Pearl Meacham granddaughter -in - law passes away.

       Pearl M Vickery Meacham passed away on February 7, 2016 while holding a hallowed place in the hearts of so many who had the privilege of knowing her.  She was the last to go of her brothers and sisters as well as their spouses and the same for her husband George's brothers and sisters. Only 6 of her 15 siblings survived childhood and she will once again be reunited with them.   Pearl M Vickery Meacham, 94, “Grandma Pearl”, peacefully returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 7, 2016. She is surely rejoicing to see her loved ones who have gone before her, including; her parents George Arthur Vickery and Mary Woodruff Vickery, her husband George Arthur Meacham, her 14 brothers and sisters (Pearl was the 11th of 15 children), her son Michael, his wife Ellen, and their baby David Patten. Pearl is survived by 5 of her 6 children, Douglas Meacham of American Fork, Utah; Gregory Meacham of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Linda Meacham Lindsey of Virginia City Nevada; Georgia Meacham Hill of Boise, Idaho; and Roger Meacham of Weiser, Idaho. She also leaves her legacy with 106 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Pearl was born in Dairy Creek, Idaho (Oneida County) on October 28th, 1921. She married George on August 28, 1940 in Letha, Idaho. George and Pearl raised their children primarily in New Plymouth, Payette, and Weiser, Idaho. Motherhood was her crowning joy and her favorite occupation. Pearl also worked outside the home from time to time; as an editor in Payette and New Plymouth and also as a bookkeeper. She spent her last several decades living in Provo, Utah where she made many wonderful friends. She lived her life compassionately in service to her family and the Lord. She was a committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout her life; volunteering in many capacities including working in the Temple and serving as Relief President at age 72. She also belonged to Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Pearl was a lifelong learner with particular interests in family history, nutrition, politics, and world news. She is fondly remembered for her keen mind, quick wit, loving heart, joyful laugh, contagious faith, fierce independence, amazing hair and queenly poise. Pearl was blessed to be able to live independently and care for herself, by the grace of God, until the last few weeks of her life. Her family would like to thank those who helped to care for her in her last days at Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and finally at Sunrise Hospice Center in Orem, Utah. Memorial Services will be held in her honor on Wednesday, February 10th 2016, at 11:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 101 W. 800 N., Provo, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Graveside Service will take place Thursday, February 11th, at 11:00 am. Interment in Hillcrest Cemetery, 215 East Indianhead Rd, Weiser, Idaho. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.

Great Great Great Granddaughter Juliet Favero has a gift for singing as well as composing.  The girls in her Young Women's class in Carson City, Nevada  were looking for a song to do a video to.  They just couldn't find the right song so Juliet who is a senior in high school, but just 15 years old, composed this song.  The amazing thing to me was the fact that these girls are not a part of a singing group but only part her Young Women's group.

Our dear Aunt Billie passes peacefully on.

Her kind and gentle spirit will be surely remembered and missed.  She was always so interested in others.

Willamae Gould Meacham (January 22, 1924 - September 27, 2015) On a cold, wintery January day, January 22, 1924 to be exact, Willamae Gould entered this world at the farmhouse of her mother and father (“Lottie” Markman Gould and Lloyd Gould) near Bone Gap, Illinois. As Willamae grew up, she spent much of her time between her parents’ and her maternal grandparents’ homes. Her grandfather was a shoemaker and she spent many hours in his shoe shop, helping wherever she could, learning the details of what goes into making a good shoe. Besides doing well in school, she played the piano, sang in her school and church choirs, and was highly involved with activities at the Moravian Church. She graduated from high school in 1942 and began nurses training at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. In college, she developed a deep friendship with six other young women also training to become nurses. It was among this great group of friends that she was given the nickname, “Billie,” and it stuck throughout her adult life. Because WWII was going on during her college years, she felt she would graduate and go to work in a military hospital, helping care for the wounded and recovering soldiers and other veterans. However, the war had ended before she was out and she only spent a few months working in Virginia. Eventually, she and a friend struck out to see the world; first, on a six-month “adventure” going to Panama, and then coming West, initially to “way-to-dusty-for-me” Richland, Washington (Kadlec Hospital) and finally settling down near the beautiful Blue Mountains in Pendleton, Oregon (St. Anthony Hospital). One of her fellow nurses at St. Anthony, Irma “Meachie” See had a brother named Gordon. The rest of the story is history---a young cowboy who needed his cowgirl; a young nurse who was looking for her handsome prince! Together they would become working partners; she to manage all the household chores while he handled the cows and irrigated alfalfa, corn and grain fields. Gordon and Billie were married on January 1, 1949, in West Salem, Illinois. They returned to Lapwai, Idaho, where Gordon farmed with his dad and brothers in a family pea and grain operation. About this same time, Gordon’s dad purchased land under the Roza Irrigation Project near Yakima, Washington. In 1951, Gordon and Billie left Idaho, becoming the operators of that ranch where they often remarked similarly to, ‘we are like outlaws. We are not Catholic hop-farmers, nor are we Dutch fruit farmers. Instead, we have just come to raise alfalfa for our cow-calf operation.’ Besides handling the cows and the growing farm operation, the couple also raised three children who helped with all the farming and ranching duties; Ann, Sylvia and Alonzo. Billie now became the taxi driver for dance lessons, piano lessons, swim lessons, softball and baseball practices, as well as church meetings, choir practice and ladies guild meetings. She sewed countless dance costumes, baked dozens of cookies for church events and assisted wherever she could when a neighbor needed help. The family attended Tree of Life Lutheran Church (formerly Terrace Heights Lutheran) in Yakima and have maintained friendships with many of the members still there. In 1986, Gordon and Billie moved to Royal City, Washington, to what they fondly called their “cow camp.” What started out as a small ranch to winter the cattle became a welcoming “new” home and place of residence. They regularly attended Royal City United Methodist Church. In the early 2000’s, Gordon and Billie sold their property at Royal City but continued to “farm” from looking out their front window or when taking one of their drives in their pickup truck. They developed friendships from Wenatchee to Quincy to Soap Lake to Moses Lake to Mattawa to Ellensburg….well, you get the idea….they could be in the pickup and anywhere within an hour or two of Royal City to meet someone for lunch, even if it might be someone “new.” But “new” only lasted for one time, after that, it was “friend.” In 2012, Gordon was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2013. With the help of Sylvia and Ann, Billie moved to Gig Harbor in November of 2013. She quickly found her way into the hearts of so many! She enjoyed attending church at Peninsula Lutheran where she joined in Rebekah Circle, Altar Guild and the Quilters. With the invitation of her neighbor, she attended STARS, a warm and friendly group of thriving senior women! For the past year, Billie again won over the hearts of many of the residents and caregivers at the beautiful (both inside and out) Kensington Gardens. Thanks to the many caregivers, she played pinochle, tried her hand at crafts, exercised during sit and fit, rode “Mark’s Shiny Bus” to many excursions, etc. On Sunday morning, September 27, 2015, Billie finally made her last journey, leaving her earthly world to join her beloved Gordon once again and all the saints who have gone before her. Billie will be remembered for her sincere love of people: she had the ability to quickly find a connection with you and “never forget it”---she would ask you about your vacation, family member, hobby, etc., the next time she saw you. She also had a way with animals---she may have had a clean plate at the end of a meal, but several morsels had been shared with the family cat and/or dog. She would have had several cats and dog, space permitting! Jeopardy was yet another interest---her family wanted her to try out for the show, but she was satisfied to play from her own living room most every evening! And we can’t forget sports: her first love was the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners. Thank you for sharing your love with us in so many ways, Mother/Nana/Aunt Billie/Billie. Survivors include: daughter, Ann Meacham of Gig Harbor; daughter and son-in-law, Sylvia and Richard Wallen of Gig Harbor, and their children, Jenny and Jason Koenig of Seattle and Stephanie Wallen of Jeju, South Korea; son, Alonzo Meacham of Moxee, Washington; thirty five nieces and nephews from all over; sister-in-law, Pearl Meacham of Provo, Utah; and countless friends, many of whom she counted as brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, etc., because that’s the way she lived! Memorial services will be held in both Gig Harbor at Peninsula Lutheran Church, 6509 38th Ave NW on November 11 at 11am, and in Royal City at Royal City United Methodist Church, 305 Royal Ave NW on November 15 at 9am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances being given to Peninsula Lutheran Church/choir and bell music and/or batting for quilts, 6509 38th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335; Royal City United Methodist Church/building fund for handicap access, Royal City, WA 99357; Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 410 North 37th Street, Yakima

Foraging for Nettles and Ramps with Eben Copple

Eat This: Foraging for nettles and ramps

 

Alexander and Emma Elizabeth Doak are the 2 grandparents of Carolyn Copple. Carolyn is the Granddaughter of Betty Ruth Doak Lindsey, who is uncle Everett's great granddaughter  Her husband Eben Copple is a wonderful chef. You may enjoy the talent he has for cooking with edibles found in the wild. This is a skill which is of great interest to me and probably many of you. This looks amazing.  Click on this link to meet your cousin by marriage Eben Copple.

Angels Among Us by Linda Lindsey

This is why I love Nevada. David took a turn for the worst yesterday and his two daughters got in the car and headed to NEVADA. They had car trouble in Battle Mountain. It is about 50 miles from Winnemucca where they could get a mechanic. They would have to wait till MONDAY and this was Saturday night. An older couple were just out for a walk and saw them. The girls had 2 babies and 2 preschoolers and the couple felt sorry for them. These wonderful people sent them on their way driving their nice double cab truck 300 miles. Perfect strangers didn't even ask their name and sent them off with their truck to use as long as needed. They didn't even ask their phone number. It touched my heart so much. It is great having the girls here. The lady told me on the phone that they had daughters and they would not want to be stranded. Her daughter is a writer for Virginia City. I hope we can have them stay with us sometimes. They truly lived the teaching "Do unto other's as you would that men should do to you." David is much improved and I am still baffled at the kindness of these perfect strangers.  People just don't do things like that. There are certainly Angels Among us.

Great great grandson Payton Kemp amazes listeners. He says his gift of singing is a gift from God.

David passed 4 months after Doris's passing.

David Willard Meacham

Posted: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 12:00 am

David Willard Meacham

David Willard Meacham, 89, of Lewiston, died Aug. 9, 2014, of causes related to age. Dave was the sixth and last surviving of seven children born to Merritt and Sylvia (Doak) Meacham. He was born Jan. 25, 1925, at the family home near what is now the intersection of U.S. Highway 95 and Tom Beall Road.

The family lived at several locations in the Lapwai and Lewiston areas. Sylvia moved the family to Lewiston for a time, seeking better educational opportunities for her children. Ironically, one of David's lifelong regrets was never graduating from high school. World War II took his older siblings away from home and his father required his help with the farming. He eventually enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed paratrooper training with the 182nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg N.C. He didn't deploy because the war was winding down. He was discharged after 13 months of service and returned to again help his father with the farming. He married Doris Herndon after returning home and they raised four children, Steven (Linda), Scott (Terry), Eric "Rick" (Patty, Karen), and Jane (Jerry Johnson).

David loved farming, stating a number of times that farming was the only thing he ever wanted to do with his life. Doris loved the blooming of the forsythias in the spring and passed away when they were in full bloom. Dave loved harvest and passed away in the middle of harvest. Dave and Doris lived in the Tom Beall area while he farmed with his father and brothers, Howard (Bud) and Gene. Many young men from the area earned money for college or less lofty pursuits working the green pea and wheat harvests on the Meacham farm during the '50s, '60s and early '70s. In the days before the full mechanization of harvesting green peas, the Meacham brothers provided a bunkhouse and cookhouse for migrant workers from Mexico who greatly appreciated staying at the Tom Beall ranch versus the "labor encampment" in North Lewiston. The cooks who worked the cookhouse and served as University of Idaho sorority cooks in the winter served up big breakfasts, sack lunches, great blue enameled pots of pinto beans and coffee and suppers daily. Since the ranch also had a cattle component overseen by their father, Merritt, and younger brother, Eugene (Gene), there were generous servings of beef after a 12-hour day of manual labor.

Dave and Bud raised the full spectrum of dryland crops: wheat, green and dry peas, barley, oats, lentils, garbanzo beans, hay and grass seed. Of special note is the fact that when the Meacham green peas would come to Lewiston for processing at Twin City Foods, Campbell Soup Co. would come to buy them for their Swanson frozen dinners. The Campbell people said the Meacham peas were the best peas, with the best flavor and color of all the green peas in the entire nation. This is probably attributed to the local soil, climate and Meachams owning their own pea harvesting equipment. Meacham peas could be harvested at the optimal time, not when the equipment owned by the processing plant could get there.

Bud and Dave had a number of full-time employees from before World War II into the '70s. Of note because of the length of their service were George Marshal, A.N. (Nels) Boyer, Swede Perkins, Jim Hill and Allen Maynard. In addition, seasonal tractor drivers from Lapwai, such as Moffett Johnson and Art Moore Sr., came every spring and fall to help with the field work. These men all did the work of making the farm a success. They were spoken of often and were all greatly appreciated.

In 1972 Dave, Doris and Janie moved to Nezperce because of a change in the farming operation. He and Doris lived in Nezperce until 1985, when he built a home in Lewiston in which he and Doris would live out their retirement. In February, Dave moved to the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston because of health issues.

In retirement, he and Doris spent a number of summers traveling with the Road Runners RV group. They then parked the RV at ALACCA Bible Camp at Harpster, where he and Doris spent several summers volunteering in the kitchen, Doris mostly cooking and Dave mostly washing dishes. After retirement, Dave took a trip by himself to Alaska, traveling in a small Nissan pickup truck and camping out of a canopy on the back of the truck. Dave and Doris enjoyed snow-skiing with their good friends George and Peggy Stedman, boating and water skiing with friends in the slackwater behind the old Washington Water Power dam and using the log boom as a dock. He and Doris once traveled with a group in their 16-foot boat to the Pacific Ocean. Having helped Richard Law build a float house on Hidden Bay near Plummer, the family was able to spend some time after harvest "at the lake." He also took the family to the Oregon Coast a number of times, to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, the Seattle World's Fair and Yellowstone Park. Toward the end of his life, he enjoyed watching football, baseball, basketball and the farming channel on his big-screen TV.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Hulburt (Harry), George, Howard (Bud), Irma, Gordon and Eugene; his wife, Doris; and son Rick. He is survived by his children, Steve, Scott and Jane; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

David was a member of the Lewiston Orchards Nazarene Church and enjoyed attending Sunday service even after moving to the veterans home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Mountain View Funeral Home, with Pastor Curt Blackwill officiating. Memorials may be made to the Orchards Nazarene Church or to the Idaho State Veterans Home.

The family would like to thank the people at the veterans home for their outstanding kindness and wonderful care. And a thank you to Kay Johnson, dad's faithful "Girl Friday," who was a great help to him before and after his move to the veterans home. Her willingness to give of her time was such a blessing to him and the family. Visit Mountain View's online guest book at www.mtviewfuneralhome.com.

Grandson David Meacham and spouse Doris both pass away in 2014. Only two daughter- in- laws Billie Meacham and Pearl Meacham are living.

Doris Fern Herndon Meacham

Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2014 12:00 am

Doris Fern Herndon Meacham

Doris Fern Herndon Meacham passed from this life into the presence of Jesus on March 27, 2014. As the Scripture says, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

Doris was born March 1, 1926, at the family farm on the west breaks of Cottonwood Creek canyon, about seven miles north of Culdesac. She and her siblings, Merle, John, Lewis (Mick), Donald and Gladys, were all born to Leslie and Grace Tupper Herndon at the family farm house. As a child, she walked or rode on horseback to the one-room schools on Cottonwood Creek and North Tom Beall Road. Beginning in the fifth grade, she rode in the back of a pickup truck equipped with a canvas tarp canopy to Culdesac to attend school. At Culdesac, she played on the girl's basketball team, played trumpet in the band and graduated as the school salutatorian. She attended one year at the University of Idaho, where she studied art.

She married David Willard Meacham on Sept. 1, 1946, at the Lewiston Christian Church on Seventh Avenue. Doris and David made their home on Middle Tom Beall Road until 1970. They then moved to Nezperce because David and his brother, Howard, divided their farming operation and David and Doris moved to be closer to their land holdings, which were all on the Camas Prairie. They lived in Nezperce until 1985, when they then moved to their final residence in Lewiston. Doris and David had four children, Steven David (Steve), Scott Leslie, Eric Milo (Rick), and Jane Ellen.

Doris would be categorized as a homemaker, but she was also a seamstress and an artist, creating many sets for church productions, numerous oil paintings and toll-painted furniture treasured by family members. She was a dedicated church worker, serving as a Sunday school teacher, a Sunday school superintendent, a Presbyter, a church board member, a camp counselor and a camp cook. She was an amateur architect, designing three of the four houses she lived in after marriage. The last house in Lewiston was drawn so proficiently, the plan she drew was accepted by the Lewiston Building Department as the official building plan and stamped as such.

Her 88th birthday on March 1 of this year was celebrated with a gathering of family and friends at the Idaho State Veterans Home at Lewiston, where David now resides. Doris succumbed to complications of injuries she received in a fall March 19. She passed away at Tri-State Memorial Hospital. Her husband and children were with her, having been summoned just an hour before she passed on.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Grace; brothers Merle and Mick Herndon; and son Rick (survived by spouse Karen). She is survived by her husband, David; and children Steven (Linda), Scott (Terry), and Jane Johnson (Jerry); 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; stepmother Margret Herndon; sister Gladys Kendrick; and brothers John and Don Herndon.

Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery. Interment and a meal will follow the funeral.

Here is a picture of Sylvia and Dick Wallen with their daughter Jenny Koenig who is a great great granddaughter of Alexander and Emma Doak. They are dressed for the Grammy's.  Jenny and her husband Jason didn't win but their video was better than some who won in my opinion.  I also bet they were among the most wholesome looking people there.  Sylvia and Dick are the parents of two daughters, Jenny and Stephani.  They have taught school their whole lives and are recently retired. 
They are amazing parents.

JennyWallen Koenig, granddaughter of Gordon and Billie Meacham  a 2rd great granddaughter of Alexander and Emma Doak, together with her husband Jason won an MTV video award for this and are now nominated for a Grammy in Best Music Video.  Jason is a director and Jenny is a producer.

Jason also is a remarkable photographer. They reside in the Gig Harbor/Tacoma Washington area.

Grave Markers of our Ancestors

On the last day of the LDS mission to West Virginia, David and Linda Meacham Lindsey visited the graves of many relatives. It was memorial day and  when the couple set out on the adventure the sky was dark and a storm was looming.  David insisted they carry on since they were already part way there when the sky became so dark.  Linda was thrilled with the experience and so glad they continued.  It was quite by accident or providence that they were able to find the first graveyard which is unmarked and through some trees and through a lovely farm of the now Helmick family.  They were only the 2nd people to visit the site in all the years that the Helmicks owned the amazingly beautiful farm with rolling hills and 2 ponds that had once belonged to the Howard family. They guided us through their corral and up the hay field which had a mowed path up to the graveyard. The graveyard had only about 8 graves. Samuel Howard and Charlotte Hicks, Emma Elizabeth Howard Doak's grandparents are buried there.

 

The four graveyards we found were either on highway 18 between Middleborne and West Union or within about 3 miles of the highway so it was very convenient.

The second graveyard was in the town of Alma at the Baptist church cemetery.

William Gregg and Elizabeth Thomas Gregg are buried here in a lovely church  graveyard.  I couldn't find Emma Doak's parents buried here but we were short of time and not sure where they are buried. They died of smallpox when Emma was just 4 years old.  Her grandparents William and Elizabeth Gregg raised them ( the children who didn't die of smallpox).

 

The next graveyard we visited was the Arnold's creek cemetery where 3 generations of our Doak ancestors are buried.  We found Alexander's parents Hamilton and Martha Ann Freeman Doak and his grandparents Alexander and Eliza Ireland's graves here.  Both graves are broken off and laying on the ground.  If anyone would like to do something for their graves to replace the stone, etc. it would be appreciated by so many including the wonderful lady Frances Hurst who faithfully keeps the graveyard moved without

remuneration. Our Ancestors were faithful members of the Church of Christ in Deep Valley. This graveyard also necessitated driving across Arnold's Creek and through a farmyard. Tme was running out and we didn't stop at the graveyard just a bit north of West Union.  Linda had been there before and the Freeman cemetery lies to the back of the graveyard.  Martha Ann Freeman's family lies there.  It is called the Coleman cemetery and is just along the highway.  It is sobering to know of the importance of each of our ancestors because without anyone of them we wouldn't be born in this good family.

Here is the beautiful voice of Payton Kemp 13 year old 3rd great grandson of Alexander Arthur and Elizabeth Doak. This touching Christmas song "Do You Hear What I Hear?

Gordon Meacham Grandson of Grandpa and Grandma Doak Goes to the Other Side.

Uncle Gordon is one of a kind Uncle.  He was nearly always smiling and joking.  He loved to tease me about being a Mormon and chiding me for paying tithing, etc. but it was always in good humor and I know it was with a lot of love. Our kids used to love the big 5 gallon bucket of cherries he would always bring to the reunion dinner and then it was other delicious treats like salmon and strawberry shortcake. My oldest son David particularly took a liking to him and one time I was driving down from Alaska to Utah and he really wanted to stop and see Uncle Gordon and my loving Aunt Billie. Since I was driving the kids by my self and my husband was flying later I decided it would be fun.  Seeing relatives is always the funnest part of a trip. We stopped at their home outside of Moxee City, Washington. They lived on a ranch and as we waited outside in our van the flies were just thick because of the horses and cattle.  They didn't know we were coming as there were no cell phones then.  We must have waited in their driveway for 1 1/2 hours when I told my son that we must leave.  It was right then that they drove up and welcomed us heartily. We had a good brief reunion before we had to drive on to Idaho.

I liked the fact that Uncle Gordon was down to earth and never pretentious.  Even though they made good money from their ranch and could afford a new truck every year or two they lived in a very modest house.  Aunt Billie said they liked to sleep next to the front door for in case the wiring went bad and caught on fire. I loved their kindness and  his teasing was all in fun. It was very good memories the 8 months we lived in Gig Harbor, Washington before moving out of Alaska entirely. We got to know what amazing daughters Uncle Gordon and Aunt Billie have. They were school teachers there.  Later to meet Alonzo, their son, was a wonderful experience.

One funny story my Dad, George Meacham told me was when Uncle Gordon was born and the doctor came to the house for the delivery.  The older boys were sent outside.  After the delivery they were peeking through the screen door and saw the doctor holding Uncle Gordon upside down by the heals.  Uncle Bud exclaimed, "It's a jackrabbit."  Uncle Gordon must have looked like a jackrabbit since he has extremely long legs.

Here is his life sketch:

GORDON MERRITT MEACHAM

Quoting his own words, Gordon Merritt Meacham "was born the last day of summer in 1922" near Lapwai, Idaho. Being the fifth child in the family of Sylvia (Doak) and Merritt Meacham, he joined three brothers: Hulburd/Harry, George, and Howard/Bud; and one sister, Irma/Meachie See. Two more brothers, David and Gene, later completed the Meacham clan of nine. Gordon, as well as his siblings, spent the majority of his growing up years being that of a farmer's son. Growing grain and hay, as well as tending chickens, pigs, cattle and horses filled his daily life; skills which would later prove useful in his own adult life. When the daily chores were done, school work and lessons needed finishing. However, in the summer with school out, the Meacham children would often ride their horses, racing against the neighbors' horses, or visit the nearby strawberry and/or melon patches for delicious after supper snacks.

Gordon's dad, Merritt, believed in education and the family often spent winters in Lewiston, Idaho, where the children attended "town" schools. Thus, Gordon graduated with the mighty class of 1942 from Lewiston High School. During high school, he especially enjoyed math, poetry and literature, and home arts classes, and turned out for both basketball and track. In the late summer of 1942, Gordon joined the Navy and began radar school in order to serve his country during World War II. However, he contracted miliary tuberculosis and was granted an honorable medical discharge. When he had sufficiently recovered from the tuberculosis, Gordon enrolled at the University of Idaho at Moscow. After two years, however, he felt he was needed more and better suited for working in the family business, Meacham and Sons of Culdesac, Idaho. One summer he ventured to Pendleton, Oregon, to visit his sister and brother-in-law, Meachie and Bud See. Meachie introduced Gordon to one of her nursing coworkers, Billie (Willamae) Gould, and the rest, as has been said, is history. Gordon and Billie were married on January 1, 1949, in a family ceremony in West Salem, Illinois. By mid-January, they returned to Lapwai as husband and wife; he, working for the Meacham corporation and she, the wife of a farmer-rancher husband. When they got the chance, they would go to local dances, stepping out to the sounds of bands playing popular Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey hits. They also attended Peace Lutheran Church in Lewiston, Idaho.

In November of 1950, their first child, Ann, was born. The following summer, the three of them moved household goods, farm equipment, and cattle to their own Circle M Ranch near Moxee, Washington. Under the Roza Irrigation Project, their farm grew alfalfa and corn for the purebred Herefords Gordon so enjoyed raising and showing. In November of 1952, a second daughter, Sylvia joined Ann; the first time in nearly 80 years that two sisters were born into a Meacham household. What a celebration! The family joined Terrace Heights Lutheran Church of Yakima, Washington, where, over the years, Gordon served on the church council, Billie sang in the choir and served on various church committees, and the children attended Sunday School and were confirmed.

Gordon and Billie continued their purebred Hereford operation until the mid 1950s when a dispersion sale was held and the Moxee Ranch was "remodeled" for a 1000-head-of-steers feedlot. The year-round need for beef guaranteed the corporation a more steady income. However, Gordon and Billie continued their cow-calf and farming operation while acquiring summer range land where the cows and calves thrived. Alonzo, Gordon's and Billie's third child, arrived in February of 1956. The three children, similar to their father, helped with work on the ranch; tending the cattle, changing sprinklers, irrigating the corn and grain, bringing in the hay, etc., during their growing-up years. Letting daylight burn was not allowed by anyone.

In the 1970s, the winter snow pack was often low and lead to the rationing of irrigation water. In 1977, the most severe year yet, Gordon and Billie happened upon a small farm in Royal City, Washington. The area had an overall, warmer and more pleasing climate than Moxee. This farm could grow grass for summer feed and nearby hay was plentiful for winter feed. Thus, the bulk of the cattle operation was moved to Royal City. Eventually, Gordon and Billie permanently moved to Royal City in 1986 and have resided there since then. They have been regular attendees at the Royal City United Methodist Church making new friendships with the many members there. However, they have maintained their many friendships and personal connections in the Yakima area, as well.

By the early 2000s, Gordon and Billie sold their cattle and leased much of their property to larger farming corporations. The land in both Moxee and Royal City now produces hops, apples, cherries, alfalfa, Timothy grass, wheat and corn. Gordon and Billie maintain friendships with, and interest in, those who now farm their original Circle M Ranch as well as the property in Royal City.

In December 2012, Gordon was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer. Over the next five months, he chose to follow the route of chemo- and radiation therapies, surgery and rehabilitation. About eight days into rehabilitation, Gordon suddenly developed an intestinal blockage on April 30, 2013, which eventually lead to his death early on the morning of May 2, 2013, the same month and day his mother passed away.

Survivors include family members: loving wife, Billie (Willamae) of Royal City; daughters, Ann Meacham and Sylvia (Richard) Wallen of Gig Harbor, Washington; son, Alonzo Meacham of Moxee; two granddaughters, Jenny (Jason) Koenig of Seattle, Washington, and Stephanie Wallen of Jeju, South Korea; one brother and his wife, David and Doris Meacham of Lewiston, Idaho; one sister-in-law, Pearl (George) Meacham of Provo, Utah; nearly forty nieces, nephews and their spouses; and, a handful of cousins. Those also sharing the loss of Gordon are the many friends Gordon and Billie have made over the years of their lives. It was common to find them on the phone wishing happy birthday to one of Billie's childhood friends or one of their property lessees. Perhaps they would then be out the door on a drive to the river or Mar-Don Resort or Soap Lake. Wherever they went and whomever they met, they came home knowing they had made someone laugh or smile that day.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at 11am at the Royal City Church of the Nazarene, 200 Calla Loop in Royal City. A luncheon reception for everyone will be held afterward at the Royal City Community Center at the Royal City Golf Course, 13702 Dodson Road South, Royal City. Feel free to wear your favorite blue jeans and cowgirl/cowboy shirt. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials could be made to Tree of Life (formerly Terrace Heights) Lutheran Church, 410 N. 37^{th Street, Yakima, WA, 98901; Royal City United Methodist Church, 316 Daisy, Royal City, WA, 99357; Construction for Change, 5525 16th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105; American Cancer Society; or an organization of your choice.}

Cannon Wins with Alien Burger. Go Cannon

Watch Cannon win this round.

http://youtu.be/n6DVPxAdSUE

Who Will be the first Super Chef Kid?

Super chef kids is America's first nationwide cooking competition show for kids going live on Sept. 17.  Cannon is the son of Jason and HeatherMeacham Fehrenbach of Draper, Utah.

3rd Great Grandson sings on Album for Children

Peyton Kemp Singing 

Peyton told his great grandmother Pearl Meacham that God blessed him with a gift.  As a young child he knew this and is sharing his music with others.  You can view him singing in Miss Utah Pageant and others aaby going to You Tube.  Doug and Trudy Meacham are his grandparents.

The director,Theresa Meacham, married into the family.

A few photos found of Betty Ruth Doak Lindsey

This photo is supposedly of her with her parents Everett and Mary Doak.  The other is with her Uncle Arthur Doak and one with her sister Lois.  Please correct me if I am wrong.  This is just an assumption as found in
"The Book".