Esther "Sunnie" Lancaster, 96, was born June 27, 1918, in Spokane to Einar O. Fieldstad and Anna M. Arntzen Fieldstad, both emigrants from Norway. She joined her family at their home at 29th and Perry. Later, the family built a homestead on Bowdish, where she attended Opportunity Grade School, West Valley High School and then obtained a B.S. from the University of Washington with degrees in botany and biology. Esther completed a master's degree at Fort Wright College in general science.

As a young person, she worked as a cook at Spokane Ski Lodge, Postell Produce as a clerk, and Boeing Aircraft as production illustrator, where Esther met her husband, Bill R. Lancaster. They were married at the Denny Park Lutheran Church in Seattle on June 19, 1943. After the end of World War II, they moved to Spokane. Sunnie worked at the Finch Arboretum as acting director and Spokane Parks Department naturalist. She then became a school teacher and taught at Libby Junior High, North Central High, Continuation High School and University High School.  Before retiring, she spent one year as a professor at Whitworth College.

Her hobbies included outdoor recreation, skiing, traveling and doll collecting. Sunnie loved reading and writing on subjects such as Indian lore, natural science, anthropology, survival and Bible study. She was a lifelong member of the Spokane Falls Doll Club and Beachcombers Garden Club of Liberty Lake, where her family has resided since 1956.

Sunnie passed away at the Good Samaritan in Spokane Valley on Dec. 20, 2014. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; sister, Lillian Sorenson; and brother, Norman Fieldstad. She is survived by her son Gary (Gail) R. Lancaster; three grandchildren, Paula (Pete) Lupi, Amy (Michael) Jeske, and Bret R. Lancaster; great-grandchildren, Tabitha, Cody, Garrett Lupi and Ian Jeske, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank goes to the staff of the Good Samaritan of Spokane Valley, where she resided the last few years of her life.

A funeral service was held Dec. 29 at Thornhill Valley Chapel. A memorial service at the Good Samaritan Community Center will be held at a later date. 

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Bob Sullivan was born on Nov. 10, 1932, in San Francisco, Calif. His parents, Frank and Alice, raised him along with his twin sister, Alice, sisters, Gladys and Anita, and brothers, Tom and Frank. They lived in the Mission District, which according to Bob was a pretty tough place to live. He said as kids they were given instructions by the nuns at the start of every school year how to respond if there was gunfire. He also told stories of how the priests would give them an assignment due in a fortnight, and everyone would try and get it done by the next day because no one knew how long a fortnight was.  

After high school, Bob entered the service and then married Mary Ann on Nov. 28, 1953. He worked as a salesman most of his life and worked well beyond retirement age. After he retired, he worked part time at the golf course and then for The Liberty Lake Splash.

Bob played the piano by ear and enjoyed history, especially military history. He enjoyed rooting for his alma mater, Gonzaga, where he graduated from business school. Bob was also a lifelong 49ers fan, which made for some interesting Sundays, as his wife is a Seahawks fan.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and daughter, Maureen. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann Sullivan; six children; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held Jan. 9 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Otis Orchards.

Bob's Irish heritage was very important to him, so here is an Irish Blessing to close:

Editor's Note: Bob Sullivan took a part-time job as our delivery man in his late 70s. He was sharp and friendly with a work ethic and sense of humor that were both first class. He was a proud Marine who served from 1948-1952 (though he modestly declined when I once asked to write a story about him). He lived in Liberty Lake for four decades and seemingly raked each leaf the moment it touched his yard. The few times I covered his route, everyone asked about Bob by name. We loved Bob. I join many who will miss this dear friend.  - Josh Johnson