Leenell Verlynn “Dickie” Givens, 84, of Baker City, died Sept. 26, 2007, at Grace Memorial Care in Boise.
There will be a celebration of her life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1995 Fourth St.
Dickie, as her friends called her, was born on Sept. 29, 1922, at Homedale, Idaho. She was the second of three children born to Lee and Nellie Roby. She grew up in Baker before it became known again as Baker City.
After graduating from high school, she worked as a receptionist for a medical office. She married Raymond W. Givens on Sept. 14, 1942, at Weiser, Idaho.
During World War II, while Raymond was in the service stationed out of San Diego, Dickie always found a way to make ends meet by working at a local grocery store. Later she moved to Portland to live with her sister where she was employed as a certified welder for Kaiser Co. at Vancouver, Wash., working on ships.
After Raymond’s discharge from the U.S. Navy, the couple returned to Baker City where she was employed in several jobs, including work in the potato sheds, at Crown Cleaners and for the Baker School District. She worked weekends at the Third & Dewey Market.
She decided to study nursing after seeing a television advertisement about careers. She signed up for licensed practical nurse courses and took some classes in Baker City and Ontario. She received her degree at the age of 52.
“We were very proud of the fact that she passed the state exam on her first try,” her family said.
She was employed at St. Elizabeth Hospital for 17 years and retired at age 70.
Dickie also found time to participate in numerous community activities. She was a Lady Elk and she became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary in 1965. During her 40 years as a member, she served as president, treasurer and chaplin. Dickie was very active as chairperson for the annual mini bazaar to raise money for cancer research.
She joined the Order of Eastern Star in 1963 and was a 44-year member. She served as worthy matron four times and held other offices in the chapter. Along with her other accomplishments, she was appointed to a two-year term as grand representative of Manitoba and attended Grand Chapter many times at Portland and Pendleton.
Dickie became a member of the St. Elizabeth Health Services Auxiliary in the mid ’80s working at the information desk. She was always the first to volunteer her services. Every Valentine’s Day she made candy and gifts for the nurses.
As an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon treasurer, was a member of the women’s support group and volunteered for the fellowship suppers and coffee.
Dickie was very involved with her children in 4-H at the state and county fairs, Rainbow and DeMolay and in their many school activities. Her hobbies including bowling, playing cards, baking, making gifts from her arts and crafts, knitting, candy making, sewing, boating and traveling.
Her children expressed their appreciation to the caregivers at Grace Memory Care and the staff of Legacy Home Health and Hospice at Boise “who helped make mom’s final days comfortable and peaceful. They always treated Mom with love, care, respect and giving hearts.”
“She will be deeply missed and will always be remembered for her support to the community of Baker City,” they said.
Survivors include her two children, Lee Givens, and his wife, Linda, of Molalla and Linda Moore and her husband, Mike, of Boise; a brother, Reese Roby, and his wife, Vella, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Laura, Todd and Kevin Moore; a stepgrandchild, Melissa Corr, and other stepgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruby Bailey; and her husband of 57 years, Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Legacy Home Health Hospice, 680 S. Progress Ave., Suite 2A, Meridian, ID, 83642; to the VFW Cancer Fund, the Veterans Memorial Club, 2005 Valley Ave., Baker City, OR 97814; or to Home Endowment, Esther Chapter of Eastern Star, Elaine Reynolds, 890 Idlewood Drive, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, October 5, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor