Madelyn Carlson
(Oct. 30, 1928-March 21, 2008)
Madelyn Ocumpaugh Carlson, 79, died at her son’s home in Baker City, Ore., on Friday, March 21, 2008. Madelyn was born on Oct. 30, 1928, to Clinton and Irene Mostchetti Ocumpaugh in Glendale, Ore. She was raised and educated in Cottage Grove, Ore. Madelyn graduated from Cottage Grove High School and also attended the University of Oregon for two years. On Feb. 14, 1947, she married Eldon Leonard Carlson in Cottage Grove. They had two sons, Kenneth and Gary. Madelyn enjoyed cooking and gardening. She was a devout member of the Church of Christ and spent countless hours at her church. Madelyn was also a general bookkeeper and worked for several businesses in the Cottage Grove area. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Carlson and Gary Carlson; grandson, Casey and brother, Milton Ocumpaugh. Madelyn was preceded in death by her parents and husband Eldon in 2006. Remembrances may be made to the Church of Christ (6th & Gibbs in Cottage Grove) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Laina Kay Chandler
(October 14, 1940-March 14, 2008)
Laina Kay Chandler went home to be with Jesus her Savior on March 14, 2008. A Celebration of Laina’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at the Richland Elementary School in Richland, Ore. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception following the service at the Richland Grange. Laina Kay was born in Halfway, Ore., on Oct. 14, 1940 in a house by a one armed doctor. So the story begins. The day she was born was the day the world became a better place. Little did we all know that she would change the lives of those who met her, forever. Our Mom was a beautiful lady who loved the Lord and loved others unconditionally. One characteristic that she continually taught was “Lovingkindness.” When Mom was a young lady, she modeled for J.C. Penney’s, studied theatre and acting, and loved to travel. Her excursions to Hawaii were a fond memory for her and a great story time for us. Her enthusiasm for life was addictive and was passed on to many. Mom lived her life for others and believed that everybody was somebody. Mom attended Marylhurst University and Portland State University. She received her Bachelor Degree in Education and began her career as a school teacher in Gladstone, Ore. Mom taught Elementary school for 41 years, retiring from Richland Elementary School in Richland, Ore. She gave her life for her love of children. It was our sincere pleasure to share her with others. She found peace and joy in teaching children and giving them courage to face this thing called life. Mom is survived by her sons, Joshua and wife Cheryl Sprague and Jeremiah Sprague; grandsons, Landon Sprague and Hudson Sprague; Auntie Cara Franzel and Aunt Louise Morgan. She was preceded in death by her parents Alton “Smitty” and Norma Jean Schmidt. Praise the Lord for God sending our family an Angel to care for us, encourage us and teach us the way we should go. We will see you soon Mom, Sleep tight. Those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Laina may do so to Scleroderma Foundation or Lakes Bible Academy through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Daniel J. Davis
(April 10, 1952-March 18, 2008)
Daniel James Davis died March 18, 2008, at his home. At Dan’s request his body was cremated and he requested no service. Dan was born April 10, 1952, in Baker City, Ore., to Joseph “Pat” and Margaret V. (Nation) Davis. Dan was a 1970 graduate of Baker High School. He attended college for a couple years before returning to Baker City. He worked several years for Cecil Dye Janitorial service and then Orchard Wood Products for over 25 years. He will be missed by family and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Aunt Ellen, and cousins Jackie and Joe Badley. He is survived by his brother, Pat Davis and his wife Diane of Baker City; nephew, Jeremy Davis and his wife Kelli; niece Emily Thomas and her husband Derek; great niece, Kaylie Davis; uncle Don Davis and his wife Peg; aunt Bea Plant; along with numerous cousins. Memorial contribution may be made to Relay for Life through Gray’s West & Co. 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR 97814
Shirley Jackson
(died March 20, 2008)
Shirley Lavern Jackson, 68, a resident of Baker City since 1992 died Thursday, March 20, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Health Services. Her funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, at Coles Funeral Home, followed by interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pastor Roger Scovil of the Baker City Christian Church officiated. Visitation was held from 12 to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 24. Shirley was one of nine children born to Elmer and Lucille (Powell) Williams. She had five brothers and three sisters, all of whom were born in Glover, Okla. She loved to tell how she and two of her sisters married three brothers and childhood friends; resulting in their kids being double cousins. She was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother and aunt. Shirley was always willing to help family and friends. She loved to garden and spoil her two grandsons. Shirley was a very generous person who leaves behind many who loved her and will greatly miss her. She was a baptized member of the Baptist Church. Shirley is survived by her husband, Nemolee; sons, Melvin and Dennis; grandsons, Kelsie and Weston; daughter-in-law, Mary; niece, Voncille; nephew, Kevin; sister-in-law, Jackie and many more nieces and nephews. Arrangements were in the care of Coles Funeral Home.
Avonne Mae LeaMaster
(May 4, 1929-March 22, 2008)
Avonne “Von” Mae (Hinton) LeaMaster peacefully passed away in her sleep Saturday morning March 22, 2008. AFuneral Service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2008, 11 a.m. at the Haines First Baptist Church in Haines, Ore., officiated by long time family friend Mr. Clifford Cole. A private family internment will follow at the Haines Cemetery. Von was born May 4, 1929, in Wallowa, Ore., to Velma Margaret Davis Hinton Plass and Harry Hinton. She grew up on the family ranch near Crow Creek a few miles northeast of Enterprise and spoke fondly of those childhood years. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandmother Myrtle Davis. Von and her mother had a special passion for horses and her rural upbringing provided the perfect environment for her to become an expert rider. There were several instances when she would walk up to a bridled horse, grab the reins and of tuft of mane, and swing herself up and ride off barebacked to the wide-eyed astonishment of onlookers. As the Great Depression years continued into the latter 1930s, Von’s family moved off of the ranch in search of employment. The family moved several times but eventually found steady work in Portland, Ore. She attended her first two years of high school at Roosevelt High before moving back to Enterprise where she completed her senior year and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1947. She worked several jobs following high school including secretarial work in San Francisco, hostess/usher at the Paramount Theatre in Portland, and later helped her mother with their restaurant business in La Grande. By and by she met a handsome young sailor, Carlus Raymond LeaMaster “Lee,” who was on leave visiting family and friends in Eastern Oregon. They dated for a few months and were married July 20, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The young couple found themselves having to move several times during the 1950s as Lee was assigned to duty stations in Hawaii, Virginia, and Alaska. They eventually moved back home and settled in Haines in 1960 when Lee retired from the Navy. Von’s life revolved around her family, community and friends. She was the consummate stay-at-home mom, homemaker, and housewife. She was very involved in the Haines PTAwhen her children were attending Haines Elementary School. The PTA sponsored “Hootinannys” of the early to mid 1960s brought the entire community together and have become legendary among long time local residents. She loved Big Band music and if a Glenn Miller tune came on she would leap to her feet, grab the nearest person and dance gleefully about the room. She was a voracious reader and could devour long novels in just a couple of days. She especially looked foward to family picnics, dinners, gatherings, and visits from friends. If you knocked at her door you would be greeted with a warm smile, a cup of coffee (and perhaps a piece of pie) and an engaging conversation. She liked to talk and it was not easy to have a “short” conversation with her. By far, she considered her grandchildren, Hannah, Jordan, and Clay LeaMaster her treasured blessings. She had an especially close and endearing bond with them. Von was preceded in death by her father Harry Hinton, her mother Velma, step father Orville Plass and her husband Carlus. Survivors include her half siblings Thomas Hinton, Milton Freewater, Ore.; Sandra Johnson, Wallowa, Ore.; son Brad R. LeaMaster and his wife Katherine of Dallas, Ore.; daughter Carla Michel and her husband Jim of Meridian, ID; son Blain LeaMaster and his wife Paula, Baker City, Ore. and their children Hannah, Jordan and Clay. Von was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and friend to many. She will be greatly missed. Those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Von, may do so to the Haines School Fund through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Valoria McCullough
(May 22, 1917-March 11, 2008)
Vera “Valoria” Harrington McCullough, age 90, of Haines, Ore., died on March 11, 2008, at her daughter's home in Boise with her daughters at her side. ACelebration
of Life was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2008, at the Haines United Methodist Church with a viewing starting at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial followed in the North Powder Cemetery. Services were under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. Valoria was born May 22, 1917, in Altoona, Kan., to Ervin and Allie Harrington. She was the oldest of five daughters. She spent her early years in Kansas before moving to Oregon. She attended school at Bell School in Altoona, Kan.; Pleasant Valley, Ore.; and Baker City, Ore. Many of the friends she made during her childhood years have remained lifelong friends. Valoria was an avid letter writer and kept in touch with family and friends. She organized her family's reunion for the past 12 years. She was a member of the Haines Grange, the Haines Stampede and Rodeo Association and the 1917'ers Club. She was also a Cub Scout leader in the mid 1960's. Valoria is survived by her seven children: sons, Michael Carroll and wife Ruby of Columbia City, Ore., John McCullough and wife Marrianne of Arlington, Wash.; daughters, Marjorie and husband Richard Smith, Reno, Nev., Cleoria and husband Gary Glenn of Boise, Idaho, Diane Carroll, Reta Atkinson of Weiser, Idaho, and Linda McCullough of Weiser, Idaho; two sisters, Helen Bogart of John Day, Ore., and Eula Thompson, of Prairie City, Ore.; 27 grandchildren, 58 great- grandchildren, and 18 great-great- grandchildren; nephews Ted and Fonda Thompson, and Danny and Bruna Bogart; nieces, Susan and Jim Kirkwood, Roberta and Kent Hutchens and Sherry and Rodney Loennig; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Allie Harrington; her husband Franklyn; two sisters, Elaine Wilcher and Irene Van Houten; one grandchild Mary Helen Kivett; three great-grandchildren, Cherokee Gibson, Joshua Kessel and Murphy Nichols; and one nephew Sherman Cairns. Mom always said, 'If you can't give me flowers when I'm alive, please don't give them to me when I'm gone.' So at her request, memorial contributions may be made to the Haines United Methodist Church.
Milton ‘Dean’Powell
(July 14, 1944-March 15, 2008)
Milton “Dean” Powell, 63, Sparta, Ore., died Saturday, March 15, 2008, at his home. Memorial services were held on Friday, March 21, 2008, at the New Bridge Grange Hall in New Bridge, Ore. Dean was born July 14, 1944, in Kuna, Idaho, the second son and the fourth of eight children born to Milton Wesley Powell and Nellie Frances Barnes Powell. His family moved to the New Plymouth/Fruitland, Idaho, area in 1950. Dean worked on the family farm, was active in the Nazarene Church and graduated from Fruitland High School in 1962. He was married to his first wife Colleen on Oct. 21, 1961, with whom he had one son, Perry. They soon moved to Ontario, Ore., where he spent a number of years. He was an active member of the Jaycees and the Optimists, and was frequently involved in a number of community projects. During his time in Ontario, he was employed by Chevron, Home Dairies, 1st National Bank and Gentry Ford. In 1980 after a short time in Pheonix, Ariz., he moved to Portland, Ore., to assist his brother Wes operating an award winning Chevron service facility. During this time he met his current wife Faith, and in 1989 relocated to Sparta, Ore. He spent a short time with the Baker City Herald before settling in as Store Manager for Richland Feed and Seed until his death. Dean was well loved and respected wherever he went. He was a patient man, always seeing the good side in people, and literally lived The Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated. He enjoyed the outdoors and the simple life, regardless of the hardships involved. He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. Survivors include three brothers, Wes Powell of Stafford, Ariz., Terry Powell of Peoria, Ariz., and Gary Powell of Las Vegas, Nev.; three sisters, Wanda Powell of Arlington, Wash., Vivian Dobbins of Estacada, Ore., and Nita Martin of Gresham, Ore., many nieces and nephews; his wife, Faith Powell of Sparta, stepson David and step grandchildren Alyssa and Faelinn, son, Perry and his wife Shelli of Sparta, their children Lucas, Cody and Carlie, and their grandmother Colleen Powell of Ontario, Ore. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Ivis and sister Rosalie. Those who would like to make a memorial contribution in memory of Dean may do so to help defray funeral expenses through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Deanna G. Rea
(Feb. 27, 1943-March 19, 2008)
Deanna Gayle Rea, 65, passed away March 19, 2008, at her home in Baker City. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2008, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baker City. Bishop Ernie Collard officiated. Visitation was held at Coles Funeral Home on Sunday, March 23, 2008, from 2 – 4 p.m. Deanna was born on Feb. 27, 1943, in Baker City to Lloyd and Darelene (Downs) Rea. She was raised in Baker and graduated from Baker High School in 1961. After dating Frank Spriet Sr. through high school the couple eloped to Winnemucca, Nev., on Oct. 23, 1961. She began her career with the Forest Service in June 1969. After holding various positions, she retired from the Forest Service after 27 years. Through the years Deanna and her mother enjoyed traveling to listen to her brother play the blues. She also enjoyed her bus trips to Winnemucca two-times a year with her friend Elcine. Deanna was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sherlene and good friend, Shirley Dorrah. She is survived by her son, Frank Spriet Jr.; daughter, Robin Chesterman and her husband Todd; brother, Lloyd Rea and his wife Marydee; grandchildren: Aleigh Chesterman, MeganChesterman, Heather Spriet, and Jeff Spriet; great-granddaughter, Kya Schock; nieces, Georgene Rea, Marianne Stone and Francine O’Connell, Shannon Love and Julie Love; nephews, Lloyd Rea III, Richard Love and Gary Love; and childhood friends, Zoe Anne Spriet and Elcine Hutton. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was everyone’s rock and will be greatly missed. Contribution maybe made in Deanna’s name to the American Cancer Association through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.
Phyllis Cook Allen Wilcox
(June 15, 1932-March 18, 2008)
Phyllis Wilcox, 75, of Baker City moved to Heaven on March 18, 2008, from St. Elizabeth Hospital. Amemorial service was held at the Baker City Christian Church on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 11 a.m. There was a reception immediately following. Phyllis was born on June 15, 1932, at her home in Baker City, Ore., to Carl and Crystal (Stonder) Cook. She later married and had a son, Carl. After her divorce, she attended Eastern Oregon College in La Grande where she earned a degree in teaching. She was hired as a teacher for the Richland Elementary School in the late ‘50s and ‘60s. She married Richard W. Wilcox in 1962 and they moved back to Baker City where he started his own office machine business. Phyllis helped him in the office and raised a family. In 1979, the family moved to North Bend/Coos Bay for about 20 years. Phyllis used her love for children and education to start a daycare in her home. She was also active in her church and with Women’s Aglow where she served on the area board as treasurer. She suffered a stroke in 1998, followed by a series of more strokes and illnesses, which ultimately left her paralyzed. They moved back to Baker City in early 2000 and Richard cared for Phyllis and his mother, Hazel, for as long as he could. Later, he moved them into the St. Elizabeth Care Center. She was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed every moment with her family and friends. It was her love for the Lord and family that kept her strong in spirit and gave her true joy even in the most dire circumstances. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; a son, Carl; her parents, Carl and Crystal Cook; her mother-in-law, Hazel and her brother, George Cook. Survivors include her daughter, Tamala Smith of Bend; son, Tim Wilcox and his wife Valerie of La Grande; two sisters, Carleen Griffith and Betty Allen both of Baker City; sister-in-law, Gail Cook of Portland; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family request a memorial contribution in Phyllis’name be made to Baker City Christian Church, through Gray’s West & Co. 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR 97814. gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
