Kathryn Jane Graff
Kathryn Jane Graff, 80 years old, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away peacefully at Samaritan Hospital on June 17, 2026, after a battle with Stage 4 bone cancer. Kathy was born in Spokane, Wash. She lived in Colfax, Wash. as a small child, later moving with her family to their farm in Moses Lake Wash. She graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1964. She was the Columbia Basin Rodeo Queen in 1962 with her horse Rocket. She raised cattle while married to her first husband Pete Higgins. She was known for really loving the little calves she bottle-fed. With her second husband Ron Graff, she enjoyed horse racing, RVing, camping and gambling throughout the Northwest. They enjoyed their racehorses and dogs, taking their beloved dogs with them everywhere. Her favorite hobby was gambling. She would watch horse racing at home daily, betting from the app. Cancer didn't get her down. She would head to the casino in Spokane right after her cancer treatments. She made good friends with a few casino employees. She would always stop to say hello to them before leaving.
Wendell Madison
March 30, 1936 – December 19, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wendell Madison on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at the age of 89, from a broken heart. Wendell was an amazing father to his children and gallant protector of his wife of 68 years. His personality and sense of humor, which he formulated to navigate life’s challenges, made him a loved icon in the Moses Lake community. Anybody could sit and talk about anything with him. The unmistakable sound of his ever-teaching anecdotal voice followed by his hearty laughter will forever be missed.
Demitrula James Madison
September 13, 1938 – December 7, 2025
Demitrula James Madison, 87, of Moses Lake, Washington, left us peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Demitrula, or “Demi,” will always be remembered for her genuine love, kindness and willingness to help those in troublesome circumstances. Born on Sept. 13, 1938, in Everett, Washington, Demi grew up as the fifth daughter of James and Gertrude Roppas and sister to six sisters: Violet, Helen, Angela, Athena, Marianne and Thelma. When she wasn’t helping around the house or milking cows at her father’s Dairy Farm, Demi was an active member of the Greek church community, in particular the Daughters of Penelope where she was a 70-year member.
Rose Haughton Frederick
Farewell letter to my friend, Rose, also known to many as “Miss Rose.” My dear friend, you passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026. I've been feeling lost and trying to make sense of your passing. This letter is to honor you. We met in 1990 and became close friends quickly. Shortly after, I joined you as a co-educator for Grant County Head Start in Moses Lake. I believe we had more fun then the children. Your dedication, expertise and love for Early Childhood Education was oxygen to you. The students and parents felt that love, especially on the last day of school every year. Your tears would come from having to say goodbye to those little faces at the same time feeling hopeful for their future.
Daniel Hansen
May 4, 1965 – June 15, 2026
Daniel Hughes Hansen, 61, passed away June 15, 2026. Daniel was born May 4, 1965, in Othello, Washington, the fourth son of William Drury Hansen and Mary Ellen Hughes Hansen. He grew up in Othello, graduated from Othello High School in 1983 and later attended Brigham Young University, where he majored in Microbiology and participated in Army ROTC. While at BYU, Daniel met Janice Lee Holland, who became his beloved wife and companion. They were married by a Justice of the Peace in Provo, Utah, on May 30, 1986, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Atlanta Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 28, 1988.
Manuela Maria Lopez
April 1, 1931 – June 20, 2026
Manuela Maria Lopez, 95, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away June 20, 2026, at home with family by her side. She was born in Aguas Calientes, Mexico on April 1, 1931, to parents Remigio and Manuela Mendez. She was the eldest of eight siblings. She was raised in “El Valle,” Mission, Texas. She married her young love Juan Lopez on Sept. 12, 1949. As a young couple they moved from Texas to Moses Lake, Wash. with their five children in 1956, where her husband found employment with Yamamoto Farms. Around 1962 they moved to Warden, Wash. where she raised her children. Many years later she and her husband retired and returned back around 1992 to Moses Lake, Wash.
Matthew Douglas Guilfoil
We’re heartbroken to announce that our dear friend, Matthew Guilfoil, left us suddenly on June 5, 2026, following a major stroke but not before he donated all of his organs. He was an unbelievably loving and kind man. Matt was born in Louisville, Ken. on April 9, 1971. During his last years, he worked locally as a handyman and was deeply appreciated and respected by his clients.
Glenn E. Blue
Feb. 11, 1932 – June 15, 2026
Arthur Moriwaki
June 21, 1951 – June 8, 2026
Arthur S. Moriwaki passed away peacefully from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and diabetes on June 9, 2026, just days before his 75th birthday. He was born on June 21, 1951, in Moses Lake, Washington to Nobuo and Kaneko Moriwaki. At the age of 15, Art earned his Eagle Scout medal and became an Order of the Arrow Brotherhood member, and for decades continued his passion for Boy Scouts as an adult troop and regional leader. Art was an accomplished musician, being first chair trumpet in high school, and while his prolonged asthma since childhood limited his ability to participate in the sports that he loved, he became one of the first non-athletes to earn a Moses Lake High School varsity letter as the baseball team's manager and statistician.
Alice Marlene Melcher
March 2, 1941 – June 29, 2026
Alice Marlene Melcher, 85, of Moses Lake, Washington went to be with her Savior on June 29, 2026. She was born on March 2, 1941, in Spokane, Washington to Emil Sauer and Lydia Rott Sauer. The family farmed in Lind, Washington. Alice was the eldest of four siblings: John, Lois, and Barbara. Alice and her family were active members of the Assembly of God church in Lind. Alice graduated from Lind High School in 1959. After high school, she was employed as a bookkeeper until her marriage to Gorden Melcher in 1964. Gorden and Alice built a life together on the farm. They welcomed their first child, Jeffrey, in 1966 and their second child, Rodney, in 1968. Alice joined Zion-Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa, Washington when she married Gorden and continued to be active in church throughout her life. She taught Sunday school and served as the Sunday school superintendent.
