Obituaries

Robert M. Braun left his home on Cottonwood Creek to be with his heavenly family on May 3, 2022. He was the son of Mervin Gustave Braun and Ida Elsie Braun (Hartman). Brother of Kenneth Braun (Glady) and James Hartman. He was the father to Roben E. Braun (Karen) and Bryan L. Braun; Grandpa to Jessica Standlee and Justin Braun (Cassie); Great Grandpa to Jace, Zoey, and Aria; as well as his love and wife Karen E. Braun of 58 years. He was an uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many others.

He was born in Craigmont, Idaho on October 17, 1938 and grew up on the family ranch on Cottonwood creek, he attended grade school in Stites and later in Lewiston, Idaho, where he attended school as well as starting the Army National Guard program and graduated from Lewiston Senior High school in 1959. He joined the Army National Guard in Lewiston, Idaho in 1955 until he was honorably discharged in January of 1963.

He enjoyed swimming and was a skilled scuba diver giving lessons to the ones that were interested in learning; he was also readily available to dive for vehicle accidents on the Clearwater River when ever it was needed.

He worked out of the Kooskia Forest Service office, doing trail work and wild fire abatement. While there he met and made some life long friends and spoke of all the fun they had during their work. He worked at the Harpster Saw Mill on the green chain, while working on the family ranch. 

After leaving the National Guard he started a friendship with Karen McCain and they were married in the Stites Baptist Church on November 16, 1963, their reception was held in the building that is now the Stites Post Office building. They lived on the family ranch raising their cattle and Arabian horses, Bob always rode his beloved stallion and friend, Shawn when checking on their cattle at home and on their range in the Red River area. They opened Bob’s Service in 1963 until it was sold in 2021. Bob enjoyed visiting with customers and friends; one time he had the opportunity to have an enjoyable visit with bike riders from Italy and France while he repaired their bike tires.  Bob certainly had the gift to gab and differences in language, culture, etc. was never a problem.  Bob drove school bus for Clearwater Valley School District for 45 years. He enjoyed driving the Kidder Ridge route he had and the 3 generation of kids he hauled. Bob also drove many activity buses and trips to state with the girls basket ball team and other state competitions. During the fall Bob hauled hay from the Tri Cities and Walla Walla, WA and Cambridge, ID areas hauling hay for the ranch and friends.  In addition, he hauled cattle not only for himself, but for several friends around the local area.  He led a busy life and never let the grass grow under his feet, always there to help family and friends. Bob will always be remembered for his quick joke and smile. He will never be forgotten !!

There will be a memorial service at Kooskia High School on Saturday May 21th, starting on 10 am bring a dish and some memories to share.

Stanley Hahn Seigler died from complications from a stroke on April 16, 2021.  Stan was born January 29, 1952 in Walterboro, SC and later moved with his family to Beaufort, SC where his family started a pickle company and later a piano shop, selling, repairing and tuning pianos.

Stan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University.  After working as an engineer,  he went back to his hometown to work in his family’s business.

Stan married Sarah (Sally) Leslie Rentz of Walterboro, SC in 1973. He became the Principal of a Christian day school and attended Beaufort Bible Institute in the evening.

At age 29, Stan, Sally and their children moved to American Samoa to work as missionaries for almost 3 years.

When asked to start a Bible Institute, Stan and his family moved to San Diego where they lived for 12 years. He also became  pastor at Harbison Canyon Bible Church. Stan earned a Master of Divinity from Linda Vista Bible College and Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Stan was asked to start another Bible Institute in Centralia, WA where they lived for 13 years.

For the last 12 years, Stan has lived and pastored in Kamiah, ID. He loved to invent and build in creative ways. His most notable invention was his patented Dry Fire Mag, which sales grew exponentially and created income for his family and others around Kamiah.

Stan loved to teach from the Bible and be a pastor. But, one of his greatest accomplishments was being Papa and Grandpa. He faithfully and joyfully kept his promise to never let his ministry take precedence over time and passion for his family. He spent much time creating priceless memories with his children and grandchildren; fishing, hunting, shooting, playing instruments, singing, laughing, discovering and being “Pop.” He faithfully had family devotions and pointed us towards our faithful Heavenly Father.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his lifetime, joyfully devoted wife of 48 years, 7 beloved children, and 21 precious grandchildren. He has 2 surviving siblings and 5 nieces and nephews.

A memorial is planned for Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 10 AM at the Kamiah Senior Center. All are invited to attend.

Our dear sweet daughter, mother, sister and wife, Hollie Chantel (Murray) Snyder was born in Pocatello Idaho July 20, 1985, Hollie Passed away on April 11, 2022 at the age of 36, in Kooskia Idaho.

Hollie enjoyed spending time with her family. Holidays and birthdays were special to her watching the excitement of her children.  She enjoyed gardening she grew beautiful flowers.  She loved singing and always sang to her children.  She loved to draw and loved rafting.  She was a very loving, caring, and giving person.  She was full of smiles when she would give her nephew Ronan a gift.

She will be missed leaving behind her loving family, Mother and Father Robin and Bob Murray, her three beautiful children Jerod Murray, Jordan Murray, and JannaLee Murray. Her husband Mark Snyder, her sister Danelle  LeFevre, her brother Ryan (Amber Heasley) Murray, and nephew Ronan Murray.

Her cousins, Michael (Heather McDougal) Mendez, Rhiannon (Nathen) Carson, Jessica Anderson, Tyler (Renee) Anderson, Kenneth Benkosky, JaiDee(Alex Miller) Brimer, Cory Brimer, Timothy O’Shea, Christopher (Christina)  O’Shea, Steven Stockwell, Cynthia (William) Anderson, Vance (Michelle) Nugent, Camelle (Gregory) Yancey, Christopher (Anita) Kent, Heath (Megan) Kent, Eric (Stephanie) VonDerLieth, Kyle (Brandy) VonDerLieth, Curt (Vivian) VonDerLieth, Tawna Sharp, Ethan (Michelle Bowman) Falter, Jared Falter, Cassaundra (Dillon) VanOrden, Steffen (Shelbi Ferdinand) Falter and Trenton (Shantel) Falter.

Grandparents Bruce and Patricia Stockwell of Kooskia Idaho

Those who followed before her, Aunt Jeri Mendez, Aunt Emma June White, Aunt Tena Kent, and Uncle Daris Kent.

The memorial Service will be held at the LDS Church Highway 12, Kamiah Idaho.  May 6, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.

A luncheon will follow.

Graveside service will follow the luncheon. 

Floyd Dale Fister Jr was born October 19 1949.He was son to Floyd Dale Fister Sr and Betty Lou (Fetters) Fister-Snyder. He was born in Jefferson, Iowa.

He moved to the Northwest in 1952. He loved the outdoors, such as ranching, hunting, cutting wood, fishing and logging.

He worked many professions through his life.

One of his greatest joys of his life were his son J.D Fister and daughter Angel Barnett and his grandchildren Siana, Katie, Jesse and Carsey Jo as well as several great grandchildren.

Survived by his good friend Randy Cochran, his sisters Debby Wilson, Rayette  Scriver and Patti Fjerstad. As well as niece’s Ladena and RayLyn. Nephews Joshua, Shawn, Niklaus and Mathew. As well as great niece’s Cayla, Haisley, Lexie, Kinzie, Averi, Kaylin, and Lindsey. Great nephews Tyrel, Jacob and Jared.

Proceeded in death by his father Floyd Dale Fister Sr, and his step father Lloyd Snyder, his mother Betty Lou (Fetters) Fister-Snyder. Also his brother Steven Roy Fister and his niece Shawnta Pankey.

He was loved and will be missed by his family.

Beverly “Bev” Sue Bailey, 66, of Weippe, Idaho, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully surrounded by family on March 30, 2022 after a heroic battle against cancer.  

She was born on June 14, 1955 to John “Jack” and Caryl Smolinski.  Raised on her family farm in Weippe, Bev attended Weippe Elementary and Middle Schools before graduating from Timberline High School in 1973.  During her high school days, Bev was actively involved in Cheerleading, Drill Team, Track, and was on the school’s very first Girls Basketball team.  Athletically gifted in Track, Bev competed in Long Jump, and even went to state in the 100 Meter Dash and High Jump.

Bev met the love of her life, Barry Bailey from St. Maries Idaho, at the Weippe Teen Center in early 1971.  While they were dating, one of Bev’s favorite things to do with Barry was going to Orofino to see a movie at the Rex Theater and to the A&W for root beer floats.  The couple married in late 1971 at the Wesleyan Church in Weippe and enjoyed their life together in her hometown for over 50 years.

Bev and Barry welcomed their only daughter, Kimberly, in 1972.  When asked what it was like to be a mother, Bev responded with pure love in her eyes, “No words can even begin to describe it.”  Bev was devoted to her daughter and was her biggest fan, travelling around with Kim as she competed in rodeo barrel racing and made it to nationals. She enjoyed raising her daughter and then walking beside her in friendship through the endless travelling, adventures, and activities they did together. 

Bev was a wonderful friend and teammate.  An avid bowler, she started the “Just-for-Fun” league and enjoyed many years with Kim and other close friends, competing both locally, and nationally.  Bev even scored a perfect 300 game.  She also played the position of first base for both a travelling women’s softball team called “Charlie’s Angels” and later the Orofino Ladies Softball League.  During her softball years, she earned MVP multiple times and also was named the Home Run Derby Champion.

A self-proclaimed workaholic, Bev was a substitute teacher for the school district for 5 years, worked with the Weippe Rodeo, eventually started and ran her own successful business “Creative Gifts” for over 26 years, and also, with her team of elves, made and shipped hundreds of beautiful wreaths and swags each year for the holidays.

Growing up, Bev loved crafts and horseback riding in the canyon with her friends.  This passion for horses coupled with her immense love for people and community continued throughout her lifetime as she led 4H for 15 years, started the Timberline Rodeo Club (and took kids to state for competition), assisted with the Junior Rodeo, and started Horse Play Nights (a much-loved annual summer community event).  Bev won the novice barrel racing at the Weippe Rodeo in the 80s and was honored to be named Grand Marshall in 2020.  Those that knew and loved Bev would say she didn’t sit still for long.  She was a “go-er” and devoted innumerable hours in service to her beloved community including co-founding the Timberline All School Reunion in 2000 and raising funds annually for the Timberline Alumni Scholarship Fund through which she awarded two scholarships each year.  She also assisted with the “Retreat to Weippe” event for over 20 years and remained an avid financial supporter and advocate for the Weippe Rodeo and Weippe Farmers Market.

Bev and Barry’s absolute delight arrived in 2007, their grandson Connor.  Connor was absolutely adored by Bev who loved travelling around to watch Connor compete in sporting events.  She loved every moment spent with her grandson and would share about him and how proud she was of him to any and all willing to listen.  When asked what it felt like to be a grandma, she stated, “You’ve never lived until you’ve been a grandma.”

Bev’s favorite saying was “Get er done”; a motto she lived and breathed in her own life.  Bev was going and getting it done until her very last days.  She made a tremendous impact and left an unsurpassed legacy in this community through her endless dedication, hard work, and love.  The impression she’s left is far-reaching and the mark she’s made on the lives of others will remain cherished in their hearts.

Beverly Bailey was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Caryl Smolinski, and Ross Bailey.  She is survived by her husband Barry Bailey, daughter Kimberly Cox, son-in-law Toby Cox, grandson Connor Cox, sister Christine and Fred Walsh and , Dolores Watson mother in-law, in-laws Terry and Bill Millage, Rick and Donna Bailey, and Sue and John Wyatt, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service honoring Bev will be held on June 4, 2022, 1:00PM at Fraser Cemetery.  A potluck reception will immediately follow at the Deyo Reservoir.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all who volunteered to make meals, care for, love on, pray for, and assist the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

   In the early morning hours of March 29th, 2022, the family of Irene Smith said their final goodbye.

She passed away at her home of many years on the Winona Grade, near Kooskia; she was 84.

Irene was born July 18th, 1937 to John (Jack) & Hazel Massey in Stites. She attended school in Stites & Kooskia graduating from Clearwater Valley High School in 1956, that is where she met Harold Smith.

They were married January 9th, 1956, they soon had a family, 2 sons Lonnie and Dean, 2 daughters Cindy and Julie.

Harold and Irene raised their family in Kooskia, on Battleridge and outside of Stites before finally

settling on the Winona Grade, where she lived the rest of her life. Irene was known for being a kind and generous person, she always looked for the good in others, she was a hard worker. To help support

 her family she worked various jobs including planting trees for the Forest Service, Syringa Cedar Mill,

selling Avon, also a convenience store in Kooskia. In 1980 she purchased the Selway Cafe owned and operated that till the late 80’s early 90’s, when she closed those doors and purchased the Gold Pan Pizza, renaming it the River’s Cafe, she was famous for the Selway Burger, The Gut Buster Burger and her oversized Chicken Fried Steak. People would drive from miles around to eat at Irene’s Cafe.

She even had the privilege of serving Harrison Ford and getting a picture with him which she always said it was a HUGE deal.

Irene was in the Cafe business for over 30 years before finally retiring, during that time

she employed many people in the community, including most of her family members.

Irene is survived by her 2 sons Lonnie (Karen), Dean (Debbie) a daughter Cindy Manning and son- in- law Dennis Renne’ all of Kooskia, her brother Kiff Massey of Kamiah, also 7 Grandchildren,

18 Great-Grandchildren, and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Harold of 47 years, her parents, brothers Andy,

John, Eldridge and sister Onah, son- in- law Larry Manning, and her daughter Julie Renne’.

Irene was one of Jehovah’s Witness. There will be a Memorial, May 14th, at 1:00 PM, at the Clearwater Valley High School Cafeteria, in Kooskia, bring a covered dish.

Tom was born November 11th, 1949, in Hamilton, MT to Kenneth and Pearl Roy. He was raised in the Bitterroots of Darby, MT, along with his younger brother Ben. When Tom was roughly 19, he hopped in his car to the head to the Oregon Coast, but his car broke down as he was traveling through Kooskia, ID. To save up money to fix his car, he took a job working for Carl’s Chevron in Stites, in order to continue his way to the coast.

In the meantime, he fell in love with the shop owner’s daughter, Sally Johnson. They married on September 25th, 1971, and eventually welcomed two sons, Justin and Jarred. Their eldest son, Justin, gave them two granddaughters, Reillee and Jazmyn. Their youngest son, Jarred, and his wife Tina, gave them a grandson, Taylor, and a granddaughter, Hailie. Taylor and his wife Faith recently gave him his great-granddaughter, Presley.

After Tom and Sally got married, Tom went to work for the Forest Service and then went into logging. Eventually, Tom and Sally bought the station from her parents, where he owned and operated it until his retirement in 2020. He was also well-known for driving school bus, at Clearwater Valley, retiring in 2020, after driving for 42 years. Over those years, he contracted with the forest service, driving fire fighters and water trucks. Even after his retirement, he still enjoyed driving water and dump trucks for local businesses.

Tom was a lover of the outdoors, spending most of his free time hunting, camping, riding horseback, and anything that involved being with his wife, his boys, and their families. One his favorite parts about hunting camp was enjoying his wife’ famous brownies and snagging a piece of the Jacobs’ campfire meatloaf.

Tom touched the lives of many over the years, and will be greatly missed.

There will a memorial to his life on Saturday April 9th, at the Kamiah Life Center, at 11 Am. Join us for a potluck after the service, at the Life Center.  Bring a dish and a story to share.

Ona Darlene Fuller was joyfully reunited with her husband, George, on March 4, 2022. Darlene was born on April 14, 1942, in Ontario, Oregon to Woodrow Callahan and Ona Hawks Callahan. She grew up in Utah and Moses Lake, Washington. At the age of 17, she married George D. Fuller on September 19, 1959. Together they had seven children and a “bonus” daughter (Rosalie), who they lovingly claimed as one of their own.

George, a carpenter by trade, helped construct many of the dams in the Pacific Northwest. Darlene and the children followed him wherever his work took them. Camping, fishing, and hunting were favorite family activities. George moved the family from Moses Lake to Harpster, Idaho in 1984 to be closer to good hunting and fishing. Their Idaho mountain property was home to Darlene and George for the rest of their lives.

Darlene was a wonderful wife, mother, and most of all, grandmother. It wasn’t uncommon to see her around town or at the movie theater with several of her grandchildren in tow. She always said that “If she knew grandkids were so much fun, she would have had them first!”

Darlene was well known for being a hard worker. She was a great homemaker and always had a tidy house, delicious meals ready for a crowd, and an impressive yard and garden (which she loved to work in). She could often be found canning, quilting, crocheting, or processing her husband’s and sons’ “catch of the day.” She could bottle 90 quarts of peaches in a day and could cut and wrap wild game faster than anyone else around! She taught her children and grandchildren to work hard and love fiercely.

As a woman of strong faith, Darlene loved Jesus Christ and spent her life in service to others. During 2003-2004 she served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Charlotte, North Carolina. She loved the people there. Darlene welcomed many into her home including several foster children. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband George, daughter Karla, her parents, sisters Carolyn, Merry, and Beverly, and brothers Woodrow and Noel. She is survived by her children Julie (Bob) Christensen, George, Kary (Cheryl), Tony (Ashley), Kevin (Amy), Steven (Rachel), Rosalie Caimi, 34 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren, her sister, Lorraine Moose, and brother, Wayne Callahan.

A celebration of life will be held on Darlene’s birthday, April 14, 2022, at the Harpster, Idaho Grange.

Donna Maureen Knight died peacefully on March 10th, 2022 in Grangeville, Idaho, at the age of 80. Born May 24th, 1941, to Donald and Aletha Ann Rogers in Orofino, Idaho. Donna was the oldest of four daughters. Donna moved a lot in her younger years. She went to school in Spaulding, Winchester, Weippe, Greer, Orofino and Kamiah. Donna married Ray Mendenhall in 1956 and they had three children, Marvin, Debra and Melissa. They were later divorced. In 1970, Donna married Larry Wayne Knight, the love of her life. In March, 1971, they welcomed their daughter Monica into the world. They made their home on Caribel Road where they raised their children and built their home with “a million dollar view”.
Donna and Larry were farmers and ranchers. They grew grain, hay, and raised cattle. They also had chickens and a few rabbits. Donna also helped the girls with 4-H steers and sheep. The couple also raised horses for work and play. Donna loved her cow dogs too. Above all she was an amazingly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend.
There was not anything Donna couldn’t accomplish. In addition to being a wife, mother, farmer, and rancher, she was an avid hunter, fisherman, artist, seamstress, cook, gardener and realtor. In 1992, Donna went back to school and received her GED and real estate license. She later became a real estate broker and owner of Knight Realty. She was so proud of her accomplishment. As a successful realtor, Donna also mentored her niece Shannon and daughter Monica, as they became realtors as well.
Donna started painting after meeting the most wonderful pastor’s wife Naomi White. She met Naomi while attending the Woodland Friends Church. Donna was a natural when it came to painting. She loved to paint and later did pastels. Donna had many other talents and was never bored. She made root beer in the summertime with the kids, old fashioned pressed cider, and canned and preserved anything she could get her hands on. She enjoyed teaching her skills to anyone willing to learn. She believed in hard work and kindness.
Donna never met a stranger. She was kind and considerate to all who crossed her path. She was always faithful and honest. She is survived by her husband Larry Wayne Knight; her four children: Marvin Mendenhall, Debbie Bunch and Missi Knight of Kamiah, Idaho and Monica Hagen (Patrick) of Grangeville, Idaho; her grandchildren: Marvin Mendenhall of Lewiston, Idaho, Levi Mendenhall, Amanda Earles (James) of Abeline, Texas, Jeremiah Bunch of Lewiston, Amber Schmadeka (William “Tel”) of Kamiah, Idaho, Joshua Knight (Kasey) of Kamiah, Ashley Prado of Cottonwood, Idaho, Jacob Prado of Kamiah, Idaho, Trever Knight of Kamiah, Idaho, Devin Knight of Orofino, Idaho, Simon and Agustus Hagen of Grangeville, Idaho; her sisters: Ruth Anderson of Milton, Washington, Julia Ayers of Cahone, Colorado, and Shirley Weddle of Kamiah, Idaho, and numerous greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her Son-in-law Mike Bunch, her grandchildren David Bunch, Heather Bunch, great-grandchild Dixon Earles and her Brother-in-laws Norman Ayers and Jesse Weddle.
Funeral will be held at St. Catherine’s of Sienna Catholic Church in Kamiah on March 19th, 2022. Burial directly follows at the Kamiah Cemetery with a luncheon afterward at St. Catherine’s in the basement. Trenary Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (trenaryfuneralhome.com) Donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Shriner’s Hospital (donate.lovetotherescue.org)