Eleanor Izatt Charlton
Virginia June Cornelius
Elva Mae Nichols
Helen Ryan
Joan Bratt Scarborough
Eleanor Izatt Charlton
(Oct. 7, 1937—Oct. 11, 2009)
Eleanor Virginia Izatt Charlton, 72, was known to most as "Ellie" in later years. She was born in Baker City to Elizabeth and Lloyd Izatt of Sumpter Valley. Lloyd and Elizabeth operated a ranch in Sumpter Valley alongside the DeFrees ranch, who were relatives.
Some of Ellie's favorite memories include riding warmly tucked into a black sleigh pulled by ranch work horses, the sound of sleigh bells, the sparkling moonlit crystal snow as she and her family visited a neighboring family for the holidays and riding her horse alongside her siblings-regardless of the weather-to the one-room school house in Sumpter-McEwen. After the untimely passing of her father, her family sold the ranch and moved to Baker. In 1955, after graduating from Baker High School, she attended Oregon State College. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority as well as "sweetheart" of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.
She met and married James "Jim" Charlton while at college in 1957. He passed her on the sidewalk and said to himself, "One day I'm going to marry that girl," and sure enough, four months later they were married. After Jim's graduation from OSC, they moved to Fort Benning, Ga., where he trained as a U.S. Army Ranger and paratrooper. Ellie began the job of raising daughters, Charisse Kelly and Betsy. After the Army, they lived in Seattle for several years. Ellie was a housewife and a model for the Elizabeth Leonard Agency. She was a regular on the local morning show filmed from the Space Needle.
In 1967, Ellie and Jim returned to Jim's family farm on Sauvie Island. Jim's father was no longer able to care for the 1845 Century Farm. They took on the responsibilities of running the farm and also began their dog training and boarding business, the Charlton Kennels. Ellie managed the business and charmed the clients. She was wonderful with animals as well as their owners. Ellie devoted much of her life to building the business and running the farm. She and her husband considered themselves caretakers for this special place and devoted themselves not only to farming and the business, but also to the waterfowl that frequented the farm lakes and fields. Ellie and Jim passed on their love of the land and tradition of stewardship to their children and grandchildren. Ellie was absolutely beautiful inside and out, kind, yet a strong and courageous woman.
She leaves behind two adoring daughters, Charisse Kelly Charlton and Betsy Charlton Powell; son-in-law, David Powell; and five grandchildren, Lindsey Kirsten, Jim, Mack, Jeremy and Jessie. She is also survived by her very spirited and beautiful Tennessee walker, Clyde. Survivors also include a sister, Elizabeth Rouse of Baker City, and uncle, Dr. Reed Izatt of Provo, Utah, a sister-in-law, Gisela Izatt of Beaverton, Ore. and nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Elizabeth Izatt, and her brother, Mariner Izatt.
A graveside funeral service was held for family on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery in Portland.
There was a public memorial gathering for Ellie at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, on the Charlton Farm, 13825 N.W. Charlton Rd., Sauvie Island, Portland.
Ellie loved children and so her family has created a scholarship fund in her name that will benefit area youth. If you would like to contribute to the Eleanor and James Charlton Scholarship Fund, you may do so at any U.S. Bank or include your donation with remembrances and condolences.
Virginia June Cornelius
(Nov. 12, 1933—Oct. 25, 2009)
Virginia June Cornelius, 75, of Baker City, Ore., died Oct. 25, 2009 at her home in Baker City, Ore. A visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 from noon to 7 p.m. at Coles Funeral Home. Funeral services were at Coles Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 with Pastor Bruce Smith of New Beginnings Fellowship officiating. Interment followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends were invited to join the family for a reception following interment at New Beginnings Fellowship, 1850 Estes St., Baker City, Ore.
Virginia June Cornelius was born Nov. 12, 1933, in Plains, Missouri to Lee and Nellie (Edwards) Mayberry. She graduated from Venice High School in 1951.
Virginia married James Cornelius in Plainview, California on Oct. 10, 1965. She was a pattern cutter for Catalina Clothing until 1989.
Virginia’s hobbies included knitting, sewing, crocheting, crossword puzzles, family games, old movies and taking pictures. She enjoyed family time with children and grandchildren and she was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Nellie Mayberry; sisters: Luella Sobyra and Vinita Mayberry; brother, Kenneth Mayberry; and her daughter, DeAnna Pipkin.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, James Cornelius of Baker City, Ore.; her son, Donald Jackson of McMinnville, Ore.; daughters, Judith Scott of Haines, Ore., and Virginia Vaughn of Taylorville, Ill.; son, Miles Cornelius of Baker City, Ore.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Elva Mae Nichols
(Nov. 2, 1916—Oct. 31, 2009)
Elva Mae Nichols was born Nov. 2, 1916 in Roseburg, Ore. to George and Zerita (McKay) Ollivant. Elva passed away Oct. 31, 2009 in Baker City, Ore. just two days short of her 93rd birthday.
Elva grew up with her brothers Elijah (Lije) and Bill and her sister Bonnie. Elva married Frank Nichols April 30, 1935. Together they raised five children: four sons, Edward, Leslie, Terry and Frank, and a daughter, Rowena.
Elva worked in nursing homes and in restaurants throughout her life. The family moved to Haines in 1950. Elva and Frank traveled all over the country from the Mississippi River to the West Coast and north to Alaska. The familiar question was, “Wonder where that road goes?” That love of travel and adventure continued after Frank passed away in1987. Elva was very active and independent, living on her own with her little dog Mickey and still driving her own pickup, although there were a few more dings in it every year. She was known to take spur-of-the-moment mushroom picking and fishing trips, or a trip to visit friends or family as the mood struck her, sometimes not informing family at home that she was leaving on a trip until she was half way there. She seemed to have the belief that it was “easier to apologize later than to ask permission first!” Elva was set in her ways, did things the way she wanted, and would argue a point to the death if she thought she was right. That sounds like she was aggravating—and at times she was— but that was also part of what made her the grandma we all loved so much. Grandma loved life and just about everything in it.
Elva was a member of the Anthony Lakes Veterans of Foreign Wars #3048 Ladies Auxiliary, was active in the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers and an avid pinochle player. Elva was also a founding member of the “Kitchen Band,” a group of ladies who played odd but fun instruments such as kazoos or “bed pan guitars.”
Elva is preceded in death by her parents, George and Zerita Ollivant, brother Lije Ollivant, sister Bonnie Bates, her husband of nearly 52 years, Frank Nichols, son Terry Nichols, daughter Rowena Wendt, and daughter-in-law Margaret Nichols.
Elva is survived by her brother and his spouse, Bill and Roberta (Bert) Ollivant, sons and their spouses Edward and Sherry, Leslie and Norma, Frank, and Dawn Nichols; widow of Terry, Cheryl Nichols; and widower of Rowena, Monty Wendt; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.
Life for Elva was a great adventure. She is continuing that adventure with her loved ones who went before her.
A bunch of the family were sitting around a bonfire on Halloween night in Grandma’s back yard remembering stories and fun times, roasting weenies and marshmallows (a very normal thing we all did with Grandma) imagining Grandpa driving up the road to get her in the motorhome with Terry, Rowena and Margaret all in the back, ready to follow a new road and continue the adventure. Suddenly a very cold blast of wind blew through the yard. Leaves from the willow trees pelted us and several said it was Grandma “messing with us.” A few minutes later, we got the call from St. Elizabeth Hospital that Grandma had passed away. We all know Grandma had been with us one last time.
At the hospital, she had said she was “going home and would miss us.” We will miss you, too, Grandma. Keep on cruising, keep the adventures going, and we will see you on the other side.
On Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, there was a gathering of friend and relatives in Haines to say goodbye and celebrate her 93rd birthday. We released 93 balloon plus a Happy Birthday and smiley face balloon with a birthday card signed by friends and family.
“Wassabee.”
Helen Ryan
(March 26, 1915—Oct. 25, 2009)
Born into a large close knit family on March 26, 1915, Helen Virginia Carlson Ryan had five sisters and three brothers. Her parents Victor and Verna Carlson had emigrated from Sweden to Astoria, Ore. Helen was delivered at home along with her identical twin sister Margaret Carlson Foster. The two sisters were very devoted to one another and shared many years of their lives together.
Helen knew from a young age that she wanted to work in medicine and earned a degree in x-ray technology. Her 43-year career in this field included working for several different doctors and hospitals both in Oregon and California. She was very dedicated to her profession and treated her patients with care and compassion.
Spending time with her two children Patty Bogart and Ken Ryan brought her great joy. They enjoyed the outdoors, traveling and many adventures together. Fun times were also spent with her many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Helen’s family grew with the addition of her son-in-law Mark Bogart and her two beloved granddaughters, Katy and Kelly. Helen had lived the past 17 years with the Bogarts and joyfully celebrated Kelly’s wedding to Jason Jacobs last summer. During the past five years Helen was lovingly cared for in her home by Mary Phillips.
Helen surrounded herself with many friends, both young and old. She loved to golf, cheer for her granddaughters, and vacation with her family. Her positive attitude, wisdom, independent spirit, and kindness will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Although Helen passed away on Oct. 25, 2009, her zest for life and her devotion to family and friends will always be remembered and treasured.
A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at the Quail Ridge Golf Course in Baker City on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m.. We invite her family and friends to attend this time of honoring Helen with remembrances, friendship, and lunch. A family graveside service will be held at a later date in Astoria, Ore.
Joan Bratt Scarborough
(May 20, 1928—Oct. 24, 2009)
Joan B. Scarbrough, a long time resident of Baker City, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at her home.
Joan was born in Baker City on May 20, 1928 to Bob and Katherine (Scott) Bratt. She graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1946, where she was very active as a member of the Cecilians, Chorus and String Quartet, to name a few. Her deep love of music was a huge part of her life and it wasn’t unusual for her to sit at her piano and plunk out tunes for the enjoyment of her family and friends. She shared her musical talents teaching hundreds of students throughout Baker County.
Joan married Bill Miller in 1948, and later divorced. Joan and Bob Scarbrough were married in 1970 and enjoyed over 30 years of marriage. In his failing health, Joan’s great love and compassion were obvious to all who knew and loved them.
Another great passion of Joan’s was her handwork of knitting, crocheting, needlework, rosary making and sewing. From sweaters to booties, blankets and rosaries, all that were lucky enough to receive these special gifts of love cherished her self-taught skills.
Joan’s life was centered around her family, friends and church. The greatest joys of her life were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She had a terrific sense of humor and wit. Her gift of gab and laughter was contagious.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Katherine Bratt and her husband, Bob Scarbrough.
She is survived and will be dearly missed by her children: Mary Kincaid and husband Jerry, Marty Rose and husband Bud, and Rob Miller; grandchildren: Kelly Kincaid, Katie Rudi and husband Mike, Andi Jaca and husband Ed, Mandy Grandeen and husband, Shawn, Ashleigh Meeks and husband, Frank; great-grandchildren: Kade, Madelyn, Brooklyn, Alex, Chloe, Cole and Cailyn; sister-in-law, Phyllis Lew and numerous beloved cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales Cathedral or The Baker Elks Drum & Bugle Corps, c/o Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.
Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the Parish Hall at St. Francis de Sales following the vault interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
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