Obituaries

Lauretta Jean Ramey

Lauretta Jean Ramey, 65, Kennewick, Wash., beloved daughter of Zane and Laura Jean Ramey, Omak, died at the Kennewick General Hospital on Dec. 19, 2008.

She was born in St. Martin’s Hospital, Tonasket on April 15, 1943 to Zane and Laura Jean Ramey. She grew up and attended schools in Oroville and Tonasket. She married Daren Shook on May 28, 1960 and they had three boys, Fuzzy, Dean and Ross (deceased July 1, 1983).

In 1970 Lauretta and her family were involved in a near fatal head-on car crash due to a drunk driver in the wrong lane of traffic. The family all suffered injuries, but Lauretta had severe facial cuts and lost an eye. She had permanent scarring on her face and a glass eye for the rest of her life.

Later on, Daren and Lauretta divorced in 1980. Tim Banks and Lauretta married in 1982 and had two years of a very happy marriage until 1984 when she came home from work to find him dead in bed, he was 43.

Despite Lauretta’s handicaps she worked for the State of Washington in the offices of support and enforcement as a clerical clerk in Tacoma. She transferred to the state offices in Kennewick and bought a home.

She was a good, kind and generous person, ready to help anyone she could that came to her for help. She made home for a exchange student in high school for a year and was host to her family when they came to visit her from Brazil. She retired in 2006.

When she passed away on Dec. 19, 2008, Fuzzy and Dean Shook were called and they summoned Jed Ramey, Funeral Director and Lauretta’s brother, from Oregon to come help them with the final arrangements. He notified family and friends of her death, which was so sudden and unexpected.

A celebration of Lauretta Jean Ramey’s life will be announced at a later date. She leaves to mourn her passing: her two sons, Fuzzy Shook and Dean Shook of Sumner, Wash.; parents, Zane and Laura Jean Ramey of Omak; sister, Cindy Ramey of Chino Valley (Prescott), Ariz.; brother Randy (Gale) Ramey of Medford, Ore.; sister, Shelley Ramey of Centralia, Wash.; sister, Debbie (Steve) Wertz of Omak; brother, Jed (Tami) Ramey of Central Point, Ore.; also, ex-husband Daren Shook of Auburn, Wash.; one granddaughter, one grandson and one great great granddaughter, along with many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Also a longtime dear friend and co-worker, Lori Sparks and husband Joe of Kennewick.

Stephen Rudolph Kosonen

Steve died suddenly, yet peacefully in his sleep, on Jan. 13, 2009 at home in Mount Vernon, Wash.

Steve met his soul mate and married Cindy Mutch in 1980. Steve and Cindy worked together to build the life of their dreams and were a constant support to each other as they grew in their careers. Their relationship was one of a kind. Their love for each other never reached a plateau – it grew from year to year; they were best friends. They have three children, Stephanie, 28, Davin, 26, and Drew, 23, who all live close to home and visit often. He was always proud to talk about their accomplishments and their hopes for the future.

Steve and Cindy built a home on Lake Osoyoos in Oroville where they enjoyed frequent visits together and shared time with family and friends. Their lake home is a testament to their love of those times, the memories created and the beautiful Okanogan.

Steve was the best father anyone could ask for. His unwavering love, support and understanding were the foundation of his family. The example he set, with the integrity of his character, is something anyone would be happy to follow. He was the kind of dad who never missed a baseball game or an opportunity to say, “I love you.” He taught his children to enjoy the simple things in life, like a twilight ski run or a job well done. You always knew he would be there with the best advice, which was also the most logical. This will forever give us the confidence to make anything seem possible. “Move slowly,” and “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other,” he would say. Like his advice, his sense of humor had the ability to make life seem a little bit brighter.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Ellen Kosonen and his twin brother Stan.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughter Stephanie; sons, Davin and Drew; brothers Richard (Jeanne), Len (Caroline), David (Pam), Mark (Sarah) and sister, Wilma Alkire (Bill). Others who will miss him dearly are Cindy’s parents, Don and Vi Mutch and sisters-in-law, LaRayne Conley (Tim), Deb Pritzl (Dale), Miriam Gannon (Dave) and Donna Mutch. Along with many nieces and nephews, Steve’s family, friends and coworkers from all phases of his life, will miss his smile, his love of life and his laugh – we can hear it today.

Funeral services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m., 2529 N. LaVenture Rd., Mount Vernon, WA 98273. For Steve’s online guestbook please visit www.hawthornefh.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Steve’s honor to: Oroville Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 123, Oroville, WA 98844.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon.

Dr. Richard Kelly Galt

Dr. Richard Kelly Galt of Vancouver, Wash., former Superintendant at Tonasket, passed away on Dec. 24, 2008 at 77 years of age.

He is remembered by family and friends as a dedicated educator, who served as a teacher and school administrator in several northwest communities and Director of the Chamber of Commerce (in Camas, Wash.) before his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Michael Galt of Tacoma; daughters, Glenda Haas of Mahwah, N.J. and Eileen Baratuci of Maple Valley, Wash. He is also survived by three stepdaughters, 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The family plans to hold a service in celebration of his life at a future date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to a charity of your choice.

Arnold D. Casey

Arnold D. Casey was born March 8, 1963 in Brewster to Ray and Helen (Shove) Casey. He passed away in Billings, Mont. Jan. 6, 2009 from a sudden illness.

His growing up years were in Winthrop, Redmond, Ore. and Shelton, Wash. before moving to Tonasket. He graduated from Tonasket High School in 1981.

Arnold married Peggy (Bassett) Matthews in 1987; they lived in Florence, Ariz. and Longmont, Colo. before moving to Billings.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Peggy of the family home; stepsons, Steven Matthews and Brian (Candi) Pickerell and grandsons Zack and Tyler of Longmont, Colo.; parents, Raymond and Helen Casey of Tonasket; brothers, Tim (Teresa) and Austin Casey of Tonasket; and sister Dianna (Tim) Naillon of Yakima, Wash. In addition, a host of wonderful friends! All who meant the world to him.

Arnold’s life was cut short at the age of 45. He lived life to the fullest; a friend to all, from his love of sports: hunting, baseball, softball and football (Go Raiders) golf and bowling; not to miss out on a afternoon ride on his motorcycle or that trip to Sturgis. He and Peggy put on some great Fourth of July and Super Bowl parties; he cooked a mighty fine steak.

Arnold served in the U.S. Navy, after which he worked in different professions ranging from prison guard, cable TV installer, contractor, softball umpire, before finding his love of long haul truck driving.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Tonasket Community Church, 4th Street behind US Bank. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or for a Tonasket Community Scholarship – Arnold Casey.

Dahl Funeral and Cremation, Billings, Mont. is in charge of arrangements. (406) 248-8807.

Arron Patrick Holbert

Arron Patrick Holbert (Beave) of Othello, Wash. died Jan. 13, 2009 of a sudden illness.

He was born Dec. 30, 1972 in Tonasket to parents Don and Ginny Holbert. He attended school in Tonasket and worked at various occupations as an adult the last being a truck driver. Arron was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his motorcycle. Arron married Elsie Jorgenson on Aug. 30, 1996.

He is survived be his wife Elsie; four daughters, Sylvia, 18, Danielle, 17, Alyssa, 16, and Daryan, 12, still at home; his mother Ginny, of Tonasket; father Don (Gloria) of La Grande, Ore.; three brothers, Donnie (Tracy) of Goldendale, Wash., Brett of Burns, Ore. and Josh of La Grande, Ore.; one sister, Shoen of Tonasket; his maternal grandfather, Carl (Nancy) Inlow of Tonasket; three sisters-in-law, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arron will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A springtime memorial is being planned. Watch this paper for notice of time and place.

Anyone wishing to donate blood to Arron’s medical account may do so at the local Red Cross.

Richard ‘Dick’ Burnham

Richard ‘Dick’ Burnham born Dec. 10, 1919 – Forced landing Jan. 12, 2009. WWII test pilot and flight instructor. Father of Linda and Mark, grandfather of Christopher and Afton, great grandfather of Jacob and Mathew. Cherished son of Myrtle Harms of Oroville, brother to Bev Marshall, uncle to Marja and Gary in Bellevue. Honorary father of Sherrie and Mike Hillborn and their children: Ashley, Alisha, April and Alex in Spokane. Fondly appreciated by the Contois families and Johnston families of Spokane.

Married Doreen Sexson of Oroville in 1942. Great grandson of Dr. Alfred Burnham of Gig Harbor. Uncle, alternate father, friend to many and a pretty good dancer.

Dick joined the Lions Club in 1947 and kept a perfect attendance record until 2007, even when out of the country. He brought and exchanged flags with all. He was active in the Gig Harbor Historical Society, a member of the DAV, VFW, Quiet Birdmen and a loyal volunteer in all. Genealogy was also his passion.

He followed his heart, always ready to go places and meet people. When he asked you, “How are you?” he really wanted to know. Succeeding against all odds time and again, he has inspired us with his optimistic attitude and quirky humor.

Final take off and our chance to wave goodbye: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hennessey/Smith, 2203 N. Division, Spokane. In lieu of flowers please donate to DAV or Lions Club or make a peanut butter sandwich and a cup of cocoa for your little ones.