Fred Little 1913-2011

Fred Little of Dayton died on April 5, 2011. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dayton followed with burial in the family plot in the Waitsburg City Cemetery.

Fred was born on June 7, 1913, in Dupuyer, Montana, to George A. and Marie Little. Fred learned to do many ranch jobs, gentled wild horses for riding, learned carpentry and small engine repair. His grandfather Little taught him how to weld when Fred was 10 years old. He worked for the railroad at Whitefish, Montana, and at Superior, Wisconsin.

Fred married Lena Belle Pfrimmer in Whitefish, Montana, on January 24, 1942. He served in the U.S. Army for seven years and reserves for 19 years. He worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 32 years.

Fred was active in the V.F.W. in Whitefish, Montana, for many years. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, taught Boy Scouts, Sunday school classes and was a clerk for many years. He helped in the 4th of July ceremonies in Walla Walla for several years with the fireworks display put on by Gary Lentz.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Lena, daughter Judy I. Murphy, grand-daughter Maria Murphy and grandson Kroy Kennedy. His surviving children are Dorthea Stubbert of Dayton, Wash.; Jean La Vanway and son-in-law Victor La Vanway of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; son-in-law Michael J. Murphy and wife Sonja of Longview, Wash. Judy and Jean were twins.

Fred's grandchildren are Dorthea's sons Alex and William; Judy and Mike's children Danny Murphy (wife Deanna), David (wife Heather), Michael (wife Stephanie), Philo (wife Stephanie), Jack (wife Amanda); and Sonja's son Adam Carlson (wife Julie), daughter Charlene Braack (husband Bill). Philo and Michael are twins. Jean's children are Kerry Ford (husband Henry) of Virginia, and Klancy Kennedy working in China. Fred also had many great-grandchildren and a few great-great grandchildren.

Fred loved fishing, hunting, marksmanship and won trophies in rifle shooting. He could tell a good story with a wonderful sense of humor. He had a creative mind and could make many things with his handiwork. Fred died of natural causes. We smile and say his warrantee wore out at age 97.