passed away in 1976. He worked as a lineman for Camas Prairie Railroad and retired in the 1980’s.

He is survived by his children, Lena Webb of Boise, Rose and Bob Younger of Springfield, OR, Helen Halford of Elsmere, Ky, Effie and Make Ayers of Grangeville, Barbara and Joe Swisher of Cottonwood and Frank and Deawn Halford of Lewiston. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister.

Graveside services will be held Friday, November 24, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Prairie View Cemetery, Grangeville. Friends may call Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Family suggest memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation or to Parkinson’s Research, c/o Blackmer Funeral Home, 305 No. Mill St, Grangeville, ID 83530. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Loren (Lonnie) H. Alfrey, 54

2006-11-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

The son of Harold Alfrey and Irma Cummings was brought into this world on November 21, 1951, and taken from his loved ones on November 10, 2006, after outliving many doctor’s prognosis of time. His strength for life was incredible and his goal was to stay in the world long enough for his children to remember him.

Lonnie’s legacy was excelling in whatever he tried in life, including bugling in and bringing down trophy elk with either a bow or gun, usually on opening day of hunting season after a prosperous night of celebration; fishing and jet boating the local rivers landing prized steelhead and sturgeon, finally landing a Marlin in Cabo San Lucas; coaching, playing, and umpiring softball games, sometimes all at the same time; playing pool in the local taverns opening the eyes of the best opponents on the Prairie; bowling under the wisdom of his Grandfather and receiving a 300 league ring in 2002 after an 11-in-a-row game that same night; golfing to a 10 handicap after only 5 years of experience, placing top in every tournament entered; and finally doing what he did best…loving and honoring his family and friends.

His career was that as one of the best damn tree fallers this side of the Rocky Mtns. He could lay a dozen or so trees in the same spot and direction no matter what the circumstances were with mother nature.

It’s truly unfortunate when such talent must leave the world, and especially more unfortunate when one has to leave after finally finding true love and happiness, especially when that happiness is found in children. If Lonnie thought he was good at sport activities, he excelled 10-fold in raising his two children, Lauren and Travis. “Good Days” as we called them, when the pain wasn’t taking over, were spent fishing, swimming, golfing, wrestling, playing children’s games, even ring around the rosey, and his most favorite, 4-wheeling in the land he so loved and was familiar with. He finished his life building the family cabin with only his chain saw and family and friends.

Lonnie will be missed dearly by his wife, Pat, daughter, Lauren-8, and son, Travis-3; his parents Harold and Kay Alfrey, and Ben and Irma Cummings; grandmother, Thelma Alfrey, brother Larry and Jeannine, sisters Cally Meyer and John, Dixie Stephens and Steve, and Karlene Rakes, and many loved Uncles, Aunts, nieces, and nephews.

Lonnie’s wishes were to spread his remains on his family’s cabin property and that no services be held. His requests were that any memorials be made to his children in way of memories through written stories, pictures, or knowledge of his life. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Marion G. Rycraft, 94

2006-11-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

GRANGEVILLE: Marion Grover Rycraft, 94, of Grangeville and formerly of Nampa, passed away Monday, November 6, 2006 at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born June 18, 1912 at Fruitland, Idaho a daughter of Benjamin and Anna Kullander Grover. After graduating from Fruitland High School, Marion attended the College of Idaho for two years and then earned her Bachelor’s degree, Cum Laude, from Oregon State University. Later she returned there to earn a Masters of Science degree.

In 1935, she married Lewis Rycraft and they lived in Portland, Oregon where she worked in the commercial advertising field. In 1939, the couple moved to Corvallis, Oregon where she was secretary to the head of Oregon State University Information and Public Relations Service. In 1951 they moved to Nampa, Idaho. Marion taught one year at Northwest Nazarene College, then contracted to teach secretarial subjects at Nampa High School until she retired in 1977.

Marion was always active in the Nampa Retired Teacher’s Association, AARP, the United Methodist Women’s Circle, League of Women Voters and the Saturday Review Club, as well as supporting Canyon County Pet Haven.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis in 1989 and sister, Iola Grover Denton in 2002.

She is survived by her sister, Maxine Grover Eimers and her husband Bill, also survived by her six nephews and her husband’s four nephews and three nieces.

At her request her ashes will be placed beside her husband at Riverside Cemetery, Payette, Idaho. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Leona Mae Koole, 88

2006-11-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

LEWISTON: Leona Mae Koole passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. Leona was born at the top of the
Kooskia Tram Way at Winona, Idaho on August 11, 1918 to William E. and Maggie A. (Hemphill) Schlieper. Her father ran the Tram Way Station where the Camas Prairie farmers hauled their crops. She grew up on Tahoe Ridge and Red Fir out of Kooskia.

Leona and Leendert (Len) Koole were married on March 9, 1944, in the farm house where Len’s parents farmed near Grangeville. They spent their early married life in Alberta, Canada where they farmed for four and a half years, after buying the Homestead farm of Len’s parents, at Monarch. After leasing out the Monarch farm, they moved back to the USA, arriving November 11th, 1948, and leased Len’s parents Grangeville farm. In the years of raising her family, Leona was active in her Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a Blue Bird leader, a Cub Scout leader and a Cancer Society volunteer. She loved to have family and friend gatherings where she served many meals for them. She loved to cook, sew, crocheting and embroidery. She loved gardening and her flowers.

She is survived by her husband Len of Lewiston, two children Deborah A.Carrell of Boise, and Arie L. Koole of Grangeville, five grand children and one great grandchild. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her brothers Melvin, Bill, and Kennith and a sister Syble.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Pastor Harold Gott of the Grangeville Christian Church will officiate. Private inurnment will be held at Prairie View Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Grangeville Christian Church Building Fund. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Pearl Stanbery, 97

2006-10-18T12:21:00.001-07:00

Jessie Pearl Stanbery, 97, of Kamiah, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at Orchards Rehab and Care Center in Lewiston.

Pearl was born December 27, 1908 to Austin and Hilda Gorsuch on a farm near the Lamb School in Idaho County. After Pearl, six brothers joined the family, John Wesley, Austin Blaine, Norman Kenneth, Stanley Eugene, Howard Lee, and Robert Verl.

Pearl attended Lamb Elementary School and Kooskia High School. Due to her mother’s illness, she quit high school and took care of the younger brothers. She married Ernest “Tuke” Stanbery on March 4, 1934 and they raised two children, Phyllis and David. They lived on the Tramway place above Kooskia, on a farm near Winona, and in Kamiah.

Pearl was very active in the Kamiah Rebekah Lodge, Kamiah Presbyterian Church, Kamiah Senior Citizens and volunteered for a time at the Chamber Visitor Center. Pearl will be remembered by friends for her love of card games and for the times she took care of children and cared for friends and family.

Pearl is survived by brothers Norman Kenneth Gorsuch, Howard Lee Gorsuch and wife Brea, Robert Verl Gorsuch and wife Doris; sister in law Velda Fairbanks; brother in law Orin Reid; daughter in law Sally Stanbery; daughter Phyllis Bovey and her husband Richard; six grandchildren; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kamiah Community Presbyterian Church, at the corner of 7th Street and Hill in Kamiah with Reverend Luann Howard officiating. Viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the services at Kamiah Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Jimmy Joe Wisenor, 67

2006-10-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Joseph James (Jimmy Joe) Wisenor, 67, of White Bird, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2006 at his home on Slate Creek due to a lengthy bout with cancer.

Jim was born January 8, 1939 in Cottonwood, Idaho, a son of Jessie (Killgore) Wisenor and Melvin H. (Joe) Wisenor. He attended grade school in White Bird and graduated high school in Riggins in 1957. After high school, Jim worked on the Brownlee Dam construction.

He married Josephine Lindsey on August 21, 1960 and they had one son, Melvin James. Jim and Josephine divorced in 1971. He later married Jeanette (Penny) Maynard and they divorced in 2003.

Jim was a lover of guns and motorcycles and always an avid trap shooter. Jim was one of the very shooters qualified to shoot the League of Nations in Mexico City in 1967.

Jim served in the National Guard and was called to active service in the Army from 1961 to 1963.

He is survived by his mother, Jessie Wisenor of Riggins; one sister, Glory Ward of Colville, Washington; one son, Melvin Wisenor of Kuna, Idaho; one grand daughter, Amanda Wisenor of Kuna; his long time companion, Penny, at the home; five step-sons, Mike Maynard of Filer, Idaho, Larry Maynard of Hailey, Idaho, Kenny Maynard of White Bird, Patrick Maynard of Grangeville, and Thomas Maynard of Rathdrum, Idaho; and one foster daughter, Kim Sohrakoff.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 13, 2006 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White Bird. Cremation will follow the services.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Marsha L. Lasater, 57

2006-10-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

ELK CITY: Marsha Lynn Lasater, 57, of Elk City, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.

Marsha was born March 13, 1949 at San Diego, California a daughter of Robert and Betty Hayes Heitzman. She attended school in Ramona, California and graduated from Ramona High School. She married Michael Pope and they later divorced. She moved to Redding, California where she was a professional seamstress. She moved to Elk City in 1999 where she has lived since.

She enjoyed taking care of her horses, visiting with her many friends and her grandchildren. She was a member of the Dust Devil’s ATV Club in Elk City.

She is survived by her loving companion, Jeff Maxwell of Elk City, her two daughters, Tori Peltier of Anderson, CA and Marli Pope of Concord, CA, her mother, Betty Heitzman of Germantown, Maryland, brothers, Robbie Heitzman of Lewiston, Tim Heitzman of Elk City, John Heitzman of Las Vegas, NV, her sister Kathy Hautsch of Germantown, Maryland and her four grandchildren, Shane, Erika, Alex and Ariston. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Heitzman.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville. Friends may call Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Vera V. Turner, 95

2006-10-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

GRANGEVILLE: Vera V. Turner, 95, of Grangeville passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Vera was born January 18, 1911 at Winona, Idaho a daughter of John L. and Nannie Pfannebecker Lamb. She attended grade school at Hopewell and graduated from Grangeville High School. She then attended Kinman Business School in Spokane. She returned to the Grangeville area and married Roy Turner in October of 1930. They farmed and ranched in the Grangeville area for many years. Ray passed away in April of 1975.

She enjoyed crocheting, writing family history stories, making quilts and afghans and was very comfortable on the back of a horse. She was a member of the Grangeville Christian Church and was a volunteer for several years at the Idaho County Nursing Home. She also belonged to a local ladies sewing club.

She is survived by her children, Marie and Bill Lotze of Colville, WA, Danny and Barbara Turner of Grangeville and Daryl and Judy Turner also of Grangeville, her grand children, Debbie Crabtree, Merrit Crabtree, Dina Marie Reynolds, Jeff Turner, Michael Turner and Paul Turner, 7 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, a sister, Louise Turner of Kamiah and a brother Ralph Lamb of Grangeville. In addition to her husband, three brothers, Volney Lamb, Lester Lamb and John D. Lamb died earlier.

A graveside service will be held Monday, October 9, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville. Pastor Harold Gott of the Grangeville Christian Church will officiate. Services are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Grangeville Christian Church Building Fund. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com