Obituaries
Colin East Stacey
FORT HALL — Colin East Stacey, of Blackfoot, Idaho passed away Friday May 15, 2026, At his home in Gibson, Idaho.
Colin was born October 21, 1982, in Pocatello, Idaho. To Georgie Tendoy and George Stacey.
He was a beloved Son, Father, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, and Grandpa.
Colin is survived by his Mother, Georgie Tendoy, Children Kaydence (Maceo), Cadin, Alysaiha, Rosie and Tris’Stann, Stacey; granddaughters Sammie Stacey and Kalani Pebeahsy. His siblings Georgette (Ernie) Running Eagle, Greg and Marcus Stacey, Dez’Rae (Jeremy) Galloway and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Colin is preceded in death by his parents that raised him as their own, Stanford and Thelma Hill, his father George Stacy, Maternal Grandparents Udale Simmer Tendoy, Delphina Dee Martinez, And his Oldest son, Jajuan Stacey. His great grandparents Arthur and Kate Tendoy, Albert and Marie Broncho.
Colin was taken to his mother’s, Georgie Tendoy’s residence on Wednesday May 20, 2026, located at 713 N. Treaty Rd Hwy 191, where he remained until burial on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Gibson Cemetery.
The family is under the care of Hawker Funeral Home.
Jose Jesus Oresco
FORT HALL — Jose Jesus Oresco, 78, has left us and went on to join his dearest and beloved granddaughter, Sydelle, on May 10, 2026, in Pocatello, Idaho.
He grew up and spent most of his childhood at his home in Fort Hall, Idaho. Jose attended Tyhee Elementary School, Hawthorne Jr. High School, Highland High School, and graduated from Chilocco Indian School.
Jose worked for Simplot, then later went to work for Idaho Power, where he retired in 2015 after 45 years. He enjoyed traveling the roads to get power restored, and all the driving it involved. Jose was always sharing stories about his long drives, and sharing pictures he took while exploring the power lines.
Jose married and later divorced Sharon Perry, to this union they have a son, Jonathon, and a daughter, Jennifer.
He loves watching and participating in sports. In his early years, Jose played basketball and football. His later years, Jose enjoyed travelling with his daughter and her team to basketball tournaments throughout native country. As Jose became a great-granddad, he would attend all his great-grandson, Ezra, soccer and flag football games. Jose loved going to Ezra’s practices and cheering him on at games. He also enjoyed going to the casino, even in his final days, he was ready to go play. Jose especially loved going for car rides.
Jose was a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, he was also a member of “The Empties” motorcycle club back in the day.
Jose appreciated going to the Shoshone-Bannock Elderly Nutrition for lunch and to visit almost every day.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Edmo Oresco, father Jesus Oresco, sister Amelia (Robert) Miranda, and granddaughter and light of his life, Sydelle Jacob.
Jose is survived by his children, Jennifer Oresco and Jonathon Oresco; granddaughter Kloey Jacob; great-grandson Ezra Jacob; sisters Carmelita Oresco, Esperanza (Ignacio “Johnny”) Miranda; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many great-and grandchildren that he took on as his own, his children’s nieces and nephews, and their children. He was also close with honorary daughter, Alicia, and her family.
Jose’s passing leaves a hole in the heart of all those who knew him.
A visitation gathering time was Thursday, May 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home (211 W. Chubbuck Rd).
Wandrae Kniffin
LANDER, Wyo. — Wandrae Le Kniffin was born on June 25, 1958, in Lander, Wyoming. A lifelong resident of Fremont County and the Wind River Indian Reservation, she passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, after a lengthy illness.
Wandrae lived a life deeply rooted in family, friendship, culture, and the outdoors. Growing up on a ranch, she developed a lifelong love for horses and the western way of life. Some of her happiest memories were made riding horses across the countryside, attending rodeos, camping in the mountains, fishing, hunting, cutting wood, and traveling with those she loved most. She treasured simple moments spent outdoors, sitting around campfires sharing stories and laughter that would be remembered for years to come.
She also loved bowling and spent many years enjoying the sport both in Texas and later back home in Lander. Bowling brought her not only joy and competition, but lifelong friendships and countless memories filled with laughter and companionship.
Wandrae carried her Native traditions close to her heart. She participated in sweats and helped family during Sundance ceremonies in the summers, honoring traditions and spiritual practices that remained important to her throughout her life. She valued community, respect, and caring for others, and she carried those teachings with her every day.
Wandrae graduated from Texas Woman's University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Her education led her to a career centered around helping others. She worked with Native youth and their families as a social work case manager and substitute teacher, always offering encouragement, compassion, and understanding to those who needed it most. She believed every child deserved kindness, support, and someone who truly listened. She was also a proud advocate for the LGBTQ community and believed strongly in acceptance, equality, and making people feel loved for who they are.
To know Wandrae was to know someone with a caring heart, a strong spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor. She could make people laugh even during difficult times and had a way of making others feel welcomed, safe, and cared for. She loved fiercely, protected those close to her, and always tried to help others whenever she could.
Her love for animals, especially horses, was well known by everyone who knew her. Her beloved horse, "Hardway," was one of her greatest companions through life. The bond they shared brought her comfort and happiness for many years, and her family finds peace in imagining Wandrae reunited with Hardway once again in the Spirit World.
She is survived by her daughter, Shelby Richardson; son-in-law, Chance Richardson; and her cherished grandchildren, Landen and Emelia, who brought immense pride and happiness to her life. She is also survived by her biological mother, Beverly Thomas; her sisters, Missy Thomas, Laurene Hines, and Rebecca St. Clair; her nieces, Katie and Jenna Hines, Wendy Young of Pocatello, Idaho, and Addaleigh Corcoran; her nephew, Wyatt Corcoran of Post Falls, Idaho; and numerous relatives, lifelong friends, and extended family throughout Fremont County, the Wind River Reservation, and Idaho.
She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Pat and Eva Kniffin; her son, Brodie Lee Schneider; and her beloved horse, Hardway.
Wandrae's life was one of resilience, compassion, humor, and unconditional love. The memories she created, the kindness she shared, and the lives she touched will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts and prayers of family and friends.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lander, Wyo.
