David Smith
David Edward Smith passed away at his St. John home on February 23, 2012, with his wife of 43 years by his side. Born on March 7, 1945, David attended St. John High School and graduated from Eastern Washington State College with degrees in business and accounting. On August 31, 1968, he married his college sweetheart from Pomeroy, Tina Brown. He worked in the banking community with Spokane Eastern Bank and later in numerous positions with Seattle First National Bank. He began at the Opportunity Branch with subsequent assignments at the Colville and Connell Branch banks. His last banking position was manager of the Opportunity Branch in Spokane Valley. David’s career shifted from banking to growing wheat when his father retired from the family farm in 1977. He loved being a farmer and he loved the wildlife he protected on his land. He took a great deal of pride in his farming and was a perfectionist in everything he did, to include building an RV-6 airplane in his home’s basement. He golfed for many years in the St. John Men’s Twilight League, to include earning a Hole-in-One during a tournament, and once served on the St. John School Board. He was a leader of the Junior Achievement Business Club, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Kiwanis and Lions clubs, and was active for years on the board of the Washington State Junior Miss Program. But, his key passion was flying his airplane and he flew it from coast to coast.
He is survived by his wife Tina, his 95-year-old mother Ruth of Spokane; son Shawn (and Natalie) of Spokane; Daughter Colene Risner (and US Army Major Toby) of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; brothers Ed in Montgomery, Ala. and Peter in Richland, Wash.; sister Suzanne Miller in Mesa, Ariz.; and six grandchildren.
David was interred on Monday, February 27, at the family burial plot in Pomeroy following a family gathering. Pallbearers were Ed Smith, Pete Smith, Rob Heskett, David White, Ethan White and Dakota White. Honorary Pallbearers were Don Kolb, Larry Zimmerman, Dennis Pfaff, Neal Robertson, Randy Kile and Marc Black. The family suggests memorials be made to the St. John Fire Department, P.O. Box 221, St. John, WA 99171, and The Friends of Hospice, 1610 NE Eastgate Blvd, #850, Pullman, WA 99163. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Jean Eades
Jean passed quietly to the Lord on March 3, 2012. The daughter of Adam and Katie Luft, she was born in Endicott, Wash., on January 12, 1922. Jean was preceded in death by brothers Richard and Robert and survived by her beloved husband Elmer; son Randall Phelps; sister Juanita Anderson; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
With the exception of the past few months, Jean resided in Whitman County for her entire life graduating from Winona High School in 1940, where she and sister Juanita starred on the team that captured the championship of the 1938 IE Girls Basketball tournament. In her adult years, Jean owned and operated the Winona Grocery Store until the mid-1950s at which time she relocated to Colfax where she was employed as the bookkeeper for McSweeney Tractor Co. While in that position she met and in 1962 married husband Elmer. For the next four decades they formed an inseparable team that managed the family farm and a commercial trucking business in the St. John area. Jean was struck with colon cancer in 1979. By virtue of her indomitable spirit and perseverance, she survived and continued to lead an active and fruitful life. She and Elmer enjoyed attending basketball games, traveling in their RV and snowmobiling at their favorite getaway, Priest Lake. After retiring from active farming, they relocated from the family farm to a new home in St. John in 2000. They enjoyed independent living in their home well into their late 80s at which time health factors necessitated a move to the Touchmark retirement facility in 2011.
Jean leaves a legacy of generosity, graciousness and selflessness that touched all those who had the joy of being in her presence. She will be missed, but she is now in the hands of our Lord, free of pain and the challenges of advanced aging. A memorial service will be held at the St. John Community Building on Saturday, May 19 at 2 p.m. For further information, please contact Elmer at (509) 321-8337 or Randy at (509) 703-9597.
Hugh Shawgo
Hugh Anson Shawgo passed away at Hospice of Spokane on March 20, 2012, after a battle with melanoma. Hugh was born on the family farm near Ewan/Rock Lake, Wash., on June 4, 1934, the youngest son of Elmer Shawgo and Ida May (Evans) Shawgo. He attended school in Ewan until his parents moved to Spokane in 1943. Hugh graduated from North Central High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United Sates Navy for four years in 1953, and was stationed off the coast of Japan.
Hugh loved the family farm and lived with his eldest brother, Emmett and wife Lorraine for 13 years, helping out on the farm and raising cattle. He was like a brother to his nephews, Wayne and Roger, and his niece, Arlene. Hugh also worked for Millers and Sons near the family farm. He married Grace Bostrum in 1969, and they adopted a son, Andy. They later divorced. He worked at Washtucna Grange Supply for 14 years, and in the early eighties, moved to Newport where he joined his nephews as a partner in Shawgo’s Tire for five years. He later moved to Spokane and worked in maintenance for KHQ and several assisted living/nursing homes for over 20 years. He met the love of his life, Sara Goude in Washtucna and they lived the latter years of his life there. He was a member of the Washtucna Lions Club and was a volunteer fireman in both Newport and Washtucna. Hugh also volunteered his time helping the elderly and played Santa in schools, churches and nursing homes. He loved to dance and will be remembered for his great sense of humor and playfulness. He enjoyed dressing up at Halloween, winning several contests. Hugh is survived by Sara of Washtucna, Andy of Texas, 3 grandchildren: Dylan, Talia and GiGi of Spokane, his nieces Arlene Stromberger (Tim) of Davenport, Mary Ann DiMartino of Rhode Island, Patty Todd Shedden (Mike) of Salt Lake, Nancy Smith of Spokane, and nephews, Wayne Shawgo (Renee), and Roger Shawgo (Jeanine), all of Newport, Tom Shawgo (Linda) of St. John and Robby Todd (Susan) of Salt Lake, his sister-in-law Lorraine Shawgo of Ewan, as well as many great nephews, nieces and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents and all his brothers and sisters: Marscelene Cummings, Emmett Shawgo, Lawrence Shawgo, Ethelda Todd and four babies that died at birth. A graveside service was held March 28, 2012, at Memorial Gardens with military honors. Pastor Dennis Evans of Washtucna Community Church officiated. There will be a memorial picnic in Washtucna at a later date. The family wishes to thank his wonderful friends and Hospice of Spokane for their support. The family would appreciate memorial contributions made to the Lions Club, 240 Main St., Washtucna, WA 99371
Burnette Emily Kerle
Burnette Emily Kerle, 96, was born February 6, 1916, in Adrian, N.D., to Wesley and Louisa Benjamin. She went to be with our Lord March 27, 2012. Burnette and William (Bill) Elmer Kerle, of Battle Ground, Wash., were married July 1, 1939, and were lifetime partners in all of their endeavors. They were married for 62 years until his death Feb. 18, 2001, in Colfax. Her joy was working with her husband, her family and her church family as a caregiver, their many friends, Minnehaha Grange, Dogwood Garden Club, hosted Immaculate Conception Gospel Choir of Seattle once a year for five years, and enjoyed the Gifford Homemakers Club and her little Yorkie, Barney. As a girl, she herded cattle by horseback, as it was her job to do so. Burnette was an excellent basketball player in Adrian, N.D., and was an avid Trail Blazers fan. The Kerles lived in Vancouver, Wash., for three years and then moved to Bonneville, Wash., for two years, where they owned and operated a grocery store. They lived in Mosier, Ore., owned and operated another grocery store for two years, then went to Vancouver until moving to Longview, Wash., for five years. They then moved back to Vancouver to build homes. In retirement, they enjoyed Desert Hot Springs for the winter for 17 years with family, friends and old classmates. In the winter of 1995, they moved to St. John, Wash., and lived with daughter and her husband. In 2004, she moved and lived her last eight years with daughter and husband in Lenore.
Burnette is survived by their five children, Yvonne E. Pea (Jack), Anne McCloud, Larry E. Kerle (Rita), Darlene M. Merrill (Mike), and George W. Kerle; one sister, Margie Larson of Vancouver; 14 grandchildren; 45 greatgrandchildren; and many, many greatgreatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, seven siblings and spouses, a soninlaw, and a daughterinlaw. A funeral service was held April 4, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vancouver. Contributions may be made to the hospice of one’s choice. They are truly God’s gift to America.
