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Merchant Memorial Group, Clarkston, WA (2026)

12/30/2025

Celian Crossman Jr., 80, of Clarkston, passed away Friday, Dec. 27, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with dementia. He was born Feb. 5, 1945, to Celian and Barbara Crossman. He married his wife Violet (Lou) and they raised four daughters.

His parents, his brother John and his daughter Heidi Miller all preceded him in death. He is survived by Ingrid Luevano, Gladys (Tim) Miller and Sonja (Shane) Spielman. He is also survived by brothers Bill Crossman (Carol) and Harry Crossman; sisters, Celia Schmidt and Mary Keeton; grandchildren, Amber Norton, Chris Meador, Vanessa Taylor, Kathy Ruddles, Michael Luevano, Pete Miller, Caitlin Miller, Andrew Miller and Megan Miller.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Mountain View Funeral Home, 3521 Seventh St., Lewiston. The service will also be streamed on Zoom.

The family would like to thank Dr. Millegan and Elite Hospice for the excellent care they provided to him.

12/29/2025

Joby Ray Watson, lovingly known as Papa, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston. He was born July 28, 1938, to Walter “Sport” and Mildred Violet Castle Watson in Melrose, Kan. After losing his father at the age of 6, his mother married his stepfather Harold Wayne McGill. Joby graduated from Chetopa High School in 1956.

Joby soon found work with the KATY Railroad and then Boeing Company in Wichita, Kan., prior to joining the United States Air Force. It was there that he received training in data processing on mainframe computers, training that later led to a civilian career path with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers at Dworshak and Potlatch Corp. in Lewiston, where he retired after 30 years of employment.

While on temporary assignment with the U.S.A.F. at Fairchild Air Base near Spokane, Joby met the love of his life, Gayle Litchfield. They soon married and built a life together rooted in faith, service and family.

Military service took the family to Oklahoma and then Japan where he became known as “Papasan,” a name that evolved into the cherished title Papa.

Joby worked tirelessly to provide for his family and found meaningful purpose supporting student-athletes with the Lewis-Clark American Legion baseball program and later the Warrior Athletic Association at Lewis-Clark State College. He was known for his generosity, steady presence and a deep love for family and friends.

Joby’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he passed down, the athletes he supported and the countless memories made around his pool. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished Papa and a man whose life reflected generosity, faith and enduring love. His constant presence at sporting events in the LC Valley will be notably missed.

In his final years, Joby resided at the Idaho State Veterans Home, where he was lovingly cared for with dignity, compassion and respect. His family will forever be grateful for the care received and friendships made while residing there.

Joby is survived by his children, Anthony, Kellie (Jody) and Kristie (Randy); his grandchildren, Selina (Travis), Abbi (Ryan), Jesse, Lucas and Joby; his great-grandchildren, Silas and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle and his son, Joby.

Joby is also survived by extended family and friends who throughout his lifetime held a special place in his heart. Joby shared lifelong friendships enjoying fishing, golf, travel and many outings around town enjoying breakfast over conversation about his Yankees or stories of the many fish caught.

A celebration of life will be held at a date and time to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lewis-Clark State College Women’s Basketball Scholarship Club or the Warrior Athletic Association in support of student athletes — organizations that meant a great deal to Joby.

Joby Ray Watson will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

12/24/2025

Nell Delores Curtis was born on Jan. 3, 1931, in Lewiston, to Dolly Grace Michaelson Curtis and William Wesley Curtis Jr. and passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. She grew up in Lewiston attending Weaskis Grade School, Lewiston Junior High and graduated from Lewiston Senior High School with the class of 1949 and was crowned the winner of the Miss Green Mill Beauty Pageant in 1949. She attended Northern Idaho College of Education, now Lewis Clark State College, for one year where she met her future husband in a history class.

During high school she was in majorettes and majorette leader her senior year, leading the majorettes in all the ball games and the local parades. She and William C. Birdsell were married in Milton-Freewater, Ore., at the home of Loyd and Elnora Key on Aug. 13, 1950. They lived in Athena, Pendleton, Prineville, Haines and Baker, Ore., Lewiston, Umapine and Milton-Freewater, Asotin and finally moving back to Lewiston in 1975. She has resided at Clarkston Health & Rehabilitation of Cascadia in the memory care unit since June of 2017. She is survived by her husband of 75 years at the family home in Lewiston, sons William L. Birdsell and wife Tracy, of Stanfield, Ore., Jay C. Birdsell and wife Kathy, of Milton-Freewater, Clayton D. Birdsell and Melanie, of Beaverton, Ore., and daughter Nila B. Browning and husband Larry, of Lewiston, sisters-in-law Iva E. Peer and Jane R. Johnson, of Lewiston, and Monte V. Birdsell-Bogdon, of Camas, Wash. Grandchildren Adam’s widow (Chris Eldrige), Darrah Heckman (Jon), Daniel Birdsell (Teresa), Jeremy Hall (Danielle), Jordan Hall (Jennifer), Misty Burke (Taylor), Wendy Hoagland (Glen) and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother William Wesley Curtis III, sisters Beverly A. Beaulieu, and Jeanene E. Powers, daughter-in-law Cindy I. Birdsell, nephews Richard G. Bennett Jr., Mark A. Beaulieu, Kerry D. Martin, grandson Adam C. Birdsell, parents-in-law Lloyd E. and V. Beula Birdsell, brothers-in-law J.R. Shinneman, Cecil E. Birdsell, Ray W. Powers, E. Leroy Johnson, Chester D. Martin, Neil R. Beaulieu, Dan C. Peer and sisters-in-law Lela L. Martin and Marie E. Shinneman.

She was a stay-at-home mother until her boys were out of school and then managed the Diet Center in Lewiston for several years and became a teachers aid at ACTS Christian School while her daughter attended school there.

She attended Valley Christian Church for many years and was a member of Blessed Hope Assembly of God Church and loved the Lord very much.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at Blessed Hope Assembly of God Church, 1033 Burrell Ave., Lewiston, with burial following at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston. Pastor John Vantrease will officiate.

12/23/2025

Della Margaret “Peggy” (Moore) Woods, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Cascadia of Lewiston care center.

Peggy was born in Colfax on March 3, 1939, to Genevieve and Clinton Moore. She grew up in Palouse and graduated from Palouse High School in 1957.

Peggy met the love of her life, Roy Woods, at a school dance. She adored him very much, and they were married in the summer of 1959. Together, they made their home in Clarkston and raised their two sons, Bob and Jon.

Peggy dedicated 35 years of her life to teaching special education, where she touched countless lives with her patience, compassion and unwavering belief in her students. She also spent several years substitute teaching at the local elementary school. Peggy enjoyed coaching Special Olympics and was a steady source of encouragement and joy for the athletes she supported.

Throughout her life, Peggy loved gardening, camping and spending time outdoors. She also enjoyed visits to the casino — where she was known for her good luck — and was a voracious reader, often finishing six to 10 books a month.

Peggy will be remembered, by all who knew her, as one of the kindest and most genuine people you could ever meet. She was generous with her time, thoughtful, caring and always ready to help others.

Peggy is survived by her son, Jon (Kim) Woods; her brother, Wayne Moore; and her grandchildren, Jessica (Aaron) Bingham, Jamesa Woods, Riley Woods and Jacob Woods.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Genevieve and Clinton Moore; her husband, Roy Woods; her son, Bob Woods; and her brother Charles Moore.

Peggy’s warmth, love and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends and all whose lives she touched.

12/22/2025

Joanne McQuary, 73, of Clarkston, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She was born on April 17, 1952, to Earle and Joan Beamish, in Oliver, British Columbia.

Joanne graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane.

She married Dale McQuary in 1973. Together they had two children.

Joanne worked as a bookkeeper during her career for Gray Buick-GMC, Schurmans Hardware, Stonebraker McQuary Insurance and Deranleau’s Appliance.

She was very active within her sorority, as well as with various book clubs and card groups.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Dale, two children and three grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Merchant Funeral Home of Clarkston is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at merchantfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations in Joanne’s name can be made to a local food bank.

12/22/2025

Patricia M. Smith, a longtime resident of the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, left us to be present with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Our friends here in the valley will know her as an avid barrel racer and horse enthusiast, and that she was, but she was much more than that.

Pat was born Patricia Marie Duffy on Jan. 17, 1943, in her grandparent’s farm house, near the town of Mapleton Depot, Pa. She was baptized as a youngster in the Sugar Run Church of the Brethren. The family consisted of father, Ralph M. Duffy, mother, Audrey I. Duffy (Whitsel), Pat, and younger sister, Darlene C. Duffy (Ortt). She grew up in a loving home. Pat’s daddy was a coal miner. We still have his carbide lamp. Later, the family owned a small store in Chester Hill, Pa., near Phillipsburg. The lure of the factories drew them to the Niagara Falls, N.Y., area when Pat was entering her teens, and this is where I can pick up the story. I am Pat’s husband, Ken.

I met Pat there when we were both just 17. We were leading kids on ponies at a small-town fair. Horses brought us together: 4-H, square dancing, horse shows, college, military, and Pat was working for Bell Aircraft as a data entry operator. (She witnessed the early trial of the Bell Rocket Belt.) We were sweethearts for five years, then we married and headed to Corvallis, Ore., where I went to horseshoeing school. Then one year in Scappoose, Ore., where we learned to survive, then 10 years in Walla Walla. Our children were born here, and this was where Pat’s barrel racing career began. A job for me at the Potlatch mill brought us to Clarkston, and for the last 47 years, she and I built a home, raised a family, and we also raised and trained some good horses.

We designated Pat as general manager of our business, Sunrise West Quarter Horses, and she also worked at several places in the valley over the years. She especially enjoyed her time as a phlebotomist for Valley Medical Center (she called herself a smiling professional vampire). Pat was a proud founder of the Twin Rivers Barrel Racing Association (TRBRA), which promoted love of the sport and care for the horses. Many of those members are now mothers or grandmothers of young valley barrel racers. She was a member of the Northwest team that competed in team rodeo at the Calgary Stampede. Buckles and trophy saddles have piled up from her successful competitions in places like Denver, Fort Worth, Texas, Gillette, Wyo., Calgary, Pendleton, Ore., Walla Walla, and all over the state of Washington.

A combination of horse wrecks and illnesses are what brought her riding career to a close.

We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary in July, and Pat’s health began to fail after that.

We have a daughter, Rebecca Pace of Clancy, Montana, and a son, Daniel Smith of Mountlake Terrace, Wash. We have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pat’s sister, Darlene Ortt, husband Charles, with three children and four grandchildren, also survive.

We will have a “home-going” celebration for Pat at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Orchards Community Church, 822 Bryden Ave., Lewiston.

Pat and I have trusted Christ every step of the way in this life, and she died trusting Him and Him alone with her forever. Most of her friends will know her as a barrel racer. I know her as the only girl I ever loved, and the one who has loved me for a lifetime.

12/22/2025

Stephen “Steve” Kent Burns, 76, of Lewiston, passed away Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 25, 1949, in Clarkston, to Max and Margorie Burns.

He attended Clarkston schools and graduated from Clarkston High School in 1968 where he played baseball and was an exceptional track athlete. He later went on to attend commercial art schools in both Yakima, and in Portland, Ore. Upon returning to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, he combined his artistic abilities with a talent for welding, making customs boat trailers, stair railings and signs that you can still see in the valley today. He spent many years working side-by-side with his father, Max, during which time they worked on a variety of buildings, private homes and several custom projects.

Shortly after high school he married Tena Thomas and they had two daughters, Tracy and Amanda. He later married Judy White Raykovich and that resulted in two sons, Shawn Raykovich and Casey Burns.

Steve was had a passion for guitars, having started his own band in high school, he continued playing and collecting guitars and enjoyed playing with several friends here in the valley. He was also an avid trap shooter, winning several awards ant the gun club over the years and making great friends along the way.

The true pride of his life were his children, daughters Tracy Burns, Amanda Schwartz (Neil) and his sons Shawn Raykovich (Julie) and Casey Burns, along with his grandchildren, Tanner Schwarz, Kaden Schwartz (Maylana), Megan Geockner (Aaron), Max and Sam Martin and Jase Raykovich. He was also excited to gain two great grandsons, Sean Schwartz and Rueben Geockner.

Steve was preceded in death by his son, Steven Kent Jr. “Casey” and both of his parents. In addition to his remaining children and grandchildren, he is survived by his former wife and life partner, Judy Burns, brother, Craig Burns (Marsha), of Clarkston, and many many dear friends. A special thanks to the crew up at “Charlie’s” for helping him through these past few months. He loved you all so much.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston, followed by a celebration of life from 3-5 p.m., at the Lewiston Elks Lodge, 3444 Country Club Drive, Lewiston. All friends are welcome — please bring your best “Burns” stories, we know there are many.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley at poweroftheclub.org, or to a charity of your choice.

Please sign our online guestbook at merchantmenorialgroup.com.

12/22/2025

Dee Eastman, born Dorothy Teresita Easttum, of Clarkston, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at the age of 76, following complications from pneumonia and a recently undiagnosed advanced cancer. She was surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law, grandson and his wife, her beloved pug, Tucker, and the cats she lovingly adopted and cared for.

Dee was a very hardworking and creative woman whose quiet talents touched everything she loved. She transformed the property she called home from bare dirt and gravel into a peaceful, park-like setting filled with trees and calm — a reflection of the life she worked so hard to create for herself and her family.

She was a gifted artist and woodworker, and an incredible cook. Her love for music always meant so much to her, and her love for animals brought her comfort and companionship throughout her life, especially in her later years.

Above all else, Dee loved her family. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and a constant presence for those she held close. Her strength, resilience, and quiet perseverance were shaped by a difficult childhood, but she never allowed that to define the love she gave or the home she built.

I found this in a handwritten note recently in her things: “My Danielle and Christian, I thought I had a heart and soul but didn’t know what that was until there was you. You made me whole, you gave me depth and a reason to wake up another day. Thank you for being you, and for giving me my grandson. I love you both with all I have — All my love, Mom.”

Dee is survived by her daughter, Danielle Metcalf; her husband, Dan; her beloved grandson, Christian Metcalf, and his wife, Kelli; her brother, Dave Easttum, and his wife, Carla; sisters-in-law Denise and Geneva Easttum and many nieces and nephews whom she loved and cared for deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Eastman, and five brothers, Elvie Hughie Jr., Mark, Douglas, Verl and Rodney Easttum.

In keeping with her wishes, no services will be held. Those who knew and loved Dee are encouraged to remember her in their own way — through music, creativity, nature, a shared meal made with love, by honoring her love for animals through support of a local rescue or shelter and/or by signing the online book of memories at merchantmemorialgroup.com.

“Parents may only hold their child’s hand for a little while, but their heart forever — I love you, mom/Dee.”

12/19/2025

Jacqueline Lorraine Wooten passed away peacefully at her Clarkston home Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, with her loving husband by her side.

Jacci was an avid reader with an endless craving for adventure, always happiest with a book in her hands or a crossword to solve. Creating came naturally to her — whether she was sewing, knitting or baking something warm and comforting; her hands were always busy. She had a gift for lifting others up, serving as everyone’s greatest cheerleader, offering encouragement that felt sincere and steady.

She was also a successful businesswoman who built hair salons and a yarn store from the ground up. She and Tom often traveled to various sheep farms across the states to create connections with her yarn sources. And, of course, she held a lifelong affection for cats, who seemed to sense her gentle spirit and they loved her right back. Her warmth, creativity and dedication to her home, her husband and kids will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Tom, her son, John (Sonja) Wooten and her daughters, Jennifer (David) Fleming and Barbara Lyon. She is also survived by her sister, Janis Elsworth and brother, Doug Forst, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Humane Society of the Palouse in Jacci’s name.

12/17/2025

Michael R. Ruark, 73, passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at his Clarkston home. He was born Jan. 27, 1952, to Loren and Marguerite (Granberg) Ruark.

Mike lived in Clarkston his entire life. He graduated from Clarkston High School in 1970. After high school, he served in the Idaho National Guard for four years.

Mike worked at Potlatch/Clearwater Paper for 38 years, retiring in 2009 as the Converting Maintenance Coordinator. He married Sheila Ruark on March 14, 2015.

Mike was an avid golfer and member of the Wise Guys Car Club. He was passionate about building classic cars, showing them at car shows and attending car shows. He had a talent for visualizing and building special features in his home and the homes of others as well.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sheila, at their home; sisters: Sandi (Mike) Brown, of Clarkston, Patti Abel, of Clarkston, Debbie Merrill, of Lewiston, and Karen Rohde, of Lewiston; his children: Tristan (Tanya) Ruark, of Odesa, Ukraine, Kevin (Adrienne) Ruark, of Puyallup, Wash.; 16 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents and infant brother Gregory.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date.

12/15/2025

Beatrice L. Herman, a longtime Lewiston resident and retired elementary school teacher, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the age of 94.

She was born Feb. 14, 1931, to Ray and Grace Glenn Johnson in Lewiston. Bea attended and graduated from North Idaho College of Education (Lewis-Clark State College), in 1951, with a Bachelor's in Education. She did graduate work at Eastern Washington University and the University of Idaho.

Bea married George E. Herman on Sept. 7, 1950. Both taught at St. Maries School District from 1951-56. After they returned to Lewiston, she was a substitute teacher at various schools and taught at Webster Elementary School from 1976-91.

She was an active member of the Wishing Star Foundation, VFW Auxiliary Post 10043, Presbyterian Church and the local Bridge Club. Bea and George enjoyed camping, traveling, playing cards and especially spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her sons, Rick and Randy Herman. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Ray Herman, and her beloved husband of 72 years, George Herman.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens, 3521 Seventh St., Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).

12/15/2025

Beloved Mom and Grandmother Lillian “Billie” Hay passed away peacefully in Issaquah, Wash., on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, aged 86. She was born in McMinnville, Ore., on May 15, 1939, to Michael Gassner and Nellie Laskey. She married the love of her life, Charlie Hay, on July 11, 1959. Together, they lived throughout Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Arizona, residing long term in Clarkston, where they raised their family.

Beyond being an exceptional homemaker, Billie and Charlie owned and operated Seventh Street Grocery and later opened Hay’s Produce and Garden Center in Clarkston – a place beloved for their homemade huckleberry jam, flourishing springtime blooms and fresh, local produce. Billie also worked for the Asotin County Assessor’s Office as a Real Estate Tax Appraiser.

A world traveler, Billie embarked on countless adventures throughout her life, visiting six continents, 45-plus countries, and 49 U.S. states (all but Delaware). She maintained a beautiful garden filled with treasures she collected, particularly from combing the beaches for buoys, Japanese fishing floats, and other baubles that washed ashore. She had a keen eye for antiques and collectibles and could always uncover the hidden gem at any yard sale or flea market.

Every year, her family looked forward to receiving a tin of homemade Christmas cookies, with Russian tea cakes, candy cane cookies, gingerbread men and sugar cookies made carefully with love.

Her Catholic faith was deeply important to Billie and she was active in the Holy Family Parish. She was devoted to giving back to her community in numerous ways. Each year, Billie and Charlie would support Holy Family School with a full tuition provided for a student. Renowned for her pies (strawberry, in particular) she would volunteer to provide them for any occasion in which comfort and care were needed, volunteering her baking talents for numerous funerals and parish needs. Billie was a supporter of the Festival of Trees, a benefit for the TriState Health Foundation, from the beginning – one year producing the highest donation.

Billie is survived by her children, William “Craig” Hay (Janice), Brenda Hay and Dennis “Denny” Hay (Jenny); Kris Hay (wife of Steve); her grandchildren: Corban, Stanzi, Dylan (Sophia), Justin (Megan), Jordan, Molly, Jack and Lily; her great-grandchildren; and her beloved Shih Tzu, Missy.

She is predeceased by her husband, Charles “Charlie” William Hay and her son Steven “Steve” Hay.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Mary Queen of Peace, in Sammamish, Wash. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston.

The family is grateful to the devoted staff of Sunrise of Issaquah, whose loving care was a blessing during Billie’s time there.

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Monday	8:30am - 4pm
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