The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., August 20, 1987, page 14

LYDIA L. BIESANZ

     Lydia Lou Bienz, a White Salmon and Western Klickitat County resident for 93 years, died Monday Aug. 10 at the Hood River Care Center. She was 103 years old.
     Born May 11, 1884 in Waitsburg, Wash., Lydia and her brothers and sister lived in an orphan home after the death of her parents when she was young. She then lived with several families until relatives took her in when she was ten.
     She was married to William A. Biesanz on April 23, 1905. William passed away on June 10, 1961. They engaged in farming in the Trout Lake Valley and also partook in a business venture, operating a service station at BZ Corners, a settlement founded by them. Aside from the farming and operating of the service station, Lydia and her husband lived in White Salmon all their lives.
     Lydia was an avid pinochle player, belonging to pinochle club beyond the century mark.
     Miles and miles of thread and yarn passed through her fingers over the long years of her life. She tatted, crocheted and knitted several things.
     Lydia worked in clubs and churches and was a member of the Rebekah's Lodge since 1910. She also belonged to the Grange for 23 years.
     Lydia was chosen as mother of the year by the Rebekah Lodge in 1968.
     She is survived by her daughter, Florence Bartholomew of North Dalles, Wash.; three sons, Wyman of Carson, Wash., Nolan of Portland. Ore., and Merle of White Salmon, Wash., 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.
     Her body was cremated and her ashes will be buried beside her husband's at a private family service at the Trout Lake Cemetery.
     A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Bethel Congregational Church in White Salmon.             Contributions may be made to the Bethel Congregational Church P.O. Box 219, White Salmon, Wash., 98672.

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., August 20, 1987, page 14

BZ CORNERS FOUNDER SUCCUMBS AT AGE 103

     Lydia Lou Biesanz, a White Salmon and western Klickitat County homemaker and resident for 93 years, died Monday evening, Aug. 10 , 1987, at the Hood River Care Center at the age of 103 years, 3 months.
     Her parents, Wayman and Nancy Crow came west from Utica, Ky., and were living at Waitsburg, Wash., when Mrs. Biesanz, Lydia Lou Crow, was born on May 11, 1884. Her mother died when she was 6 years old, and her father died the following year. She and her brothers and sisters were in an orphans home for a short time and then were sent to live with several different families until relatives took them in.
     Lydia lived with an aunt and uncle, the C.M. Wolfords of Hood River and White Salmon, from age 10 until she was married to William A. Biesanz on April 23, 1905.
     Except for a six-year engagement (1913-1919) in farming out in Trout Lake Valley and a 10-year (1930-40) business venture operating their service station at BZ Corners -- a settlement founded by them -- they lived most of their lives at White Salmon.
     Lydia was an avid pinochle player and belonged to pinochle clubs up until she was past 100 years old, when her sight and hearing caused her to stop playing.
     Miles and miles of thread and yarn passed through her fingers over the long years of her life. She tatted, crocheted and knitted many beautiful things and continued to do so up until a month before her death.
     Lydia also was active in her church and local clubs and lodges. Her membership in Rebekahs began in 1910, and she held every office. She belonged to the Grange for 23 years, served as master of the Husum Grange and attended Grange Assembly five times.
     Lydia spent her life serving her family and her community. Her happy and friendly disposition endeared her to all.
     Goodwill Rebekah Lodge No. 163 recommended  Lydia as the 1968 Mother of the Year in White Salmon, and she was chosen for that honor.
     Survivors include a daughter, Florence Bartholomew of North Dalles, Wash.; three sons, Philip (Wayman) of Carson, Wash., Nolan of Portland. Ore., and Merle of White Salmon, Wash.; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great great -grandchildren.
     Mrs. Biesanz was preceded in death by an infant son in 1913 and her husband on June 10, 1961.
     Her body was cremated and her ashes buried beside her husband's during a private family service at the Trout Lake Cemetery.
     A memorial service was held Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Bethel Congregational Church in White Salmon.
     Contributions may be made to the Bethel Congregational Church P.O. Box 219, White Salmon, Wash., 98672.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer