Our Forever Angels

Generous bequests left on behalf of compassionate individuals are worth all of the recognition. We miss and love everyone who always had CVAS in their thoughts and hearts. With the bequests, we will continue to care for Stevens County’s animals and families. Our mission shines bright through you!

Are you looking to leave a bequest with CVAS? Please contact our Board for more information. They are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Coe Gifford (1949-2020)

Coe A. Gifford lost her two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer and slipped into eternity on October 22, 2019. She was born in Sacramento, CA, on November 29, 1949, to Robert D. and Dorothy I. Gifford, the second oldest of four siblings. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Her brother, Robert, Jr., described Coe as an extremely independent and strong person...folk singer, Vietnam war activist, pioneer woman, Seattle shipyard welder, jewelry maker, librarian, skilled quilter, conservationist, and dedicated hermit. Others would add that she was a loyal friend, a lover of cats and books and medieval English history, optimistic, witty, passionately earnest about things that mattered to her yet never taking herself too seriously. She was generous, tenacious, a romantic at heart, and a true Onion-Creeker, having lived on Bodie Mountain for over 40 years.
At Coe's request, most of her ashes were spread around her beloved forest sanctuary, and some were scattered from the Cliffs of Dover in Great Britain, high above the crashing ocean surf.
Coe was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her younger siblings, James D. Gifford and Craig (Dorothy) Gifford, both in California, and her older brother, Robert, in Victoria, BC, as well as Robert's children Anna, Eva, and Jonas, all in Canada.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Colville Valley Animal Sanctuary, 501 Old Arden Hwy. Colville, WA 99114. In Coe's words, "they are a no-kill shelter, and they do amazing work while depending entirely on donations."

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in The Statesman Examiner from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2, 2020.

Lorraine Ellen Citkovich (1928-2020)

 Lorraine Ellen Citkovich, age 91, a lifetime resident of Colville, WA passed away on April 10, 2020 peacefully at her Colville home.  Lorraine was born on Oct. 21, 1928 in Colville, WA the daughter of William Franklin and Nancy Ann (Shelton) Noah.

Lorraine was raised in the South Basin area near Colville where she also attended the Basin Country School for eight years.  Lorraine graduated from Colville High School in 1946 and immediately began working for the Department of Social and Health Services.  On September 9, 1951, she married John “Jack” Citkovich and they began a family.  Lorraine then quit working at DSHS so that she could focus her attention into the home and raise her family.  She also supported Jack in the operation of their business, Colville Monument Works, doing bookwork, cleaning grave markers and assisting in their delivery.  Lorraine and Jack retired in 1988 and began traveling in their 5th wheel.  Their travels took them to Alaska, the Northwest Territory, Florida and all states in between.  They spent late winter months in Arizona and California always returning to Colville in the spring.  Jack preceded her in death on May 26, 2010.

Lorraine loved her role as a mother and having the opportunity to watch her kids grow.  Her kids remember her as pure fun to be around as long as you followed the rules!  She loved her family without end, created wonderful memories whenever possible enjoyed spending summer at the Lake Thomas cabin. 

Lorraine had an incredible faith.  She taught first grade catechism for 10 years and was active in many church activities.  She also enjoyed volunteering at Pinewood Nursing Home, Providence Mount Carmel Hospital and the Stevens County Historical Society Museum. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Jack Citkovich; daughter, Terri Citkovich; three sisters, Ruth Gotham, May Gotham and Jocelyn Naff; and her brother, Grandison Noah.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Greg Citkovich of Colville, WA; daughter, Darci Gayda (Alan) of Colville, WA; sister, Lois Neswick of Spokane, WA; nephew, Verle Gotham of Colville, WA; five grandchildren, John, Kaylan, Brett, James and Lacey; three great grandchildren, Michael, Blake and Brett. 

Mrs. Lorraine E. Citkovich will be laid to rest beside her husband, Jack, at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements. 

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Lorraine Ellen Citkovich, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.