Spokesman Classifieds

AGUILAR, Manuel R. "Manny" (Age 85) Passed away April 19, 2024 Holy Cross Funeral & Cemetery Services, Spokane, WA AUSTIN, Steven L. (Age 63) Passed away April 18, 2024 Spokane Cremation & Funeral Service, Spokane, WA BROWN, Vesta (Age 105) Passed away April 22, 2024 Heritage Funeral Home, Spokane, WA DEIS, Anne L. (Age 87) Passed away April 20, 2024 Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory, Spokane, WA DYK, Robert P. (Age 85) Passed away April 17, 2024 Spokane Cremation & Funeral Service, Spokane, WA FLEIGER, Charles E. (Age 77) Passed away March 5, 2024 Heritage Funeral Home, Spokane, WA HARSHBARGER, Jordan (Age 31) Passed away April 21, 2024 Heritage Funeral Home, Spokane, WA JOHNSON, Jeannie Shirley (Age 76) Passed away April 15, 2024 Neptune Society, Spokane, WA JOHNSON, Roy A. (Age 69) Passed away April 17, 2024 Hennessey Valley Funeral Home & Crematory, Spokane Valley, WA KADRMAS, Carol M. (Age 69) Passed away April 19, 2024 Pacific Northwest Cremation & Funeral Valley, Spokane Valley, WA LARSON, Betty Lou (Age 79) Passed away April 20, 2024 Pacific Northwest Cremation & Funeral Valley, Spokane Valley, WA MOROZZO, Robert Eugene (Age 94) Passed away April 18, 2024 Pacific Northwest Cremation & Funeral Valley, Spokane Valley, WA VUE, Mao X. (Age 76) Passed away April 15, 2024 Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory, Spokane, WA WESTIKA, Rose Lee (Age 58) Passed away April 17, 2024 Pacific Northwest Cremation & Funeral Valley, Spokane Valley, WA YARWOOD, William J. (Age 90) Passed away April 12, 2024 Spokane Cremation & Funeral Service, Spokane, WA Death Notices are published as a complimentary service of The Spokesman-Review. Look to the following obituaries or call the funeral home for further details.

Brian Andrew Daly (born April 14, 1965), of Spokane, WA, passed away of natural causes at his home in Missoula, MT, on March 24, 2024. A beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Brian is survived by his two sons, Dayne and Drew; his parents, Dan and Joy; his brothers, Dan and Mick (Jen); his nieces, nephews, and their children; and too many friends to list. He is preceded in death by his younger brother, and best friend, Kevin. Growing up in Spokane Valley, Brian was a stand-out athlete in both football and basketball at University High School (class of 1983). After graduating from Eastern Washington University, Brian began his career in HVAC. He spent the past 15 years working at Comfort Systems USA Temp Right Service in Missoula. Brian’s big heart and fun-loving nature will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Always the biggest personality in the room, Brian was the embodiment of the word “fun.” Among his favorite things were attending live rock shows and sporting events. A huge Griz fan, Brian never missed an opportunity to root for the University of Montana football team. Memorial services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (3606 Schafer Rd.) in Spokane Valley on Saturday, April 27, at 3 pm. A celebration of his life will follow at Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center (1100 N. Sullivan Rd.) at 5:30 pm.

 Born August 30, 1932, in Rockford, Washington, to John and Tena Schaaf, Alene Mae Willmschen passed away Monday, March 11, 2024, in Spokane Valley, Washington. In January 1954, Alene became employed by Farmers & Merchants Bank as their first secretary, which was the beginning of 36 years of employment. She retired in December 1989 as a Vice President and Manager. Alene was a lifetime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rockford and was involved in several organizations with Bridge being her favorite pastime. Even though Alene and Ivan had no children of their own, they enjoyed entertaining their many nieces, nephews, and family at their home on Rockford Bay, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In their retirement years, Alene and Ivan enjoyed spending winters in Sun City, Arizona, where Alene made many friends at the Bridge table. Alene was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, George; and twin sister, Ilene. She is survived by her husband, Ivan Willmschen. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockford, Washington, followed by the Committal and Burial at Fairview Cemetery, 11:30 a.m., also in Rockford. After the Committal, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockford is hosting the reception in the Parish Hall beginning at 12 Noon. To share memories of Alene and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.hennesseyvalley.com.

Laurel White (78) of Lewiston, Idaho, formerly of Olympia, Washington, and Spokane, Washington entered into rest on April 10, 2024, in Lewiston, Idaho from severe artery disease complicated with multiple myeloma. Born to Thomas M. Jones and Doris M. Starkebaum on February 8, 1946 in Richland, WA. She attended Sacajawea Jr. High School and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, WA, in 1964. Laurel is survived by her husband of 28 years, Walt Tarbet, whom she met while working at the Washington Water Power Company in 1992. She was previously married to Dale "Red" White in November of 1964; they were married for 9 years and had two sons, Don and Joe. Laurel enjoyed the Mariners, Seahawks (and all things football), reading, gardening, walking, dining out, going to softball games where Walt played for years on the Vintage Players softball team for WWP/Avista, and traveling vicariously through her sister, Tana, nieces, Bina and Renee, bonus daughter, Lori, and others who took her to hundreds of places around the world with their photo and travel tales. Laurel would like to acknowledge Wende Barker for her friendship, her many homemade gifts, her visits with friend Ron to Laurel's Lewiston home, and all the get-togethers Wende planned. Laurel was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Jones (1951) and Doris Taylor (1992); sister, Ruth Green (2001); the father of her children, "Red" White (2011- Karen, Lacey, WA); brother, Tom Jones (2014); and brother, Kirby Jones (2015). She is survived by her husband/best friend, Walt; sons, Don White and Joe White; daughter-in-law, Anna White; sister, Tana Dugan; and brother, Gib Taylor (Toni). Other survivors include stepdaughters, Lori D'Andrea (Will) and Kari Leland. Laurel had five grandchildren, Madison, Collin, Gabriella, Ellie, and Cambell; four nieces; eight nephews; and four cousins at the time of death. There will be a private gathering to remember Laurel at a later date. Please consider donating to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery or your local humane society/animal protection agency. Thank you.

Spokane — Vernon Peters, the father of three children, of Spokane, WA, died in Coeur d’Alene on April 15, 2024. He was born in the Spokane foothills in 1947 to George Sr. and Lucille Peters and was the second oldest of five children. Vernon was a devoted and loving father to Machelle, Tracy, and Tina, who dearly missed him and the life lessons he imparted to them. He graduated from East Valley High School in 1966 and loved to go fishing as well as camping and hunting with his best friend Larry. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, George Jr.; and is survived by his younger brothers, Terry and Gene; his younger sister, Peggy; his three daughters; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be held at Fairmont Memorial Park in Spokane, WA, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to Cancer Care NW. https://www.cancercarenorthwest.com/cancer-care-northwest-foundation.

Eleanor passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born on July 14, 1929, in Winchester, ID, to Sarah and Sol Jones. Eleanor and the love of her life, Frank, were proud owners of the Office Tavern from 1959-1989, where many friends and fond memories were made. In her earlier years, Eleanor loved to travel with Frank in their motorhome all over the country and spend summers at their lake home. She was a fabulous cook and loved to collect recipes. She was known throughout the family for hosting delicious dinners and beautiful Easter brunches. She loved shopping at Northtown, always looking for “one more top”, golfing with her ladies’ golf group and with Frank, attending her BSF classes, and recording all her TV shows. Among her many talents, she was a wonderful seamstress and sewed beautiful dance costumes and clothing for her daughters growing up. Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Diana West (Ron), and Debra Webster (Dave Schultz); grandkids, Erick (Katie), Adam (Allison), Kasey (Lindsay), and Makenzie; and six great-granddaughters. The graveside service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Terrace on April 30, 2024, at 12:30 PM.

Kaia Beth Ottersen, our beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 66. Kaia's vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will forever remain a cherished part of those she leaves behind. Born on March 14th, 1958, to Robert and Jackie Reilly in Great Falls, MT., Kaia was one of nine children. She attended Billings Senior High School and graduated in 1976. She married Henry Norris Ottersen on December 1, 1977, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Kaia and her family moved to Spokane, WA, in 1983, where she raised her three children (Guy, Crystal, and Riley) and eventually worked her way into management at Metropolitan Mortgage. She worked tirelessly on raising her family, working and coaching sports. Her love of the outdoors and adventure eventually led her to Alaska and then to Western Washington. Kaia enjoyed fishing, swimming, camping, and music. Family was at the center of Kaia's world and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Her unwavering support and affection brought joy and comfort to those closest to her. She was a pillar of strength and inspiration for her family. Kaia's life was filled with love and a profound sense of empathy. Known to many as "Mom," she was often found feeding small armies of her children's friends while also providing care and shelter to anyone in need. Her unwavering compassion shone through in every aspect of her life, whether she was comforting a loved one or helping them find their way. Kaia is survived by her loving husband, Henry Ottersen; her cherished children, Guy and Crystal Ottersen; and her beloved grandchildren, Drew, Jaden, and Jacob Ottersen. She is also survived by her loving mother, Jackie Reilly-Hoff, and her brothers Charles, Patrick, Timothy, Gerald, Kelly, John Reilly, as well as her sisters, Roberta Fischer and Kayce Wharton, and many nieces and nephews. Kaia is now reunited in heaven with her beloved father, Robert Reilly, and her dear son, Riley Ottersen, both of whom left this world too soon. May their spirits now be joined together in eternal peace and love. Kaia Beth Ottersen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though we mourn her passing, we take solace in the knowledge that her beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace.

(Age 82) On March 25th, 2024, we said goodbye to our beloved sister, aunty, teacher, friend, and associate: Janice Louise Franz. She meant so much to so many and, it is likely, her passing will create a void in our community that will be felt for years to come. Jan started teaching in 1966 and spent most of her career at Opportunity Elementary School in the Central Valley School District. She was proud to wear those Panda colors, but you can bet, under that Opportunity swag, there was a thick layer of Crimson and Gray. She loved each and every student who sat in her classroom over the several decades of her career. After Janice passed, her family found a bureau, in the attic, packed full of heartfelt letters and notes from many of the parents and students she served. Common to most of these communications were the words Fun, Love, and Patience. Janice was a professional and the mark of the best teachers is a well-designed lesson plan. Some of us remember Jan designing these plans, in the hot summer, beneath a thin layer of Cocoa Butter or, when cool breezes were blowing across Loon Lake, from the shelter of her screened-in cabin porch. Jan was a master of these lesson plans. The trick is to get the kids to engage, and feel a sense of excitement, anticipation, and curiosity. Carefully executed, a good lesson plan can make learning happen while the students least expect it. Of course, every master must have a masterpiece and Jan was no exception. Jan’s masterpiece was her life. She taught all of us so many important things, even when we least expected that she was teaching. She showed us, for example, that the Butterfly Effect is real and that little acts of love, caring, and generosity can flow through society and expand in force, exponentially, as they spread across the world. She did this time and again, on her own and through St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or as an active member of the PEO Sisterhood. Jan lived her faith and was prayerful, but she consistently helped God answer those prayers by turning them into actions. Jan taught her final lesson while under the palliative care of the wonderful staff at Sacred Heart Hospital. There she proved to us that the strongest, most enduring hearts are not built in the gymnasium but through the consistent and rigorous exercise of compassion. Janice is survived by her loving brother, Marvin Franz (Carol); niece, Lori Kaye; nephew, Scott Franz (Gale); Shawn & Randy Woodard; Gwenn & Bill Baer; and numerous cousins and second cousins across the Spokane-Cheney area. Please join us for a graveside memorial service at Spokane Memorial Gardens, 5909 Cheney – Spokane Road, on April 17th at 11:00 a.m.