Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009

Fire destroys home of elderly Pasco couple

By Sara Schilling, Herald staff writer

PASCO — The elderly Pasco couple who lost their home in a fire Christmas Eve are staying with friends while they figure out what to do next.

Pete and Sheila Overlie are waiting for their son, Sean, a Navy medic, to arrive from Camp Pendleton, Calif., to help them determine where they'll live long-term, Sheila said. He's expected to be in the Tri-Cities soon.

The couple don't have family in the area but do have a network of friends who've stepped up since the 7:53 a.m. blaze Dec. 24 severely damaged their house in the 1800 block of North 13th Avenue and many of their belongings.

"I don't think we'll ever be able to live there (again)," said Sheila, 76, of her home of more than 50 years.

The fire appears to have started in a back room. The Overlies saw smoke coming from the area near the furnace, which had been repaired the night before.

They were alerted to the fire by a Benton City man who was on his way to work at the Les Schwab Tire Center on Court Street. Brian Hane pounded on the door, got the Overlies outside and called 911.

"Thank God this gentleman helped them get out," said friend Sandra Meier of Pasco on Monday. "He's a hero to us."

Meier is caring for the Overlies' beloved dog, Oreo, who was revived by medics after being found in the home.

Their house wasn't insured and they live on a fixed income.

"(Pete and Sheila) are going to need so much. It's such a terrible time of the year for this to happen," Meier said.

Other friends are pitching in, including Carolyn Hobson, who invited the Overlies to stay with her family until they find a permanent home.

Community members also have reached out to help. The Benton-Franklin Chapter of the American Red Cross fielded several calls from people offering items such as furniture, said Debra Ticknor, emergency services coordinator.

The Red Cross also sent official word of the fire to the military to help Sean get emergency leave.

The couple still needs more assistance, including size 10 petite pants with an elastic waist for Sheila.

She said the last several days have been difficult. The couple had to leave behind much of what they owned -- from shoes and clothing to Pete's hearing aids. They also lost the comfort and security of a place where they had lived for so long.

"I've got a lot of myself in (the home)," Sheila Overlie said.

Meier is working to set up a bank account where community members can make donations.

-- Sara Schilling: 582-1402; sschilling@tricityherald.com