In loving Memory of Gary Del Lehman

Gary Del Lehman, age 77, passed away in Kettle Falls on March 28, 2025. Del was born on May
8, 1947 in Colville Washington, the son of Clifford Fredrick and Lois Evelyn (Seimer) Lehman.
Del Lehman grew up on the family ranch in Pleasant Valley attending school with his brothers
Duane and Ron at Pleasant Valley and graduating from Kettle Falls High School. Del was an avid
runner setting many records for the Kettle Falls running teams. Del married his high school
sweetheart, Joyce Elaine Deaver, in 1965. Del and Joyce had four children: sons-- Lance (Jodi),
Loren (Beckey), Lane (Bobbie Jo) and daughter Lacey (Jeff) Dugger. Del and Joyce welcomed 13
grandchildren into the family prior to Joyce's death in 2007.

Del was a lifelong resident of Stevens County Washington, raising his family in the town of Kettle
Falls. Del worked various jobs including construction of Boundary Dam prior to beginning his
career at Boise Cascade plywood mill in 1967. He was involved in his children's early years of
baseball and was a dedicated father, supporting the many activities they were involved in. He
and Joyce were active in a local CB club, answering to the handles of "Ma & Pa Kettle". Del
accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior in 1984 (after Joyce had done the same). Del proceeded to
serve the Lord faithfully until his death. He was a long-time member of the Kettle Falls
Community Church where he could be found serving and working to support his pastor and the
congregation. No job or task was beneath his time and efforts.

Del met and fell in love with Dorathi Ann Novikoff in 2008, marrying her in August of that same
year. Del, with his big heart, welcomed Dotty's adult children and 6 grandchildren into the
Lehman clan. Sons Don Novikoff, Dan Novikoff, daughter, Lisa Novikoff, and son, Nick (Eve)
Novikoff.

Del and Dotty continued to support their family with love and faith as their foundation.
Together they spent a lot of time serving in children's ministries at the Kettle Falls Community
Church as well as finding other ways to serve. They joined Youth With a Mission (YWaM)
ministries for a time as well as a variety of other outreach ministries. They were active in the
NEW Family Life Services in Colville, WA. Del and Dotty also enjoyed taking to the road and
traveling across the country and connecting with extended family.

Del cherished spending time with his family. He could be found outdoors picking huckleberries
and mushrooms. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. Del regularly shared the
bounty from his summer garden with family, friends and the occasional deer. His home-canned
goods, dried fruit and jams were treasured gifts that were eagerly anticipated.

Del was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (2007), dad (2006), mom (2018) and his son, Lance
(2021). Del is survived by his beloved wife, Dotty, seven children, 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and his brothers, Duane (Jo) Lehman and Ron Lehman.