Claudia Rae Myers

Claudia Rae Myers, 68, of Colfax, Wash., died Monday, May 31, of multiple organ failure at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane.

Claudia was born July 2, 1952, in Mt. Clemens, Mich., to Claude H. and Betty LoLu (Wilbur) Welch.

During her childhood she lived in Florida, Tennessee and Michigan. She earned a GED and worked in a pickle factory in Leonard, Mich., before becoming a Certified Nurses' Assistant and working in a privately owned assisted living home, caring for 10 women.

During a visit with her son, Marshall (Mark) John Henry in Colfax, in 2011, Claudia was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. About a year later, she moved to Colfax, which she came to dearly love. During the two years that she lived with Mark and his wife, Elisabeth Day Henry, she energetically helped with housework and made sandwiches for Beth to take to work. When Beth worked late, Claudia cooked delicious family meals.

Claudia regularly attended church services until her health failed her and was actively involved in church activities through which she developed dear friends.

Before her health failed, Claudia worked at the Thrifty Grandmother's Shop in Colfax and volunteered at the Colfax food bank.

She absolutely loved the Palouse with its billowing clouds and rolling hills. She also enjoyed visiting Buffalo Eddy on the Snake River above Asotin with Mark's family on hot summer days.

Claudia loved the simple things of life. She never asked for much. Whatever she had just made her smile.

Her optimism is reflected in a Facebook message that she reposted:

My house isn't fancy, I don't have a lot of money. I've struggled for everything I have. But, I'm grateful for God's love, my loving family and true friends.

Every dispersed family has a member who takes it upon themselves to keep in touch with everyone in the family. That was Claudia. She diligently, lovingly pursued family and enjoyed visiting with extended family in the area.

Claudia was preceded in death by her mother, Betty, and sister Peggy. She is survived by her father, Claude, and siblings, Claude "Stormy" Harold Welch Jr., Timothy James (Diane) Welch; Murle Marie (Danny) Anderson, Amy Elizabeth (Joel) Fleming, and John (Christine) Payne. She also is survived by her two sons, Len (Cyndi) Henry and Mark (Beth) Henry, plus nine grandchildren who were very much in her life.

A public viewing for those who are not comfortable attending the services will be on Friday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bruning Funeral Home. A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 2652 Almota Rd, Colfax. A memorial service will follow there at 11 a.m. and a graveside service at the Colfax Cemetery on Cemetery Road off of Highway 272 east of Colfax.

Bruning Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com