Obituary of Claude Eugene Church

Claude Eugene Church (82) longtime resident of Plummer, ID passed away at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’ Alene, ID on January 4, 2020. He was born to Claude and Bernice (Humphreys) Church on September 30, 1937 in Benton City, WA. Claude grew up in the Benton City, WA area. He attended Columbian Basin College where he obtained a GED and AS Degree in Auto Body. Claude met Leona Marie Collis in Yakima. The couple married and had 5 children. They made their home on a ranch in Roseburg, OR. The couple later bought a trailer park in Euphrata, WA. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Claude and Leona remained very good friends. Claude then met Beverly White and they married. She died in an accident in 1982. Following Beverly’s tragic death, Claude was fortunate to find love again when he met Irene Ahles. They married on December 28, 1985 in Rosalia, WA and made their home in Plummer, ID. In 1976 Claude opened Claude’s Body Shop in Plummer, ID. He bought his first tow truck in 1980, and he found himself very busy working 12 + hour days for years. Claude served as President for the Plummer Business Association for many years. His business gave him opportunity to sponsor all sorts of fundraising for the community of Plummer. Due to his declining health, he sold his business in November 2019 after 43 years of service to the community of Plummer and surrounding areas. Claude enjoyed working and running his business starting his morning out with a cup of coffee at 5:00 am. Despite their parents’ wishes, Claude would spoil his grandchildren and often give them coffee when they shouldn’t have it. He loved his grandchildren very much, and he also enjoyed raising horses and cattle. Claude is survived by his children Eugene (Frankie) Church of Nashville, TN, Sandy Church of Rosalia, WA, Stacy (Sharlene) Church of Tensed, ID, Steve (Star) Church of Mill City, OR, and Jogena McGuire of Yakima, WA; step-children Steve White of Tampa, FL, Annette Hossfeld of Plummer, ID, and Cheri (Gary) McCully of Worley, ID; brother Vaughn (Virginia) Church of The Dalles, OR; 28 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wives Beverly Church and Irene Church; son Dave Church; and siblings Ken Church, Jim Church, and JoAnn Barnes. A funeral service will be on Friday January 10, 2020 at Hodge Funeral Home in St. Maries. A gathering of family & friends will follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Plummer, ID. His final resting place is Evergreen Cemetery in Plummer, ID.