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Merchant Memorial Group, Clarkston, WA (2025)

08/12/2025

Daniel Wayne Speck, 74, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at his home in Lewiston, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Dan was born June 30, 1951, in Lewiston to Carl and Vera Speck.

Dan worked at the Potlatch Corp. paper mill in Lewiston for 43 years, retiring in July 2014.

An avid outdoorsman, he spent a large amount of time camping at Elk River. His childhood was dominated by long family camping trips where he fell in love with the outdoors. After having a family, his love for the outdoors did not dwindle. He looked forward to taking his family on the annual camping trip up to Elk River.

Dan will be remembered for his larger-than-life sense of humor and warm personality. Everyone who knew him, from coworkers to family friends, was well accustomed to his jokes.

To him, family was not limited to just blood relatives. He loved his family more than anything on Earth, except maybe his spice rack. He loved cooking for anyone who stopped by and everyone was welcome at his dinner table.

He is survived by his wife Joanne Speck (Tarola), his children Daniel E. Speck and Kathryn Daly, his grandchildren Evan Daly, and Austin and Jordyn Speck. He is also survived by his sisters Debra Bower and Margaret Cyrus.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother Vera Speck (Peavey) and his father, Carl Speck, and his sisters Marlene and Valerie.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s name to VFW Post 10043 in Lewiston.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Lewiston VFW Hall, 1104 Warner Ave., Lewiston. All are welcome to attend, share stories and honor Dan’s memory.

08/11/2025

Brian Eugene Tank, 69, of Clarkston, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, in Clarkston, surrounded by loved ones.

Brian was born on June 27, 1956, in Lewiston, to William Tank and Mary Ann Van Scotter. He attended Clarkston High School (Class of 1974), and went on to attend Lewis-Clark State College, where he earned a welding degree in 1982.

Brian served his country in the United States Navy, beginning bootcamp on Jan. 30, 1975. He was stationed on the USS Norton Sound AVM-1 in Port Hueneme, Calif., for two years and continued his service in the Naval Reserves for four additional years.

After returning home, Brian worked for Morrell and later became a welder for Haskins. In 1988, he began a long career with Potlatch Corporation, working on the pulp and paper side. He retired in 2016 from the powerhouse and recovery. During his time at Potlatch, he served as union president for several years, a role he held with pride and commitment, always advocating for his fellow workers.

Brian loved camping, hunting, fishing and taking road trips with his wife. He also found great joy in coaching Little League Baseball, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christina Tank, of Clarkston; his children: Nathan Tank (Kari), Diane Knewbow (Brandon) and Andrew Tank (Sunday); his grandchildren, Kylee and Marissa Tank, Savannah and Kamryn Gonzales, Teigen Knewbow and Jezzaleyiah, Rhun and Oundre Tank. He is also survived by his stepsister Debi Taylor (Gene), stepbrother Jim Tank, half-brothers Jack Schreiber and Joe Gallegos Jr., and half-sister Vicki Gross, sisters-in-law Shannon Blaine (Tom), Brenda Shipman, Maureen Olson (Guy), and brothers-in-law Eric Asplund (Debbie), and Rick Taylor and multiple nieces and nephews.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, William Tank, and stepmother Helen; his mother, Mary Ann Van Scotter, and his stepfather Joe Gallegos Sr.; and his in-laws Fay and Patricia Garges, as well as his sister-in-law, Theresa Taylor.

Cremation was handled by Merchant Funeral Home of Clarkston. No formal service is planned at this time.

08/09/2025

Adam Lynn Anson, 38, of Asotin, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, of drowning, while kayaking on the Snake River. He was born on May 23, 1987, to Norris and Patricia (Hubel) Anson, in Yankton, S.D.

Adam graduated from Ewing (Nebraska) High School in 2005. He later earned an associate degree in auto mechanics from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.

Adam married Kelsey Ramsey on April 2, 2010, in Lincoln, Neb. They moved to Washington state later that same year where their son and daughter were born.

Adam worked as a farmhand, in driving jobs (forklift and distribution driver) and for Diversified Trucking, for Auto Zone, My Mechanic, Petco, Village Inn and Wayback Cafe.

While growing up in Nebraska, Adam was affiliated with the Church of Christ, in Ewing, and active in Cub Scouts. Adam loved to spend time on the water kayaking and fishing the rivers near his Asotin home.

Mourning Adam’s sudden passing is his wife Kelsey Anson, of Asotin; son Samuel Anson and daughter Autumn Anson, both of Asotin; mother Pat Anson, of Ewing; brother and sister-in-law, Lester and April Anson, and their children/his niece and nephews: Emma, Blaine and Parker Anson, all of Pierce, Neb.

Adam’s father Norris Anson and one niece, Hope Anson, preceded him in death.

A private viewing will he conducted in Washington, with funeral services scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, in Ewing. A celebration of life event will be held in Asotin at a later date.

If you wish to help support the Anson Family during this time. Click the following link to participate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rally-for-the-anson-family-in-their-time-of-need

08/08/2025

Chris Robert McFarland, born Dec. 19, 1966, in Lewiston, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. His absence leaves a space in the hearts of those who loved him, one that can never truly be filled.

Chris graduated from Clarkston High School in 1985 and spent most of his life doing what he loved: working with his hands in construction. He later worked in the oil fields until the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually joined McFarland Trucking LLC, where he continued until his eyesight made it too difficult to safely be behind the wheel.

In 2000, Chris settled in Coeur d’Alene, where he built a life full of laughter, service and unforgettable stories. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a hand, whether it was shoveling snow for a neighbor, fixing someone’s car, helping with yardwork, or buying a meal for a stranger in need. He gave what he had and always gave from the heart. Chris loved his family deeply, and the kids always brought out the softest side of him. He had a way of making life feel fun and safe, especially for the little ones. He truly earned the nickname “Baby Whisperer.” Babies would stop crying the moment he held them. There was something so comforting about him. Whether he was rocking a baby to sleep, cracking a joke or just being present, he had a calming energy that made the kids feel at ease and completely loved. He had a quick wit, a deep laugh and a gift for making people feel welcome and appreciated. Chris found peace at the lake in the summertime and joy in the simple things: family, faith, food and funny stories.

Chris is survived by Michelle Salas, the mother of his children and someone who remained a steady part of his life.

He is also survived by son, Benjamin McFarland and his significant other, Brooklyn, and their children Makenna Lenae and Connor Adam; daughter Stormey McFarland and her children Riley Robert James, Ayla Ariana and Kayden Lewis; bonus daughter Ashley Salas and her children Taitum Renee and Hunter Issac; siblings: Russell, Randy, Kevin, Kyle, Carisa and Jeremy; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved him dearly and will carry his memory with them always.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Roberta McFarland, his brother Cary, his grandfather Ben and his nephew Brandon McFarland.

A private family viewing will be held at Merchant’s Funeral Home in Clarkston. A graveside service to honor and remember Chris will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston. Please join us in remembering the man who gave so much of himself to others. His memory lives on in the kindness he showed, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

08/07/2025

On July 26, 2025, Dan Grassl passed away peacefully at Avalon Progressive Care in Clarkston, Washington at the age of 89. He was born October 20, 1935, to Veronica and Mike Grassl in Estacada, Oregon. He joined one sister and three brothers. When he was six, the family moved to Uniontown, Washington where he attended Catholic grade school. They moved to Moscow, Idaho where he lettered in basketball before graduating from Moscow High School.

Dan enlisted and spent two years in the Army as a tank driver and marksman. On
September 2, 1959, he married Lynda Niemann of Pomeroy, Washington. Together,
they farmed with her parents and then on their own until 1989 when they moved to PostFalls, Idaho. They returned to Clarkston in 2006 to be closer to their grandchildren.

Dan was a master woodworker, proud 4-H and FFA supporter and enjoyed watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events.

Dan is survived by his wife Lynda, two sons; Tim (Jessie) Grassl of Eugene, OR and
Tom Grassl of Post Falls, ID. Two daughters; Teresa (John) Morbeck, Tammy Schmidt
of University Place, WA and a brother; Laurence (Carol) Grassl of Nampa, ID. He was a
proud grandpa to 8 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clarkston, Wednesday
August 13, 2025 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Spokane at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dan's honor to Holy Family Catholic School or charity of your choosing.

08/04/2025

Russell Guy Rimel died in his home in Lewiston, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. He wasn’t crowded with visitors in the end, just a close friend or two, but knowing Russ that hardly meant he was alone. He never found a stranger in this world, and even in the hush, he was surrounded by the memory of every voice, every laugh, every handshake he ever shared.

Born on July 15, 1946, Russ died three days shy of his 79th birthday. The oldest child and first son of Dwight Rimel and Marylee Roberts, Russ was born in Enterprise, Ore. Growing up so far out in the country the city had to pump daylight to them. Raised with a firm understanding of both hard work and humor, he made it through most of high school before an altercation with the principal led him to determine that some things are not worth learning — and some people not worth learning from.

When the occasion called, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army. When asked about his time in the service he didn’t offer much response, simply that he was a door gunner. He served his country, doing a tough job without complaint, the same way he did everything else.

Russ held different labels during his working years, but the one that stuck — the only one that mattered to him — Cowboy. He cowboyed in various capacities throughout his life: an angus ranch in Montana, several years in a few of the local ranching outfits in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, a cattle company, a feedlot, a brand inspector and the sale yard. Chance and opportunity didn’t always keep him in the saddle, but even when working at the Lewiston Vet Clinic, an auto body shop, or the four years he owned a bar, it seemed his clientele was always the same: wild things with hair. As sure and steady as Russ was, his hands were never idle — and Cowboy was always his title.

Preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Greg and Logan, grandparents, uncles, cousins and aunts who would tan your hide as fast as they would cure it. He missed them all, but none so much as his best girl, his partner, his Pam. She hit the trail back in August of 2024, but there’s no doubt he’s caught up to her by now. Pamela Merrill might’ve been quick to turn three, but Russ was head-over-boots for that girl since their first dance, and even in death, he wasn’t about to let her ride too far ahead.

Russ is survived by all the folks he offered his smile to, and he’ll be dearly missed by all the ones who chose to keep it.

’Ol Rimel said he doesn’t do “marials or burials.” He didn’t want anyone boo-hooing over a pricey oak display case. He told us to remember him as the ornery bastard that he always was. In lieu of a get-together, please share your memories by emailing paintbrushprose@gmail.com.

08/02/2025

Sandra Sue Davis died Thursday, June 5, 2025. She was 85. She was born Aug. 3, 1939, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Lyman and Arabella McCandless and spent much of her childhood in Rigby, Idaho. As a child, Sandy was her father’s shadow — rising early to help on the farm, baling hay and tending animals, learning survival skills and the value of hard work.

She met Alvin Moyer, stationed at the Yaak Air Force Station in Montana, and they were married Oct. 21, 1956. His military career would carry them far from the farm, across oceans and continents from Guam to Turkey, Colorado to Texas. Along the way, she built lasting friendships and gathered stories that would fill a lifetime.

Their marriage brought four children into the world: Elizabeth, Janet, Rosanna and Dan. Their marriage eventually ended in divorce.

When all four children were old enough to attend school, Sandy returned to school herself, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her nursing career was filled with purpose and variety, but one job always brought a smile as she shared her time as a “dam” nurse during the construction of the Dworshak Dam.

In 1981, Sandy met the love of her life, Dick Hadden. They married on April 3, 1982, and together they shared years filled with love, laughter and adventure. Sandy remained faithfully by his side until his passing in 1994, cherishing their time together and the life they created.

But her one true love — above all else — was being a grandmother. Her grandchildren were her reason for being, and the greatest joy of her life.

Sandy is survived by her children: Elizabeth Morgan and Janet (Jim) Montambo, both of Orofino; Rosanna (Tyler) Kanetake, of Kaneohe, Hawaii; and Dan (Sabrina Moyer), of Troy; eight grandchildren: Angie (Mike) Stegner, Heather Phillips, Matt Montambo, Benny (Ericka) O’Hara, Kelsey O’Hara, Stephanie Faling, Remi Moyer and Colton Moyer; and seven great-grandchildren: Braeden Keane, Danica Keane, Macy Stegner, Keatan Phillips, Paisley Phillips, McKenna Faling and Javier O’Hara.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick, and great-granddaughter Morgan Keane.

The family would like to thank hospice, as well as her neighbor and devoted friend Wendy Teed, for all of her love and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the family home in Orofino on Upper Fords Creek Road, 145 Locust Drive, Orofino. This will be open-house style — come when you want, stay as long as you need.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting something in your garden to remind you of Sandy, or donate to an animal shelter of your choosing.

07/29/2025

Ernest John Dantini Jr., passed away peacefully at home Sunday, July 6, 2025, surrounded by the family and friends who loved him deeply. He was 80 years old.

EJ was a man of many dimensions-big-hearted and big-spirited, with a personality that filled every room he entered. He held strong opinions and never shied away from speaking his mind, yet his joy for life, boundless optimism and infectious sense of fun defined him far more than his occasional stubbornness. He was the fun one, the dreamer, the one with big ideas and a boundless sense of possibility.

Hardworking and fiercely loyal, EJ approached life with both intensity and tenderness. By the quiet force of his character and the openheartedness of his spirit, a true testament to the depth of his love and humanity. Those who knew him will remember his laughter, his stories and his unwavering belief in the people he cared about.

He adored his wife, Paige Dantini, with a devotion that inspired everyone who knew them.

Together, they built a life full of warmth, humor and resilience. EJ is survived by his brother Bob Dantini, his two daughters, Cori (Liam Breeze) Dantini, Amanda (Jake) Brunton, his grandchildren, Henry Breeze, Matilda Coleman, Goldie Coleman and Daisy Coleman, who carry forward his spirit of joy, creativity and strength. Ernie was preceded in death by their loving son Taylor Patrick.

EJ’s presence in our lives was a gift — a beautiful, and endlessly loving force. He will be remembered with laughter, tears and immense gratitude.

A celebration of life will be held from 3-6 p.m., Thursday, July 31, at Jollymore’s, 1516 Main St., Lewiston. All are welcome to join in celebrating his life.

07/28/2025

Melvin “Mel” F. Walker, 89, of Clarkston passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Life Care Center in Lewiston. He was born Jan. 29, 1936, to Hugh and Dora (Moody) Walker in Grangeville. His family moved from Grangeville to Cottonwood, and then to Kamiah before moving to Clarkston where Mel started his schooling in second grade. He spent time growing up in the summer at Newsome Creek at his family cabin. Mel enjoyed boxing and running track during his high school years and was in the class of 1955. He was a hard worker and started at age 11 working for Frederickson’s Orchards in Clarkston picking cherries, apples, peaches, tomatoes and pears. They even let him drive the tractor a little, as well. Before graduating high school Mel started working at Bennett Box Factory in 1953. It later became Bennett Lumber Company where he worked full-time. After graduating he also had jobs working in the planner mill, driving truck and maintenance/mill wright work. Mel owned his own construction business building and remodeling homes in the mid to late 1970s and worked as a mill wright at the Clarkston Grain Terminal where he retired in 1998. Mel decided he was not quite ready for retirement and went back to work for Bennett Lumber as a crane operator.

Mel met Shirley Moomaugh and they were married in 1953 and later divorced. Mel met his true-life partner, JoAnne Ogden and they married in January 1970 (on his birthday). They spent the next fifty-plus years experiencing good times, as well as bad, raising their families, making life-long friends and memories, leaving a good feeling with everyone they met. Sadly, Mel lost JoAnne in September of 2023.

Mel was a lifelong member of the Clarkston Chapter of the Eagles and the Moose Lodge and worked on the board of officers and was a junior governor. Mel was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, owning horses and operating his backhoe on their property. He loved helping his family and friends whenever a backhoe was needed. He loved watching his westerns and especially the Seattle Mariners, usually with a Budweiser in hand.

Mel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many. We will miss his kindness and gentle ways. Mel is preceded in death by his wife JoAnne, daughter Kim Potoshnick, son Marty Walker, son-in-law Robert Barrett, three brothers Bill, Jim and James and five sisters Gladys, Florence, Geneva, Irene and Mary. He is survived by his four children, Mont Walker, Jolanda Barrett, Ken Ogden (Sherie) and Mike Ogden (Heather). He has 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Life Care Center, along with Dr. John Rudolph, PA’s Shaylee and Connie for the last two years of Dad’s exceptional care for him. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service to celebrate both the lives of Mel and JoAnne Walker will be held at a later date this fall, their favorite season.

“Together once again”...Babe and Melvin-

07/24/2025

Joyce Bonner Spence

Joyce Lee Bonner was born on December 15, 1932 in Orofino, Idaho to Doc and Ora Lula Bonner. She grew up in the Upper Fords Creek area where her parents farmed and ranched.
She was married to Robert Ray Spence on May 23, 1949 and they were together for 56 years,until his passing in 2005.
As a fan of gospel and country music, Joyce organized the Bonner Mountain Music Festival at her home on Upper Fords Creek Road for 25 years.
Joyce was a lifetime member of the Orofino Tabernacle Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Peregoy (William) of Blanchard, ID, and two sons, Rober tSteven (Dyan Herrick) of Orofino and Douglas (Michael O’Brien) of San Diego, CA. She had five grandchildren: Joshua Peregoy (Suzanne), Lynelle Peregoy, Danielle Barnes (Douglas), Tyler Spence (Amy) and Maryann Bailey (Sidney).
She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and her beloved sisters-in-law Sally Bonner and Shirley Bonner.She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father Frank Henry Nette and her siblings,Ethelyn Grasser, Fairly Bonner, Helen Martin, Anita Cady, and David (Pat) Bonner.
A graveside service will be held at the Cook Cemetery on Upper Fords Creek in Orofino on Friday, July 25th at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Orofino Tabernacle Church on Friday at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Clearwater Memorial Library Foundation.

07/22/2025

Tina Carol Norfleet passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, in Lewiston. She was 65 years old.

Tina was born May 18, 1960, in Highland Park, Ill., to Nadine (King) and Robert Norfleet. She finished school in Odessa, Wash. Tina lived in Oklahoma before retiring to Idaho to be near her daughters.

She married Floyd Heustis in 1978. They had two daughters Jeannie and DeAnna. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1993 she married Evan Conway Savage and grew her family with six stepchildren.

Tina worked as a gas station attendant much of her adult life. She loved country music, especially “Hello Darlin” by Conway Twitty and “Good Ole Boys” by John Schneider.

She had a close group of friends in Lewiston and enjoyed baking and crafting. At Christmas time no one loved the Grinch as much as Tina.

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, husband Conway Savage and grandchildren, Dakota and Stormie. She is survived by her children Jeannie Rinard, DeAnna Heustis-Nason, Shannon Haynes, Evan Conway Savage III, Elizabeth Morris, Susan Savage and Samuel Savage. She loved 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life at noon on Friday, Aug. 1, at Living Word Missionary Baptist Church, 707 Preston Ave., Lewiston. A potluck meal will follow to share memories and love.

Donations may be made in her name to the American Heart Association.

07/21/2025

Ruby Vantrease-Johnson, 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, June 29, 2025. Born to Leonard and Eva Young-Vantrease May 23, 1930, in Boles, Idaho. Ruby was number three of seven siblings.

After the family moved to Anatone, Washington. Ruby met a returning veteran from WWII, Edmond Johnson. They were married November 15, 1947.

Edmond and Ruby were married 64 years having three children: Donna, Jim, and Debbie. Edmond passed away March 11, 2012.

Working in the timber industry, their homes were in Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Alaska.

Alaska held a special place in her heart, as she loved ocean fishing. Halibut and salmon were her favorite catches. Ruby also loved teaching Sunday School, telling stories, and pulling pranks.

After retirement, Ed and Ruby loved spending winters at Tecopa Hot Springs, California, and various other desert places.

Ruby is survived by her daughter Donna (Stan) Clark and son Jim (Rosey) Johnson, brothers Jim (Betty) Vantrease and Glen (Donna) Vantrease, nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jean Dawson and brothers Norman, Bob and Tom Vantrease, daughter Debbie Johnson and great-grandson Richardo Partido.

A Memorial Service was held at Blessed Hope Assembly of God Church and burial will be at the Anatone Cemetery at a later date.

Merchant Memorial Group

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