James (Jim) Allen Willis, 64, Orofino

   James (Jim) Allen Willis, born March 4, 1948 in Oakland CA to Doris and Harry Willis died suddenly July 28, 2012.

   Jim grew up in Oakland, CA where he was employed by Pacific Gas and Electric. In the 70’s he moved to the foothills of Calaveras County where he continued to work for PG&E as a Water Systems Repairman for 33 years. He wanted to leave the city life and go where he could indulge in his passion for dirt bikes and the outdoors and share it with his wife, Sara Stone, and their children, Blaine and Naomi. When Sara and Jim divorced he continued to live in Hathaway, Pines with his daughter.

   Upon retiring in 2005 he was finding California too crowded and moved to Orofino with his wife, Karen, mom and brother. He joined PLAY; was a life-long member of the American Motorcycle Association; and a member of the International Old-timers Motocross where he still raced.

   Jim loved riding his horses, racing motocross and going trail riding and camping with family and friends. Jim always loved working on bikes and helping kids to not only ride but learn how to repair their own bikes. Moving to Idaho and owning enough property for his horses and growing hay fulfilled his retirement dreams.

   Jim died doing what he loved most-riding dirt bikes with friends on single-track trails in the North Fork area.

   Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck. He is survived by his children Blaine and Naomi Willis of California, wife Karen of Orofino and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   Jim, you will be sorely missed by many and may you ride your bike forever.

Jerry W. Blanchard, 84, Greer

   Jerry William Blanchard, 84, of Greer, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at his residence. Memorial services will be conducted in Tacoma. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Orofino is in charge of arrangements.

Gordon Ralph Hueth, 85, Weippe

   Gordon Ralph Hueth of Weippe passed away July 27, 2012 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. He was 85 years old.

   A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Weippe. After the service a potluck will be held at the Rebekah Lodge (IOOF Hall) in Weippe.

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

Leonetta E. Stanton, 89, Kamiah

   Leonetta E. Stanton, 89, of Kamiah, died Friday, July 27, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital in Cottonwood.

   Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at Trenary Funeral Home Chapel in Kooskia.

   Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at Kamiah City Cemetery in Kamiah. A covered dish dinner will follow at the American Legion Hall in Kamiah, Idaho.

   Arrangements are by Trenary Funeral Home in Kooskia.

Daniel (Dan) Sullivan, 88, Lewiston

   Daniel William (Dan) Sullivan, 88, formerly of the Cavendish/Teakean area passed away July 12, 2012 at Life Care Center in Lewiston.

   Dan was born Feb. 20, 1924 to George E. and Hazel (Long) Sullivan on a farm near Washtucna, WA. His father died when Dan was nine. He attended schools in Washtucna, graduating in 1942.

   He was drafted into the Army, serving in the European Theatre from 1943 to 1946. He drove trucks and jeeps in Holland, France, Normandy, Belgium, and Germany, and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. For a time, Dan was one of General George Patton’s drivers.

   Dan married Gladys Wegner Feb. 29, 1948 at Cameron. They farmed at the Barr ranch at Riparia, WA for a short time before moving to Cavendish in 1949. They bought a farm and made it their home for over 60 years.

   He was a member of the Cattleman’s Association, and various farming organizations. He enjoyed being a member of “The Farmers” bowling team. In 1960 several neighbors learned they were about to lose the community park at Cavendish because it was not being maintained, so LeBaron Park, Inc. was established. Dan helped with the logging and clearing of the land, drilling a well, building picnic tables and installing outhouses and fire pits. He served as president for the group for several years.

   In 1967, Dan suffered a heart attack, spending many weeks at Gritman Hospital in Moscow. After his recuperation, he continued to farm and raise cattle. Dan also drove the Cavendish school bus for several years.

   In the early 1970’s he realized his lifelong dream of learning to fly and owning his own Cessna 172, flying around the Northwest for many years. When the plane was sold, they bought a boat and spent restful hours at Dworshak Reservoir.

   Dan was a member of Cameron Emmanuel Lutheran Church near Kendrick. After moving to Lewiston, he and Gladys enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Audrey Winn and Beulah Blankenship, and brothers George and Bernie Sullivan, and a daughter, Joanne, and her husband Ralph McAllister.

   Survivors include his wife Gladys of Lewiston, daughter Lynda (Bob) Roberts; sons Randy (Durelle) and Dale (Christy) Sullivan; brothers Syd (Janice) and Clark (Carol) Sullivan; eight grandchildren, Kevin (Angie), Eric (Kathy), Col, Stephanie, Jenifer (Jamie), Mark, Dayne, and Clint (Robyn), and six great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Riley, Blake, Brynn, Jake and Dylan, and many nieces and nephews.

   A memorial service and celebration of Dan’s life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 920 Eighth Avenue, in Lewiston. Memorial contributions can be sent to Interlink Volunteers-Faith In Action, 817A Sixth Street, Clarkston, WA 99403 or LeBaron Park, Inc., in care of Dean Gimmestad, Rt 1, Lenore, ID 83541, or a memorial/donation of your choosing.

Jacob Thomas Dixon, 83, Coeur d’Alene

   Jacob Thomas (Tom) Dixon, 83, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on June 25, 2012. Mr. Dixon was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on April 28, 1929.  He moved from Eldorado, Kansas to Orofino in 1973 with his wife, Judy, and their three children, where he stayed until 1984. After living in several parts of the country, he settled in Coeur d’Alene in 2000.

   Music education for children and adults was his primary career pursuit. While in Orofino, Mr. Dixon was the Music Coordinator for School District #171, where he taught Junior and Senior High School choral groups from 1973-1982.

   Mr. Dixon enjoyed organizing community activities that involved music. He was the Director of Choral Music at the United Methodist Church, he established and directed the Clearwater Choraliers in the mid-1970s, and he coordinated the Community Concert series which endured many years during his tenure in Orofino.

   Mr. Dixon also loved to sing, and he had a wonderful bass voice.  His family will remember him as a kind and gentle soul, a caring and devoted father, grandfather and uncle. He will be dearly missed.

   He is survived by three children, Shann Dixon Kim, Woodinville, Washington, Keith Dixon, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Amy Dixon, Santa Rosa, California, as well as five grandchildren.

Robert Naden Sr., 79, Orofino

1933-2012

   Bob passed away at his home in Orofino on July 18, 2012. He had been suffering from lung cancer. Bob worked construction and logged for many years. For several years Bob and his son ran a cedar picket mill at the family home on Winters Creek.

   He is survived by his three children, Barb Therkelsen of Federal Way, WA, Bob Jr. and wife Tama of Orofino, and Diane Cochrell and husband Jason of Weippe; nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by one nephew, Doug Young and wife Sandy of Federal Way, and his companion, Olive Horrace and her two grandchildren at their home in Orofino.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and his wife, Patricia, of 49 years.

   A memorial service was held at the Orofino Community Church on July 23.

Thomas Munck, 82, Oregon

   Thomas (Tom) Munck, 82, died July 3, 2012 at Anthena, OR. He was born in Orofino on June 26, 1930 to Oscar and Anna Munck.

   I am his sister, Wanda Head. I think he was the best person I ever knew. He was always a good brother. He was smart. He worked hard, and he played with us younger sisters and the neighbor kids. He played on the football team. He always had a job; had a paper route, worked at the Orofino Mercantile, worked with his dad and many more.

   He was class valedictorian when he graduated in 1948. He went to college at Lewiston Normal School and worked at a job at night so he could pay for school.

   He married Doreen Bates and he began teaching high school at Culdesac, then later he was teaching in colleges and finally became a professor. Everybody liked him. At his funeral the church was packed with his friends.

   Tom is survived by his sisters Wanda and Myrna; his wife, Doreen; children Gordon, Martha, Gayle and Gary; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his brother, Elvin, and his sister, Anna Lee.

   Tom spent many years in Anthena, OR where he taught school. Then he drove to Pendleton where he taught in college. He was a very good father and brother, husband and friend.

Tracie Alice Lee Morton, 42, Kennewick

   Tracie Alice Lee Morton was born in Orofino, ID on June 2, 1970, to Donald and Lola (Ulmer) Morton. She passed away at home on July 17, 2012 in her sleep.

   Tracie graduated from Timberline High School in Weippe, ID in 1988. She also graduated with a cosmetology diploma from Moscow, ID in 1990.

   She lived in various places from the time she was born including Pierce, ID, Metlakatla, AK, Hermiston, OR, but she settled in Kennewick, WA in 1993.

   While in Kennewick she worked at Celebrity Bowl (Spare Time) until 2000 and worked for Winco Foods where she became a “Deli Diva” from 2000 until the present. Tracie was a very hard worker who had a tremendous work ethic and took a lot of pride in her work. She was the seafood P.I.C. at the time of her death.

   Tracie enjoyed going to Seahawk games, where she was the #1 fan. She also enjoyed concerts, travel, cruises, was a cow collecting maniac, going to the beach, especially Long Beach during the kite festival, skiing, camping and fishing for trout at Wallowa Lake, where she was definitely the Queen of catching fish and driving her new Jeep. But what Tracie loved the most was spending time at home with her family and her basset hounds Ginger and Cinnamon “the spice girls” and kitty, Daisy.

   Last month, she had “the best day of her life” celebrating her birthday and her daughter Sierra’s graduation from Kamiakin High School with numerous family members and friends.

   Tracie was preceded in death by her father, Donald Ray Morton and her life partner’s father, Robert Chester Hickman, who Tracie lovingly referred to as “Pete.”

   She is survived by her mother, Lola Lee Wisdom; brothers, Robert William Morton and wife Melinda and Bobby Wisdom; daughters, Brittany Alice Pointon and Sierra Dawn Morton; stepson, Robert Christopher Hick-man; and life partner, Robert Craig Hickman with whom she met in 1998 and spent the remainder of her life.

   Also Robert’s mother, Margaret Hickman and brothers Gred and Mike; her uncle William (Hap) Ulmer; special friend Greg McDaniel, who has been there for Sierra since birth; nephews Justin and Kodee and niece Heather. She is also survived by numerous friends and family that provided her with so many wonderful memories.

   Tracie could light up a room with her smile and the sparkle in her eyes was unforgettable. Tracie will be missed by so many. May you Rest In Peace and find the tranquility that was so elusive the last few years. We Love You Tracie, So Very, Very Much!

   The family greeted friends at a visitation July 22 at Mueller’s Chapel of the Falls, 314 W. First Ave. in Kennewick.

   Funeral services were held July 23 at South Hills Church on 3700 W. 27th Ave. in Kennewick, with interment following at Riverview Heights Cemetery.

   The family invites you to sign their online guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.

Susan E. Mattson Brown, 51, Orofino

   Sue, 51, of Orofino, passed away July 13, 2012 after a courageous four month battle with cancer. Sue was born Dec. 19, 1960 in Orofino to Jerry and Carolyn Mattson. She graduated from Orofino High School in 1979. On October 30, 1993 she married Lorne Brown and they had their daughter, Danielle Rae Brown in 1994. They later divorced.

   She worked for Coleman Oil in Lewiston, Atkinson Distributing, Tripco, Inc., and Nightforce Optics in Orofino.

   She is survived by her daughter Danielle; her mother Carolyn; her sister Cheri and husband Montie Walker; brother Doug and wife Mary Ann Mattson; brothers Rusty and Mike Mattson; niece Misty Walker and fiancé Jason Habeck and her daughter Allie Chaye. Sue was preceded in death by her father Jerry.

   A celebration of Sue will be Friday, July 20 at the home of Ed and Dawn Lanphier, 199 Debertin Drive/Orofino Golf Course Road, from 5 to 9 p.m. Please bring a covered dish, your own beverages and lawn chairs. In lieu of flowers a college savings account for her daughter has been established at Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union.

   Sue, we love and miss you so very much. You will be in our hearts for a lifetime and forever in our souls.

Betty Smolinski Crutcher, 73, Orofino

   Betty Smolinski Crutcher passed away in her home at the age of 73 on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. She was born June 6, 1939 to Wallace and Bertys Smolinski. She grew up in the Fraser area where she loved to work outside with her dad on the family farm. She attended schools in the area and graduated from Weippe High School in 1957.

   Betty married Robert Pollock in 1958 and moved to Pierce. They had two daughters Susan and Peggy. A lot of the summers were spent at Pine Creek and the Bungalow region in lumberjack camps. This marriage ended in divorce and she moved to Lewiston for a short period of time.

   Betty moved to Orofino and in September of 1966 married James Crutcher. Jim had a daughter, Bonnie and four sons, Jim, Joe, Bill and Don so she became an instant mother to 5 more children. Betty and Jim celebrated 44 years of marriage. She not only worked hard at raising her children, she worked for the lunch program at Orofino Elementary for two years and Orofino High School for six years. While working for the school district Betty learned to make her infamous “cinnamon rolls.”

   In 1978, Jim and Betty purchased the Oasis Bar and, along with his brother Bill, they turned it into “the hottest bar in town.” During the 25 years of ownership, Betty prepared many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for local patrons and friends.

   We will miss our daughter, mom, sister, grandma and aunt. She could brighten up a rainbow and we will always cherish our visits, cookies, phone calls and giggles. Betty never let any dust settle under her and her lovely home was always open. She took great pride in her home and beautiful flower gardens. Her gardens were decorated with yard sale items…she loved a good yard sale so much that she started having her own and made it an annual event. Many local residents came just for her cookies, pies and (yes) her infamous “cinnamon rolls.”

   Betty is survived by her mother, Bertys Smolinski, sister, Shirley Lutes and her husband Keith and brother, Jerry Smolinski and his wife Cheryl. Surviving children are Susan Harris and her husband Bill, Peggy Klamke, Bonnie Buntin and her husband Mark, Joe Crutcher, Bill Crutcher and his wife Jan and Don Pitcher; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

   Preceding her in death were her father, Wallace Smolinski, husband, James Crutcher and son, James Crutcher Jr.

   The family would like to invite everyone to a “Celebration of Life” potluck. Please bring a dish to share and memories of good times and share in the tribute to our daughter, mom, sister, grandma and aunt. The “Celebration of Life” will be held Saturday, July 21, 11 a.m. at the Peck Community Club.

John Cox memorial service

   A memorial service potluck for John Cox, who passed away Nov. 27, 2011, will be held Thursday, Aug. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fraser Park, outside of Weippe.

   Please bring a dish, and your own chairs and beverages.

Reita May Web Legault, 94, Orofino

   Reita May Webb Legault passed peacefully Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Brookside Landing in Orofino, Idaho. She was 94 years old.

   Reita was born April 21, 1918 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Robert and Doretha (Young) Webb.

   She graduated from Roswell Idaho High School in 1938.

   Reita Webb was married to Richard Legault in Elko, NV in 1938 and later divorced in 1960.

   She stared working as a cook in 1950’s in various restaurants in the Kooskia area. Then in the 1970’s she went to work in a lodge on the Middle Fork of the Salmon Rivers owned by Harrah’s of Reno, NV. It was a very exclusive Lodge catering to numerous celebrities where she cooked for them. Among her favorite memories was cooking for Lawrence Welk (see picture). She then went to work for C-PTPA at Headquarters, Idaho, where she retired after some 20 years.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Doretha Webb; her son, Dick Legault; and sisters Jo Ruka Vina and Fawn Wilson.

   She is survived by her daughter Sally O’Brien of Orofino and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

   At her request there will be no services. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in care of arrangements.

James Lineberry, 79, Pierce

   James O’Neill Lineberry of Pierce, died July 8, 2012 in Orofino. He was born January 22, 1933 in Carroll County, Virginia to Coy C. and Allura Coltrane Lineberry. He is survived at the family home by his loving wife Mary Ann. They were married January 22, 1988.

   Jim’s parents and three of his brothers, Rex, Earl, and Phil, preceded him in death. He is survived by his brothers Linden, Kelly (Lois), and Dallas (Gail) Lineberry. He is also survived by his children Walter, Ruby, Wesley, and Forrest, and stepchildren, Carla, Cindy, William Jody (deceased), Laura, Jean, Sue, Jo Ellen, Rod, Cindra, Scott, Steve, and their families.

   Jim was raised at Hebron, Virginia, graduating from Woodlawn High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Guam as a jet mechanic. Later, he graduated from Danville Automotive College in Virginia with an automotive degree, then received a degree in diesel mechanics from Nashville Auto Diesel College.  He spent many years as a logging contractor in Pierce as a partner in Supak and Lineberry Logging. His hobbies included NASCAR and outdoor activities.

   Graveside services for Jim were held at the Riverside Cemetery in Orofino on July 12. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion, the Howard Bradbury Museum, or Pierce Free Public Library.

   Pine Hills Funeral Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Curtis Bonner, formerly of Weippe

   Curtis Austin Bonner, 37, Los Angeles, CA, passed away May 23, 2012, surrounded by his family.

   He was born in Lewiston on March 10, 1975 to the late Emmett and Mary Bonner. In April of 1998, his daughter Maddison Bonner was born.

   Curtis graduated from Timberline High School in Weippe and studied computer programming at Mira Costa College in San Diego, CA.

   He had an industrious mind and started working from a young age, beginning with a paper route and lawn care for the elderly. His later jobs included cafe cook, mill worker, caregiver for patients with disabilities, and accounting.

   Curtis was also a gifted pianist with a passion for music and he enjoyed researching the science of the mind, God and history. His family will remember him as an intuitive, philosophical, intellectual man who made this world a little better because he was here, with a beautiful heart and desire for perfectionism in all that he pursued.

   He was a loving father, devoted son, protective brother and caring uncle.  In his last words to his daughter, he told her,  "Of what little I had in life was always overshadowed by the fact I had you."

   Curtis was preceded in death by his father, Emmett L. Bonner.

   He is survived by his daughter, Maddison Bon-ner of Coeur d' Alene; mother, Mary Bonner of Pierce; brothers, Lee, Martin, Peter, Steven, Cameron, Austin, Guy and Emmett Jr.; and sisters, Lisa Kroupa, Barbi Jared, Billi Cooper, Susan Bonner, Debra Bonner and Jessie Litchfield; and his brotherly friend Luke Kerstetter of San Diego, CA.

   Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Cooks Cemetery in Orofino.

Donna Marie Taggart, 76, Clarkston, WA

   Donna Marie Taggart was born in Mott, ND, July 10, 1935 to Tony and Norma Reichert. She passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2012.

   She married Mickey Taggart on Oct. 25, 1953 in Bozeman, MT. Mickey and Donna traveled as they followed construction throughout the west coast. They eventually settled in Orofino, ID where Mickey worked for Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, and Donna worked various people-oriented jobs that allowed her to know almost everyone in Orofino. They became snowbirds after retirement to enjoy their favorite past times: camping, fishing and rock hounding. After the death of her husband,

   Donna continued following the snowbirds for six more years. After settling in Clarkston, she traveled with her daughters until the time of her death.

   Survivors include daughters Cathleen Farris, Clarkston, WA; Patti DeAngelis, Portland, OR; grandson Bobby Farris, Clarkston, WA; and sister Kathryn Murphy, Colorado Springs, CO.

   Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Mickey Taggart, and sisters, Ellie Snyder and Jan Fuelling.

   A memorial service was held July 3 at the New Springs Missionary Baptist Church, located at 823 Seventh Avenue in Lewiston, with a potluck held afterwards.

Mary Michele Farrow, 66, Idaho Falls

   Mary “Michele” Farrow, 66, of Idaho Falls, passed away, July 4, 2012 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

   She was born June 23, 1946 in Butte, Montana to James R. French and Margaret Dorothy Fogarty French.

   Michele attended schools in Spokane, WA, and graduated from Orofino High School. She married the love of her life, John “Jack” Farrow on July 24, 1965 in Orofino, ID. They moved to Idaho Falls where together they raised their family.

   She worked as the office manager at Sunset Sports and later at Bonneville Vision Center.

   Michele especially enjoyed being involved in her children’s activities. She was a Little League coach and helped in cub and boy scouts. Michele loved to go camping and fishing with her family and friends. She was interested in area sports especially the Boise State Broncos. Many phone calls to her boys ended in “Go Broncos!!” Michele also loved to read and stay informed of current events.

   Michele was very proud of her family and showed them off any time she could. However, she was a mother to more than just her boys. She had countless people rely on her “motherly” wisdom and often stepped in for anyone who needed her.

   She was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

   Michele is survived by her husband, Jack of Idaho Falls; four  sons, Charles Mark (Monique) Farrow of Boise, ID; Scott Allen (Donna) Farrow of Moscow, ID; Jared Wade (Jodi) Farrow of Boise, ID; and John Aaron (Stacey) Farrow of Idaho Falls, ID; two brothers, Bob (Nancy) Graham of Bellavista, AR; and John G. French, Aurora, CO; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Bill Graham and a daughter, Dawn Michelle Farrow.

   Funeral services took place July 9 at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon Rd.). The family visited with friends July 8 at the funeral home. Burial was held at Ammon Cemetery.

   Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home East Side, (963 S. Ammon Rd.) Online condolences may be sent to www.wood funeralhome.com.

Joseph Mehle, 87, Pierce

   Joseph (Joe) L. Mehle, 87, of Pierce, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. A celebration of Joe’s life, including a covered dish dinner, will take place at 1 p.m. Monday at the Pierce Community Center. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel of Orofino is in charge of arrangements.