Columbia Funeral Service

10/29/2025

James (Jim/Jimbo) Edward Downing was 74 when he passed away October 15, 2025 near his home in Kalama, Washington. Born March 9, 1951, St Paul, Minnesota to Helen and Jack Downing. He was a Dowling Catholic High School graduate 1969 Des Moines, Iowa. Jim met the love of his life, Susan Herman, when they were fourteen years old.

They had three children who live nearby in Washington: Jimmy (Diana), Dusty (Jamie Lynn), Jamie (Jake Mallory). He was “Bapa” to his beloved grandchildren Kaylee, Sierra, Jaylie, Jax and three great grandchildren. Two of five siblings survive Jim in Des Moines, Iowa. Jeffrey and Jackie (Downing) Brown. Lots of nieces, nephews and the Herman’s all miss Jimbo too!

Jim started his own business in 1989, Advanced Boring Specialists (ABS, Inc.) near Portland, Oregon employing their two sons and son-in-law. He was very proud of their growth, family and success.

Jim had a brief kidney cancer hospice stay at the hospital. He was with family when he passed. Susie told him she loved him and kissed him on cheek. It was at that spiritual moment Jim chose his last breath. He took all that LOVE and pink lipstick with him for his promised eternal life.

Jim believed in his dreams. He did feel like a million, like number one, strong, like a rock. He held firmly to what he felt was right and was something to see! Proud, tall, charging, carrying his weight.

We cherish memories of his love, wit, humor, adventure, generosity, support and wisdom. We trust the Sun shines upon him and he once again feels “Like a Rock”.

10/13/2025

In Loving Memory
Arthur Lon Marks "Lonnie"
Funeral Service Being Held at Columbia Funeral Service.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

10/02/2025

Obituary ~ Paul N. Laufman

Paul Norman Laufman died on 29 September 2025, at 86 years of age, after receiving hospice care for leukemia at Frontier Extended Care. Born on 25 November 1938 in Mitchell, SD, to George and Marie (Freese) Laufman, he moved with his parents and brother John in 1947 to Longview, WA where he was raised. He enjoyed participating in sports at Longview’s R.A. Long High School and Lower Columbia College, where he courted a beautiful cheerleader, Marlene Worley of Kelso, WA marrying in 1959. They retired to Grass Valley, CA in 2004 and in 2016 Paul moved back to Washington following Marlene’s April 2015 passing.
Mr. Laufman graduated from Washington State University as a Mechanical Engineer. His lifelong career field was in Rocket Propulsion, being employed by Hercules Inc. In Salt Lake City, UT and Cumberland, MD; Lockheed Propulsion Co., Redlands, CA; Rohr Industries, Riverside, CA; GenCorp Aerojet Corp Sacramento, CA and Yellow Creek, MS; and Jacobs Services Co. at Vandenberg AFB, CA. As an engineer, Mr. Laufman designed and managed the development of many components used in our nation’s strategic and tactical rocket systems, including subsystems of the Minuteman, Poseidon, and MX/Peacekeeper ICBMs, and in space exploration systems, including Apollo and Space Shuttle. He authored numerous patent disclosures on various defense and space related projects.
In 1995, Mr. Laufman co-founded United Paradyne Corporation (UPC) of Santa Maria, CA, and served as its Chairman/CEO, directing its growth from a fledgling small business to its status as the contractor responsible for fueling all Spacelift missions containing government assets (including the Space Shuttle), at Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center in FL, at Vandenberg AFB, CA, Kodiak Island, AK, Wallops Island, VA and at various other remote sites, including two locations in Russia. UPC also conducted flightline fueling and supply missions at various military bases worldwide. An enjoyable consequence of his career was much business travel, domestically and internationally. But his most memorable trip was in 2009 with his grandson, Jordan, spending two weeks in Antarctica, while twice daily, via Zodiac SeaCraft, setting foot on the continent among many thousand penguins. During one such excursion, on an ice sheet at the Antarctic Circle, using a golf club having a telescoping shaft that he brought along, Paul hit an ice ball into the Weddell Sea – his guide claimed that was the southern-most golf shot ever witnessed, a photo of which was published in a golf magazine.
Mr. Laufman enjoyed many honors, including those from his Longview, WA roots; Lifetime Achievement Award from the All-Century Sports Council of Southwest Washington State, induction into the R.A. Long High School Hall of Fame, Lower Columbia College’s first Alumnus of the Year and graduation Keynote Speaker, Distinguished Alumnus Lecturer to WSU Department of Mechanical Engineering and Keynote Speaker at their graduation celebration. In their desire ‘pay it forward’ Paul and Marlene endowed a number of scholarships at their high school and college alma maters – and Paul continued that payback as an invited space-related speaker at dozens of school assemblies and service organization functions. In a highlight of national recognition, Paul and Marlene were invited to the 2003 dedication of the Smithsonian’s new Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA, finding Paul’s name inscribed on its Wall of Honor and his bio entered into its archives.
Mr. Laufman was devoted to his Savior Jesus Christ, his family and his friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 55 years, Marlene, and his brother John. He is survived by two daughters, Lori Kasler (Jeff) of Grants Pass, OR and Lisa Petersen of Greenwood, CA; a son, George (Christy) of Kirkland, WA: six grandchildren, Jackie Gillick, Katie Cooper, Jordan and Connor Kasler, Oliver Laufman and Kasey Petersen; three great-granddaughters, Petra, Josephine, Sophia and five great-grandsons, Vincent, Julian, Eugene and Maurice Gillick all of Kent, England, and Coen and Reid Kasler of Grants Pass, OR; numerous nieces and nephews and the treasured companion of his final years, Donna Pierce of Longview. Interment will take place at Bunker Hill Cemetery, Longview, WA.

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.