The Oregonian (Portland, OR)
July 10, 1995Mrs Kittie May Stockton Crockett, 95
Mrs. Crockett died July 4 at age 95. She was born Aug. 11, 1899, in Stanberry, Mo. Her maiden name was Stockton.
After graduating from Hillsboro High School and the University of Oregon, she received a master's degree in library science from the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Crockett was a teacher and librarian. She retired in 1969 as associate professor of children's literature and head librarian of the laboratory school of Eastern Oregon State College.
Her husband, Dr. Earl Niles Crockett, died in 1953.
Mrs. Crockett was an Episcopalian.
Survivors are her daughters, Miriam J. Street of Portland and Patricia A. McCoy of Seattle; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
The Oregonian (Portland, OR)
June 26, 2019Marion 'Jim' Street Feb. 17, 1925 - June 19, 2019
Jim served with the 15th Air Force, 483rd Bomb Group (H), 815th Squadron, stationed near Foggia, Italy (Southern Italy) beginning in August, 1944 until March 1945, completing 35 combat missions. He was a 19 year old pilot of a B-17 bomber, becoming a Flight Commander with the rank of Captain and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was born in Redmond, Ore., educated in Portland schools and graduated from Oregon State
College in 1949, where he met and married his wife Mimi Crockett in 1948.
They had three children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his family, Jim is survived by his five sisters; and many nieces and nephews.
He was a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for 25 years, 1951 to 1976. He was then employed by Portland General Electric as their first Director of Corporate Security until 1990. While with PGE, he was a member of Rotary International, (Downtown Portland Club) and was on the startup board for the Portland Crime Commission. Jim was devoted to his wife of 70 years, Mimi; and to his family. He was generous and kind, tough and resilient, a hero to so many people who knew and loved him. He never lost the twinkle in his eye and he will be fiercely missed.
The Bee (Portland, OR)
July 1, 2008Isobel (Mickey) Mudge was born on February 21, 1922, in Woodburn, and grew up in North Portland, where she attended Peninsula Grade School and Roosevelt High. She went to school at Oregon State College where she became a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She met and married Ross T. Mudge at Oregon State. They lived in Bremerton, Washington, during the World War II, while Ross worked for the Navy. After the war they moved to Portland - first to S.W. Luradel Street, and then to S.E. 31st, where they raised their family. In 1955 Ross was stricken with polio; Mickey cared for him at home until his death in 1977. Later, she enjoyed a number of years traveling to Europe and around the United States with friends. She was a member of Moreland Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, and enjoyed Sunday breakfasts with her 'No Grape Jelly' group. Most recently Mickey was at home at Friendship Health Center, overcoming breast cancer, while struggling with Alzheimer's Disease. She died on June 15.
She is survived by her daughters: Penny Carter (Phillip) of Portland, Marilyn Mudge (John Renzelman), Wayne, Nebraska, and son Tom (Kathy) of Milwaukie, Oregon. She had three grandchildren, Jenni Hutteball (Brian) of Oregon City, Deron Carter (Erin Chamberlain) of Corvallis, and Brett Carter, Portland.
NW Arkansas Times (Fayetteville, AR)
March 20, 2007Robert H. "Bob" King, 90, of Bentonville died Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Bradford House in Bentonville.
He was born April 5, 1916, in Pleasant Hill, Mo., to Robert and Annie Crockett King. He was a manager of several meat markets in Wichita, Kan., until World War II, when we went to work for The Boeing Co., retiring after 26 years of service. He was a member of Albert Pike Lodge #303 in Wichita, Kan., Scottish Rite, Midian Shrine Temple and York Rite Bodies. He founded the Nomad Shrine Club in Bentonville, organized the Greeters Association and attended Blue Lodge in Bentonville. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Bentonville.
Survivors include his wife, Esther King of the home; a son, Robert M. "Monty" King of Danville, Ky.; two daughters, Suzanne King-Versa and Sally King-Jones, both of Fairfield, Calif.; four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Web Edition Articles (Little Rock, AR)
January 21, 2017Esther A. King, 96, a native of Kansas, died Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark.
She was predeceased by her father, Charles, L Monteith (1950); her mother, Ruth M McPherson Hunt (1995); her great-granddaughter, Lisa A Rains (1998) and her beloved husband, Robert H. King (2007).
Esther was a wonderful seamstress, cook, and homemaker. Her husband, Robert, and she entertained for many years. Both enjoyed participating in Shriner activities and volunteered a tremendous amount of years in activities devoted to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. She enjoyed plays and orchestras, good suspense movies, shopping, playing bridge and cribbage, boating, camping, and traveling throughout the United States with her family. She had lived in Byers and Wichita, Kan.; Grove, Okla.; Springfield, Pa.; San Diego, Calif.; Fayetteville, Bentonville and Rogers, Ark. She made friends everywhere she lived, but her two favorite places were Kansas and Arkansas where she lived the longest.
She is survived by her children: Robert M. King, Suzanne Verza (Roger), Sally A. King (Ralph E. Jones, III); four grandchildren: Robin A. Rains, Jennifer L. Boylan (Steve), Rose Nicole King, and Robert L. King (Kelly); and eight great-grandchildren: Chad Rains, Cassandra J. Rains, Todd Rains, Erica Rains, Stephanie R. Boylan, Andrew S. Boylan, Haleigh G. King, Parker Robert King; and, cousins in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kansas, Texas and Nebraska.
Esther had many friends in the local area; some moved and some now predecease her. Her many steadfast and supportive friends have a special place in our hearts and we thank them all: Dr. and Mrs. James Byrum, Mr. and the late Mrs. Mark Caspermeyer, Mrs. Dorothy Ernst, Mr. Bill Litzinger, Mr. and Mrs. Barry Lunney, Ms. Melanie Kettner and her sons, Adam and Aaron Kettner, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Mayo, The Rev. and Mrs. Eric Meyer, Ms. Vicky Stallion, Mr. Samuel D. Stokes and Ms. Deborah Grassi, Ms. Dixie Trotter, and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Walser.
Kansas City Star on Jul. 11, 2003
July 11, 2003Wesley B. Horn, 89, of Marshall, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2003, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
On July 20, 1940, he married Lula Crockett, who survives of the home. H
e had been plant manager at Tranin Egg Company in Kansas City and retired from Kitchens of Sara Lee in 1980.
Additional survivors include three daughters, Margie McCoy of Lee's Summit, MO, Janet Diaz of Villa Park, IL, and May Willis of Gallatin, MO.
The Columbian (Vancouver, WA)
September 26, 1997R. Joe Rust, 70, retired finance director for the city of Washougal and a community leader, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1997, in Camas.
Mr. Rust was born Nov. 9, 1926, in Chattanooga, Tenn. He lived in the Camas-Washougal area since 1962.
He conceived and founded the North County Social Service Center in Washougal. He was a founding director of Washington State Bank and the Washougal Historical Museum. He was chairman of the Washougal School Board for one term. He helped establish rose gardens for the City of Washougal and the Port of Camas-Washougal.
In 1980, Mr. Rust led a delegation from the city of Camas to establish a sister city with Hosoe-Cho, Japan. The program has since united communities through student exchanges and international visits.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he received the Navy Cross while serving in the Pacific. He was a graduate of Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore.
He was the controller for J. Henry Helser in Portland and San Francisco, Tidland Corp. in Camas, and Newell Corp. in Portland and Los Angeles. He was finance director for the city of Washougal in the 1980s.
Survivors include his son, R. Christopher of Battle Ground; his daughter, Elizabeth Rust of Gold Run, Calif.; a brother, James of Eugene; and three grandchildren.
72465. Frederick Samuel Vesser
The Seattle Times
February 17, 2003Frederick Samuel VESSER 87, passed away Friday, February 14th, 2003 in his Puyallup Valley home. Born November 18, 1915 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho,
Frederick grew up in the logging camps of North Idaho. After leaving Coeur d'Alene, he followed the construction industry for several years. Fred watched the construction of Grand Coulee Dam and the Hanford Project. He worked in a gold mine in British Columbia. During World War II, Fred was a welder in the Tacoma shipyards and he fell in love with the Puget Sound area. In the fall of 1952, he moved his family to Seattle and started working as a mechanic/welder in area truck shops. In 1964 he was elected Secretary Treasurer of the Automotive Machinist's Union 289 where he held office until he retired in 1978.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Neila, his sister Irene Miller of Kansas City, his three children and their spouses, Frederick and Susan Vesser, Neila Kaye and Terry Bohn and Edwin and Kathleen Vesser, four grandchildren and spouses, Laura Bohn, Irene and Brian Batty, Eddie and Sarah Vesser and Amy Vesser, three great-grandchildren, Breana Batty and Samuel and Hannah Vesser, and assorted wonderful family and friends.
Find-a-Grave
Irene Marion (Vesser) Miller, 96, Shawnee, Ks, died Feb. 25, 2017. Born Oct. 8, 1920 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the year women got the vote, she was preceded in death by her parents Edwin Crockett Vesser and Irene Harper Vesser; brothers Ed(Agnes) and Fred (Neila); her husband Lee and daughter Daryl Davey and her dogs, Bendi and Jasmine .
Survived by daughter Candace Scott(Loren), grandchildren Samantha Le (Viet), John Davey IV (Masha), Devon Davey(Brian), and great-granddaughters Vivian Rose Le and Cassandra Daryl Davey.
Irene lived in 8 states and visited many countries, but her favorite place was San Francisco. When Lee was overseas in Africa/Sicily (WWII), she worked as a secretary there. Lee and Irene returned to Kansas City and his family after the war. When he died, she moved back to SF. She rejoined Candace's family in Shawnee for 26 years.
Irene was a modest, honest person who was a liberal. She worked as a legal and medical secretary as well as gave clarinet lessons for Bob Luyben. She played the clarinet for several local orchestras. She also created and sold intricate Barbie doll clothes for craft fairs. She lived in her own home until the end. She watched birds, the Royals (Patek, Butler, Perez) and Jayhawk BB (Morris twins, Mason, Graham). A sweet woman, she loved her family.
San Luis Obispo County Tribune
June 21, 2015On June 14, 2015, Doris Anita Mello passed away peacefully after 94 years of a full and highly productive life. Doris was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in October of 1920 to Ben and Jessie Erley and had a loving childhood there along with her three brothers.
Her father was an avid outdoorsman and instilled his love for the lakes and mountains to Doris, which she passed on to her children. Doris was not a tomboy however, she loved to attend the local dances with her girlfriends where the famous big bands of the era often played.
It was at one of these dances that she met the love of her life and future husband John M. Mello, who was attending the University of Idaho in Moscow pursuing a Masters degree in Education. It was indeed love at first sight for both of them, for they were happily married for 71 years. Doris's husband John graduated with a degree in chemistry and got his first job teaching that subject in Athol, Idaho. From there they lived in Yreka and Tule Lake, California, before moving their young family to Taft, California, where John taught chemistry and headed the Science Department at Taft Union High School for 30 years.
During that period Doris worked at home raising their three children. She was an active member of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, served on the Westside Recreation District Board of Directors, and worked various jobs to supplement the family income. She was a loving mother who always looked out for her children's welfare while at the same time encouraging them to follow their dreams even if took them off the beaten path. Doris was also an astute follower of current affairs and government and how it affected society. Doris and John loved to golf, fish, and visit with family and friends. For many years they had a cabin on beautiful Coeur d'Alene Lake, Idaho, which was a special place for family visits. In later years they rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe where they hosted many summertime family reunions.
Their home in Daisy Hill Mobile Home Park was the meeting place for many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. All family members were invited and their friends were welcome too. Their home got filled up with happy people (and dogs!) on these occasions and will be remembered by us all. Doris and John made many long-lasting friendships in their 22-years at Daisy Hill and as members of the Morro Bay Seniors Golf Club.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Jessie Erley; her brothers: James, Benjamin, and Donald, and by her husband John.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Sunny Judy Mello and Barbara Jean Jones (Larry Vincent); son, John Joseph Mello (Marsha); grandchildren: Hilary Boudreaux (Scott), Chris Gaines (Anna), Jennifer Biagioni, and Stephanie Odom (Garry); great- grandchildren: Henry and Isabelle Boudreaux, William and Cameron Gaines, Amanda, Mark, Joshua, Nicole, Alison and Juliana Biagioni, and Emma and Niall Stanley; six great- great-grandchildren, and Doris's adoring dog, Meg. Doris is also survived by her nephew, Clyde Erley and his wife Pompei, whose friendship and support meant very much to Doris and John.
San Luis Obispo County Tribune
November 24, 2009On Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, John M. Mello passed away peacefully after 96 years of a full and highly productive life.
Born in 1913 to Joseph and Mary Mello near what is now Tank Farm Road in San Luis Obispo, John was raised at the Mello family ranch in Los Osos Valley. Having an aptitude for science, John left the ranch to get a bachelor''s degree in chemistry at San Jose State. He then went to Moscow, Idaho, to pursue his master''s degree in education at the University of Idaho.
It was in Idaho that he met the love of his life, Doris Anita Erley. It was indeed ''love at first sight'' for both of them. This last June, they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. John''s first teaching job was in Athol, Idaho, then in 1937, they moved to Yreka, Calif. After that he became principal at Tulelake High School in California. His teaching career was interrupted by World War II when he served stateside with the U.S. Navy. In 1946, John and Doris moved their family to Taft, Calif., where John taught chemistry and headed the Science Department at Taft Union High School for 30 years. He was a gifted teacher and inspired many students to pursue an education in science. Throughout his teaching career John furthered his own education and received National Science Foundation scholarships to attend summer school sessions at U.C. Berkeley, Washington State, Stanford, and University of Idaho and Gonzaga University. When he wasn''t teaching, he loved to golf, fish and visit with family and friends. All of these passions he shared with his wife, Doris. For many years they had a cabin on beautiful Coeur d''Alene Lake, Idaho, which was a special place for family visits. In later years, they rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe, where they hosted many summertime family reunions. Up until suffering a stroke in 2007, John was an active man often seen walking around Daisy Hill Mobile Home Park. Amazingly, he was 93 when he had his last golf game! Although he was slowed down physically by his stroke, his mind remained sharp. He was known for his tremendous sense of humor, which he used to cheer up his family during the last days of his life.
John is survived by his wife, Doris Anita; daughters Sunny Judy Mello and Barbara Jean (Larry Vincent) Jones; son, John Joseph (Marsha) Mello; grandchildren Hilary (Scott) Boudreaux, Chris (Anna) Gaines, Jennifer Biagioni and Stephanie (Garry) Odom; great-grandchildren Henry and Isabelle Boudreaux, William Gaines, Amanda, Mark, Joshua, Nicole, Alison and Juliana Biagioni, and EmmaLee and Niall Stanley; great-great grandson, Morrison Espinoza; sister, Edith McCoy; many loving nieces and nephews; and his adoring dog, Meg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Mello; siblings Mary Mello, George Mello, Joseph Mello, Isabelle Majewski, Louie Mello, Margaret Farias and Lorraine Cabral.
The San Diego Union-Tribune (CA)
October 7, 2011SMITH JR., WILLARD - March 31, 1925 to October 1, 2011
Willard Smith Jr., known only as Smitty, was born in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, on March 31, 1925.
Growing up he split his time between his mother's house in town and his grandparents' nearby farm. Smitty served in World War II As a rifleman in the Ninth Infantry Division he took part in the Normandy invasion and was wounded in action months later in France. Smitty was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He spent a year in the hospital in England before shipping home in 1945.
In 1946, as an apprentice electrician in Pocatello, Idaho, Smitty started a lifelong membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. While taking his apprenticeship classes at Idaho State College he met Nadine Shirley, a member of the cheerleading squad.
On a sub-zero night in December 1946, Smitty and Nadine were married in Libby, Montana. In the next few years, as Smitty finished his training, two sons were born, Ed and Scott. A third son, David, was born in 1953, two years after the Smiths moved to San Diego, California.
Smitty worked many years as a union electrician and for a time ran his own contracting business. Smitty also loved teaching young electricians and many local electricians remember the courses he taught for I.B.E.W. Local 569 at City College. Until the last year of his life, at eighty five years of age, he worked at the union training center and remained to the end a hard-core "union man". Smitty was known for his community service. He took special pride in the fact that he and many other young ex-G.I.s moving into the newly built suburb of AlIied Gardens, built the Little League field and made sure that everyone had a chance to play ball. Smitty was legendary for his generosity and the Smith house was a well-known hangout for a generation of local kids, as well as friends and relatives from across the country and even the British Isles. More than a few kids lived for extended periods with Smitty and Nadine. Smitty was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and helped an untold number of people to turn their lives around. He passed away with fifty-two years sober.
Smitty lost his eldest son, Ed, to service in the military in 1967 and is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Nadine, two sons, Scott and David, adopted son Mark, four grandchildren, Joe, Mackenzie, Ed, and Erick, four great-grandchildren Zachary, Charlie, Gracie and Mason as well as untold others who considered him their dad as well.
Standard-Journal (Rexburg, ID)
September 10, 2019With Heartfelt love and gratitude for the life of our mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, we sadly announce the passing of Ossie Nadine Smith on August 31, 2019. She peacefully finished her journey of life surrounded and wrapped in the loving arms of her family in Felt, Idaho.
Nadine was born in Rexburg, Idaho, on May 22, 1928, to Clyde Ernest Shirley and Ossie Bowers Shirley. Her grandfather brought the family west from Bowersville, Georgia. They came to Idaho with The Mormon missionaries. She had one brother Ben.
Excerpt from Nadine's Memoir: "I was born when my brother Ben was eight years old. I was a typical kid sister, teasing and tormenting him. But, he spoiled me rotten as the youngest of the family. My best friend was Joann Harris, and her brother Byron was Ben's best friend, so Joann and I were double trouble. I had a perfect childhood. I didn't realize we were poor, because I got most of what I wanted from my dad. Daddy worked for Railway Express Co., We had a two- story house, which was a block and a half from Washington Elementary School and good old Madison High School. My brother Ben was a cheerleader in school, so, of course, I wanted to be one too. My junior and senior year I was one of the three. We had cute little outfits, if I say so myself. We had a lot of pep and kept the kids shouting for victory for Madison High. My relatives spoiled me, but I don't think I turned out too bad."
She graduated from Madison High School. She loved nature and her beautiful Grand Teton Mountains.
Nadine met the love of her life Willard Smith Jr., "Smitty" while attending Southern Branch College, in Pocatello, Idaho. They were married December 30, 1946 in Libby, Montana. They lived in Pocatello, Idaho for several years. They later moved to Allied Gardens in San Diego, California, where they raised their sons Eddie, Scott, and David. Their house looked like a dormitory for boys, all were welcome. The neighborhood was the best. It grew from sagebrush and jackrabbits to a community of loving friends who worked to help build libraries, a recreational center, a park, a pool and a Little League field.
In thinking about mom's life, her interest, her legacy, I realized that mom's interests weren't in the common books, flowers, clubs or puzzles. Her true passion was people, her family and her friends. Her interests laid in the lives of those she loved and cared for. She was the kindest person we've ever known. She was the best grandma and mother-in-law ever. She had a great sense of humor (KISS) keep it simple, stupid!!! I love you, I love you more!!! Well, you don't know much!!, Love you Sweetheart.
She loved unconditionally and each of us felt deeply loved by her. What a wonderful and unique soul, there are angels amongst us. She is one of the best. We are blessed beyond words. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. We are honored to call her our mom, Mimi (grandmother), Aunt Deenie (even if you didn't have green onions and buttermilk!!) cousin and friend.
Nadine is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Smitty, brother Ben, her son Eddie, and 2 nephews. She is survived by her sons: Scott (Ellen) Smith, Pittsburgh, David Smith, Calif.; four grandchildren: Joe, Mackenzie, Eddie, Eric; five great grandchildren: Mason, Zachary, Charlie, Henry and Julian. Nephews: Kerry, Val and Delwin.
Wickipedia
John Martin Vesser (October 1, 1900 � March 20, 1996) was an American football player, coach of football and basketball, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Idaho State University for nine seasons during 1941 1951.
Biography
Vesser was born in 1900 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He played college football for Idaho, and was on the West squad for the inaugural East West Shrine Game in December 1925. Vesser then played professionally for the Los Angeles Wildcats and the Chicago Cardinals.Following his playing career, Vesser became a coach, first at the high school level, then joined the Idaho Southern Branch Bengals football team as an assistant coach in 1937. In 1941, Vesser succeeded Guy Wicks as head coach; the school was renamed as Idaho State College in 1947. Vesser spent 11 years as head coach, during which the team competed in nine football seasons, as no teams were fielded in 1943 or 1945 due to World War II, compiling an overall record of 41 27 6 (.595).
Vesser also served as head coach of the Idaho State Bengals men's basketball team for several seasons, and was athletic director at the college from 1952 to 1965. He was inducted to the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974, and the athletics hall of fame at Idaho State in 1979.[7] Vesser died in 1996 in Pocatello, Idaho.
Idaho State Journal (Pocatello, ID)
April 30, 2010CHUBBUCK - Carolyn Hansen Vesser, beloved companion, mom, grandma and sister, passed into the spirit realm while sleeping on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, following a rally from an extended illness.
Blessed with many gifts, she put the Lord first as she was able along with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Bob; and children, David, Helen, John, Joe and their families; mother, Elmoyne Hanks (102 years); brothers, George and Dean Hansen and their families; and the children and families of her stepfather, the late Ted V. Hanks.
A gifted R.N., New York published novelist (young adult science fiction), gospel song and prose writer, along with assorted church callings from the Cub Scouts, Primary, Mutual, Relief Society - even a general class radio operator (N7WYH now called a "Silent-Key") in the churches short-wave program - all while managing an oft-times difficult husband whose employment kept him out of town the better part of more than 20 years.
Always learning, she was salutatorian of her class at Driggs High School and had three years additional academics after completing R.N. training and thousands of hours of writing studies, which in fruition helped her provide total support of her four children on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ.