Cynthia Elizabeth Crook Johnson passed away on Monday, April 21, 2014, in Spokane Valley, Wash. Cindy was born on Sept. 12, 1955, in Long Beach, Calif., to parents Verlyn and Jeanne Crook. She attended Long Beach Wilson and Millikan High Schools, Long Beach City College and California State University in Long Beach.  

Cindy earned her teaching credential in California and dedicated her life to her family and education.  She was a kindergarten teacher at Progress Elementary for 13 years where she loved her students. She was an avid sports and athletics fan her entire life. For the last 15 years, she and her family opened their home as hosts to Spokane Indians Baseball players.  She was also beloved wife, mother and teacher.  

She is survived by her husband Bob, sons Brian (Brooke) and Brad Johnson and grandson Kingsley.  A public memorial will be held at 3 p.m. May 31 at Progress Elementary School in Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Progress Elementary PTA and mailed to Progress Elementary School, 710 N. Progress Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99037.  

Ray Ruef, age 81, passed into the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on May 10, 2014, at Sacred Heart Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born April 7, 1933, in Bremerton, Wash., and graduated from Bremerton High School in 1951. In 1955 he graduated from the University of Washington and then enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Germany where he served for two years.

Ray then attended Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1962.  He was then commissioned as a Chaplain (1st Lieutenant) in the U.S. Army. In 1965, Ray accepted the position of pastor of the Liberty Lake Community Church where he served for 24 years.  He then pastored at Deer Park Community Church for five years, followed by 12 years as Visitation Pastor and Pastor to Senior Adults at Valley Fourth Church in Spokane Valley.

Ray was a blessing to many families as he served as a minister-on-call for Thornhill Valley and Hazen Jaeger Funeral Homes.  For many years, he also led tours for senior adults to locations in the U.S. and overseas. Ray served on the board of Inland Empire School of the Bible (now Moody Bible Institute), and Chairman of the Christian Workers Conference for several years.

Ray is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter Marilyn (Cliff) Neve; daughter Janice (Bryan) Olson; son, Steve (Lisa) Ruef; grandchildren Jerod, Brittany, Jordan, Tyler, Corey, Camden, Samantha, Anna, Kailey and Cheyenne; and great grandchildren Savannah, Pierce and Ryah. 

A memorial service was held May 19 at Valley Fourth Church in Spokane Valley. Those wishing to make a donation in Ray's memory may do so to Valley Fourth Church.  

Richard "Rick" Student passed away peacefully on May 6, 2014, at the age of 79. He was born on July 25, 1934, to Dorothy Alice (Powers) and George Student in La Push, Wash. 

Rick attended high school in Medford, Ore.  After graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954, serving with Squadron 3702 out of Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, Texas).  Rick honorably served on active duty through 1961 with the 16th and 525th Fighter Interceptor Squadrons.  Rick served in the Korean Theater; the South Pacific; Bitburg, Germany; and with the Air National Guard in Panama. 

While stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Rick met the love of his life and married her on July 3, 1958 at the Sunset Chapel at Fairchild. He was married for 46 years to Elaine O. (Solberg) Student, and they had one daughter, Margo (Student) Peck. 

Rick followed his dream of working with airplanes. He was employed with Boeing in Seattle from 1961 - 1964, then moved to the San Francisco Bay area where he was employed with United Airlines until his retirement on Sept. 1, 1995. After retirement Rick and Elaine moved from their California residence to Spokane to be closer to friends and family.  

Rick remained an aviator at heart, a true patriot, and active supporter of the troops, and the USO all of his life. He gave all of his time and love to his family and friends. He was adored and cherished for his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his sense of humor. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Faith; an avid collector of Western Art, and known for his paintings.  

Rick is survived by his daughter, Margo Peck and son-in-law Jeffrey Peck; two grandchildren, Andrea Peck Robins (Michael) of Wenatchee and Jonathan S. Peck of Rhode Island; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Zander Robins. Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, in 2004; his parents, Dorothy and George; siblings, Shirley, Dorothy, and George II.  

A Committal Service was held May 12 at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washington State Veterans Cemetery.