In Memoriam

Lind-Ritzville Alumni Association will Post Obituaries from the Last Two Calendar years.

Obituaries can be found from clicking the alumnus name in blue on their class page.

Delmar Laib, Class of 1950, passed away May 3, 2023.  Delmar was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Emma (Stoller) Laib, brothers Herbert and Alvin Laib and sisters Irma Floether, Lenora Sackmann, Edna Langeneder, Verna Burghard and Lillian Mix.  He is survived by his brother Harvey Laib (1957) and sisters Della Kiesz (1950), June Larsen (1954) children Tim Laib, Glen (Michelle) Laib, Karen (Mike) McClure and several grandchildren.

Kurt McCrady, Class of 1973, passed away on March 15, 2023.  He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Maggie and son-in-law Brady Hopkins, his mother Joanne Kessler McCrady (1951), brother Kole (1974) (Eva 1976) McCrady, and sister Kiera (1983) (Ben) Buriak. He was preceded in death by his father Virgil McCrady and brother Klay (1978) McCrady.  

Beverly Marie Heinemann Scherr, Class of 1965,  passed away March 8, 2023. She was born on Jan. 11, 1947 in Ritzville, WA to Wilmerd (1936) and Helen (Johnson) Heinemann She had two brothers Jay (1963) and Gary (1971). Beverly is survived by her brother Gary Heinemann, children Larry and Lien Scherr, and grandchildren Brett and Brayden Scherr.

Joyce Rehn Geschke, Class of 1953, passed away on March 9, 2023.  She is survived by her children, Tim (1974) (Kathy) Geschke, Colleen (1975) (Fritz) Coon, Mike (1980) (Stephanie) Geschke, and Daniel Geschke (1982); seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben and Pauline (Lesser) Rehn and her husband Donald Geschke (1953).

Marilyn Audrey Edwards Schoesler, Class of 1949, entered into rest on February 27, 2023 at the age of 92, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  The love of her life and husband Jim (1949) passed away in 2003.  The loving couple had 6 children (Randy (1970), JoAnn Wagner (1971)  (Craig), Don (Mike Kloster), Gary (Suzanne Arlt (1982), Tom (Melanie) and MaryAnn Whitney (Craig), 9 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.  Marilyn was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, aunt, and sister, and will be lovingly remembered by her friends and family.

Arla Kechter Wright, Class of 1956, passed away on January 6, 2023.  She is survived by her children Don (Karen) Wright and Donette Wright Walker.  She is also survived by her four grandchildren Ryan, Brian, Shane and Lexi and nine great-grandchildren Hunter, Tatiania, Hayden, Everett, Gavin, Connor, Kyah, Ava and Daniel.  She was preceded in death by her husband Don Wright, her parents Carl and Pauline Gerlack Kechter and her in-laws.

Don Van Buren, Class of 1954, passed away on December 19, 2022..  He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Borth Van Buren (Lind graduate 1958), brother Gerald Van Buren, brother-in-law John Olden, parents Karl and Esther Van Buren, and parents-in-law Rudolph and Barbara Borth.  He is survived by his sister Mildred Olden (1952), sister-in-law Patricia Van Buren; son Ron (Kelly Ryan) and granddaughter Jessie (Dakota Wilson); son Bruce (Brandi) and granddaughter Jaycee; and son David (Shannon) and grandsons Ketcher and Kason; along with many nieces and nephews.

Connie Schuler Rogel, Class of 1961, passed away on November 20, 2022.  She is survived by her husband Steve Rogel (1960), daughters Wendy (Horst) Mueller and Julie (Jeffrey) Leonard, son Randall Rogel, grandsons Zachary Mueller and Jakob Leonard and granddaughters Ryann Mueller and Jordan Leonard.  She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford (1934) and Dorothy Schuler, sister Gwen (1954) Schuler Bernard and brother Dennis (1957) Schuler.  

Gerald Ray, Class of 1953, passed away on November 15, 2022.  He is survived by his son Tom and a granddaughter.  

Patricia Smith Fode, Class of 1957, passed away on September 22, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her father and mother Lorraine Schwisow Smith (1938), husband Ruben Fode (Lind Grad 1950), and brother Kent Smith (1962).  She is survived by her sister Marcy Dunlap (1970), daughter Bonnie (Lind Grad 1981) and son-in-law Randy Holce and son David (Lind Grad 1984) and daughter-in-law Christine Haase Fode (Lind Grad 1985), 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  

Vivian Allert Grams, Class of 1956, passed away on September 4, 2022.  She is survived by her sister Beverly Allert White (1954), daughters Terrie Grams Teeter (1978), Debbie (1981) (Brad 1979) Gering, son Kurt Grams (1982), granddaughter Ashley (Jon) Lehman, great-grandson Mateo, Grandson Brent Teeter and great-grandson Gage Teeter, grandson Bryson (2016) (Jacqueline) Gering and Granddaughter Abby (2018) Gering.  

Mary Hille Reilly, Class of 1969, passed away on September 2, 2022. Mary is survived by her husband Garry Reilly, sons Daniel (1993) (Abby) Carlson, Matthew (Maggie) Carlson, Andrew (2002) (Chauna) Carlson, stepdaughters Shannon (1992) Reilly (Robin) Kraus, Michelle (1994) Reilly (Matthew) Phillips and stepson Ryan (2002) Reilly. She is also survived by her sister Nancy (1970) Hille and brothers Scott (1973) Hille and Mitch (1976) (Penny) Hille, 7 grandchildren and 5 step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel “Boyd” (1945) and Elaine Lofgren Hille.

Robert “Bob” Schoessler, Class of 1961, passed away on September 2, 2022.  Bob is survived by his wife Marge (1962) Sanger Schoessler, son Bo (1983) (Janna 1990) Gingrich, daughters Keri (1986) (Scott Steinmentz (1985) Gingrich and Traci (1994) (Josh Reidt) Schoessler, grandchildren Katheran Gingrich (2020), Tanner Marecz, Jarod Marecz (2011), Margaret Reidt and Jack Reidt.  He is also survived by his sister Marva Schoessler (1958).  He was preceded in death by his parents Walter (1925) and Ann (1930) Schoessler.  

Margaret Peot Cassens, Class of 1950, passed away late August 2022.  Her parents were Leo M. Peot and Catherine Harder Peot.  She had five siblings, Leo Peot (1947), Hans Peot (1949), Catherine Peot Hofmann (1953), Anna Peot Walker (1958) and Peter Peot (1958).

Fay Telecky Lybecker, Class of 1963, passed away on August 17, 2022.  She is survived by her husband Roger Lybecker, daughter Kimberly Lybecker, and sister Sara Telecky Collison (1969).  She was preceded in death by her parents Howard (1935) and Selma Telecky and sister Gail (1959) Bafus.

L. Darlene Hille Smith, Class of 1955, passed away on July 5, 2022.  She is survived by her husband Greg Smith, brother Dennis Hille (1958), daughters Julie Boyles and Jennifer (Mark) Boyles Erwin.  Four stepchildren Todd Smith, Trevor Smith, Regan Smith, Sari Collins, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben and Esther Hille.

Ron Gering, Class of 1971, passed away on July 3, 2022. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Tiffany Gering and Megan Gering, five grandchildren, father Martin Gering (1947), brothers Bruce (1975) (Patti 1974) Gering and Brian (1977) (Gail 1977) Gering.

Delmar Borgens, Class of 1944, passed away on, June 2, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter Dee Dee Logsdon (Dean), son David Borgens (Carol), five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren

Katherine (Kathy) Schroeder, Class of 1959, passed away on May 12, 2022. She is survived by here sister Janice Schroeder (Syd) Sullivan (1955), her children Greg (Mari) Martinen, Rachel Martinen and Kristina (Lance) Nelson, five grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Dora (Arlt) (1926) and Levine Schroeder, brothers John (1950) and Stan (1952) Schroeder and sister Barbara (1960) Schroeder.

Tom Kadlec, Class of 1952, passed away on May 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Sandy Kadlec (1955) Schafer, and sons Kelly (1985) (Kelly Sue) Kadlec, Kyle (1994) (Michelle) Kadlec and grandsons Jaret, Trevor and Reece. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Mabel Kadlec.

Douglas Thiel, Class of 1956, passed away on March 29, 2022.  Doug is survived by his wife Sarabeth Thiel, a son Curtis Thiel and daughter in law Susan Garred; and his 2 grandchildren – Alexandra Thiel and Emily Thiel.  He is also survived by his brother Stephen Thiel and his wife Venus in Concord, CA and their children and grandchildren. Also survived by many cousins and friends in Ritzville, WA and throughout the western states.  Doug was preceded in death by his parents Aaron (1932) and Allie Thiel and son Craig.  

Larry Koch, Class of 1961, passed away on March 29, 2022.  Larry is survived by his six children John, Heidi, Tina, Kim, Kevin and Kreg.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Koch, mother Normadine King Kulm (1941), stepfather Albert Kulm, brothers Gale Kulm (1966), Jerry Kulm (1967) and grandson Nathan.  

Deloris Borgens Allert, Class of 1944, passed away on March 19, 2022.  She is survived by her daughter Karen Greenwalt, daughter-in-law Carol Simonson, sisters Eleanor Lloyd (1950), Joan Dicus (1953), and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband George Simonson, husband Ralph Allert (1939), brother Wallace Borgens, (1946) and son Paul Simonson.

Leland Lightbody, Class of 1962, passed away on January 28, 2022.  He is survived by his wife Kathy, sister Letha Banister (1961),  nieces Holli and Heidi and nephew Scott.  He was preceded in death by his mother Pearl Streeter Lightbody (1934), father Alva Lightbody and brother Gary Lightbody (1957).  

Carol Pfannekuchen Larsen, Class of 1956, passed away on January 20, 2022.  She is survived by her sisters Myran Kucklick (1952) and Paula Brady (1961) and step sisters Gaynel Gering (1956) and Linda Howell (1959),  She was preceded in death by her parents Lester (1927) and Nathel Greenwalt Pfannekuchen (1927) and step-mother Mildred Wellsandt (former RHS teacher).

Gary Scott Galbreath, Class of 1958, passed away on December 25, 2021.  He is survived by his wife Ronna Lesser Galbreath (1958), sons Greg Galbreath (1982), Clete Galbreath (1990), daughter Amy Jo (1985) (Don) Van Lierop, brother Dale (1962) (Julie) Glabreath, sister-in-law Amy Jo Galbreath, grandchildren Hallie Jo (2016) (Mitch) Jamison, Jace, Reese, Bryce, Collin, Georgia, Hank, Ronna’s daughters Marva (1977) (Craig (1976) Ulleland, Janet (1979) (Scott 1977) Sprenger, Dona (1980) (Bret) Forrester, Connie (1982) (Kevin) Miller, Ronna’s grandchildren Emily (1998) (Brian 1993) Gordon, Tracie (2001) (Michael 2000) Cook, Amy (Gavin 2002) Heider, Christopher (2002) (Jessi) Wahl, Brady (Amalia 2013) Wahl and 10 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Maynard (1934) and Alma (1931) Scott Galbreath and brother Mark (1965) Galbreath.  

Peggy Meyer Page, Class of 1971, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on December 12, 2021. She is survived by her son Josh Page of Fort Mill, SC, son Bill Page of Raleigh, NC, sister Gail Meyer Carda (1969) of Spokane, WA, sister MaryKay Meyer McGrail (1978) of Worcester, MA, two granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Virgil Meyer (1947), Dorothy Meyer Eckhardt (1946) and stepfather William Eckhardt (1943).

Patricia Ott Hennings, Class of 1951, passed away on November 24, 2021.  She is survived by her son Curtis (1974) (Erika) Hennings, son-in-law Stephen Turner, grandchildren Hans (2007) (Kristina) Hennings, Elena (2009) Henninigs McKenzie and Pryce Turner.  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren KatieJo, Wylie and Bella Hennings and Josie and Daxton McKenzie.  She was preceded in death by her parents Richard (1915) and Allene (1923) Ott, baby brother Bruce, husband Willard (1947) Hennings, infant son Spencer and daughter Tamara (1975) Hennings Turner.  

Ron Knight, Class of 1959, passed away on November 22, 2021.  He is survived by his wife Carrie Reimers Knight (1963), sons Brent and Ryan Knight and four grandchildren Payton, Rylie, Mason and Emerson. 

Thomas Richmond, Class of 1955, passed away on October 25, 2021.  He is survived by his wife Patty Lou Vostral Richmond (1952).  He is also survived by his sons Marshall and Aaron Richmond and stepdaughter Shannon plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lynn Langford Griffiths, Class of 1966, passed away on September 1, 2021.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John Griffiths; her father and mother, Phillip and Elien Langford. She is survived by her son Chris (Candi) Walker; daughter Sharma (Nate) Walker-Thornton; and sons John (Samantha) Griffiths and Craig (Becci) Griffiths – as well as siblings Phillip (1963) (Bev) Langford; brother Fred (1970) (Rosemary) Langford; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Lynn and John had ten grandchildren: Lauren and Kate Walker; Sam, Ty and Cody Thornton; Logan, Shea and Camryn Griffiths; Caden and Macey Griffiths; and Andra (Haylen) Red-Carlisle.

Karen Arlt Thiel, Class of 1957, passed away on September 29, 2021.  She is survived by her husband Lamar Thiel (1957), twin sisters Peggy Arlt Simmonds (1953) and Patty Arlt Fode (1953), brother Dennis Arlt (1965), son Bradley (Lorena) Arlt (1982), daughter Nichole (Pete) Thiel and grandsons Samuel and Nicholas.  She was preceded in death by her parents Harry (1930) and Verna Amen Arlt.  

James Paul Meyer,  Class of 1962, passed away on Septemer 26, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Meyer (1935) and Violet (Snip) Sandbrink Meyer (1936).  He is survived by his daughter, Dia Marie Fischer, and son, Jon Michael (Mike) Meyer (spouse Bonnie), brothers Dan Meyer (1971) (Heidi) and Mark Meyer (1969) (Cyndy), four grandchildren, and three nieces.

Hannalore Graf Hoffman, Class of 1967, passed away on July 30, 2021.  She is survived by her son, Rudy Hoffman,  sisters Sandy Graf (1971) and Helga (1966) (Blaine) Grunerud.  She is also survived by her nieces Debora Schwartzkopf, Johanna Graf-Gutierrez and Kristen Grunerud.

Carol Gibler Russell, Class of 1971, passed away on July 27, 2021.  She is survived by her husband David Russell (1969), by her children Jill (Jason) McKinnis and Aaron (Lindy) Russell, sister Joy (1978) (Derek) Abbott and brother Paul (1968) Gibler and her three grandchildren, Serafina McKinnis and Cameron and Coen Russell.  She was preceded in death by her parents Craig and Esther Gibler and brother Steve Gibler (1984).  Carol and Dave celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June.

Betty Denise Schaefer Schwisow, Class of 1944, passed away on July 26, 2021.  Betty is preceded in death by her husband Donnie (1941), son Alan, parents Florence and Fred (1914) Schaefer and both brothers Bill (Martin) and Jack (1946).  Betty is survived by her son Paul Schwisow (1966) and wife, Florence of Ritzville, daughters, Dawn Jones (1967) and husband, Chris of Mose Lake, and Jean DeBuhr (1981), husband, Rocky of Spokane Valley.  Grandchildren Stephanie Jones-Lee and husband, Kevin,  Matt Schwisow (1996) and wife, Jenn Heckler and Brian Jones and wife, Leah and great grandchildren, Eli and Charlotte Jones.

Amanda Sielaff Niederkleine, Class of 1941, passed away on July 18, 2021.  She is survived by her son Gene (Julie) Niederkleine, granddaughters Ginny (Brent) Hayton and Jessica (Jeremy) Hampsch and 7 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents August and Engel Sielaff, husband  Milton Niederkleine, daughter Connie Niederkleine, grandson Jay Niederkleine, brothers Lester, Walter (1936) and Dale (1947) Sielaff and sister Lillian Meske (1937).

Susan Heimbigner Stuns, Class of 1967, passed away on July 3, 2021.  She is survived by her son Christopher, brothers Dennis Heimbigner (1964) and Jim Heimbigner (1974).   She was preceded in death by her father Ivan Heimbigner (1942) and her mother Gracie Heimbigner.  There was a celebration of life held on July 22, 2021.

Julie Schell Hansen, Class of 1983, passed away on May 19, 2021.  She is survived by her husband Ron Hansen, daughter Ashley Ross (Calib), granddaughter Emma Rose Ross, her parents Jim and Linda Hebard Schell and sister Pam Werschler (1980) (Phil).

Mary Alice Buhl Skinner, Class of 1948, passed away on May 22, 2021.  She is survived by her husband Richard Skinner (1948), son James, daughter Linda and husband Alex McGregor, grandchildren:  Ian, Jessica and Emily McGregor, Kate and Scooter Lyle, great grandchildren: Abigail, Genevieve, Lillian, Olivia, Scarlett, Willa and Alexander McGregor, Claire, Collin, Adele, Isabella and Elizabeth Lyle.

Donald (Don) Lee Anderson,  Class of 1960, passed away on May 17, 2021 at his home in Spokane after a long battle with cancer. Don was born on November 23, 1941 in Tacoma to Dan and Alice Anderson. He was a three sport athlete for the Broncos. Don was an avid lover of sports. He enjoyed the success of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Seattle Seahawks and was holding out hope for the Mariners to be winners. Don was married to Colleen Lindsay 1960 and from that marriage they had a son Ron. They later divorced. He married Leslie Weaver and they had a son Jason. They divorced but would remain friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Alice, brothers Raymond (1953) and Larry (1966), and numerous aunts and uncles and several cousins. He is survived by his sons Ron, and Jason,  grandsons Jack and Landon, sister Marlene (1963) (George) Huhtanen and brother Dale (1970) (Meme) Anderson, numerous nieces and nephews and his ex-wife Leslie.