Eva (Eve) Marie Oldham

Eva (Eve) Marie Oldham, 76, died of cancer on Aug. 31, 2008, at her home.

She was born on Sept. 4, 1931, in Ashton, Idaho to Henry E. and Lula (Balser) Ronfeld. Her parents were born in America from German immigrants and came from hard-working families. She was raised on a farm during her early years as the family lived in small southern Idaho towns where she attended one-room schools.

During deep winter snows, she and her brothers, along with neighborhood classmates, were transported to school in a horse-drawn sleigh. Her father moved the family to Yakima during her junior high days introducing her into a much larger and faster pace than farm life.

Like many families from that time, household finances were tight and she recalled that her father would surprise the family by bringing home oranges at Christmastime - a rare and special treat. By high school, the family moved back again to southern Idaho where she finished high school.

She graduated from Heyburn High School in Idaho in 1949. After that, she attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash., and graduated with a teaching degree. She taught elementary education classes in Washington state and in Libby.

She married George Oldham of Priest River, Idaho, on Oct. 8, 1955 in Hood River, Ore. Their marriage was filled with love and humor as they complemented and supported each other while growing their faith in the Lord. They had four children, Michael, Patrick, Lindy and Julie. Mrs. Oldham worked as bookkeeper for Granite Concrete while her husband was a partner. Later, she and her husband owned the business.

Mrs. Oldham was a member of St. John Lutheran Church since coming to Libby in 1955 and was involved with the church in many ways.

She is survived by her sons, Mike and wife Gina, of Bellevue, Wash.; and Pat and wife Patricia of East Wenatchee, Wash.; daughters Lindy and husband Dave of Spokane Wash.; and Julie. Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren, Erika, Mark, Terra, Bree and Bryce.

She is survived by brothers George and wife Phyllis Ronfeld of The Dalles, Ore.; and Bob Ronfeld and wife Theresa Broach of North Stonington, Conn. She is also survived by sister-in-law Taz Cook of Priest River, Idaho, and Louise Kelly and friend George of Salem, Ore. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband and her brother, John, preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church on Sept. 6 at 2 p.m.

Following the funeral service, internment will be held at the Libby Cemetery and a reception dinner at St. John Lutheran Church. All are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Salvation Army, 1101 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101 or www.salvationarmyusa.org ; or SAT-7, P.O. Box 2770, Easton, MD 21601 or www.sat7.org .