Merchant Memorial Group

10/29/2026

Roberta McConnell, 62, of Lewiston, Idaho, passed away at her home on October 28, 2026.

Roberta was born in Valliant, Oklahoma, to John and Alma Allen.

Roberta enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. She loved spending time with her family and, above all, loving on her grandchildren. Her love for her family and the memories they shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alma Allen; her siblings, Danny Allen and Joe Allen, her son Tristin McConnell; and grandchild Hope McConnell.

Roberta is survived by her wife, Mary McConnell; her sister, Dorthey Colscott; and her children, Terrance Allen, Alan and Lois Maxwell, Sean and Carla Brady-Becker, Roberta K. McConnell, and Patrick McConnell.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Destin, Kailynn, Kaydance, Tristin, Khloe, Aeden, Ethan, and Cacie.

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11:00am at Merchant Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Vineland Cemetery.

10/29/2026

Our Remembrance Ceremony is one of the most heartwarming moments of the Festival of Trees, and we couldn't do it without our incredible sponsors. 🕯️

Thank you to Merchant Memorial Group for sponsoring this meaningful ceremony, and to our Memorial Tree of Lights Sponsor Coffman Engineers and our Ornament Engraving Sponsor Northwest Engraving Service. Your support helps bring our community together to honor loved ones in such a special way. Thank you for your generosity! ❤️

10/28/2026

SSG Richard D. Aiken, 78, of Clarkston, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on March 4, 1948, in Council, Idaho, to Ronald Paul Aiken and Ethel Mildred Wendula Aiken. He was the third of eight children. During his childhood, the Aiken family moved from Council to Slate Creek before eventually settling in Grangeville, Idaho, where Richard and his siblings were raised.

Answering the call to serve his country, Richard entered the United States Armed Forces and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. During combat operations in 1969, he was wounded and returned home. He continued his military service with the National Guard, completing nearly 22 years of honorable service to his country.

Following two marriages that ended in divorce, Richard met the love of his life, Marie Stockburger, in 1978 – later married in 1979. Affectionately known as “My Honey” to Richard, Marie remained his faithful companion and partner through life’s adventures and challenges. Together, they recently celebrated 47 years together in September.

After concluding his military career, Richard joined the Asotin County Sheriff's Office as a corrections officer. He served the community with dedication until retiring in 1996 due to health concerns. Retirement did not diminish his commitment to helping others. Richard was a life member of V.F.W. Post #1443 and a member of the American Legion. He took great pride in assisting fellow veterans whenever they faced difficulties and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who had served.

Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marie Aiken; his son, Darryl Krause of Pullman; his daughters, Sandy (Doug) Kenzer of Deary, Rhonda (Don) Robinson of Clarkston, and Lisa (Juan) Montemayor of Yakima; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Andrew Hamilton (Charlie and Octavia), Cara (Brayden) Stoops (Kinzley, Kaizen, and Kruze), Isaiah (Chelsea) Morris (Kyland and Collin), and Elijah Hamilton. He is also survived by his brothers, Darwin (Camille) Aiken and Ed (Sandra) Aiken; his sister, Elizabeth Proctor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Ethel Aiken, and his brothers, Ronnie, Bill, Robert, David, Darryl Aiken.

Richard will be remembered for his patriotism, his dedication to his fellow veterans, his unwavering love for his family, and the quiet strength with which he faced life's challenges. His legacy of service, loyalty, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2pm at Vineland Cemetery. 1141 Vineland Drive, Clarkston, WA 99403

10/26/2026

Janice Louise (Hartig) Damman passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, with her son and daughter by her side.

Janice was born Nov. 14, 1936, in Lewiston, to Louis and Mary (Sanford) Hartig. She grew up in Pierce and spent many summers at Bungalow and Lochsa Ranger Stations, where her father worked for the U.S. Forest Service.

A 1954 graduate of Pierce High School, Janice later graduated from Kinman Business College in Spokane. She met the love of her life, Melvin H. Damman, at the Asotin County Fair, then again on a blind date one year later. Dad said she was “beautiful” and she said he was a “masher.” After Mel was stationed in El Paso, Texas, with the U.S. Army, he asked Janice to marry him. With faith, courage and a heart full of love, she boarded a bus and traveled to Texas, where they were married Dec. 28, 1955, beginning a marriage that would span over 60 years.

After working as a secretary in California, Janice devoted herself to raising their children, Alicia and Curtis. During those years, she faithfully served her church community, taught Sunday school, and made sure her children were raised with a strong faith in God. Through her church family, she formed many lifelong friendships.

In 1979, Janice and Mel returned to Idaho to be near family. Janice later worked at Lewis-Clark State College until retirement. Together, she and Mel created a welcoming home where family, friends and holiday gatherings were treasured.

Following Mel’s passing, Janice made her home at Kinsale Apartments, where she enjoyed Bible studies, coffee gatherings, potlucks and the fellowship of many dear friends.

Janice loved music, especially classical selections and cherished hymns, and her piano playing brought joy to the home for many years. She also loved reading and was well known at the Lewiston City Library. Her daughter often joked that the library’s overflow shelf for book holds should be renamed “Janice’s Shelf.”

Of all the books she read, none was more important to her than the Bible. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and gave her comfort, hope and assurance of her heavenly home.

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin H. Damman; her parents, Louis and Mary Hartig; and her brother, Leroy Hartig.

She is survived by her daughter, Alicia (Michael) Robertson; her son, Curtis (Wendy) Damman; grandchildren Taylor (Andrew) Creitz, Kaitlyn (Jacobi) Enriquez, Joshua (Mandy) Damman and Lynsey Burnham; great-grandchildren Aria, Liam, Kyler, Abbey and Jack; and sister-in-law Ann Hartig.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

A graveside service will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston, followed by a celebration of life at Kinsale Apartments in Lewiston.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

10/26/2026

Vickie Kay Schaffer was born to Tom and Ardys “Toots” O’Malley in Lewiston. She passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother who dedicated her life to caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ron Schaffer, and her sister Patty. She leaves behind her son, Ron Schaffer Jr.; her siblings, Alice (Dan Mills) and Tom (Karla O’Malley); grandchildren Brandon Schaffer, Michaela Mujtaba, Makenna Cooper and Ethan Winsryg; and four great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Blake, Damon and Mason.

Vickie will be remembered for her loving heart, unwavering faith and the countless lives she touched. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband and loved ones who went before her.

A celebration of life and potluck will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Lewiston VFW hall, 1104 Warner Ave., Lewiston.

10/23/2026

A well deserved recognition! Congratulations to Brooke Johns, we couldn't be more proud to have you on our team! ❤️

Brooke Johns-Poznick came to understand grief at a young age, which has helped her in her line of work

10/23/2026

Retalee Meyers was born to Virgil and Irene McCracken on May 28, 1936, in Lewiston. Her exceptional life came to a peaceful end Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at the age of 90. Retalee died in her sleep, at home and in her own bed, just as she would have wanted. She will be deeply missed by her children and all who knew her.

Retalee grew up in North Lewiston, where her father operated Curley’s. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1954 and attended the University of Idaho, where she pledged Alpha Phi Sorority. She married Fred A. Willett in 1955, and provided each of her kids an idyllic upbringing in Lewiston. During that time, Retalee was active in several charitable organizations, including P.E.O. (Chapter BR), the Lewiston Welfare League and Cub Scouts (Den Mother).

Retalee had a razor-sharp wit and a devilish sense of humor. She always had a funny line ready. She was an accomplished prankster, and took great delight in the fact that very few of her pranks were ever attributed back to her. She was an outstanding cook and homemaker, and inherited the family gene for fine needlework. She was a voracious reader. She was especially gifted at interior design, designing and decorating several beautiful homes over the years. Her family holiday meals were legendary, and she always looked forward to the hilarious birthday lunches with her dear friends.

Retalee also had a rugged side, helping tend as many as 16 horses and mules on the family ranch and often accompanying her second husband Bob Meyers on horseback pack trips to hunt and fish in the wilderness areas of Idaho and Washington. She could out-stubborn all of the mules and sometimes Bob. She once bagged a trophy bull elk in the Harlan Meadows area of Idaho’s Chamberlain Basin, dubbed “Harlan,” which hung proudly in the family home for many years.

Retalee is survived by her children, Paul Willett, of Gig Harbor, Wash., Kent Willett (Candy), of Spokane and Stacie Dean, of Lewiston, and her stepchildren, Rob Meyers (Cari), of Clarkston and Steve Meyers (Janice), of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. She dearly loved her grandchildren, Mac Willett, Maddie Willett, Zach Meyers, Ashley Holthaus, Jaclyn Meyers and Tiffany Nicholas, and their children. She is also survived by her siblings, Cinda McCracken, Jane McCracken and Jim McCracken. Sadly, Retalee’s younger sister, Judith Smith, passed away shortly after Retalee’s death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Meyers, her parents, and her younger sister, Karon Nibler.

The family would like to thank Retalee’s friend and companion Kathy Baerlocher, whose dedicated help allowed Retalee to continue to live in the home she loved. The family suggests that any donations in Retalee’s memory be made to P.E.O., Chapter BR, 224 Marine Drive, Lewiston, ID 83501.

A celebration of Retalee’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at Red Wolf Golf Club, 1676 Elm St., Clarkston.

10/23/2026

Marlene Rae Donner, a lifetime resident of Orofino, passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Lewiston. Marty lived in her current home in Orofino for over 60 years.

Also known as “Marty”, she was born July 5, 1936, to Harry “Heck” and Irene Lanphier Grimm at the Burns Hospital in Orofino. Marty attended 12 years of school in Orofino, graduating in 1954.

On July 30, 1955, she became the bride of Russell Donner. They married at the Orofino Methodist Church. July 30, 1956, they welcomed their first son, Douglas Keith Donner, their first year anniversary gift.

Oct. 5, 1957, they welcomed son Richard Alan Donner. March 1, 1959, they welcomed son Gary Russell Donner. Dec. 4, 1966, came along Rodger Todd Donner.

As a youth Marty liked to roller skate at the Orofino City Park Pavilion, play baseball and dance.

Marty was a homemaker in her earlier years, raising her sons, cooking, gardening, decorating cakes and canning. She started working at the Clearwater Tribune part-time in 1954, until she retired at age 69.

Marty enjoyed gardening, boating at Dworshak, cards, bunco, holiday dinners, traveling but most of all bingo.

Marty belonged to many social groups, including PTA, Orofino Garden Club, Chrysanthemum Club, bunco, pinochle and bowling. She was an animal lover, having many pets, including cats and dogs over the years. She enjoyed traveling with her husband of 47½ years including trips to the Oregon Coast, Hawaii, Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas and Mexico.

Marty was preceded in death by her husband Russell Donner and parents Harry and Irene Grimm.

She is survived by her children, Doug and Shelly Donner, Richard and Barbara Donner and Rodger and Brandi Donner, all of Orofino; and Gary Donner, of Lewiston; sister, Helen Young and three nieces, of Post Falls; grandchildren, Nathan (Ksandra), Tasha (Travis), Jeffery, Michael (Breanna) and Nicolas (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Bryce (Paige) Mackenzie (Blain), Harlei, Kaylie, Jayce, William, Lukas, Nolan and Isabell and two great-great-grandchildren, Cooper and Mya.

At Marty’s request there will be no service. Cremation has taken place.

10/21/2026

Barbara Alith McClanahan passed away from chronic kidney disease on October 14, 2026, at her family home in Pomeroy. Barbara was born on September 26, 1932, at her “mother’s little ranch” in Cedonia, Washington. When she was 4 years old, she moved with her parents and sister Melba to Pleasant Prairie. Barbara attended grade school at Pleasant Prairie, Trent, and Greenacres and graduated in 1950 from Central Valley High School. While in school, Barbara was active in the choir and was also a Central Valley Bearette, which was CV’s drill team.

Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Bob McClanahan when she was 17 years old, just 10 days after graduating high school. They were married for 57 years until his death in 2007.

Barbara worked at the Garfield County (WSU) Extension Office for 29 years and retired in 1997. She was also involved in many organizations over the years. The stories of her years as a Campfire Girl leader were priceless! Through her job at the Extension Office, Barbara was very involved with 4-H. She was also a member of the Garfield County Fair Board, Garfield County Pioneer Association, Garfield County Historical Association, Daughters of the Pioneers, and Pomeroy Red Hats. After retiring she became active in the Retired Public Employees Council of Washington (RPEC) holding various roles on their board over the years. She also joined in on the activities at the Pomeroy Senior Center and served on their board as well as the Aging & Long-Term Care board.

Barbara was involved in the church her entire life and began singing with her church choir at age 14. After moving to Pomeroy in 1960, she joined the First Christian Church. She was a deaconess and was on the church board for many years. She was a choir member and sang with many other church members and friends over the years. Barbara was also a member of Fidelis Guild at the church and helped plan and host countless showers, receptions, and dinners. She also sang with the local group “The Golden Girls,” singing at the nursing home and at many events throughout town.

In 1961, Barbara and Bob were blessed to meet “the family we choose for ourselves,” Howard and Betty Neal, along with their son David. They have spent the rest of their lives as best friends and family!

Barbara was preceded in death by husband Bob McClanahan, mother and father Alith (Walker) and Herman Huffman, sons Daryl and Gary McClanahan, brothers Loren and Maurice Dashiell, sisters Thelma Guenther, Mildred Ellsworth, and Melba Brinnon, and son in-law Larry Tillinghast.

She is survived by son Wayne McClanahan, daughter Melody Tillinghast, bonus son John Hirsch, grandsons Troy Hirsch (Lauren) and Jacob Hirsch, great-grandson Jack Hirsch, and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly!

The memorial service will be held November 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First Christian Church (310 8th Street, Pomeroy) with Pastor Kane Miller officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in memory of Barbara McClanahan (Pomeroy Christian Church; PO Box 699 Pomeroy, WA 99347).

10/20/2026

Joseph "Joe" Anthony Jackson, 80, of Lewiston, died Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at his home.

For family and friends. We will be remembering my father, Joseph A. Jackson, 1946-2026, with a graveside ceremony arranged by Merchant Funeral Home on Monday, October 26, at 10:00 AM at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston, Washington. Pastor Herb Boreson will be officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the United States Navy. Shortly thereafter, we have planned a potluck style get together to share memories which will be held from 12 to 2 pm at the Lewiston Community Center.

Dad was born in Vallejo, CA, and was in the care of his foster mother, Alice Jacks, shortly after his birth. Alice raised him in Medford, OR. He legally changed his last name to Jackson (son of Jacks) before graduating from Medford High School and joining the US Navy in 1965. He served in the Navy until his retirement in 1991. He married the love of his life, T.L. "Chris" Jackson in 1969. Family was always very important to him.

Joseph A. Jackson is survived by his daughter Katheryn Jackson, his son Joseph J.A. Jackson, daughter in law Athena Jackson, grandchildren Lexi, Aly, Kyler, Chrissy, and Dylan, and great granddaughter Vivianna. He was also close with family friend Sarah Perry who referred to him as a second father and his nephew Jeremy Christianson who he resided with at the time of his death.

He is preceded in death by Alice, Chris, and his sisters-in-law Patricia and Lorene Christianson.

Please pass this along so anyone who wishes to help us celebrate Dad's life can attend. There will be York Peppermint Patties, Dad's favorite, at the memorial lunch. So many people were important in Dad's life, too many to mention, but I hope this reaches as many as possible.