Columbia Funeral Service

07/28/2025

Chris Loreene Rheaume died Friday July 18,2025. She was born September 27, 1946 to Shirley and Lawrence "Rusty" Nolan in Longview, WA . She was the big sister to Claudia and Larry. She graduated from RA Long High School in 1964. In 1966 Chris started dating the love of her life, Ed Rheaume while she was working at Standard Dairy and he had just returned home from the Army. They married on May 12, 1967 and had 3 daughters, Lori (John) Quillen, Trisha (Paul) Baron and Heidi (Trevor) Edmiston. When her girls were in middle school she went back to work. She worked for the Longview School District as a Teacher's Assistant, most of her time at Mint Valley Elementary school in the Special Education Department.
Chris and Ed enjoyed traveling, camping, and clam digging at Long Beach, WA with friends and family. Chris really enjoyed being Gammy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending sporting events, school functions, and all activities they were involved in. They brought her so much joy and a big smile whenever she saw them!
Chris is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ed, her daughters, and her brother Larry (Barb) Nolan. Her grandchildren, Kendra, Mykie, Hanna, Elise Josh and Spencer. Her Great Grandchildren Bryar, Ruby, Nori, Hazel, Hartleigh, Maelee, Sully, Ivory and Ryker, and many nieces and
nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to her two favorite places, Community House, where she volunteered for many years and Hospice in Longview WA.

06/30/2025

David Vaughn Hughey
January 19, 1944 - June 27, 2025

David Vaughn Hughey passed away on June 27, 2025. A beloved brother, uncle, and scholar, David lived a quiet life filled with curiosity, and generosity.

David served his country as an U.S. Army Medic, stationed in Okinawa. He earned doctorates in anthropology with a focus genealogy, before moving to the Cayman Islands becoming a College Dean and Professor at the International College of the Cayman Islands.

David found joy in everyday beauty. An enthusiastic photographer, he had a special eye for birds, flowers, and other wildlife.

David is survived by his loving siblings: Richard Hughey (wife Patty Hughey), Jon Hughey (wife Nancy Luo, passed), Scott Hughey (wife Wendy Yan), Barbara Hughey, and Steven Hughey (wife Laura Hughey).

He was a cherished uncle to Crystal, Jasmine, Nikki, Sierra, and Sandra. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn Vernon Hughey and Janet Ruth Hughey (née Taborsky).

David will be remembered for his gentle spirit, and his intellectual curiosity, and his deep love for family.

His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to carry those who knew and loved him.

05/12/2025

Deanna Dreier was born to Charles (Chuck) and Dolores (Dolly) Dreier on February 12, 1956, in St. John’s Hospital, Longview, WA.

Upon graduating from Mark Morris High School, she became a bus driver for Longview School District, transporting her specials students each day with love and joy.

Her love of animals and working with the homeless was known to all.

Deanna is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brothers-in-law.

We who have been left behind to enjoy her memory are sisters Dolores Worley, Longview WA and Denise Clubb, Rochester WA, all her nieces and nephews and their families. Deanna left to our world a large family that loved and enjoyed her life.

Rest easy dear sister, we will meet again.

02/07/2025

01/09/2025

Joel Leininger Obituary

Joel Perry Leininger was born April 16, 1961 in Olympia to Perry Leininger and Corinne Leininger (Nixon). Joel passed away November 25, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.
Joel grew up on the family property outside of Rainier WA until the late 1960’s, when the family moved to Yakima, where they lived until 1989. While in Yakima, Joel attended JM Perry Institute, studying refrigeration and HVAC. In 1989, before Joel graduated, longtime family friend Mark McKean approached Joel about coming to work for him at Four Seasons, his HVAC/Refrigeration business in Kelso, WA. In 1989 Joel and his wife Karen moved to Kelso, where Joel worked for Mark until Mark’s death in June 1996. In September of that year, Joel started his own HVAC/R business, Twin City Service, which continues today. Joel enjoyed driving anything fast and for years raced go-carts at Castle Rock Raceway. He also enjoyed riding quads in the Oregon dunes with family and friends. For years Joel and his two sons spent spring break from school riding quads at the dunes outside of Florence Oregon. Joel was a skilled mechanic and always had a handful of projects, cars, trucks or heavy equipment he was in the process of restoring and rehabilitating.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Jay. He is survived by his brother Gerry, wife, Karen Cain, and his two sons, William Leininger and Jeremy Leininger. He is missed greatly by his family and friends.
Memorial service will be January 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Service will be held at Columbia Funeral Service, 1105 Maple Street, Longview WA.

12/27/2024

Obituary for Barbara Ruth Whiteside

Mrs. Barbara Ruth Whiteside was born on January 28, 1931.
She quietly passed away December 3rd, 2024

Barbara, also known to many as Barb or Bobbie began her life in Fort Benton, Montana. She was the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Alva and Ruth Harris. Soon thereafter her father and mother moved their family to small house in Waltham, Montana situated on the high flat plain’s region called “The Bench” close to Great Falls, Montana. Chores, school and abiding in the modest home developed Barbara’s strong and committed character. She would often share her childhood experiences from her farm life. One story was a specific chore of milking the cows alongside her sister, Jean. Through the week they would ride horseback together to school delivering the milk and cream along their route. As a young teenager Barbara’s folks were able to purchase the Vandervort Hotel in Great Falls. This seemed to be an equitable move for the family. Her folks renamed the business, Harris Hotel and Apartments. Barbara had become a city girl. Apart from helping her family at the hotel she would take to her schooling, and she became quite proficient with her accounting skills and home economics. Her first employment was a salesclerk and accountant in the notable, Paris Department Store in the bustling city of Great Falls. Her social life always revolved around her church activity. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at church camp at a very young age. Christ had now become the center and purpose for the rest of her life. So as the story goes, she was singing in the Christian Church choir and always helping where she could with church ministries. One day, a young service man brought his friends with him from the nearby Air Force Base to attend a Sunday morning church service. This is when he first saw Barbara singing in the choir. They did not meet until a short time later. Barbara was a volunteer at the USAF WSO involving herself in setting up dances at the Air Force base. The moment this young man recognized Barbara from the church choir he told his best friend attending with him “I am going to marry that girl”. Well, the short story is that Barbara Harris and Lydell (Del) Whiteside married and began their adventure together. Through their life, Barbara was a loving wife, a charitable mother and a devoted friend. Her willingness to volunteer, to teach and to reach the hearts of others was her strength and joy. During her entire Christian life, she had worked in a variety of church ministries and charities aways sharing from her benevolent heart, mostly focusing her devotion to women’s ministries. If you were to sum up her primary mission, it was obvious that her compassion was always toward young girls with unexpected pregnancies. Up to her last few weeks of life, she would knit hooded receiving sweaters for newborns and over the many decades she had them delivered to the local Caring Pregnancy Center. While knitting the little gifts, you would often hear her praying for the child and the mother who would receive her gift. It didn’t stop there. If you would have the opportunity to cross paths with Bobbie, you would more than likely receive a gift that was personally made with love from her. Her life was the purist form of generosity.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Del Whiteside; her son in law, Kenneth Lewis and grandson Patrick S. Whiteside.

Barbara was survived by her daughter, Diane Lewis of Kalama Washington; her Son, Randy Whiteside and his wife, Lori of West Linn Oregon; and her son, Gary Whiteside and his wife, Kathy of Kelso Washington.

Barbara also leaves behind a cherished legacy through numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild who will always remember her warmth and love.

There will be a family service at the Columbia Funeral Service chapel held in honor and remembrance of the life of Barbara Ruth Whiteside. A public celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

12/12/2024

Michelle A. Schuyler
January 25, 1974 - December 1, 2024
Michelle Aline Schuyler was born on the 25th of January 1974 in Richmond, California. She passed away due to cardiac arrest on December 1, 1994 in Longview, Washington at the age of 50. She was the first and only child of Wayne Maxie and June (Camren) Maxie.
The family moved from the Bay Area to the mountains of Northern California when Michelle (Mickey) was 4 years old. She graduated from Greenville Elementary School in Greenville, California and graduated from Quincy High School in Quincy, California in 1992.
After graduating, Michelle spent one summer helping her stepdad build a home in Chester, California. She helped with plumbing and construction. (She didn't like it!)
The family moved to Redding, California and Michelle attended and graduated from the Shasta School of Cosmetology in 1996.
Michelle married and moved to Astoria, Oregon where she lived for 15 years. She has two daughters, Emmastasia and Ella.
Michelle lived in Longview, Washington for the last few years of her life. She worked for the Veterinary Hospital in St. Helens until illness forced her to take a medical leave. Michelle had a loving heart and loved animals, especially her Russian Blue cat name Russia.
Michelle survived many challenges in her life, and her mother never gave up hope she would conquer her difficulties and become the best person she could be.
Her favorite NFL team, the Miami Dolphins won last Sunday. That would have made her very happy. Her mother's team is the 49ers and they always had interesting discussions about their teams.
Michelle is survived by her two daughters, four grandsons, and her mom and stepfather.
Her mother is going to miss the many phone calls they had during her recovery times she was going through. Michelle survived four major surgeries in the last two years and was facing more. We hope she is resting peacefully. We would all love to hug her one more time.
She is already missed by her family and friends.

11/26/2024

Theresa Ilene Bourdeau Griffiths: A Legacy of Love and Dedication

Born: February 14, 1942

Died: November 19, 2024

Theresa Ilene (Bourdeau) Griffiths, 82 years old, of Longview, WA, formerly of Castle Rock, WA, peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus on November 19, 2024. A life defined by love, commitment, and unwavering faith, Theresa leaves behind a profound legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Born on Valentine's Day in Hastings, Nebraska, Theresa’s life was symbolic of the love and warmth she shared with those around her. At four years old, she moved to Longview with her parents, Clemon and Mildred Bourdeau. Theresa was the second oldest of five siblings. Her formative years were marked by experiences at Ostrander Elementary, Huntington Junior High, and Castle Rock High School, where she participated enthusiastically in numerous extracurricular activities. Theresa graduated in 1960, ready to embrace the world with open arms.

After high school, Theresa married Jack Kerr and welcomed her first three children: Mark, Michele, and Ryan. She demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and resilience and began her professional journey with Longview Fibre, where she worked for approximately ten years. Despite life’s challenges, including her divorce from Jack, Theresa remained steadfast, providing a nurturing environment for her children.

In 1974, Theresa found a new chapter of love with Gary "Griff" Griffiths. They blended their families and added a sixth child, LaTrisha, in 1976. Their 50-year partnership is a testament to their enduring love and shared commitment to their family. Theresa’s career evolved as she ventured into real estate with Longview Agency. Later, she contributed to Cable View and Smith Floor Covering and eventually retired as a hazardous materials shipping specialist for Kalama Chemical in 1996.

Theresa and Griff's retirement was filled with international and domestic adventures. They delighted in their grandchildren’s sporting and extracurricular events, cherished family gatherings, and were known for hosting legendary grandkid slumber parties that created lifelong memories.

A committed Castle Rock Christian Church member, Theresa’s faith was vital to her. Her devotion to her church, family, and friends radiated through her actions, offering an inspiring example of selflessness and community spirit.

Theresa is survived by her loving husband, Gary "Griff" Griffiths, and their combined six children: Mark Kerr of Kihei, Hawaii; Michele Johnston of Beaverton, OR; Ryan Kerr and fiancée, Andie Wheeler, of Johnstown, OH; Natalie Lassen and husband, Pat Lassen, of Longview, WA; Karen King and husband, Kraig King, of Maple Valley, WA; and LaTrisha Deaton and husband, Toby Deaton, of Villa Hills, KY. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Bourdeau, of Toutle, WA; ten cherished grandchildren, and eight beloved great-grandchildren.

Theresa is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings: Kathy Richardson, Marg Benson, and Richard Bourdeau.

Theresa's memory will be honored at a memorial service on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the Elks Kelso/Longview Lodge, 900 Ash St., Kelso, WA 98626. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate a life that touched so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to a charity of your choice. Thanks to PeaceHealth Southwest Hospice and the compassionate nurses at Canterbury Inn for their unwavering care and support.

Theresa Ilene (Bourdeau) Griffiths will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a cherished friend whose legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of those she left behind.

05/08/2024

In loving memory of Cindi Lea York, 62, of Silverlake.



October 13, 1961 - March 9, 2024. After strongly and bravely fighting the horrific disease of ALS, she passed at her home, her "happy place" in Silver Lake, WA. Surrounded by her loving family, she was placed into the hands of Jesus, her mom and her dad.



Cindi was born to Robert and Dolores Heideman on October 13, 1961 in Longview, WA. She was the fourth of five kids. Cindi graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1979. She worked at Interpacific Investor Services for a brief time before starting her lifelong career in Membership Services at Longview Kaiser Permanente, where she spent 33 years at the front desk. She was the beautiful one with a loving & gracious smile, greeting all who came in.



In October of 1984 her first child, Danielle, was born to Cindi and her first husband. They later divorced. In 1991 she met the love of her life, Dave York. She was the love of his life as well. Dave came into the relationship with a son, Ryan from a previous marriage. In 1994 Dave and Cindi had a son, Tyler, who tied the five of them together. Dave proposed to Cindi in front of a majestic water fountain in Aslo, Italy. After a long engagement, Dave and Cindi finally married in 2004. It was a quiet ceremony in their front yard in Silver Lake. Many, many fun days were had playing on the water at their lakefront home. Dave and Cindi's favorite things to do included taking their boat out on the lake with their dog, Snoopy, sipping Coors Light, listening to music, and people watching.



Cindi was preceded in death by both her parents, Robert & Dolores Heideman. She is survived by her husband, Dave, daughter Danielle (Marcus) Hynning of Silver Lake, sons Ryan of Kelso and Tyler (Tiera) York of Tumwater. Her brother Mike (Holly) McMahon of Kelso, sisters Kathe Lee of Longview, Maureen McGee of Longview and her baby sissy Kim (Jim) Hendrickson of Longview. Two grandchildren, Elias and Leah Hynning of Silverlake whom she loved dearly. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived at home by her beloved pooch, Snoopy.



A celebration of life will be held at Kelso Elks, Saturday, May 18 at noon.

05/08/2024

Earl Arthur Nielson passed away on April 23, 2024, in Longview, Washington.

Earl was born on June 1, 1931, in Grayling, Michigan to parents Hans Wilhelm Nielson and Dagmar Jensen. When Earl was just a young boy his family moved to Longview, WA. After graduating from RA Long High School, he began working for the Longview Daily News. Shortly after that he was drafted into the Marines and served during the Korean War. Earl was proud to serve his country as a flight mechanic, stateside, and in Japan and South Korea. After the war, he returned to work for the Daily News, where he worked until accepting a position with the Printing Arts Center where he retired in 1996.

Earl met the love of his life, Janice Annette Kaighin, on a blind date, and they were married on August 31, 1957. They continued to live in Longview and grew their family to include two sons, Steven and Mark, and a daughter, Shelly. Even from the beginning years of their marriage, their faith and attending church was an important part of their lives. The family began attending Calvary Community Church in 1963, where over the years Earl served in a variety of ways: deacon, Head Usher, volunteering with the FISH organization, and serving alongside other Brown Baggers, a group of committed men who did projects around the church.



Earl enjoyed fishing, being out in nature and the solitude. Although he also took his children and then his grandchildren to fish with him. His favorite place to fish was on the Kalama River. Earl also liked to work with his hands, doing woodworking, building models, and tying flies to fish with. After Earl retired he and Jan went on road trip vacations to visit national parks, family, and took many trips to the beach.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hans (Bill) and Dagmar, as well as his siblings, Edward, Thyra and Arvely.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Janice, his cherished children Steven (Janice), Mark, Shelly McMenomy (Brian), his grandchildren, David, Stephanie, Jon, Brianna and Sarah. He is also survived by his sisters, Elsie and Shirley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

03/29/2024

Ronald Rider
September 16, 1931 - March 22, 2024
Ronald LeRoy Rider, 92 of Longview, Washington, peacefully passed away with his daughter by his side at Longview Hospice House in Longview, WA.
He was born to George and Myrtle Rider on September 16, 1931 in Menahga, Minnesota in a farmhouse and delivered by his Aunt Eva. Ron graduated from Menahga High School in 1950. He served in the Air Force in the Korean War from 1952-1956. He married Linda Whitacre on June 29, 1957, and they were married for 65 years until her passing. He was blessed with four children, Rhonda, David, Thomas and Denise.
He pastored churches in Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington. He had his own drywall business called Longview Drywall. He worked at Reynolds Metal Cable Plant and Retired from Longview Fibre.
When he retired, he traveled the Northwest and Arizona with his wife in their fifth-wheel trailer for 7 years before coming back to Longview where he lived out the rest of life.
Ronald enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing the gospel through teaching. He loved working with children at Kelso First Assembly of God in the Royal Ranger Program. He also worked in Celebrate Recovery at Columbia Heights Assembly. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his delight since he was such a kid at heart.
Ronald is survived by two sisters, Mavis Taskey and Karen James and his four children Rhonda (Randy) Williams, David (Rhonda) Rider, Tom Rider, and Denise (Doug) Peek. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Family and Friends are invited to his funeral at 11 AM April 12, 2024 at Columbia Heights Assembly of God, 3609 Columbia Heights Rd, Longview, WA.