October 22, 2009

Mildred (Hendrix) Wachtel

Mildred (Hendrix) Wachtel, age 96, died on Oct. 14, 2009, at Avalon Care Center in Spokane.

She was born on Sept. 21, 1913, to John and Sarah Hendrix in Forest City, Mo., and married Beauford Barge Wachtel on July 19, 1933. They were married for 65 years prior to Barge’s passing in 1998.

They moved to Washtucna in 1934, where they raised their four children.

It was said she was especially proud of the years she spent as head cook at the Washtucna High School and was an active member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Rebekahs) since 1939, attaining the position of Noble Grand on two occasions during her many years of service.

It was also said her home was always neat and tidy, open to friends and family for gatherings and celebrations, often finding her in the kitchen baking cookies or in her yard, tending her roses and other flowers.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph Burrier, second husband Beauford Wachtel; parents, John and Sarah Hendrix; sister, Lena Kite; brother, Russell Hendrix; grandson, Danny Ludwig; and great-grandson Derek Wachtel.

She is survived by her children, Walter Lloyd Wachtel of Kennewick; Melvin (wife, Lanell) Wachtel of Suncrest; Peggy Rowsell of Ritzville; Kathy Johnson of Spokane; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, from noon to 5 p.m. at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville.

Funeral services will be at Washtucna Community Church on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at 2 p.m.

The family requests that any memorial gifts go for the replacement of trees at Washtucna Pioneer Cemetery or to the charity of one’s choice.