Michigan

Wiidanen, Charles – Obituary

Funeral services for Charles Wiidanen, a pioneer of Centerville, were held at Phillips Funeral Home, with interment at Centerville Grange Cemetery. Born April 21, 1877, in Michigan, Wiidanen moved to Klickitat Valley as a child and spent his life farming and contributing to the community. He married Jennie E. Planting in 1905 and was active in the Apostolic Lutheran Church and Centerville Grange. Wiidanen passed away on November 28, 1952, at age 75, survived by his wife, daughter, and siblings.

Gerard, Ida May (Hall) – Obituary

Ida M. Gerard, aged 91, passed away on May 14, 1958, at Central Memorial Hospital in Toppenish. Born on July 26, 1866, in Covington, Kentucky, she married Joseph N. Gerard in 1884. Ida lived in various places, including Ellensburg, Spokane, and Wapato. She was active in Presbyterian women’s organizations and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by her son Kenneth W. Gerard and brother C. Fred Hall. Funeral services will be held on May 17.

Curtis, Rosetta Carver – Obituary

Rosetta Carver, a pioneer of the Kittitas Valley, passed away at age 77 on November 14, 1930, after a prolonged illness. Born on January 3, 1853, in Michigan, she moved to the valley in 1876 with her family. Rosetta married George W. Carver in 1869 and they operated one of the largest dairies in the area. A charter member of the Women’s Relief Corps and the Order of the Eastern Star, she was known for her compassion and community service. She is survived by six children.

Barnhart, Olive A. Brisson – Obituary

Olive A. Barnhart, aged 76, passed away on January 24, 1961, in San Diego, California. Born on August 15, 1884, in Flint, Michigan, she married P. Fred Barnhart in 1903 and moved to Ellensburg, where they lived for many years. After her husband’s death in 1951, she relocated to San Diego. Olive was active in the Rebekah Lodge and the First Christian Church. She is survived by her son Fred, another son, Harold, a daughter, and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on January 27.

Cooke, Irma Lucile Wilson – Obituary

Irma Lucile Cooke, 90, passed away on December 23, 1990, in Kittitas, Washington. Born on August 26, 1900, in Wausau, Wisconsin, she earned a teaching degree and taught high school English, Spanish, and piano after moving to Ellensburg in 1932. A member of Kittitas Community Church, she served as organist and pianist. She married Norman L. Cooke in 1935. Survived by her son, daughter, adopted daughter, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, she will be cremated at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

Bender, Louis – Obituary

Louis Bender, a prominent Ellensburg resident for nearly 50 years, passed away at age 65 on March 22, 1946, following a period of ill health. Originally from Michigan, he moved to Ellensburg in 1899 and was involved in various occupations, including freight hauling and dairy farming. Bender was married to Maria Elizabeth Hayes in 1908 and had a large family, including five sons and a daughter. He was active in local lodges and had recently retired to a farm. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Curtis, James H. – Obituary

James H. Curtis, an early pioneer who settled in the valley in 1873, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday in Brewster, Washington. Born on July 1, 1849, in Michigan, he married Samantha Wheeler in 1875. He is survived by four children—Tillie Hayes, Etta Vaughn, May Goldberg, and Wesley Curtis—along with 28 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His sister, Rose Carver, also survives him. His funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Carver, Rosetta Curtis – Obituary

Rosetta Curtis Carver, a pioneer of Kittitas Valley, passed away on November 14, 1930, at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. Born in Michigan in 1853, she married George W. Carver in 1869 and journeyed westward along the Oregon Trail to settle in the valley in 1876. Together, they raised six children, and Mrs. Carver was active in her community as a charter member of the Women’s Relief Corps. She is remembered for her generosity and support during times of need.

Cooke, Winifred Joyce Churchill – Obituary

Winifred Joyce Churchill Cooke, aged 83, passed away on January 13, 1975, at Kittitas Valley Community Hospital. Born on March 13, 1891, in Capac, Michigan, she married Chester A. Cooke in 1910 and settled in the Edgemont-Thrall area, where they farmed until his death in 1950. She is survived by three daughters, two sons, 12 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services; she will be cremated and interred at the IOOF Cemetery.