Benjamin Bartalamay

(Age 91)Passed away February 8, 2011. He was born September 12, 1919 in Sunnyside, WA and enjoyed a pleasant childhood with his siblings, three brothers and three sisters. Ben grew up in Odessa, WA and attended and graduated from high school there. He entered the Army in 1942, where he met his lifelong friend Mitch (from Montana). They bunked together on the train the very first night and have been inseparable ever since. Ben traveled a great deal during his service time including Germany, France, Africa and Italy. He returned to civilian life in 1946. Ben married his first wife, Helen in 1954 and they had two children, Mike and Sandy. He owned and operated a mechanic garage with his brother Blackie for many years. In the later years he worked for the Lincoln Company until retirement. Ben married Ora Lee in 1983 and after retirement they traveled all over the US in their recreational vehicle. Ben also enjoyed a wonderful trip back to Germany and was pleasantly surprised at all the changes since his Army days. He was an active member of the DAV, loved to fish and hunt and built five houses in Odessa. He is survived by his wife Ora Lee Bartalamay; daughter Sandy Bartalamay; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Mike. Visitation will be at Heritage 10-5PM Thursday and Friday and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, February 12th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8441 N. Indian Trail Rd., Spokane 99209 and memorial contributions are suggested to the chu