Verna Francis
Emma May Graves
Mary Kathleen Heyrman
James A. Hyatt, Jr.
Bruce Leasy
Bruce Rayborn
Verna Francis
(Aug. 12, 1917—Oct. 5, 2009)
Verna Elmina Francis 92, a resident of Baker City, Ore. died Monday Oct. 5, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Funeral services for Mrs. Francis were held Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street. Mr. Dean Baxter will conduct the services. Vault interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 from noon until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Francis was born Aug.12, 1917 in Fruitland, Ida. She was the oldest baby of twins to Charles Bert and Alma Agusta (Troxell) Morris. She was raised on a homestead between Alder Creek and Hill Creek near Pleasant Valley. She met her future husband in the first grade before switching schools and didn’t see him again until her teenage years at a dance. She married Roy Robert Francis September 17, 1935 and lived on a ranch at the head end of Alder Creek where they had their daughter, Wilma. The family then moved to a home on Dry Creek where they farmed and ranched and she had their son, Dell. For a short period they moved with their family to Bates, Oregon where Roy worked. They returned to the Alder Creek ranch until 1965, when they moved to Muddy Creek and then to a home just out of Haines where they remained until1979 when they moved to Baker City.
In her younger years she was very active in the Pleasant Valley Home Extension Service and was an avid horse person and loved animal husbandry. She truly loved the ranching/farming life she had with her husband. Mrs. Francis also was an avid hunter both of elk and deer. Her biggest hobby was writing letters to people.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Wilma and Bill Bishop of Baker City, Ore.; son: Dell Francis and companion Bea Roberts of Baker City, Ore.; sister, Verna Lammert, Baker City, Ore.; grandchildren and their spouses, Lawanna Wickam,La Grande, Ore.; Lalonni and Kelly Haggerty, La Grande, Ore.; Lalessa and Jim Wyatt, Crystal Beach Florida; Laletta and Archie Benner, Pocatello, Ida.; Lorrie and Larry Hill, Baker City, Ore.; Kelley and Chris Daurghty, Salem, Ore.; 13 great grandchildren, two great great granddaughters, numerous step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren also numerous nieces and nephews survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roy, granddaughter Diana Hulick and a brother Ernest H. Morris.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in her memory may direct them to the Parkinson Foundation or a charity of ones choice, this maybe done through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Baker City, Ore. 97814
Emma May Graves
(Sept. 21, 1914—Oct. 7, 2009)
Emma May Graves, 95, of Ontario, Ore. passed away on Oct. 7, 2009. A viewing was held at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 from 2-8 p.m. Her funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Emma was born September 21, 1914 at home in Rock Creek, Ore. to John and Bertha Blize.
She married Laurence Graves on March 3, 1932 and the couple were blessed with five children. She loved being a homemaker and enjoyed babysitting many children in the area. Emma had cared for 2nd generation families for years. Her great loves were God, family, embroidering, making quilts, canning and enjoying her beautiful flowers. She lived the last eight years with her daughter Dorothy Herbert in Ontario after living 69 years in Sumpter.
Survivors include her daughters, Dorothy Herbert of Ontario, Ore. Marie DeRoest of Orem, Utah. Patricia Simonson of Fruitland, Ida. and Sandra Neill of Glendale, Ariz. one adopted granddaughter, Trudy Graves of Weiser, ID. and Jeana Phillips adopted by love. 14 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 22 great, great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Laurence, son Larry Graves, her parents, five sisters, two brothers, one great grandson and one great, great granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, her request was that memorial contributions be made to Heart-N-Hospice through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Mary Kathleen Heyrman
(Feb. 14, 1943—Oct. 4, 2009)
With family at her side, Mary K. Heyrman passed peacefully on Oct, 4, 2009 in Hoquiam, Wash. after a prolonged illness. A funeral service was held, Saturday, Oct.10 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2515 Sumner, Aberdeen, Wash. 98520 beginning at 11 a.m. Viewing will take place at the Harrison Family Mortuary, 311 W. Market, Aberdeen, Wash. 98520 on Friday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Mary K was born February 14, 1943 in Baker, Ore. to Charles and Mary (Leuck) Smith. She spent all of her school years in Baker and graduated from Baker High School in 1961. She cherished the memory of her school days and was honored by her classmates to be voted as “outstanding” senior girl, song queen cheer leader, and Pep Night Queen.
Upon graduation, Mary K married her high school sweetheart, Ron Pierce. She and Ron were blessed with two daughters, Laura Ann and Ronda Charlene. While raising their family in Baker, Mary K. also worked at the Montgomery Wards store and for Dr. Ward’s medical practice. In 1972 Ron and Mary K moved to Hoquiam, WA where Ron took employment with The Daily World newspaper. In 1973, Mary K. started her career with Gray’s Harbor Medical Bureau as a customer service/Medicare claim representative and later advanced to a “marketing supervisor.”
In 1987 her husband, Ron, died unexpectedly. They had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary the prior year. Mary K continued working at Gray’s Harbor Medical Bureau and in 1995 the Bureau merged with Regence Blue Shield where she was promoted to “marketing account executive” and worked there until she retired in 2000. She belonged to many insurance industry associations and received many awards. Some of which were the National Assoc. of Life Underwriters – Rookie of the year 1995, Twin Harbors Assoc. of Life Underwriters – President 1996 – 1997, and a member of the board for Harbors Home Health & Hospice.
On February 14, 1991, Mary K married Leroy Heyrman. She and Leroy enjoyed going to their cabins on the Olympia Peninsula, gold mining (members of the 49er’s club), fishing, (Mary K caught a state record 24 lb. 4 oz. silver salmon), camping, clam digging, and square dancing. As her illness progressed, she loved to have Leroy take her on scenic drives to the beach. These outings continued as often as her health allowed.
Mary K loved her grandchildren dearly. She enjoyed their visits and quilted blankets for many of them. She also enjoyed flower arranging, painting ceramics, and canning fruits, vegetables, salmon, and tuna. She had started making greeting cards by hand and sending them out to friends and family on holidays. She loved Western movies, especially the old “Gunsmoke” reruns. Mary K held a special place in her heart for her “sister” best friend, Petie Johnson, who was always there for her and her family. Glenda Cole, Shirley McPheron, Dotty Streeter, Karen Suksdorf, Pat Hollatz, Dianna Brubaker, Linda Kozlarich, Dean LaCroix, and many, many more were also her dearest friends.
Coming into the world on Valentine’s Day, it is only fitting that Mary K always put others needs before her own. Filled with love and happiness, you were blessed to be in her company. She made whoever was around her feel like they were the most important person in the world. Mary K was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dedicated friend. She led a productive and fulfilled life and will be deeply missed by all.
Mary K is survived by her caring husband of 18 years, Leroy, her daughters: Laura LaCroix and her friend Jeff Fairchild of Montesano, Wash.; Ronda Cowan and her husband Mark of Vancouver, Wash.; her brothers: Charles “Rocky” Smith and his wife Jan of Vancouver, Wash. and Michael “Shane” Smith and his wife Nancy of Lakeside, Mt. Step children: Chris VanAagten and her husband Brian of Olympia, Wash. and Robert and Amy Heyrman of Lacey, Wash.. Her grandchildren: Rhonni and Austin LaCroix, Cassandra VanAagten, and Ainsley Heyrman. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial donation in memory of Mary K, may do so by sending donations to Harbors Home Health & Hospice, 201 7th Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
To sign the online book of memories or to view the family photo album please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
James A. Hyatt, Jr.
(Dec. 21, 1947—Oct. 3, 2009)
James A. Hyatt, Jr., 61, of Baker City, died Oct. 3, 2009. His memorial service was at the Eagle’s Lodge #3456 2935 H Street on Oct. 8, 2009 at 6 p.m.
James was born on Dec. 21, 1947 in Red Bluff, Calif. to James and Helen Hyatt. James attended Corning High School in Corning Calif. He served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970 as a Private E-1. James was a general laborer in several different fields of work.
James married Erma Brown on March 13, 1994 in Malin, Ore. He loved camping, fishing, hunting and woodworking, writing poems and songs. He would design special furniture, clocks and picnic tables. He also loved spending time in his garden. James and Erma would cook Sunday Brunch at the Eagles and everyone enjoyed their meals. James was involved with the Eagle’s Club #3456, VFW and the American Legion for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Erma Hyatt of Baker City, his sister Alice Street, nephews, Ken and Joe Street, and brother Jack Hyatt, all of Baker City. He was preceded in death by his father and mother James and Helen Hyatt.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Bruce Leasy
(Nov. 22, 1937—Oct. 7, 2009)
Bruce Leasy, 71, of Pendleton, Ore. formerly of Baker City, Ore. died on Oct. 7, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family.
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Baker City Christian Church, 675 Highway 7, Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Bruce was born in Baker on Nov. 22, 1937 to Gladys and Alvoy Leasy. Bruce was the fourth of four children. Bruce was raised in Baker where he attended school. After school he enlisted in the Oregon National Guard in 1953 and then the Army in 1956. He was honorably discharged in 1964 from the Army.
Bruce married Jody Valentine in Weiser, Ida., on December 15, 1978.
The majority of his life after the service he had worked for numerous logging companies, driving logging truck. Bruce was a very hard worker and took very good care of his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Howard Leasy and a grandson, Cody Landers.
He is survived by his wife Jody of 31 years, at the home in Pendleton; his sisters Leilah Bishop of Lebanon, Ore., and Rae Colton of Pendleton, Ore.; children Alan and Lisa Leasy of Salt Lake City, Utah, Terri Leasy and Lisa Leasy of Salt Lake City, Uta., Troy and Kim Landers of Damascus, Ore., Marcia Holm of Pendleton, Ore., and Joe and Angie Baldwin of St. Helens, Ore.; brother and sister-in-laws Terry and Kathy Valentine of Union, Ore., Lynn and Pam Wiley of Pendleton, Ore., and Mark and Cindy Meacham of Halfway, Ore.; and mother-in-law Mary Thompson of Pendleton, Ore. He had 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends close to Bruce are Jim and Amy Haynie, Dick McRoberts, Don McGinn and Justin Hutton, Oscar Smith and Scott Burnette.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital or St. Anthony Hospice and may be made in care of Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, PO Box 489, Pendleton, Ore. 97801.
Burns mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements.
Bruce Rayborn
(Died. Oct. 7, 2009)
Bruce Rayborn passed away Oct 7, 2009. Bruce was born in Portland, Ore. to Norman and Carol Rayborn. He is survived by his wife Joyce; four children, Deborah, Milam, Steven, Michael, and Dawn Krogh; 11 grandchildren; and his sister, Sheila Morgan.
He attended Baker City Schools.
He was a retired Portland Police Officer, a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a Ordinance worker at the Portland Temple.
A private service will be held at Skyline Memorial. A Memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at the LDS Cedar Creek Ward at17234 SW Meinecke, Sherwood. In Lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or LDS Charities.
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