Dwight Botts, a husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, known by many - loved by all, left his pain and sickness behind and found peace Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston at the age of 79.

Dwight was born May 28, 1929, in Flora, Ore. He was raised on Buford Ridge by Fred Neil and Leila Myrtle Garrett Botts.

Dwight was so very fortunate to have a large and devoted family of three loving and doting sisters and their husbands, Norma and Jack, Calista and Ed, and Zuah and Bud; and three loving and protective brothers and their wives, Ervin and Charlie, Ivan and Maxine, and Gifford, who preceded him in death. To Dwight, there were no in-laws, just more siblings and children. His brothers and sisters were his closest friends.

He attended school on Buford Ridge in a one-room schoolhouse with his siblings. Leila moved to Anatone to allow the children to attend Anatone School, where he graduated at Anatone High School. After graduation, he moved back to Buford Ridge to work on the ranch. Dwight spent some time in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Lewis. Then returned home to work on the ranch again.

On June 25, 1960, Dwight married Jan Boggan at the Anatone Church and gained more family.

Later he worked with Carroll and Jeanette Boggan on the family farm/ranch in Anatone. Dwight worked doing what he loved, raising crops, cattle and horses, all of his life. He and his wife raised their family teaching them to work hard, laugh often and love much.

Dwight and Jan have two daughters and one son with families: Tracie and Dave, with children, Ben and Erika, and Holly; Kevin and Rhonda, and his son, Nickolas; and Melanie and Curtis, and her daughters, Brittany and Mikaela.

Dwight was very blessed to have had the best family, friends and neighbors, always lending a helping hand when Dwight became ill and unable to do everything himself. He was so very proud that he was able to work with Kevin and Nickolas on the ranch on a daily basis.

For many years Dwight played guitar and sang in several bands with family members and friends. He could not read music, but played by ear. He really enjoyed playing and singing, meeting more people to laugh with and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed going to hunting camp with his brothers and friends, camping with family and friends at Wallowa Lake.

Everywhere he went he had a grin, laughter and stories to share, making memories for all of us to relive and enjoy for years to come. He was so very giving to his kids and grandkids; gathering all the horses, kids and grandkids to help move cattle, though it was probably more effort for him. He had no complaints because they all meant the world to him and he to them.

He was a member of the Anatone School Board and the Lewiston Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters and two brothers, as well as many, many nieces and nephews, and more friends than you could imagine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Leila Botts; brother Gifford Botts; brothers-in-law Jerry Boggan and Clyde Boggan; and niece Sheri Botts Rosenbaum.

Lewiston Tribune August 19, 2008