Sue Ann Paradiso, 59

GRANGEVILLE: Sue Ann Paradiso, 59, of Grangeville, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2005 at her Grangeville home.

Sue was born September 2, 1945 in Indiana and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan by parents Richard and Eva Bach.

Sue is survived by a younger sister, Jennifer Mahieu of Lawton, Michigan; mother Eva Herrington also of Michigan and her husband James and daughter Erica Paradiso of Grangeville.

James and Sue were married in Mancos, Colorado where she also gave birth to their daughter Erica.

Sue was employed by the Forest Service for many years and taught at the North Idaho Correctional Institution in retirement. She was avid about horses and nature and enjoyed animal rehabilitation and gardening. After battling breast cancer for seven years, she taught all those around her a great deal about courage, strength and love.

Sue’s beautiful smile and wonderful personality will be greatly missed but never forgotten. She left us with dignity and grace. “We love you Sue!”

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 1, 2005, 4:00 p.m. at the Skookumchuck recreation site just south of White Bird. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Neoma Austin, 92

GRANGEVILLE: Neoma E. Austin, 92, of Grangeville passed away Monday, July 18, 2005 at the Grangeville Health and Rehab. Center in Grangeville.

Neoma, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, was born March 28, 1913 at Dansville, Kansas a daughter of Roy and Bonnie Herndon Summerville. She attended school in Missouri. She married Earl Austin on January 6, 1936 at Grangeville. They farmed 13 miles Southeast of Grangeville where they raised their only daughter. She worked as a cook for the Idaho County Nursing Home for 18 years. In 1972 they left the farm and moved to Mt. Idaho and then into Grangeville in 1989. Mr. Austin passed away in 1989.

Neoma enjoyed the outdoors, cooking, reading and watching her grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter and son in law, Donna and Don Ruzicka of Grangeville, her grandchildren, Albert and Cindy Ruzicka, Tonda and Jeff Von Bargen and Lois and Darrell Gehring, her great grandchildren, Shelly and John Bentley, Stacy Ruzicka and Lori Esquivel, Shane Ruzicka, Jenifer Von Bargen, Jason Von Bargen and Joey Gehring, her great great grandchildren, Stephanie Bentley, Chase Bentley, Mikala Esquivel, Khyleigh Esquivel and Jerzee Ruzicka. In addition to her husband, her parents and a brother, Jim died earlier.

Memorial services will be held Monday, July 25, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Friends may call Friday, July 22, 2005 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Miles Dennis Castle, 70

GRANGEVILLE: Miles Dennis Castle, 70, of Grangeville, died Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at Syringa General Hospital from complications of strokes.

Miles was born November 26, 1934 in Grangeville to Benjamin and Lena Castle.

In 1952, Miles enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1959. During the Korean War, Miles served as a Sergeant.

On April 27, 1957 he married Jean Von Tersch in Ferdinand, Idaho.

In his working days, he was employed by the Idaho Transportation Department in the engineering department for 33 years. While at the transportation department, Miles worked on central and north Idaho projects such as the new White Bird Hill Highway and Bridge, Lewiston Hill, Moscow highway, 4th of July Pass, Lawyer’s Canyon by-pass, and many others.

Since 1964, Miles was a proud member of the Grangeville Elks #1825 for 43 years. While a member of the Grangeville Elks, he served as Exalted Ruler from 1979-1980 and Northern District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler from 1985-1986.

Miles enjoyed hunting, fishing, getting wood, playing pool, cribbage, poker and pinochle. He also enjoyed watching old-western movies, especially John Wayne movies; drives in the country and watching and making dinner or car wash bets on football games with his daughter Tracy.

Miles is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jean, in Grangeville; daughters Rhonda and Ron Schacher of Grangeville, Tracy and Mike Waters of Osburn, Idaho; brother Rawley Castle; grandchildren Leslie Pottala, Tera King, Greg Schacher, Jacob Schacher, Jason Waters and Linsay Waters; and also faithful companion and dog, Cassie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Lena Castle; twin sons at birth; another son, Douglas Castle, two sisters, Mabel Jean Steen and Phyllis Tefft and two brothers, Benny and Burt Castle.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville with Father Brad Neely officiating. Burial will follow at Denver Cemetery.

Agnes Mae Hollopeter, 89

GRANGEVILLE: Agnes Mae Hollopeter, 89, of Grangeville formerly of Churubusco, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at the Meadowlark Home in Grangeville. Services will be held in Churubusco, Indiana with the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home. Local arrangements are with the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville

Verda A. Blewett, 91

GRANGEVILLE: Verda A. Blewett, 91, of Grangeville, went to be with our Lord on July 14, 2005 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood while surrounded by her family.

Verda was born August 31, 1913 in Lewiston, Idaho to Nate and Lily Wilson. After graduating from Craigmont High School, she attended Nursing School in Spokane. She retired in Idaho County where she was the clerk in the Auditor’s office.

Verda was a Gold Sheaf “50” year member of the Clearwater Grange and also a Rebecca for many years. She loved old time dancing and square dancing as well as playing the drums in the “Just Us Band”. Verda also played the piano and accompanied the Old Time Fiddlers.

Verda married George Ulmer on January 11, 1934. They were married for 42 years before he passed away. She later married Lorton Blewett. They square danced and traveled for the next 7 years until he became ill. After Lorton’s death, she became a friend and companion to Pete Mattson.

Verda is survived by her children, Arlie and Joy Ulmer, Fred Ulmer and Roy and Alice Mattson; grandchildren Greg and Vicki Ulmer, Diane and Ross Pedersen, Eddy and Pam Mattson, and Danny Mattson; great grandchildren Michelle Reed, Kyler Pedersen, Jacob and Mitch Ulmer; a half brother Vernon Crain; and her best friend, her dog, Max.

A memorial service will be held at the Clearwater Grange Hall on Friday, July 22, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Clearwater Cemetery. A meal will be held after the graveside service at the hall. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Case, 88

GRANGEVILLE: Dorothy Case, 88, of Grangeville, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2005 at Grangeville Health and Rehab in Grangeville.

Dorothy was born February 13, 1917 at Grangeville to Loyd and Carrie Hashagen Day. As a young girl she moved to California and then returned to Grangeville when she was sixteen years old. She married Arthur Case in 1935 at Grangeville and they ranched for many years. Mr. Case passed away in 1980.

She served for many years as president of the Senior Citizens and was well known and liked in the community. She was a member of the Grangeville Christian Church.

She enjoyed fishing with her friends at George Turner’s pond, crafts, crocheting, playing bingo and shopping.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Larry Case of Grangeville, her daughter, Connie Porter of Clarkston, Washington and their families, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Donald, an infant sister and her parents.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 18, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Friends may call Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Grangeville Christian Church Building Fund. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Kevin R. Stamper, 44

GRANGEVILLE: Kevin R. Stamper, 44 of Grangeville passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at the Spokane VA Hospital.

Kevin our husband, father, son and “poppy” was born July 12, 1961 at Lewiston, Idaho a son of Lyle and Marilyn Klaus Stamper. He attended school in Elk City and Grangeville and graduated from Grangeville High School in 1980. While in high school he was an all-star football player and was state champion in his weight class in wrestling. He married Carla Harmon on June 14, 1980 at Grangeville. He joined the US Army in 1981 and was honorably discharged in 1985. He returned to Idaho and worked with his father logging.
In 1991 he moved to Grangeville where he and his brother started their very successful logging business, Stamper Brothers Logging.

Kevin enjoyed the outdoors, hound hunting, packing and fishing. He was very proud of his kids and grandkids and loved teaching them about the outdoors.

Kevin knew and loved the lord as his Savior. He is at peace and will be loved and missed by his family and friends forever. He was too great of a guy for just this little space. God bless you Kevin.

He is survived by his wife, Carla, his children, Tyrel, Tera and Tiffany, his parents, Lyle and Marilyn Stamper of Lewiston, his grandchildren, Brylee, Trentyn and Brian, his brother, Albert Stamper of Winchester, sisters, Brenda Pauley of Lewiston and Diana Stamper of Clarkston. He was preceded in death by a brother Scott.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Grangeville. A potluck meal will follow the services at the Grangeville Christian Church. Friends may call Today,(Thursday) from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Idaho Youth Ranch. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com

Joseph M. Kaschmitter, 89

GRANGEVILLE: Joseph M. Kaschmitter, 89 of Grangeville passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at his home.

Joe was born March 6, 1916 in Cottonwood, Idaho. He was the oldest child of Raymond and Mary Kolbech Kaschmitter . He grew up and attended schools in Cottonwood and Grangeville, graduating from Grangeville High School in 1934. The family memoir called him, “A hardy young giant whose athletic build and great stature was much appreciated on the basketball floor during his high school days.” After high school Joe worked for his father farming and ranching, then with his brother George on land they purchased from their father.
In 1941 Joe and Leona Smith Horstman were married in Grangeville and settled on the ranch purchased from Joe’s father northeast of Grangeville.
Together they raised five children. Joe had a reputation for honesty and whenever he borrowed a piece of farm equipment, he returned it in better condition than he borrowed it. Joe and Leona divorced and sold their ranch. Joe then moved to Grangeville where he worked for Union Warehouse until his retirement in 1981.

In 1976, Joe and Dana Rice were married in Garfield, Washington and have resided in Grangeville since.

In his retirement years, Joe enjoyed his vegetable garden, especially his Walla Walla onions, fishing at Winchester Lake, feeding and watching squirrels in his yard, and playing with his dogs, always named Heidi or Midge. Joe also enjoyed his woodworking projects: garden windmills, flower box planters, and children’s toys including spinning tops that made their way to China and Micronesia. Joe was a keen observer of the weather, whose predictions often beat the TV weatherman. He was always interested in science and mechanics.

Joe was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville and the Idaho Grange.

Joe is preceded in death by his daughter Ruth Ann, his sister, Marie and brothers George, Leo and Francis.

He is survived by his wife, Dana; his daughter and son in law, Lee and Steve Freiburger of Boise, Idaho; his sons and daughters in law, Larry and Nancy of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Gerald and Ginny of Spokane, Washington, Bob and Pam of Clarkston, Washington, Paul and Sandy of Yakima, Washington a stepson, Duane Cook of Chewelah, Washington, and two step daughters, Diane Clark of Colfax, Washington and Joyce James of Lewiston, Idaho, and a brother Bernard kaschmitter of Cottonwood, Idaho. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville, a vigil service will be held Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Church. Friends may call Friday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville.