Donald Ray Roadifer

Donald "Donnie" Ray Roadifer passed away peacefully at home in Spokane, Washington, on April 29, 2023. He was 89 years old.

Don was born on May 25, 1933 in Sundance, Wyoming, to Clyde and Nettie (Humphrey) Roadifer. He was raised in Sundance along with his three brothers and three sisters.

Don married Julia Larive on September 29, 1951 in Sundance. They were blessed with six children.

Shortly after the birth of their second child, they moved to Spokane along with his best friend Richard "Dick" Zane. They both hired out on the railroad.

The railroad became his career and he retired as an engineer with Burlington Northern after 42 years in 1995. He was based in several Washington cities during this time, but finally making Spokane his permanent home in 1976.

In his free time, Don enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, gardening and tinkering with cars. Also, telling tales of growing up in Sundance and the antics that he and his friends use to get up to.

Don is survived by his wife of 71 years, Julia of Spokane; son, William (Betty) Roadifer of Valleyford, Washington, David (Gayle) Roadifer of Athol, Idaho, Randahl (Marcia) Roadifer of Cheney, Washington; daughter, Julia "Judy" Roadifer of Spokane. He was blessed with 13 grandkids, 17 great-grandkids and five great-great grandkids; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Rae Prety; son Donald O. Roadifer; his parents; brothers, Robert, Dallas and Dale; sisters, Ruth Gurkowski, Reva Roadifer and Darlene Van Zee; son-in law, Paul Prety; brothers-in law, Bud Van Zee and Bob Gurkowski.

Per Don's wishes, there will not be a service.