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Deborah Michel McFee | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Deborah Michel McFee 79 Apr 20, 1946 - Aug 18, 2025 Deborah Michel McFee, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 18, 2025, at the age of 79, after health complications. Born on April 20, 1946, Deborah lived a life full of warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family. She will be remembered for her loving heart, strength, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, JD Beardslee of Kettle Falls, Wash.; her son, Darin Michel Colvey; and her daughter, Heather Felicia Durand. Her memory will also be cherished by extended family and friends who were blessed to share in her life. Deborah’s presence in the lives of those she touched will be deeply missed but forever treasured. Previous Item Next Item

Chewelah Girls Cross Country Place Second at State - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Chewelah Girls Cross Country Place Second at State November 12, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Chewelah girls' cross country season comes to a close. The Chewelah Cougars girls cross team capped an outstanding season with a runner-up team finish at the WIAA 1B/2B State Championships on Nov. 8, at Sun Willows Golf Course. The team was led by junior Amber Eppel’s third-place run against the best small-school runners in Washington. Eppel clocked 19 minutes, 13.2 seconds, finishing only behind Manson freshman Grace Walsh (18:22.0) and Saint George’s senior Regan Thomas (18:51.3). Her top-three performance helped propel Chewelah to second place overall with 106 points, narrowly behind Liberty Bell (94) and tied with Pope John Paul II. Behind Eppel, freshman Josie Carter placed 26th in 21:02, while sisters Mei Parsons (39th, 21:51) and Rin Parsons (40th, 21:53) finished just two seconds apart. Senior Elise Warren crossed in 50th place at 22:14, rounding out Chewelah’s scoring five. Freshman Diana Durham (60th, 22:28) and sophomore Liberty Whittekiend (93rd, 23:50) also ran solidly in the 142-runner field. Chewelah’s average time of 21:47.5 over the 5,000-meter course showcased both experience and youth depth, giving the Cougars a bright outlook for 2026 with four of their top five returning. Kettle Falls senior Isabella Tiwebemal closed out her high school cross-country career with a strong showing, finishing 63rd in 22:32.6, while freshman Avery Tobias came through in 69th at 22:56.9. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Colville United Indoor Soccer Competing in Spokane Winter League - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Colville United Indoor Soccer Competing in Spokane Winter League December 10, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen The Colville United Indoor Soccer team has nine seniors on the roster and several underclassmen. Playing in a Spokane winter league, the team will be honing skills that the Crimson Hawks will no doubt use this spring. Courtesy photo. With a roster stacked with experience and talent, the Colville United boys indoor soccer team is spending the winter competing in Spokane, using the off-season opportunity to build momentum toward spring. Head Coach Kassy Dupuis said the team features a strong mix of upperclassmen and rising young players. “We have nine seniors, one junior, two sophomores, four freshmen, and two eighth-graders,” Dupuis said. That depth gives Colville United confidence on both sides of the ball. “Our team is well-rounded this year. With nine seniors on the roster, we expect to see depth in both offense and defense,” Dupuis said. She said she expects the group’s leaders to shine throughout the winter campaign. “Trent Rarrick, Parker Sackman, Ari Stewart, and Patrick Wolf will lead our team offensively,” she said. “With Colin Schaffer and Connor Schneider leading in defending the goal.” Dupuis added that the team’s top scorers so far have been Rarrick and Sackman, with strong support coming from Wolf, Long, and Kayson Dupuis. The Spokane indoor league is smaller this year, but Colville is still seeing top-tier competition. “The Spokane league struggled this year to gain teams,” Dupuis said. “There’s only one other team we play against who has a varsity and junior varsity program. The team is made up of many highly skilled players who play year-round in competitive club leagues.” Even with a condensed schedule, Dupuis said the development opportunity is priceless for a program with high expectations each spring. “This is a great program that allows players to play more soccer, build skills, and create team connections for the spring high school season,” she said. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

A Look at the Local Medical Industry - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES A Look at the Local Medical Industry January 14, 2026 By: Meredith Carroll Heartland Clinic exterior. Photo by Meredith Carroll. Over the past two years, the Statesman - Examiner has followed local industries as they face the challenges of their trades. This week’s edition checks in with the local medical industry, reporting on medical care, support services, and recent changes in state and national mandates that may impact patients in northeast Washington. In Colville, with an approximate population of 5,000 that has remained steady since 2022, the reported rate of citizens without medical insurance also remains as a steady 5% ( datausa.io ). By contrast, citizens saw an insurance rate increase across the country last year, with some out-of-pocket rates for individuals going up 50%, according to Johns Hopkins University. The problems of medical insurance and the ability to provide services are detailed in a study titled “Barriers to Care and Healthcare Utilization Among the Publicly Insured” published by the National Institutes of Health. The study stated that even patients who can afford to keep their medical insurance may face high deductibles and have to choose whether or not to seek medical care, even in an emergency. The National Rural Health Association stated that alternative models to the traditional healthcare industry are becoming an increasingly appealing solution in rural locations such as Stevens County where doctors may be scarce. One such alternative is Direct Primary Care model Heartland Medicine, located on Main Street in Colville. “I started Heartland Clinic in 2019, because there was a need for expanded access for people without insurance and a need for urgent care as an alternative to the emergency room,” said Dr. Barry Bacon, who has been a family doctor in northeast Washington since 1990. “We practice cradle-to-grave-medicine, which includes delivering babies to performing surgeries to geriatric care.” According to Bacon, the Direct Primary Care model is based on funding that comes entirely from members of the clinic who pay a monthly fee. This fee gives members access to on-site services such as x-rays. “We also negotiate for the lowest possible costs for various services, including lab fees, medications, and off-site imaging,” he said. “We have done well in 2025,” stated Bacon. “We have more than 800 members who provide a solid income for the clinic. We’ve been in operation for seven years and have only had to increase our membership fees once. “Our mission is to provide care to people who can’t afford care. We are not insurance. Because of that, we can’t afford to cover the big ticket items. But we are prevention and primary care. We hope to prevent some of the catastrophic events.” A significant contributing factor to the rising costs of medical insurance is administrative cost. According to the American Hospital Association, the cost of non-medical care services such as staffing, coding, billing, and claims cost Americans hundreds of billions of dollars each year. “Compared with other countries, the United States’ administrative costs for health care is out of line,” said Bacon. “The cost per person in the U.S. averages out to $1,000 per person per year. That amounts to 17% of our gross national product going into health care costs. “Because of the increased costs, we are not visiting the doctor’s office as often as we should. The cost per visit is too high.” Heartland Clinic, backed by the Direct Primary Care model, is much more affordable, Bacon said. The clinic negotiates for reduced costs for medications, tests, and lab work and does not charge insurance companies, and that helps to keep costs low. “If I charged insurance companies, then I’d have to hire a coder and a biller, and then the administrative costs would increase,” Bacon said. “People are going to have to make really difficult decisions. We try to fill a gap, we have compassion for people who are suffering in the community, and we have the ability to help. People don’t have a whole lot of options.” Bacon recommended that people hang onto their high deductible plans, if they have them. While Heartland Clinic treats many levels of urgent medical situations, it is not a hospital and cannot replace an emergency room, he said. “I have a lot of concern moving into 2026,” Bacon said. “Not only are administrative costs increasing, so are drug costs and epidemics that include obesity, addiction, and mental illness. If we address these epidemics, it would save us a lot in health care. We need to address the things we have control over and make a commitment to what we can do. “It would do well to become less self-focused and look at what happens in the community. We can do something about this. We can invest in our community and work to restore lives, reunify families, work on our education and employment, and work on recovery.” Bacon said he foresees a surge in the Direct Primary Care model due to the increase in people without insurance in 2026. “We may see other businesses like Heartland running in our community.” Like Heartland Clinic, Providence Hospitals incorporates a model intended to care for those in need; its mission statement includes the steadfast service to all, “especially those who are poor and vulnerable” ( providence.org ). Providence Hospitals is a nonprofit, Catholic-based healthcare system based in Renton, Wash., and includes 51 hospitals, over 800 medical facilities, and several assisted living facilities in the western United States. Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville and Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Chewelah fall under the jurisdiction of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ron Rehn. As CAO, Rehn said he is responsible for ensuring quality access to medical care, financial responsibility and accounts. “The main focus of Providence is rural care and creating access for our rural neighbors,” said Rehn. “Access to high quality care in Stevens County is paramount. This means ensuring access to delivery for childbirth, emergencies, and 24/7 access to care. “Providence takes care of residents regardless of ability to pay.” Providence provided $25.6 million in free or reduced care for underinsured or uninsured patients in 2024, according to Rehn. Providence has charity care programs and also provides patients with the opportunity to set up payment programs. “We accommodate those who fall in the middle,” said Rehn. “They’re making just enough money to not be eligible for public programs, but don’t make enough money to have medical insurance. There is an income component to the charity programs. But we will see all patients in our emergency department. We take good care of people.” In rural communities, there is a larger percentage of Medicare and Medicaid patients, and according to Rehm, this affects medical care in Washington state. “The decisions, policies, and new laws have a large impact in rural areas and communities,” Rehm said. “We haven’t yet seen the changes that have been enacted in 2025. “We anticipate seeing big changes in 2027, and our responsibility is to fill in the gaps and make sure that we match needs with programs. We do a needs assessment every three years, and some of our current goals are to consolidate rehab services, expand on home health care in Chewelah, and sifting out. In other words, can needs be met by others in the community?” He said. Rehn continued, “We will be expanding some of our services, the details of which will be disclosed later. “We do not anticipate closing any of our services. The federal government has classified ours to be Critical Access Hospitals, which means that these are rural hospitals that have been designated by Medicare to make sure that essential health services are available. There are only 39 Critical Access Hospitals in Washington, and I am responsible for two of them.” Rehn said one of the primary goals for himself and his service area in Colville and Chewelah is to maintain excellence in the hospitals and primary care. Colville’s family practice residency is the first in the nation to graduate two family practice physicians in one year, Rehn said.. “The goal is to make sure that we have the physicians, the ER (Emergency Room), the hospitals… and also the deliveries and the workforce development. We need people in all of these categories for our small hospitals. “We have a rural workforce, so we want to reach out to local people to enroll in our trained programs. We train nursing assistants and collaborate with Colville High School to get students into this program. This year, we are expanding this program to meet students where they are. We also train people for our facilities, labor, and food programs. We help with financial assistance and provide scholarships for training.” Rehn added, “In the news, we hear talk about the negatives in medical care in rural areas, like hospitals closing and services being cut. But Providence works hard to preserve the commitment to serve the rural community. We are outstanding in continuing to provide that care.” Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Liberty Josephine Ringer — a community announcement published by the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville and Stevens County. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Births Liberty Josephine Ringer Liberty Josephine Ringer was born on Nov. 28, 2025, to parents Sadie and Zach Ringer of Colville, Wash. She weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces at birth. Her maternal grandparents are Daryl and Arlene Grimbly of Plevna, Mont. Her paternal grandparents are Wade and Eva Ringer of Los Ángeles, Chile, South America. Her maternal great-grandparents are Ken and Edna Corne of Washington and Dick and Joyce Grimbly of Washington. Her paternal great-grandparents are Gene and Dorothy Ringer of Colville, Wash. and Rose Mary Barlow of Utah. Previous Next LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Cheryl Ann Arthur | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Cheryl Ann Arthur 71 Sep 1, 1953 - Jun 29, 2025 Our beloved wife and mother Cheryl Ann Arthur passed away on June 29, 2025, at the age of 71. Cheryl was born on September 1, 1953 in Jerome, Idaho to Forrest and Jeannette (Smith) Whittekiend. At the age of 3, her family moved to Pend Oreille County and eventually to Millwood, Wash. Cheryl would graduate from West Valley High School in 1972. She would move to Vancouver, Wash., and work at Blue Cross/Medicare in Portland, Ore., for one year. Cheryl would then attend Prairie Bible College for one year in Canada. After completing a year at Prairie Bible College, Cheryl returned to Millwood and worked at the House of Fabrics. While attending a church service at the Greenacres Tabernacle in the Spokane Valley, she met Michael Arthur. The two would marry on January 18, 1975, in Vancouver, Wash., and then lived in the Spokane Valley. In 1977, they moved to the Chewelah area and built their home. Cheryl loved serving Jesus through ministries at the Addy New Life Church, the Addy Food Bank and Resource Mission, and the Women’s and Girl’s Ministry – “The Missionettes.” She would homeschool her daughter through middle school. Cheryl was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables. She filled her cellar full with all of the canned goods she put up from her garden. When she wasn’t gardening, Cheryl could be found immersed in a good book – she found great comfort in reading the Bible through thick and thin, and singing in church productions. A favorite pastime was walking on the farm with the family’s dogs, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Cheryl will be remembered as a very loving, forgiving, compassionate and thoughtful woman. She always provided an ear to listen when someone needed to talk. Cheryl loved to laugh – expressing her thoughts and feelings with her silly and spunky butterfly personality. Cheryl wanted nothing more than to be the wife and mother that pleased God. Cheryl is survived by her husband, Michael, daughter Lorraine Robinson, grandchildren Alexia Parkinson, Kira Robinson, and Charles Robinson; brother Les (Marie) Whittekiend of Jump Off Joe, Wash.; brother Virgil (Judy) Whittekiend of Mexico; nephew Pete (Christy) Whittekiend; niece Lynn (Scott) Rich; niece Gabrielle (David) Dickman, niece Leah (Josh) Fiegel, nephew Glen (Jessyca) Whittekiend, and niece Raina Whittekiend. Celebration of Life service will be at the Addy New Life Church at 11 a.m. Guests are requested to wear bright blue in memory of Cheryl’s favorite color. A luncheon will be served at the Addy New Life Church immediately following the service. Cheryl will be laid to rest at the Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley, Wash. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory: Colville, Wash., and sign in to the online memorial. Previous Item Next Item

Northport Girls Drop Matchups to Selkirk, Inchelium - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Northport Girls Drop Matchups to Selkirk, Inchelium January 28, 2026 By: Brandon Hansen The Northport girls basketball team had a challenging week in NE 1B North play, falling at home to Selkirk before coming up short on the road against Inchelium. Northport opened the week with a 49-37 loss to the visiting Selkirk Rangers on Jan. 20. The Mustangs were tied 8-8 after the first quarter but struggled offensively in the second, scoring just three points as Selkirk built a 22-11 halftime lead. Selkirk (12-5 overall, 8-3 league) was led by Millie Rice, who scored 18 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Northport (10-6, 5-6) made a push in the third quarter, outscoring Selkirk 17-14, but was unable to close the gap in the final period. Kate Beardslee led the Mustangs with 14 points, including a 6-for-9 effort from the free-throw line. Ruthie Hebarling added nine points, while Persephanie Ste. Marie chipped in seven points. Northport returned to action Friday, Jan. 23, with a 55-42 road loss to the Inchelium Hornets. The Hornets built a 31-17 halftime lead and relied on hot shooting from beyond the arc to maintain control. Ronni Seymour scored 21 points for Inchelium (10-6, 6-5), connecting on five 3-pointers as the Hornets finished with nine shots from long range. Northport was led by Beardslee, who poured in 19 points, going 10-for-14 at the free-throw line, while Ella Stark added 17 points. Following the regular season, the Northport Mustangs sit at 10-7 overall and 5-7 in NE 1B play. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Bulldogs Take Down the Hornet’s Nest - local reporting from the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville, Stevens County, and Northeast Washington. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Bulldogs Take Down the Hornet’s Nest December 10, 2025 By: Brandon Hansen Behind the steady scoring of standout Wyn Edwards, the Kettle Falls girls basketball team swatted down the Oroville Hornets to improve their record to 2-1, on Friday, Dec. 5. Edwards poured in 21 points to lead the Bulldogs to a convincing 53-25 nonleague road win at Oroville. Kettle Falls steadily pulled away each quarter, outscoring the Hornets 29-10 after halftime. Abby Ocasio added 14 points while Kelly chipped in 10 points as Kettle Falls bounced back from its first loss of the season earlier in the week. The Bulldogs’ defense clamped down on the Hornets, holding them to just one 3-pointer and six total second-half points. Kettle Falls struggled to maintain a fast start in a 49-36 loss to unbeaten Republic at home on Dec. 2. The Bulldogs led 14-8 after the first quarter, but foul trouble and a third-quarter surge from the Tigers swung momentum. Edwards kept Kettle Falls in the game with 20 points and a pair of 3-pointers, while teammate Hope Shurrum also hit two from long range. But Republic’s Ember Berndt was too much to handle inside, finishing with 22 points to push the Tigers to 2-0. The Lady Bulldogs faced Tonasket on Tuesday, Dec. 9; results were not available at press time. They are set to host Northwest Christian on Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. Previous Article Next Article LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Michael "Mike" Harold George | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Michael "Mike" Harold George 77 Sep 25, 1948 - Sep 11, 2025 Michael “Mike” H. George, a 28-year resident of Kettle Falls, Wash., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 11, 2025. Mike was born on Sept. 25, 1948 in Everett, Wash., the son of Frank Albert and Margaret Agnes (James) George. Mike was raised in University Place, Wash., where he attended Curtis Junior High School and Curtis High School. He was a strong athlete and part of the cross country team that won state in 1966. He was also on the basketball team. In 1967, Mike graduated and worked locally until his induction into the U.S. Army on Nov. 6, 1969. He served at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and then Fort Elmendorf in Anchorage, Alaska. On Sept. 10, 1971, Mike was honorably discharged and returned to western Washington where he attended the Tacoma Community College and earned his AA. He continued his college education in Forestry at the University of Washington. On March 14, 1978, Mike married Michele “Shelly” Cassman in Lakewood, Wash., and together they resided in Belfair, Wash., where their son, Ben, was born. Mike worked in concrete construction and finishing and later for Simpson Timber in Timber Lakes. While in Timber Lakes, they welcome their daughter, Erika. He worked as a reserve officer for the city of Elma, which sparked his interest in law enforcement. Mike then attended the corrections academy and began working in the Shelton Corrections facility. In 1988, their family relocated to eastern Washington where Mike worked as an officer for the Chewelah Police Department. Two years later he transferred to Ferry County as a Deputy Sheriff. He accepted the role as undersheriff and served in that capacity until 1997. Mike moved to Kettle Falls and worked as captain for several years. He retired in 2013 from the Stevens County Sheriff’s office after nearly 30 years in law enforcement. Mike maintained a special law enforcement commission where he continued working several cold case homicides until his passing. Mike enjoyed fishing for Steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula rivers when he could get time away and driving golf balls down the greens on the local golf courses. When he wasn’t on the greens, he would often have the Golf Channel on in the home. He was quite practiced at raising his voice in “encouragement” while offering guidance to his favorite sports teams from the comfort of his armchair/couch. His camping trips were always memorable as were the many Apple Cup adventures and trips to watch the Mariners. He was a lover of animals, but especially dogs. You would be hard pressed to see him out without his black lab by his side. Mike expected things to be done well and was direct with his honesty and strong in his opinion. His gruff exterior was transparent to his family and friends. What shone through was his sense of humor, compassion, grumbling kindness and willingness to offer help whenever a need arose. The words he offered told the story but what he didn’t say taught the lesson. He loved his family and cherished his friendships, granting nicknames that made you grin along with him. Mike believed in ethics, honesty and respect and never wavered in his defense and support of these principles. As a husband, he was a best friend, as a father he was steadfast and a foundation for life, and as a friend, he was true. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret; and his sister, Sherrill. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Michele “Shelly” George and his dog Bart, at the home; son, Benjamin George (Jennifer) of Spanaway and grandchildren Tristan and Aubrey; daughter, Erika George (Sam Doyon) of Loon Lake with a grandchild on the way; twin brother, Mark George (Margaret) of University Place; brother, Paul George of Bonney Lake; nephew Robert George (Chanly) of University Place and great nephew, Cody George; several “bonus” grandchildren including Makayla, and a host of extended family and friends. Mike was a member of the Stevens County Republicans and a former precinct committee officer. A graveside service for Mr. Michael “Mike” H. George will begin at 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, Wash. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com Previous Item Next Item

Everett Alan Billings — a community announcement published by the Statesman-Examiner serving Colville and Stevens County. LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES Births Everett Alan Billings Everett Alan Billings was born Aug. 12, 2025, to parents Musette Billings and James M. Billings III of Colville, Wash. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces at birth and has two brothers, James, age 11, and Oliver, age 7. His maternal grandparents are Wendy Hull of Houston, Texas, and Urs Machler of Istanbul, Turkey. His paternal grandparents are James Billings Jr. of Old Waverly, Texas, and Rebecca New of Hilco, Texas. Previous Next LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FARM & RANCH GREAT OUTDOORS PROFILES OUT OF THE PAST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OBITUARIES

Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess 90 Feb 25, 1935 - Dec 25, 2025 Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess, beloved mother, Grammie, aunt, and dear friend, died on December 25, 2025, in Carthage, Missouri. She was 90 years old. Diane was born on February 25, 1935, in Williston, North Dakota to Philip and Lucile Lyonais. In 1943, she moved with her family to Renton, Washington, where she attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and later graduated from Renton High School in 1953. Diane was a remarkable woman, known for her unwavering faith, deep compassion, and strong devotion to family. Her Catholic faith guided her life and shaped the values she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren. She dedicated herself to nurturing those around her, leaving a profound and lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Throughout her life, Diane created countless cherished memories with her family—from joyful summer visits that filled her home with laughter and warmth, to long road trips where she shared lessons of faith, love, and life. She was determined, intelligent, self- sufficient, fiercely independent while also embracing her role as matriarch, confidante, and friend. She instilled in her grandchildren the importance of family, faith, and meaningful connections, values that continue to guide their lives today. Diane’s warmth and kindness will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by her spirited presence. She had a lifelong love of God, music, dance, and scrabble and was always impeccably dressed, often adorned in her finest outfits and hats. Her grace, joy, and sense of style were reflections of her vibrant spirit. Diane is survived by her loving children, daughters, Jodi (Schlup) and Kendra (Sanders), and sons, Brad, Kurtis, and Noel; her brother, David; sister, Marlene; a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended cousins, nieces and nephews. Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Lucile; eight of her siblings, Barbara, Carole (Meyers), Leslie (Storey), Jean (Peretti), Phil, Richard (Dick), Steve, and Lynne (Lake); son, Toby; and grandson, Philip. The family finds great comfort in knowing that Diane is now at peace, celebrating eternal life in heaven joining God on Christmas Day—the birthday of Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served so faithfully. In honoring Diane’s memory, the family encourages all who knew her to carry forward her spirit of love, kindness, and joy, rooted deeply in her faith in God. She walked her life guided by that faith, and we walk alongside her still—uplifted by the love she gave so freely. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved. Rosary service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Visitation will follow until 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Friday, January 9, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM with Father Sanoop Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kent, Washington at a later date. Previous Item Next Item

Catherine Carol Roper | obituary published by the Statesman-Examiner in Colville, Washington. Catherine Carol Roper 86 May 21, 1939 - Jun 7, 2025 Catherine Carol Roper of Kettle Falls, Wash., passed away at her home on June 7, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on May 21, 1939, at the family ranch in Boyds, Wash. When her mother was in labor, her father rowed across the Columbia River to fetch a doctor. By the time they returned, she had already been born with the help of the hired hand. Most of her childhood was spent on the family ranch. When she wasn’t yet 12 months old, her mother went to Portland, Ore., where she worked in the shipyards. She was left in the care of her older sisters, Nancy and Jo. Jo remembers carrying her on a long trek over the fields and down a steep hillside to have her cared for by the neighbor while the siblings attended school. After school, they carried her back home and cared for her until bedtime. One time they fed Carol sauerkraut and paid the price when it came time to change her diaper. Carol attended grades first through sixth in a one-room cabin used as a schoolhouse. She had some wonderful years in that tiny school. She moved into Kettle Falls in her teen years, living with her mother and stepfather. There, she graduated from Kettle Falls High School in the spring of 1957. Progressing in life, Carol married and raised four children. During her adult years, she enjoyed varied employment that included working as a librarian, bookkeeper, secretary, microfilm manager, and always provided a helping hand to the disadvantaged. The last 20 years of her working life were spent as an optometric technician at the Kettle Falls Vision Clinic. She was actively involved at the Columbia River Bible Church and Christian Academy. She enjoyed many years of singing with the local Sweet Adelines group. After remarrying, Carol was very involved with her late husband, David Roper, in the Chokes and Spokes Antique Car Club. She loved to camp and even rafted the Salmon River in Idaho. In her final active years, she enjoyed riding ATVs in the backcountry with her friend, Keith Fine (who was also a childhood friend growing up in Boyds). She was a sharp Pinochle player and excelled at many card games. But her favorite and most serious joy in life was sharing Jesus Christ with her family, friends, and acquaintances. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, A. “Murphy” Hurst and Irene Johnson, her husband, David Roper, her sisters Nancy Anderson, Suzette Tucker, brother Richard Hurst, and two grandchildren, Jessica West and Jonathon Kreft. She is survived by her sister, Jo Negu, of Kettle Falls, her children, Michael Davis and his wife, Toni, of Dover, Del., daughter Shawn Kreft and her husband David of Kettle Falls, son of Jerry Davis and his wife Daphne of Pierre Lake, daughter Kelly West and her husband, Rick, of Kettle Falls, and Ruth Zembas and her husband, Michael of Shelton, Wash. She is survived by grandchildren Kimberly Davis of Portland, Ore., Paden Davis and his wife, Emma, of Spokane, Wash., Daniel Kreft and his fiance, Terri, of Belgrade, Mont.,Andrew Kreft of Fargo, N.D., and Katie West and her partner, Sarah Moon, of Portland, Ore. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren in Washington, North Dakota, and Minnesota, and several nieces and nephews, and her close friend, Keith Fine of Kettle Falls. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life in her memory on July 17, at 11 a.m. at Columbia River Bible Church, 1086 HWY 395 N, Kettle Falls, Wash., 99141, west of Sandy’s Drive-In on the north side of the highway. A reception is planned to follow. Previous Item Next Item