Viola June Prill

June Prill, a 55-year resident of Priest River went home to her Lord Saturday, October 2nd, 2010. She was born in Kingman, Arizona May 10, 1926 and raised in Kingman and the surrounding area ranches. She worked cattle drives and learned various roles of ranch life. June was always nostalgic for the hills and sunsets of the deserts. She was a strong woman and despite years of hard work and disappointments she continued to care for her family and all whom she met. During WWII she met Walter J. Canney at a USO dance. They married and had two children, Michael L Canney of Spokane, Washington and Sherrie L. (Canney) and her husband John Elmer of Federal Way, Washington. June’s first marriage failed and soon after she met and married Sheldon (Fish) Prill on January 7th, 1951. The family subsequently moved to Diamond Lake, Washington, then onto Oldtown, and eventually to Priest River, Idaho where Fish supported the family working at Albeni Falls Dam and the Mobil Gas station. They had 3 children: Gregory G. Prill and his wife Chris of Sedona, Arizona; Jack Prill who died at birth; Jacilyn J. (Prill) and her husband Dave Stevens of Laclede, Idaho. In 1958, June joined the American Lutheran Church in Newport, Washington. She came to believe that Jesus Christ was, or could be, her savior and was baptized. This changed her entire world. She lined up her 4 children and made sure they were baptized as well saying, “I had such a sense of peace, beauty and forgiveness – how could I deny this for my children? I baptized them all to be sure they were in Christ’s family.” During this time June drove daily for a year to Spokane Community College and earned her degree of LPN. She worked as a Nurse Aid and then LPN for over 14 years at Newport Community Hospital in Newport, Washington. In 1972 a back injury ended her nursing career, but opened the way to her heart’s desire- to learn more about the Lord and to guide others to Him as well. This was the focus of the rest of her life. She went “Biblin’”, and to church, and read all she could about God and Jesus. It was her delight to teach others what she learned. She accepted all whom she met during her days as a child of God. “I think I meet people because God wanted me to meet them,” she said. Whether a store clerk or waitress, or a drunk in the bathroom stall next to her, all were treated as “precious” in her sight. She spent the rest of her life giving to others including delivering meals to the homebound and those in need for more than 15 years. Her husband, Fish, passed away in 2002 and June lived on her own for 3 years. This loneliness was relieved when she met and a union was formed with Virgil Semple on October 14, 2006. Virgil was her companion and best friend till her death. May she rest in peace. She is survived by her sons and daughters, and 7 grandchildren: Ami E. (Elmer) Bade, Randall J. Elmer, Amanda V. (Elmer) Fitch; Rebecca M. Prill, Michael G. Prill; David M. Stevens, and Lori C. Stevens. And further blessed with 18 great grandchildren: Joseph, Katja, and Isabella Bade; Tyler Roberts and Emma Elmer; Ainsleigh, Baeleigh, Sophie, and William Fitch; Auria Keller and Cayce Tibbets; Alexandria and Robert Stevens, Bailey and Cameron Brownell; Zayan and Zachary Aberkane, and Hanna Mahaffey. A celebration of June’s life will be held at the American Lutheran Church in Newport, WA. October 9th, 2010 at 2pm. Suggested attire is blue jeans and a bright shirt to honor her feeling that no one has to be ‘good enough’ to come to church – all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to Prescription Assistance for those who can’t afford their medicine. Please send to Michael Canney at 12623 East Broadway Ave, Apartment 63, Spokane Valley, WA 99216.