James W. York, 83

James Wilburn York, 83, of Boise formerly of Lucile, passed away December 29, 2008, at a Boise care center from complications of pneumonia.

He was born May 17, 1925, to Fred and Vera York, in Del Rio, Texas.

Jim spent his early years on ranches in Texas. He joined the U. S. Navy and served in Air Traffic Control in Pensacola, Florida during World War II. There, he met and married Gena, with whom he had eight children. Shortly after discharge from the Navy, Jim and Gena moved to Texas, and then Idaho, where they spent their lives.

After working in the logging industry for a few years near Kamiah, Jim became the ranch foreman for the Brown family of Grangeville, Idaho. Jim and family lived and worked on several ranches owned by the Browns. Although Jim also farmed during those years, he most enjoyed the time spent with the cows and horses. In 1979, Jim bought a semi-truck and spent several years transporting hay and cattle in the Riggins and Grangeville area. Jim retired in 1986, at which time he moved to Boise in order to care for Gena, until her death in 1987. Jim continued to live in Boise from that time.

Jim is survived by his children, Sandra of Fort Collins, Colorado, Sharon of Boise, Idaho, Jay and wife Kathy of Cody, Wyoming, Miriam and husband Wally of Winchester, Idaho, Maureen of Boise, Cheryl and husband Ted of Wellington, Colorado, and Charlotte of Tucson, Arizona. He is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jim’s brother, Will John “Happy” York and family also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gena, and their son, Jim; his brothers, Pat and Fred, and sisters Nana Lou and Betty.

No services are planned at this time, however, internment is planned for the spring.

Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville is in charge of the services.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the USO or local military service organizations.

Charles H. McCulley, 93

Charles H. McCulley, 93, of Grangeville, passed to the Lord on Wednesday, December 24, 2008.

Charlie was born November 26, 1915, on the Doumecq Plains of Idaho, the second son of Homer and Sarah (Marshall) McCulley.

Charlie's first marriage blessed him with three sons, Charles, Milton and Michael. SaVilla (Burau) Krebs and Charlie were married in 1960, bringing a fourth son, James to the family. Charlie was always independent and made his living through self-employment. In his early years he ranched at Doumecq and Deer Creek and spent a brief time in Rathdrum operating a drive-in. From 1965 through his retirement in 1985 he owned and operated Charlie's Mobil Service at Grangeville.

World War II took Charlie to the Philippines where he served in the Army Tank Corps. Charlie was very proud of his service to his country as one of the eleven McCulley Brothers, all members of the military in the WWII-Korea era. Charlie had many interests. He enjoyed fishing, reading and watching sports on television. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks Lodge.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, SaVilla, at their Grangeville home; his four sons, Chuck (Susan) of Grand Junction CO, Mike (Betty Ann) of Portland OR, Milt of Indiana, Jim of Homer AK; brothers Wilbur (Marjorie) of Nezperce, Alfred (Louella) of Grangeville, George (Sandy) of Vallejo CA, Tom of Seattle, Jay (Mary) of Yuma AZ; 20 grand-children and 2 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Charlie are his sisters Dorothy, Helen, and Nyra Rankin, and brothers Marshall, Kimball, Fay, Emmett, and Homer.

A memorial service to honor Charlie's life will be held at Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2008.

Memorials can be made to the Grangeville Christian Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice.

On-line condolences can be shared at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Agnes M. VonTersch, 98

Agnes M. VonTersch, 98, of Cottonwood, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood.

Agnes was born February 6, 1910, to Franz and Mary Siebencase Walser near Cottonwood. She attended St. Joseph school in Cottonwood until the family moved to New York. She moved back to the area in the West Lake/Icicle Flats area and attended the Icicle Flats school through the 8th grade. While living there, she helped care for her mother and took care of many of the farm chores such as milking cows, tending chickens, gardening, working in the orchards, as well as other assorted tasks.

In September 1952, she married Louis VonTersch in Cottonwood. After their marriage, they moved to Louis’ family farm one mile northeast of Cottonwood until retirement. After retirement, Agnes and Louis moved to Lewiston where they bought and rented out condominiums in the LC Valley until Louis died November 10, 1975. Agnes then purchased a home in Cottonwood where she resided until her death.

She loved playing cards with the Wednesday Club as well as with anyone who was up for the challenge. She also enjoyed playing bingo in her spare time.

She was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood.

Agnes is survived by a sister, Anna Kolbeck of Cottonwood, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers Alphonse, Joe, Leo and John Walser; and sisters, Sr. Matilda Walser, OSB, and Josefa Geis.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood, with recitation of the rosary at 10:30, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00. Burial will follow at Cottonwood Catholic Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 prior to the rosary on Saturday at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Marie E. Frei, 93

Marie Elizabeth Kinzer Frei, 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 17, 2008, surrounded by her family at the Grangeville Health & Rehab Center.

Marie was born on August 22, 1915 in Uniontown, Washington to Mike & Gertrude Wittman Kinzer. She attended school in Uniontown, and Ferdinand, Idaho. At the age of fifteen, Marie started her housekeeping job at Saint Joe’s Hospital.

On Nov. 7, 1933, she married John Romanus Frei (son of Clem & Philomena Frei) in Ferdinand. Marie and John first lived in Grangeville and numerous other places such as Waha; Newport, Oregon; Deer Park, Washington; and finally settled on a farm in Ferdinand in 1947 where they raised 6 children. In 1972 they moved to Lewiston and in 1977 John passed away.

Mother worked at the Orchards Nursing Home until she retired in 1991. After retirement, she sold her home in Lewiston, moved to Clarkston, Washington for a year, and then to Cottonwood. She lived there for about 3 years before entering the Grangeville Health & Rehab where she lived for 4 1/2 years.

Mother loved to bowl and was on a team with some of her grandchildren in Lewiston where she was the oldest person on the bowling league. She loved card games such as bridge & pinochle. She was a fabulous cook, making a great potato salad and was known by her grandchildren as the "Cookie Grandma", and looked forward to making dozens of cookies for Christmas. Her other nicknames were "Grandma Great" and "Grandma on the Wall".

She is survived by her six children, Joan Schaeffer (Boise), Mary Kay and Guy Jungert (Clarkston), Kenneth and Jackie Frei (Ferdinand), Ben Frei (Lewiston), Harvey Frei and Dawn Lamb (Cottonwood), and Jackie and Marvin Forsmann (Grangeville); two sisters, Jean Mason, and Esther Kuther and Cletus Kuther; half sister, Elma Greif; step-sister, Loreen Madden DeShiell; 24 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren. Her surviving in-laws are Albert Frei, Vincent and Caroline Frei, Hubert and Clara Frei, Ray and Carolyn Frei, Wilfred and Emelia Frei, Agatha Haener, Dorothy and Dick Hanson, Jack Stockton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie is proceeded in death by her husband John and son Richard; son-in-law Ralph Schaeffer; grandson Ronald Schaeffer; brothers Donald and Ambrose Kinzer; sister Carmelita Heitman; half brothers and sisters Hilda Druffel, Irvin Greif, Alfred Greif, Henrietta Goeckner, and Benjamin Kinzer; step brothers and sisters Michael (Bud) Madden, Catherine Greif, and Genevieve Seubert; in-laws Lawrence and Hilda Frei, Alphonse and Caroline Frei, Mary and Victor Sprute, Elsie and Donald Kinzer, Kathryn Frei, Earl Haener, Philomena and Ed Hoene, and Clementina Stockton.

A rosary will be recited on Saturday, December 20, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Assumption Church in Ferdinand, followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Ferdinand Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Friday, December 19, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville and again on Saturday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Church in Ferdinand.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Services are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

George Vrieling, 103

George Vrieling, 103, of Grangeville, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2008, at his home in Grangeville.

George was born September 30, 1905 at Manhattan, Montana, a son of Lambert and Aussilina Hamming Vrieling. The family moved to Hollister, Idaho before moving to Grangeville where he received his education.

He married Tena Workman on November 1, 1927 at Grangeville. Together they farmed and ranched near Grangeville. Tena passed away in 1973. He married Beulah Riek in 1976 and following their marriage, he retired and moved into town.

He enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, and living the farming and ranching life. He was a member of the Grangeville Christian Reformed Church.

He is survived by his wife Beulah; his daughters, Helen Walker of Clarkston, Washington, Johanna and Orville Biggers and Bertha and Dick Arends, all of Grangeville; his sons, John and Jeannette Vrieling and George and Ruth Vrieling, all of Grangeville; seventeen grandchildren, and many great and great great grandchildren. George is also survived by his stepchildren, Bob Riek of Peck, Idaho, Marilyn Krieger of Cottonwood, and Ron Riek of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Garit and Edward.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at 1:00 p.m., at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Private family burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville. Viewing will be held Tuesday, December 16, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Family suggests memorials may be made to the Gideon’s or to the Memorial Fund of the Grangeville Christian Reformed Church, c/o Blackmer Funeral Home, 305 No Mill St., Grangeville, Idaho 83530.

Steven S. Clark, 70

Steven Sherman Clark, 70, of Grangeville, passed away suddenly on December 4, 2008, at his home with his brother and long time care provider by his side.

Steven was born on January 1, 1938 in Long Beach, California to Charlene and Isaac Sherman Clark. He attended Garden Grove High School and was know as "that tall, dark and handsome young man".

Steve had several cars that he was very proud of.

He enlisted in the US Navy as an airman when he was 17 years old. He was an aviation supply man and served at El Centro, CA and Naples, Italy. In 1984 he moved to Grangeville to live with his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Lynn Welborn. The past 10 years he was cared for by Lynn's brother, Dana Nordin, with whom he had a very special and unique relationship.

Steve was a quiet and simple man and never had a harsh word to anyone. He enjoyed walking downtown visiting "his" special places for coffee. He also enjoyed going to the Grangeville Senior Center for the past 24 years.

Steve is survived by his brother, Jim (Lynn) Welborn of Grangeville; Susan (Jack) McDonald of Fall City, Washington; Virginia (Jim) Dunn of Hudson, Ohio; Lauralee Kerwin of Walla Walla, WA, and Jeri Dawn Holmes of Lake Elsinore, CA. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews, and 16 grand nieces and nephews, and many aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlene Welborn, and father, Issac Clark, and his grandparents, Walter & Mable Hacker and Issac & Anna Clark.

Steve was a big part of our lives and he will be missed by all those who loved and cared for him. A very special thank you to Dana for all you have done for Steve over the past 10 years. We are forever grateful.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Private burial followed at Mount Idaho Cemetery.

Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville handled the arrangements.

Laneta M. Buchanan, 79

Laneta M. Buchanan, 79, passed away December 6, 2008, at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville. She was cremated and a memorial service and burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Oral, South Dakota this coming summer.

She was born October 5, 1929, in Oral to George and Mary Evans. She was the sixth of eleven children.

She lived most of her life in Hot Springs, South Dakota and considered that her hometown. She had several different jobs throughout her life. Some of her favorite occupations were waitressing, telephone operator, and working with the elderly meal program.

She loved spending time with family, country music and dancing, and picnics.

Laneta is survived by her two sons, Jeff Gossel of Rapid City, SD, and Mike Mullett and his wife Tina of Denver, CO; one daughter, Michelle Wood of Grangeville; three sisters, Janet Porter of Edgemont, SD, Evelyn Murphy of Hot Springs, SD, and Mary Etta James of Salem, OR; nine grandchildren, Taylor and Spencer Gossel of Faith, SD, Mike Mullett, Jr., Kerry Hennelly and her husband John, Tosha Fuentes, and Tracy Borden, all of Cheyenne, WY, Tahnee Hill of Las Cruses, NM, Lanee and Shane Wood of Grangeville; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husbands Butch Mullett and Dwaine Buchanan; her mother and father, George and Mary Evans; brothers, John and George Evans; sisters, Elizabeth Weiss, Georgie Evans, Cora Coldross, Pat Clark and Janiece Johnson.

Laneta will be remembered for her great smile and sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

William A. Carter, 79

William A. Carter, 79, of Riggins, passed away November 29, 2008, at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville.

William Andrew Carter was born in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania on March 1, 1929 to John S. Carter and Elizabeth Hill Carter. He lived there until high school, then worked and graduated from high school in Bound Brook, New Jersey. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marines and served at the Naval Ordinance Depot in Pocatello, Idaho. While in Pocatello, he married Leah Dickerson. The marriage later ended in divorce. At the end of his Marine Corps enlistment, he returned to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University. When the Korean War began, he enlisted in the Air Force, then applied for and was accepted into Army Officer Candidate School. He completed OCS and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. After training at various military schools near the end of the Korean War, he was assigned to duty in Korea near the Demilitarized Zone as a Tank Platoon Leader.

When his military obligations ended, he returned to Pocatello and graduated with honors from what was then Idaho State College and began studies for a Masters degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. That endeavor was interrupted when his father died, which left him responsible for some of his younger siblings. For several years he worked for the Citizens Research Council in Detroit, which studies and makes recommendations for efficiency in governmental units for the State of Michigan. In 1967, he accepted the position of Director of Management Services for the State of Idaho and moved to Boise. In that position he was in charge of purchasing and coordinating the use of all computers and other electronic equipment for the State of Idaho.

In 1969 he returned to work at the Research Council in Michigan and was married to Mary Evans Vaughn in Detroit that same year. He worked there until 1977. During that time his tasks included working with the Budget Office of the Detroit Public School System.

In 1977 he and his wife purchased a small business near Riggins, Idaho and have lived there since then. He retired from full time work at their business in 1991 and devoted his time to community service. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and served for many years as Secretary of his Shrine Unit. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Grangeville, Idaho, and for several years, served as the Senior Warden of the Bishop’s Committee there. For many years he volunteered nearly full time job hours to the Salmon River Rural Fire Department performing administrative work as Chairman of the Board and keeping financial records. He also served on the Board of' Trustees for Joint School District 241. He enjoyed computer programming and wrote software which is still used by his business, the fire department and the church. He was a lifelong avid reader and student of history, politics, biographies and finance.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; four children and three stepchildren: Teresa Seng of Grandview, Idaho, Kathleen Bruni of Boise, Idaho, Patricia Travis of Simi Valley, California, John Carter of Nampa, Idaho, Cynthia (Cindy) Sangster of Grangeville, Idaho, James Vaughn of Riggins, Idaho, and Daniel Vaughn of Madison Georgia. In addition, he is survived by 21 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters and one brother, Electa Rundell of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, Elaine Bateman of Roy, Utah, Mary McDowall of LaVernia, Texas, and Stanley Carter of Belleville, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and five sisters.


A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. MT, at the Riggins Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Grangeville at 11:30 a.m. PST. Services are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to either the Calam Shriners Temple or to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, c/o Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Hunter Lee Weldon, 11 months

Hunter Lee Weldon, age 10 months 27 days, entered Heaven on Wednesday, November 26th, 2008, in his mother’s arms and surrounded by family and friends at Seattle Children’s Hospital due to a long battle with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome.

He was born December 29th, 2007 to Stephanie and Nathan Weldon of Grangeville.

Hunter loved cuddling with his mom and dad; Mickey Mouse Clubhouse; talking on the phone; laughing at funny noises; his dogs Nikko, Bailey, and Morgan; sleeping in his car seat; playing peek-a-boo; his camo blanket; his mom’s cell phone; warm baths, and playing with the tags on stuffed animals.

He is survived by his parents, Stephanie and Nathan Weldon of Grangeville; grandparents, Steve and Jan Crane of Grangeville, and Val and Cindy Weldon of Enola, Pennsylvania; great-grandparents, Nancy and John Law of Mill Creek, PA., Myrna and Jerry Crane, and Charlene Schumacher of Grangeville; his uncle, Josh Weldon of Enola, PA.; aunts, Lisa Alders of Newport, Washington, Jenn Weldon of Enola, PA, Leann Warren of Lewiston, and Kim Heitzman of Grangeville; great-uncles, Marty Crane, John Law, Steve Fogleman, Donnie Keeler, Dan Winkles, David Dee, and Brian Hewson, all of Grangeville, Don Dee of Garden Valley, Idaho, Paul Weldon of Duncannon, PA, Dave Weldon of Mt. Holly Springs, PA, Charlie Weldon of Philipsburg, PA; great-aunts, Carol Crane, Koleen Law, Misti Fogleman, Kristi Keeler, Sandy Winkles, Jamie Russell, and Maryann Hewson, all of Grangeville, Penny Law-Kelsey of Huntingdon, PA, Terry Law of Kamiah, Lori Hewson of St. Maries, Idaho, Marion Weldon of Mt. Holly Springs, PA, Fran Weldon of Philipsburg, PA, Candace Soderston of Redmond, WA, Sherry Schaffer of Duncannon, PA, and many cousins and great-cousins. He is also survived by Rebecca G., Naisha M., Tami H., Jessica K., Gloria, Lindsey S., and all the doctors and nurses who loved him at Seattle Children’s.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Val Nathaniel Weldon; great-grandmothers Connie Dee and Julia Weldon; great-grandfathers Don Dee, Neil Schumacher and Val Edward Weldon; great great-uncle Gary Ticen, and his great great-grandmother, Charol Rodgers.

Hunter was our pride and joy, our handsome, handsome naked man and we miss and love him so very, very much!!!

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 5, 2008, at 11 a.m., at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Viewing will be held Thursday, December 4, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. A celebration of Hunter’s life will follow Friday’s services at the Eagles Hall in Grangeville.

Family suggests memorial donations can be made in Hunter’s name to: Jackson’s Pay It Forward Foundation, 3527 8th St C, Lewiston, ID 83501 or to Children’s Hospital Foundation, Child Life Department Toy Fund , PO Box 50020/S-200, Seattle, WA 98145-5020.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.