Ralph C. Lacey, Jr. 69, Orofino

    Ralph C. Lacey, Jr. went to be with our Lord Oct. 27, 2010.  He passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lewiston, with his family close beside him.

    Ralph began his life Nov. 1, 1940 in Orofino, ID. He was the first child of Ralph C. Senior and Donna Lacey.  He attended Peck Grammar School through sixth grade, began Junior High School at Orofino, and graduated from Orofino High School in 1958.  He began his college studies at Links College in Boise, in June of that year.

    On Nov. 1, 1958, his 18th birthday, he married Barbara LeBaron.  The couple lived in Boise until May 1959, at which point they returned to Peck.

    Ralph began work for Lashley’s Willys Jeep in Orofino, where he remained employed until 1960, when he went to work for Mel Johnson at NAPA Valley Motor Parts.  Ralph purchased the business in 1969, operating it until it was sold to Clay Hesson in 1991.  In his semi-retirement, Ralph began operating Valley Equipment, buying, selling, and repairing used equipment.

    On the Fourth of July, 2008 Ralph and his family began work on his dream cabin in Cardiff Spur.  It became a full-time job for Ralph, who often worked from dawn until dusk, and it was finally completed enough by December 2009 for the family to spend their first Christmas there.

    Ralph loved to spend time with his friends and family hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and four-wheelers, and just generally being outdoors.

    He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and older half-sister Doris.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara and their son Doug, both of Orofino, their daughter Brenda Clelland (spouse: Tim) of Lewiston, and siblings Don Lacey (spouse: Sharon) of Bow. WA, Karen Lacey of Lewiston, and Carol Rinard (spouse: Mike) of Lewiston. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Danielle Butsick (spouse: Brandon) , Brittani Bailey (spouse: Derek), Dustin Clelland, Matthew Lacey, Michael Lacey, Allison Lacey, and two great-grandchildren, Isabella Bailey and Derek Zaccai Bailey.

    The family requests the presence of friends at a memorial service to honor Ralph on Friday Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Weseman Cemetery in Orofino, Idaho. 

    After the service a gathering will be held at the Ponderosa Banquet Room.

Shirley Powers, 76, Lewiston

   Shirley Mae Monson Powers passed away on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 at Life Care Center in Lewiston. Shirley was born to Orlando Isador and Margaret Mary Monson on March 23, 1934 in Ross, North Dakota. The family moved to the Musselshell near Weippe in 1937, then to Winchester in 1945 where she graduated from high school.

   Shortly after graduation, the family moved to Asotin and she worked as a telephone operator in Lewiston until a fateful trip to visit her sister Donna in California, where she met the love of her life.

   She married Oliver Louis (Bud) Powers on Oct. 9, 1953 in Reno, Nevada.  The couple lived in California, where their twins Karen and Ken were born.  After a brief stay in Lewiston, they moved to Wallace where their daughter Pam was born. In 1959, they moved to Arkansas, Bud’s home state, then back to the Northwest, settling in Clarkston where their son John was born, Orofino, and finally Peck where she spent the rest of her life.  

   Besides being a homemaker, Shirley also worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s Chevron and Shell service stations in Orofino, owned and operated Big Canyon Grocery with Bud, and worked for Kayler’s Tree Farm and Fowler’s Upholstery.

   Shirley loved her family and was interested in family history and keeping in touch with relatives across the country. She enjoyed crocheting, bowling, traveling, camping, fishing at Winchester Lake, computer games, reading, and spending time on her deck overlooking Big Canyon Creek, watching wildlife.  Above all, she had faith in God and his son Jesus Christ and a lifelong love of learning about their purpose for the earth and man.

   She is survived by her husband Bud of Peck; sons Ken of Peck and John and wife Vickie of Lewiston; daughters Karen Fowler and husband Alan of Peck, Pam Deyo and husband Steve of Orofino; sisters Bea and Dick Brockman of Clarkston, Donna and Frank Collier of Montana, Vonna and Larry Heyer of Cheney, ten grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

   Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Monson of Albuquerque, NM.

   A family graveside service will be held on Saturday Nov. 6 at the Peck Cemetery.

   Memorial contributions can be made to the John Kayler Loose Change Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 157, Peck, ID 83545 or the Peck Library, P.O. Box 112, Peck, ID 83545.

   Pine Hills Funeral Chapel & Crematory in Orofino is in care of arrangements.

Lee P. Thimgan, 82, Weippe

   Lee P. Thimgan, of Weippe, left this Earth on Friday, Oct. 29, 2010 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. He was 82.

   He was born July 15, 1928 in Murdock, NB to George and Cholida Kittrell Thimgan.

   Lee was married to Betty Anthony and they had a son, Leo (Tim) P. Thimgan Jr. That marriage ended in divorce. Lee married Peggy Dayle, which ended in Peggy’s death in 2002. Lee married Sharon Henderickson on Oct. 14, 2003.

   Lee was very proud to serve this country that he loved. He served in the Navy during the tail end of WWII and served in the Korean War in the U.S. Air Force.

   He was preceded in death by both parents; brothers, William, Vernon and Vryl; sister, Mary.

   Survivors include his wife Sharon; step-daughter Nicole; son Leo (Tim) Jr. and wife Loretta; grandson Kevin and wife Trudi; granddaughters DeLori and husband Chuck and Kimberly and husband Lonnie. Also surviving him are great-grandchildren Dyana, Donald, Megan, Kristi, Jake, DeManda, MeLinda, Kortney and Milo; and many great-great-grandchildren. Lee had many “adopted” kids.

   At Lee’s request there will be no memorial service. He will be buried in Greenwood, NB at a later date.

   My darling Lee, you will be missed so very much. I love you with all my heart, forever and a day plus 10 minutes.

David Wayne Hester, 72, Orofino

   David Wayne Hester, 72, of Orofino, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, from complications of pneumonia in Spokane, WA. He was born Dec. 16, 1937, in Rosston, TX, to William Hester and Mary Lue Barnett Hester.

   He married Glenda Oliver in 1959. The couple later divorced but remained friends throughout the years.

   Wayne served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 and was stationed in Fort Bragg, NC.

   Wayne lived in Texas, North Carolina, California and Idaho. He moved to Orofino in 1976, where he worked in the lumber industry until an injury forced him to retire.

   He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed telling stories. Most evenings he could be found sitting on his porch reading a book and drinking a beer.

   Wayne is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Furr of Orofino, Charlie and Silver Alaniz of Pell City, AL, Debbie and Dion Carpenter of Lewiston, and Sharon and Rocky Heywood of Chehalis, WA; son, Vick Hester of Houston, TX; honorary daughter, Jan Schaff of Lewiston; grandchildren, Josh Hester, Darby Hester, Damian Hester, Byron Brown, Adrienne Hester, Jordan Barnett, Darin McKinley, Mercedes McKinley, Erin Hester, Mitchell Gillis, Brynnan Carpenter, Zack Carpenter, Kaitlyn Carpenter, Devin Schaff and Janet Alaniz; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Sydney, Somer, Macy, Gavin, Bryden and Madison; siblings, Curtis Hester, Mary Etta and Dwight French, Melton Hester, James Hester and Travis Hester; ex-wife, Glenda Hester; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Patsy Lewis, grandson, Kelly Hendren, great-grandson, Gary Miller, and great-granddaughter, Lily Miller.

   A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino. A covered-dish dinner will follow at the Orofino Community Center, downstairs.

Ellen Stanley-Richardson, 58, Caldwell

   Ellen “Angel” Stanley-Richardson, 58, of Caldwell passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010.  She was 58.

   Ellen was born in Los Angeles, CA, August 19, 1952, where she spent the first eighteen years of her life growing up. When she was eighteen she started the next step in her life by moving to Orofino and beginning her married life to John R. Stanley. Together they raised three children where Ellen was able to experience her true pioneer spirit by going from city girl to country girl, and being a domestic goddess.

   She then decided to strike out into the world and learn how to drive at age 33. This new found knowledge was an experience for herself and her family. After learning to drive, she started her college education at Lewis Clark State College where she graduated magna cum laude. This is where her teaching career began! She taught in Orofino for several years before moving to Dayton, NV, and continuing her teaching there.

   Although this marriage ended, Ellen continued her enthusiasm for life. This is when she met the love of her life, Albert Rich Richardson. From the moment their marriage began, their romance and joy of life never ended. In just looking at them, you could tell how in love they were. Together they traveled and cruised their way to different destinations where they would photograph their adventures. She also added bowling, body building, and painting to her already active life.

   Rich and Ellen continued their travels and moved to Caldwell. Here in Caldwell, Ellen continued to teach in the Vallivue School District, work on her paintings, play with her grandkids, go to movies, and just enjoy life with her husband.

   Ellen touched the lives of everyone she met, whether through teaching, her devotion to the gospel, her art work, or her sparkling personality. She made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people. Her joy of life was infectious.

   She is survived by her loving husband, Rich, her three children Kim Stanley Birkinbine, Lisa Dial, and JJ Stanley, and her grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Mary King, and brothers and sisters: John Abel, Donna Dalrymple, Melody Price, and Glen King.

   Funeral services were held Oct. 30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15782 Farmway Road, Caldwell (corner of Farmway and Highway 55). Arrangements are by Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel. A private family burial was held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dana Alberts, 35, Orofino

    A loving wife and mother passed from this world and returned to the arms of our Lord on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 at the age of 35.

    Dana was born on Aug. 13, 1975 to Edson Earl Stewart and Regina Ann Brooks in Ogden, UT. Dana grew up in a family of two brothers and two sisters and always wanted a big family of her own.

    Dana met and fell in love with her husband William when they both worked as State Correctional Officers at the Idaho State Prison in Orofino. They began their life together as husband and wife on July 18, 2001. Dana always told people that she met her husband in prison, and that always got really strange looks. Dana would get a big laugh, and then explain that they both worked at the prison together.

    Dana always wanted to help people throughout her life and in her last few years she decided she wanted to become a nurse and had planned to start school in the winter quarter at LCSC.

    Dana is survived by husband William; children Emily Ann Hathaway of Wyoming, Katita Hurley of New York, Quincy and Shyanne Hurley of Lenore; parents Edson Stewart of Utah, Reggie and (Rick) Hutchins of Utah; brother Edson (Jennifer) Stewart of Missouri, Clinton Stewart of Utah; sister Crystal Saravia of Utah; brother-in-law Robert (Debbie) Alberts of Orofino; grandma Jennie Stewart of Nevada, grandma Deloris Brooks of California and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

    Dana was preceded in death by grandpa Edson Stewart and grandpa Lynn Brooks.

    Donations can be made at Potlatch Credit Union, Box 1030, Orofino ID 83544 or Pine Hills Funeral Chapel, Box 307, Orofino, ID 83544 in Dana’s name.

    Funeral services took place Oct. 26 in Orofino. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in care of arrangements.

Joanne Mae Lee, 70, Anchorage

   Joanne Mae Lee, 70, died peacefully, Oct. 18, 2010, at the home of her son in Anchorage, surrounded by family and friends, after a valiant life long battle against heart disease.

   Joanne was born April 6, 1940, in Lewiston, ID to Edwin and Clarice (Moore) Hoffman.

   She graduated from Clarkston High School in 1958, went on to Lewis Clark State College and then due to medical issues began taking night classes at the University of Idaho (U of I), to finally earn her degree in Elementary Education. She then began working on her Masters degree in Education at the U of I.

   Joanne taught elementary school in Oregon, Peck and then Orofino where she retired early due to heart problems. During her spare time in Orofino she worked at the Ponderosa as a waitress and then as a G.E.D. teacher for several years.

   Her hobbies included quilting, genealogy, visiting with her friends, traveling, puzzles, and games with her grandkids, photography and family.

   "Joanne was known to her family and friends as a beautiful, free spirit and very outgoing" her family added.  "Joanne did not like to be alone and loved being around people, both family and friends.” She was nominated for several awards over the years by her students which included awards in teaching, best teacher of the year, as well as several other awards.

   She was very highly respected and liked by her students both in the elementary school and her GED students.  She loved to travel and New Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and especially the Oregon Coast were her favorites. When she was born she had heart problems and had her first operation at the age 16 by a Navy M.A.S.H. who took leave from the military to perform the surgery because of his expertise in heart surgeries during the Korean War. In 1963, she was one of the first open heart valve replacement patients, performed by Dr. Albert Starr, in the northwest and  went thru the rest of her life with an enlarged heart, medical complications, and several other surgeries to include a spinal jack for her scoliosis. One of the oldest living valve replacement patients at the time of her passing she still had the Teflon valve from Dr. Starr.

   Joanne was a devoted mother (to people and her beloved pets), who never turned away family or friends in need. She opened her home and heart to all. Her wisdom and love will forever be cherished by the many lives she touched.

   She is survived by sister, Theda Kilgore of Clarkston, WA; sister, Janice Ball of Umatilla, OR; son, Roy Thornton of Anchorage, AK; son, Aaron Thornton, Ft Huachuca, AZ; ten grandkids, and one great grandchild.

   She was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Hoffman; and her father and mother, Edwin and Clarice Hoffman.

   A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in Orofino at the Tabernacle Church, 1839 Michigan Ave.  Please bring your favorite story and memories of Joanne.

   Memorial bequests may be made to Orofino Tabernacle, PO Box 29, or directly to the Church at 1839 Michigan Ave, Orofino 83544.

Sharon A. Loughmiller, 65, Orofino

   Sharon Ann Loughmiller, Orofino, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010 at Sacred Heart Medical Center at Spokane, WA. She was 65.

   She was born in Sacramento CA to Gladys Armstrong. She married Jess Loughmiller.

   Sharon lived in Orofino 17 years and was a member of Riverside Assembly of God.

   She is survived by her husband Jess, married 39 years; her daughters Candice Wihite of Oroville, CA and Deanna Wittmeyer of Lewiston; sons Jesse Loughmiller and Robbie Fuyua of Spokane, WA; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; best friends, Betty Groves, of Orofino and Norma Pettengill of Peck and Marge Hardman of Greer.

   She was preceded in death by her mother Gladys Armstrong.

   Cremation will be in the care of Pine Hills Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

   A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Assembly of God. Pastor David King will officiate.

Lee Ann Sparks, 46, Orofino

   Lee Ann Sparks, Orofino, died Oct. 5, 2010 from an automobile accident. She was 46.

   She is survived by two sons; brother; sister; and her partner Norman Olson. Norman was her salvation for many years with love and support. Lee Ann was ill for a long time and may time in a hospital where Norman spent many days with her.

   A potluck celebration of Lee Ann’s life will be held Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Oasis Club in Orofino. Please come and celebrate life with us.

Harla Mae Matson, 76, Orofino

   Our mom lost her life to cancer on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010. She was 76.

   She was born to Charles and Stila Harlan Gleason in Orofino on April 28, 1934. Mom graduated from Orofino High School in 1953. After graduation she worked as a flunky in the logging camps on the North Fork.

   Mom married our dad, Gerald Matson on Oct. 31, 1955. She worked as a waitress at the Fountain and the Ponderosa; housekeeper at the White Pine Motel and for School District #171 as a cook and server until 2008.

   Mom is survived by sons Kurt of Lewiston, Kevin of Orofino; daughter Connie Yates of Orofino and the light of her life grandson, Haydn Matson of Orofino; sisters Carolyn Mattson and Elaine Rinehart both of Orofino.

   She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

   As per moms request no services will be held.

   There will be a potluck for family and friends Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. at Scott Matson’s home at 654 Grangemont Road, Orofino.

   Pine Hills Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in care of arrangements.

Delbert Glen Humiston, 95, Orofino

   Delbert Glen (Debs) Humiston, an Orofino resident always went for a Sunday drive and on Oct. 24, 2010, after he completed his usual drive; drove on into heaven. He was 95.

   He was born April 1, 1915 on the family farm in rural Potlatch to Francis W. and Ira (Burden) Humiston. He was raised and attended school there. As a young man, he overcame the lose of one arm and he worked at the Potlatch sawmill and then for the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC’s) out of the Bovill camp.

   In the late 30’s he moved to the Pierce area and began working for his step-father, Charlie Lang, horse logging.

   In 1952 he went to work for now, Potlatch Corp, working in the truck shop in Headquarters becoming a well known welder. After 25 years he retired June 1, 1977.

   On May 2, 1945 he married Edna Barnard McMullen. After his retirement they moved from the Pierce area to Peck. He moved to downtown Orofino in 1985. In 1998 he wanted to move up on his daughter Sharon, husband Louie’s ranch where they could visit him daily, even though he was very independent up until they day of his death.

   He enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising a garden, even having a small garden this past summer. In later years he really loved watching his pigeons fly around his home.

   Survivors include daughters Sharon K. Turcott (Louie), Orofino, and Glenna Rae Delp (Charlie), Vancouver, WA; step-daughter Joan Decker (Tom), Moscow; step-son Ellis McMullen (Marlene), MI; six grandchildren; four and a ½ great-grandchildren and several step-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his wife Edna; brothers Eldred and Kenneth.

   Funeral services will be held at the Christian Faith Church Center, 1355 Elm St, Clarkston, WA at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, with burial to follow at Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston. Afterwards a dinner will be held.

   Pine Hills Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in care of arrangements.

John Carson Miles, 98, of Weippe

   John Carson Miles, 98, of Weippe, closed the final chapter of his life on Wednesday October 20, 2010, in Orofino, ID.

   John was born July 8, 1912, in Weippe and was the youngest of six children born to Charles and Sarah Dereberry Miles.

   He grew up on the family farm on the Weippe prairie and attended school at the Wilson school on the prairie and the Weippe Grade School. When John was a teenager his family moved from the ranch to Clarkston, WA. John graduated from Clarkston High School in 1931.

   John married Vivian Lucile Frey on Jan. 12, 1935, at Lewiston, ID. The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in January 2010. They had one son Grant Miles.

   As a young man John worked for the CCC and in the woods, and hauling poles. He spent a brief time working for Boeing in Seattle, WA after which he served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

   John and Vivian returned to Weippe in1942, where he again worked in the woods and the lumbermills for the next few years. He was also a school bus driver.

   The couple purchased the Jacobson Ranch on the Weippe prairie bordering the place of his birth and childhood. They spent the next 40 years operating their dairy farm, "Whispering Pines Ranch" in partnership with their son Grant, on the prairie. John had a passion for caring for and doctoring his livestock, often spending more time at the barn than at the house.

   He was chosen Clearwater County Grassman of the Year in 1967. In 1992 He and Vivian were bestowed the honor of grand marshals of the Weippe Rodeo.

   John and Vivian retired in 1993 when they sold their dairy herd. John had made his home at Brookside Landing in Orofino the past seven years.

   A great outdoors man, John was an avid hunter, and enjoyed the mountains, especially the Austin Ridge area, where he set up his hunting camps.

   A lover of music John, played the harmonica, and spent hours enjoying Vivian’s musical talents on the piano and organ. He was always easy to locate as you could hear him whistling a merry tune as he went about his chores, often running from place to place.

   He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially the four generations of his family working and playing together on the ranch. He was a great supporter of his grandson’s sporting events especially track. He attended their track meets all around the area, including state competition which, as an Idaho Dairy Association member, he helped to sponsor.

   John is survived by his wife Vivian, residing at Brookside Landing in Orofino. His son and daughter-in-law, Grant and Sharon Miles of Weippe. Grandsons, Russel and Cindy Miles of Weippe, Randal Miles of Hollywood, CA, Robert and Susie Miles of Maupin, OR, and Ryan and Elissa Miles of Bend, OR. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren - Jonathan, Christina, Emily and Jeremy Miles of Weippe, Holly and Jack Miles of Maupin, OR, and Cash Miles of Bend, OR. A niece Janet Hodge, and a nephew Donald Dean Hall of Seattle.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers Dale, Delbert, Virgil, and Cecil Miles, one sister Veda Lusk, and a grandson Grant David Miles.

   A memorial celebration of John’s life will be held at the Weippe Wesleyan Church, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24.

   The family suggests memorials can be made to The Hilltop Heritage Society, P.O. Box 279, Weippe, ID 83553. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel and Crematory in care of arrangements.

David W. Hester, 72, Weippe

   David W. Hester, 72, of Orofino died Oct. 25, 2010. He passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Spokane, WA.

   Services are pending. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in care of arrangements.