Charles Lee Schoonover

Charles Lee Schoonover, age 79, died suddenly Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at Sacred Heart Medical Center after a short-term illness.

He was born Aug. 6, 1932, near Odessa on the Frederick homestead. He attended school in Odessa.

He married the love of his life, Loretta Jean Greenwalt, Sept. 14, 1952. They celebrated 59 years of marriage this year.

He farmed in Odessa, Lind and Ritzville areas and worked construction as well as a mechanic for 15 years in the Spokane area.

After deciding to retire from farming in 1982, they started and operated C & L Meats for 15 years at their current residence.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Schoonover; two daughters, MaryAnn (Punkie) Wilks of Weldell, Idaho, and Lori Schoonover (Mike Soderquist) of Spangle; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Royden Schoonover and Mary C. Frederick; two brothers, Royden Schoonover, Jr. and Edward Albert Schoonover, both of Toppenish; a nephew, Timothy Schoonover; and a grandson, Charles Cody Schoonover.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville. A remembrance gathering in the church will follow.

A private internment will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church Choir.