Eris A. Heggem

Eris Anita Heggem passed away in her Spokane Valley home on January 10, 2012 with her family at her side. She was born on September 29, 1925 to Helen and Fred Lamphere and was raised in and around Buffalo, South Dakota with her six brothers and sisters. At 5' 1/2” she was on the high school girls' basketball team; she was Valedictorian of her graduating class. She worked in Washington DC during World War II, and then for Peterson Implement in Buffalo, South Dakota as a bookkeeper. She was adventuresome and enjoyed travel, even at a young age. Eris met her future husband, Peder Royal (Roy) Heggem, in South Dakota. They were married on July 31, 1951 in Boise, Idaho. They moved to Spokane, Washington and lived there to raise their five children. She was bookkeeper for Roy’s electrical business, and taught the kids something they fondly refer to as “Heggenomics,” as well as some great cooking skills and ways to stretch food to feed a crowd. The family regularly filled a church pew at the first service at Redeemer Lutheran Church, where Eris continued to attend until her death. Eris volunteered with Meals on Wheels as a delivery person for more than 10 years. She was active with the quilt group at Redeemer Lutheran Church, collecting and piecing sheets for quilt backs for the charity quilts they made. Eris traveled to visit relatives in South Dakota regularly; she and Roy enjoyed traveling across the U.S. after the kids grew up; and later, Eris joined a travel group and explored the world with new friends. She especially loved learning about Lewis and Clark's expedition, researching and genealogy, puzzles, books of all kinds, and spending time at the river cabin with family. Throughout her life, Eris had a positive attitude and great sense of humor, and even got more adventurous as she “matured.” There will be a void in many lives with her passing. Eris was preceded in death by her husband Roy in 1996. She leaves behind her sister Nora Boyer (Ken), children Aline Heggem-Snow (Gerry), Pam Hibbard (Ken Ross), Scott Heggem (Laurie), Terrie Kralik, Judy Heggem-Davis (Dean); grandchildren Dustin Kralik, Adrienne Snow Rackley (Justin), Sandy Kralik, Justin Fisher, Brian Snow; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.