New law aims to help WA funeral homes overwhelmed with unclaimed bodies

(The Center Square) – Washington funeral homes and coroners are now allowed to dispose of unclaimed human remains after 45 days. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed House Bill 1974, which reduces the length of time that funeral homes must hold onto unclaimed bodies from 90 days to 45 days.

Martin Gering

Martin Leroy Gering, 94, died Dec. 26, 2024, in Ritzville, Washington. Final visitation will be held 2-5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 in Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville. Funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville. All are welcome to attend.

Francese Hall

Family and friends of Wayne Hall are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service in loving memory of Francese Kay Hall, which will be held at 11 a.m. on Sug. 20, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 S. A St., Moses Lake, Washington. A reception will be held immediately after at Pillar Rock, 1373 Road F.2 NE, Moses Lake, Washington.

James Nganga

James Wamatu Nganga, 34, passed away June 7, 2024 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.

Donald Eugene White

Donald Eugene White of Moses Lake passed away Dec. 21, 2024 at the age of 75. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Kathleen M. Hahn

Kathleen M. Hahn, 97, of Craigmont, Idaho, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center of Cascadia. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville, Idaho.

Gloria Evans

July 26, 1940 — July 23, 2024

Gloria Jean Evans (née Lee, Falls, Loman, Heintz), 84, was born on July 26, 1940, in Spokane, Washington to Earl and Ruth (Muto) Lee. She was later adopted by Harvey Falls in 1947. She passed away in her sleep at Sacred Heart Hospital on July 23 after a years-long illness, just three days short of her 84th birthday. Gloria graduated from Richland High School in Richland, Washington and was a proud Bomber. She went on to attend Kinman Business College. She worked in bookkeeping and as a teacher’s aide.

Nominations open for Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards

OLYMPIA — Nominations are being accepted for Washington state’s Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The award honors volunteers, service officers, community members, Tribal veterans, National Guard members, or others who day in and day out go above and beyond the call of duty making sure veterans and their family members are cared for, according to the announcement. Whether they submit claims for benefits, arrange funeral honors for grieving families, coordinate events or donate countless hours in veteran’s hospitals or nursing homes, this is an opportunity to nominate them for one of seven Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards. This awards program is sponsored by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, the announcement said. Award winners are invited to participate in the Auburn Veteran's Day Parade, followed by recognition at a special luncheon.

Valentin D. Meza

May 21, 1940 — May 12, 2025

Valentin D. Meza is the second of his sixth-generational Meza Legacy. Valentin was born on May 21, 1940, and passed away peacefully at his lifelong residence on May 12, 2025. Valentin and his only brother Guadalupe were born in Asherton, Texas and they are the children of Jesus and Francisca Meza. They moved to Moses Lake in 1957. He married Maria Angelita Briones in 1957 and raised their children and remained married for 59 years to Angelita until her passing in 2016. Valentin was an excellent provider to his family. He was a loyal member to the Laborers Local 348 for 56 years. He received numerous awards from his union. He worked on numerous projects throughout Washington state. He retired in 1989.

Angel Marie Valensuela

2004 — 2025

Angel Marie Valenzuela, age 20, passed away on April 16, 2025, in Othello, Washington. Born on December 21, 2004, in Moses Lake, Washington, Angel brought light and love into the world from the very beginning.

Northwest power planners challenged by increasing demand of data centers

(The Center Square) – With energy-intensive artificial intelligence, or AI, consuming more electricity than traditional data-center activities, reliability of the electrical grid should be the top priority, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Lynn Bair

July 26, 1935 — Aug. 9, 2024

Lynn Ann Turley Bair, beloved mother, devoted grandmother, faithful friend and longtime resident of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully in her home with her daughter in attendance on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Lynn was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and devoted to serving the Lord with all her heart, might, mind and strength. She consistently provided Christian fellowship to her family, her friends and her many community associations and congregation members. Lynn continually emanated the Light of the Lord in the way she humbly served those around her.

Jesus Manuel Delgado

August 20, 1975 – July 19, 2024

Jesus Manuel Delgado, 48, passed away on July 19, 2024, in Moses Lake, Washington. Born on Aug. 20, 1975, in Fresno, California to Jesus Robert Delgado and Maria Montejano, Jesus Delgado was a beloved son and brother, father, and friend. Jesus Delgado is survived by parents Jesus Robert Delgado and Maria Montejano and siblings Robert D.G. (Beatrice), James (Esther), Robert (Angela), David (Cynthia), Isabel (Zack), and Mary (James). Jesus Delgado was the former spouse of Angela Quezada with whom he shared two decades of marriage before parting ways. Though no longer together, Jesus and Angela remained connected through their shared children Israel and Ashley and their grandchildren Jayce, Roman, and Estela.

Jake Watterson

Feb. 24, 1937 — June 11, 2024

Jake Watterson passed away on June 11, 2024, at the age of 87. His serious battle with colon cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing this terrible illness.

Gorden Dale Melcher

1938 – 2025

Gorden Dale Melcher, 87, of Moses Lake, Washington went to be with his Savior on March 14, 2025. He was born on February 21, 1938, in Odessa, Washington to Carl Melcher and Yetta Greenwalt Melcher.

Lois Iksic

Lois Iksic of Irby, Washington passed away April 24, 2025, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Victoria Ott, her husband, Louis Iksic, and eight siblings.

Richard Lee Oestreich

Richard Lee Oestreich, 96, our beloved dad, uncle, grandpa and great-grandpa, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 10, 2025, just weeks before his 97th birthday. Richard (Rich) was born in Portland, Oregon to Jerry and Lee Oestreich. As a teenager, he moved to Hoquiam, Washington with his older brother, Jim—his only sibling—where he completed high school.

Larry Pittack

June 24, 1947 — Jan. 2, 2025

Larry Gene Pittack, 77, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 2, 2025. Larry was born in Fresno, California on June 24, 1947, to parents Claudie C. Pittack and Carmelina A. (Paolercio) Pittack. They moved to Madera, California in 1955 and then to Wenatchee, Washington in 1963. He graduated from Eastmont Senior High School in 1965 and received an AA degree from Wenatchee Valley College in 1967. He was married to Patricia Hill in 1968. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1970 with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Grant County Public Utility District in Ephrata, Washington starting in 1970. He worked in various positions leading up to the position of Hydro Supervisor, which he held when he retired in 2004. He married his wife Barbara in 1993. Upon retirement Larry and Barbara moved to Hamilton, Montana where they built a home and lived the remaining years of his life.

Larry Workman

Larry D. Workman, 68, passed from this life to glory on March 4th, 2025, with family at bedside after a battle with cancer. He was lovingly called Honey, Dad, Pa, Grandpa, Dude, Grandpa Saturday, Larry Dawg, and Wolfy.

Kenneth Layton Bohne

1940 — 2025

Kenneth L. Bohne, 84, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at home. Born in Cardston, Alberta to John and LaPreil Bohne, Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful servant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ken grew up in Glenwood, Alberta, and moved with his family to Moses Lake, Washington, in 1954. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1958, where he was an accomplished trumpet player in the high school band. He enjoyed playing basketball and softball with the LDS Church and in city leagues, fostering lifelong friendships along the way. He was also a member of The Variations, a local singing group that performed at church and community events. Ken married his eternal companion, Buelah, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They celebrated 64 years of marriage and shared a life filled with love, faith, and service. He was a lifelong member of The Church, where he served in many leadership roles, including Bishop, Stake Executive Secretary, Ward Clerk, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, and Stake Athletic Director. His dedication to his faith and his service to others were central to his life.