Alicel Oregon

Alicel is an unincorporated community in Union County in northeastern Oregon, located along the Grande Ronde River and the line of the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company, established in the late 19th century as a small rail and agricultural locality serving nearby farms and ranches. Union County was created in 1864 from Wasco and Umatilla counties, and genealogical records for Alicel residents are found at the county level, including land deeds, probate, court records, and marriages beginning in the 1860s, with statewide civil registration of births and deaths more complete after 1903. The area was originally inhabited by Native peoples including the Nez Perce and Cayuse, and early settlement followed development of transportation routes through the Grande Ronde Valley. Key geographic features include the Grande Ronde River and surrounding valley lands that supported agriculture, while railroad access influenced settlement patterns; researchers should consult county records in La Grande, along with local cemetery and church records, for family history documentation.

Brookshire, Lucretia – Obituary

Lucretia Paroz Brookshire, aged 90, passed away on February 5, 1997, in Imbler. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on February 10 at Summerville Cemetery Chapel. Born on January 31, 1907, she graduated from Imbler High School and worked as a secretary before joining the school district. Lucretia was married to Andrew Paroz and later to Dale Brookshire. She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.

Ruckman, Virgil Audmer – Obituary

Virgil Ruckman, aged 74, passed away on February 25, 1975, in Oakland, California. Born on April 27, 1900, in Alicel to Samuel and Lillian Ruckman, he married Bessie Kasinger in 1922 and initially farmed in Imbler before relocating to California. He is survived by his daughters, Betty Gene Graybeal and Audrea Seitz, a sister, a brother, a stepbrother, and two grandchildren. Private graveside services are planned at Summerville.

Thorp, Levina Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. Levina Thorp, aged 61, passed away due to pneumonia in La Grande on October 29, 1905. A resident of Alicel for fourteen years, she is survived by three sons, a brother named S.L. Brooks, and many other relatives and friends. Her remains were laid to rest in Summerville cemetery on the following Tuesday.

Thorpe, Frank – Obituary

Graveside funeral services for Frank Thorpe, 79, took place at Summerville cemetery following his death at the Pythian Home in Vancouver, Washington. Thorpe, born on July 7, 1866, in Seymour, Iowa, moved to the area as a child and engaged in local business for years before relocating to his property near Alicel. He is survived by a daughter, whose whereabouts are unknown. The service was conducted by the Knights of Pythias.

Butler, Georgia LaVella – Obituary

Georgia LaVelle Butler, 95, of La Grande, passed away on September 11, 2006. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday at the United Methodist Church, with a graveside service at Willamette National Cemetery on Friday. Born on September 27, 1910, she graduated from La Grande High School and trained as a nurse, marrying Chester W. Butler in 1941. Active in her community and church, she is survived by cousins and many friends, having been preceded in death by her sister and husband.

Elmer, Russell W. – Obituary

Russell W. Elmer, 85, of Cove, passed away on August 18 at home. Born on January 19, 1921, he graduated from Cove High School in 1940 and attended welding school. He married Norma Jean Roulet in 1946 and had a career in farming and co-founding Blue Mountain Grass Seed Co. Elmer served on the Union County Commission and was actively involved in the LDS Church. He is survived by his wife, five children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorials can be made to local hospice or family history services.

De Lint, Marinus Jacob – Obituary

Marinus Jacob Rien de Lint, 66, of Alicel, passed away on April 11 at Grande Ronde Hospital. Born in the Netherlands, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1959 and later earned an agriculture degree. He married Cresta May Shaw in 1967 and was active in the local agricultural community, serving in various leadership roles. De Lint was recognized for his contributions with multiple awards. He enjoyed farming, outdoor activities, and spending time with family. A celebration of life will be held at the First Christian Church in La Grande.

Duncan, Lee – Obituary

Lee A. Duncan, who passed away on December 1, 1969, was a prominent businessman in Haines, known for his successful mercantile enterprise, Haines Commercial Co. Founded in the early 1900s, the company became essential to the community, particularly during economic hardships, including the Great Depression. Duncan also played a significant role in the Bank of Haines, becoming its president in 1943. He retired in 1955, leaving a legacy of resilience and community support. He is survived by two grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Loennig, Ruby Faye Ledbetter Mrs. – Obituary

Ruby Faye Loennig, age 59, passed away on Tuesday at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Haines. Born on July 20, 1899, in Alicel, she was a graduate of Willamette High School and Willamette University. Married to Henry Loennig in 1926, she was actively involved in her community through various organizations, including the Methodist Church and the PTA. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, three brothers, three sisters, and four granddaughters. Services will be held Saturday with interment at Mt. Hope.