Obituary: Luders, Edward Thomas
Age 84
He fondly remembers his years at Jefferson Grade School where he made many enduring friendships, which still exist today.
He then attended Lewis and Clark High School and participated in sports and other school activities.
Ed served fifteen years in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, serving as a Master Sargent in both branches.
Ed was also a member of the American Legion.
He attended Gonzaga University, class of 51, and enjoyed its challenges immensely.
He later attended Eastern Washington State College to obtain his secondary Teaching credentials.
In 1954 he began teaching at North Central High School.
He taught there for twenty years and was especially proud of his Honors Classes, many of which were placement for college credits.
He taught psychology, economics, government, humanities and history.
Upon leaving teaching, Ed served in the Education Service District 101 and retired as Superintendent in 1982.
In 1970 Ed ran for the Washington State Legislature and with the help and support of many great friends, he was elected to three terms.
He chaired the Committee on Ecology and the Committee of School Funding.
He was promoted to leadership as Majority Whip.
During his time in the legislature, his family moved with him to Olympia where the children enrolled in school.
Ed insisted that he didn’t run for the legislature to break up the family.
His oldest daughter, Lynne stayed at home in Spokane and attended college during this time.
He also served on the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and was chairman during the creation of the Centennial Trail stretching from Nine Mile to the Idaho state line.
In 1950 he married Winifred (Winnie) Olin who had just graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing.
He and Winnie had four children: Lynne, Wendie, Lesa and Ed.
He was immensely proud of all his children and, with the support of Winnie, was a constant and loving force in their lives.
Dad had a penchant for giving nicknames: Lynne was “Sis”, Wendie was “Dexter”, Lesa was “Ernie” and Ed was “Oggie.”
He called us by his nicknames until his death.
In 1960 Ed purchased 80 acres of mountain land that was completely surrounded by the Colville National Forest and was eight miles from the nearest neighbor.
He decided to build a log cabin with the help of his wife and children.
They learned to peel logs, pack water and many other rural chores.
Nights were welcomed with the flickering light of Kerosene lamps and early bedtime.
Ed fenced the “Land” and created a working ranch with livestock, irrigation, two large gardens, a greenhouse, five outbuildings and a shop-all built by Ed, Winnie and the children.
Ed and Winnie lived there and maintained the property, gardens and livestock for almost a decade after he retired.
Ed always said that marrying Winnie was the best thing he ever did.
She was his friend, sweetheart, wife and stabilizing family partner.
Without her at his side, all the things he accomplished would not have been possible.
In a conversation with him, Winnie said “Yes, Dad, it really was quite a ride!”
Ed Luders is survived by his wife, Winnie, children Lynne Young (Roger), Wendie Jones (Ron), Lesa Luders and Ed Luders (Jolene); grandchildren Renee Allen (Patrick), Stacey Jones and Lindsey Luders; and three great grandchildren.
The family gives special thanks to Hospice of Spokane and Dr. Jay Klarnet.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, P O Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210 or any charity of your choice.
Memorial Services will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm.