Frank Roy Lander

Notes:

Frank R. Lander, 98, of Omak, died Monday, June 18, 2001, at Valley Care Center in Okanogan. He was born in South Dakota and moved to the Okanogan Valley in 1909. He served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years before returning to the Okanogan Valley. Survivors include his wife, Opal B. Lander of Omak; a son, George T. Lander; a daughter, Nancy Lander-Guenther; and two sisters, Pearl McCue and Lillian Hanson. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Omak City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Barnes Elmway Chapel, Okanogan.
(Wenatchee World - Jun 20, 2001)

Family/Spouse: Opal Bernice Thrapp. Opal (daughter of Fred Thrapp and Alice Ungst) was born on 16 Nov 1911 in Brewster, Okanogan County, Washington; died on 15 Dec 2002 in Omak, Okanogan County, Washington; was buried in Omak Memorial Cemetery, Okanogan, Okanogan County, Washington. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Larry Herman Guenther. Larry was born on 10 Jan 1940 in Washington. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Our beautiful and precious Velinda Lander, 41, died on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004. Velinda was born Aug. 6, 1963, in Fort Sill, Okla., to Nancy Lander Guenther and Larry Guenther. She is survived by her parents; her son, Andrew Fugier; and many friends who loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her sister, Naomi. Velinda worked as an interior designer for The Lemon Tree and taught water aerobics at the YMCA. Known for her generosity and opening up her home to others, she always gave sacrificially to help others beautify their homes and lives, even in times of personal stress and exhaustion as her health was failing. A member of the O.A.S.I.S. singles group, she is remembered for her elaborate and delicious soup kitchens, organizing and designing entries for local charities and helping her many friends design their homes. Velinda was a strong supporter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and she generously donated her design talents to the Lincoln art shows held in conjunction with the annual conference on mental illness. Her extraordinarily creative show designs beautifully highlighted the art talents of those suffering from serious mental illness. Velinda's quiet and gentle way of creating loveliness out of the simplest of materials enriched the lives of many. Her hobbies included cooking, creating recipe books, quilting, sewing, book club, art and creative writing. Our own "Emily Post," she always displayed and coached others in graciousness, etiquette and decorum.

Graveside services have taken place. There will be a funeral Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, followed by an informal memorial gathering at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road, Helena, MT.

In lieu of flowers, bequests may be made to NAMI, P.O. Box 1021, Helena, MT 59624.



Died:
Suicide

Velinda married Dennis Wayne Fugier on 12 Jun 1982 in Monroe, Snohomish County, Washington, and was divorced on 13 Jan 1994 in Snohomish County, Washington. Dennis was born in ca 1961 in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Naomi Kaye Guenther (June 22, 1964 – December 8, 2003) was an extraordinary educator and cherished member of her community in Winnemucca, Nevada, whose life was defined by her compassion, resilience, and radiant spirit. Born in Missoula, Montana, to Larry and Nancy (Lander) Guenther, Naomi grew up with a deep sense of kindness and a passion for learning that would shape her remarkable career and personal legacy.

Naomi dedicated 17 years to education, beginning her career as a primary teacher in Winnemucca, where her warmth and enthusiasm inspired countless students. Her commitment to fostering young minds earned her widespread admiration among colleagues and families. Approximately two years before her death, Naomi transitioned to a pivotal role with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program, headquartered in Elko, Nevada. As the head of the Winnemucca office, she trained teachers across five northern rural counties, specializing in early literacy. Her colleague Hugh Rossolo described her as “the greatest and a really good friend to us all,” noting that “she absolutely did her job beautifully, she was amazing.” Humboldt County School District Superintendent Charlotte Petersen praised her as “an excellent teacher, a wonderful human being, and [someone who] had a beautiful smile,” adding that “everyone admired her and looked up to her professionally.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Naomi was a beacon of strength in her personal life. She faced significant challenges in an abusive marriage to Stanley Menesini, from which she courageously sought to free herself. By late 2003, Naomi had separated from Stanley, taking bold steps to reclaim her independence and build a brighter future. Tragically, on December 8, 2003, her life was cut short at the age of 39 when Stan Menesini, unable to accept her decision to leave, took her life before ending his own in a devastating act of violence in their former shared home in Winnemucca, Nevada. This selfish act robbed the world of a shining light whose presence had uplifted students, educators, and friends alike.

Naomi’s legacy endures through the countless lives she touched through her teaching, mentorship, and unwavering kindness. The Humboldt County School District provided counselors and support to those grieving her loss, reflecting the profound impact she had on her community. A Mass was held for her at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Winnemucca, with additional services in Washington, honoring her memory and the love she shared. Naomi’s strength in the face of adversity and her boundless capacity for love and education remain a testament to the brilliance of her spirit, ensuring that her light will never truly fade.

Naomi married Stanley Ross Menesini on 3 Aug 1991 in Okanogan, Okanogan County, Washington. Stanley was born on 26 Jan 1956 in Yerington, Lyon County, Nevada; died on 8 Dec 2003 in Winnemucca, Humboldt County, Nevada; was buried in Valley View Cemetery, Yerington, Lyon County, Nevada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]