Baker City Oregon

Brothers, Gloria A. Newall Mrs. – Obituary

Gloria A. Newall Brothers, age 78, passed away on August 23, 2002, at her home in Newberg, Oregon. Born on November 1, 1923, in Port Angeles, Washington, she contributed significantly to her community and the mining industry. A University of Oregon graduate, she worked as an English teacher and later at the Newberg Graphic newspaper. She co-founded the Eastern Oregon Mining Association and advocated for miners’ rights. She is survived by her son, Ladd, daughter, Brooke, and brother, Edgar, and was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel.

Spivey, Earl M. – Obituary

Earl M. Spivey, 84, passed away on September 7, 2002, at his home in Baker City, Oregon. Born on June 18, 1918, in Tennessee, he moved to Baker City in 1929. Earl served in the U.S. Army and worked most of his life in the lumber industry. He was married to Dorothy Margaret Hixson for 61 years and is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. He was preceded in death by one son, Dale, and several family members.

Gwilliam, George Wildon ‘Bill’ – Obituary

George Wildon “Bill” Gwilliam, 74, a prominent Baker City resident and former mayor, passed away on September 6, 2002. Born on June 7, 1928, he grew up helping in the family bakery and later served more than two decades on the Baker City Council. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill held various leadership roles, including bishop and high council member. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, eight grandchildren, and many foster children, along with a legacy of community service.

Christian, Camiel I. “Chris” – Obituary

Camiel I. Chris Christian, 74, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on September 15, 2002, at home with family. Born on November 28, 1927, in Victor, Iowa, he grew up on a family farm and joined the U.S. Air Force, serving over 20 years and participating in World War II, Vietnam, and Korea. After retiring in 1971, he worked as a night jailer for 12 years. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, siblings, and stepchildren. His funeral is scheduled for September 23, with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Sawyer, Bette Norene Hoge Mrs. – Obituary

Bette Norene Hoge Sawyer, 79, passed away on September 12, 2002, at her home in Reno, Nevada. Born on May 22, 1923, in Baker City, she graduated from Baker High School in 1941 before relocating to Reno, where she met her husband, Grant Sawyer. They married in 1946 and had one daughter, Gail. Bette served as first lady of Nevada from 1958 to 1966 during Grant’s gubernatorial term. She is survived by her daughter and was predeceased by her husband.

Dielman, Byrdie “Opal” Shropshire Mrs. – Obituary

Byrdie Opal Dielman, 85, passed away on September 12, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. Born on January 14, 1917, in Kansas, she graduated as valedictorian in 1935 and married Raymond Dielman in 1936. The family moved to Baker City in 1943. Opal worked for C. C. Anderson and later the U.S. Forest Service until retiring in 1975. A dedicated member of the United Methodist Church, she also contributed to community initiatives. She is survived by her children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Clapp, Katheryn Frances “Fritz” Shryack Mrs. – Obituary

Katheryn Frances “Fritz” Clapp, 80, passed away on September 19, 2002, in Baker City, Oregon. A graveside service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Lura Kidner-Miesen. Born on November 30, 1921, in Eagle, Colorado, she graduated from Haines High School. She married Eldon Clapp in 1946, and they relocated often due to military assignments. They settled in Baker City in 1992 to care for her mother. She is survived by her husband, brother, and extended family.

Renz, Dorothy Annette Saunders Mrs. – Obituary

Dorothy Annette Saunders Renz, 76, passed away on September 22, 2002, in Redmond, Oregon. Born on March 25, 1926, in New Bridge, she was raised on a ranch in Richland and graduated as valedictorian from Eagle Valley High School. Dorothy married Howard Renz in 1947, having two children. She enjoyed a career as a caseworker for the State of Oregon Social Services and was known for her kindness and musical talents. A graveside service will be held on September 28 at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Holman, Henry Chester “Chet” – Obituary

Henry Chester “Chet” Holman, 84, passed away on September 19, 2002, in Hood River. A memorial service is scheduled for September 21 at Andersons Tribute Center, with a graveside service on September 20 at Juniper Haven Cemetery. Born on March 8, 1918, in Prineville, Chet served as a U.S. Army staff sergeant during World War II. He held various jobs, including machinist for the Army Corps of Engineers, and was known for his love of family, hunting, and boating. He is survived by his wife, Ina, and their children.

Lethlean, Vera Mae Thorne Mrs. – Obituary

Vera Mae Thorne Lethlean, 76, passed away on September 25, 2002, in Baker City, Oregon, after a prolonged illness. Born prematurely on April 22, 1926, she grew up in the Hermiston-Stanfield area and graduated from Muddy Creek High School. Vera married Dale Lethlean in 1945, and together they had six children. Known for her loving nature, she was deeply devoted to her family and enjoyed gardening. Vera was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Estes, Leslie Gorte Mrs. – Obituary

Leslie Estes, 40, of Baker City, passed away on September 25, 2002, due to complications from diabetes. Born on September 14, 1962, she graduated from Baker High School and later earned an associate degree from Eastern Oregon University. After losing her sight in 1989, she trained with Guide Dogs for the Blind and married Mark Estes in 1991. Leslie was known for her caregiving nature, working with handicapped children and teaching water aerobics. She is survived by her husband, parents, siblings, and many cherished friends.

Spellman, Gladys A. Wing Mrs. – Obituary

Gladys A. Spellman, 75, of Baker City, passed away on September 29, 2002. A graveside service is scheduled for October 2 at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born in 1927 in Wamic, she was a member of a pioneer family, worked as a telephone operator, and later contributed to her husband’s trucking business while raising four sons. Known for her gardening, love of the outdoors, and generosity, she is survived by her sons, grandchildren, and siblings. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Burk, Genevieve S. Genny Speelman, Dr. – Obituary

Dr. Genevieve Genny S. Burk, aged 79, passed away on September 22, 2002. A Baker City native, she excelled academically and earned her medical degree in 1951. Genny served as Clackamas County’s first full-time anesthesiologist and held leadership roles in various medical organizations. After retiring due to macular degeneration, she continued to engage in community affairs. A life celebration dinner is scheduled for November 8 in Portland. She is remembered for her intelligence, compassion, and impact on many lives.

Backlund, Donna Ratliff Kowing Mrs. – Obituary

Donna Kowing Backlund, 61, of Baker City, passed away on September 27, 2002. A memorial service is scheduled for October 26 at her son’s home. Born on May 4, 1941, in Tillamook, she grew up in Washougal and was a certified dental assistant. Donna married Robert Kowing in 1957 and later Richard Backlund in 1991. She is survived by her mother, four children, numerous grandchildren, and siblings. She was predeceased by her father, a grandson, and her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to local hospice services.

Hewitt, Jack O. – Obituary

Jack O. Hewitt, aged 92, passed away on September 30, 2002, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on May 24, 1910, he spent most of his life in Eagle Valley and Baker City, working as a ranch hand and enjoying fishing. As per his wishes, there will be no funeral, and his remains were cremated. He is survived by his son Rollie and daughter Geraldine, along with eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Hall, John Thomas – Obituary

John Thomas Hall, 54, of Union, Oregon, passed away on October 2, 2002. His graveside service is set for 11 a.m. on Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on March 16, 1948, in Baker City, he was a heavy equipment operator and active in equestrian associations. Hall married Kathy M. Bell in 1967 and enjoyed hunting and horseback riding. He is survived by his wife, children, mother, and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Hall.

Smith, William “Bill” – Obituary

William “Bill” Smith, 69, of Sumpter, Oregon, passed away on September 26, 2002, in California. Born on April 12, 1933, he spent his life on the family ranch and acquired a forest in Sumpter in 1982. An electrician, he notably wired the first space shuttle and worked on the Alaskan pipeline. A U.S. Navy veteran, Bill was active in various organizations, including the Elks Lodge and the NRA. He is survived by his wife, Jan, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Memorial donations can be made to local fire and diabetes organizations.

McQuain, Elvera I. Sawyer Mrs. – Obituary

Elvera I. McQuain, 73, passed away on October 7, 2002, in La Grande, Oregon. Born on December 18, 1928, in Cody, Wyoming, she spent her early years in Baker City, where she graduated high school and attended the University of Wyoming. Elvera married Martie McQuain II in 1956, and they lived in various states before her return to Oregon in 1989. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and sisters. Her funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston.

Goss, Debra Faye Crim Mrs. – Obituary

Debra Faye Goss, 47, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on October 5, 2002, at St. Marys Medical Center. Her funeral took place at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, with burial at Summerville Cemetery. Born June 18, 1955, in Baker, she graduated from La Grande High School and married Milo Goss in 1975. Debra was active in the La Grande Country Club and cherished time with family at their cabin. She is survived by her husband, son, parents, siblings, and extended family. Contributions can be made to the Donna Goss Memorial Fund.

Charles “Everett” Zimmerman – Obituary

Charles Everett Zimmerman, 90, of Baker City, passed away on October 18, 2002. His funeral is scheduled for October 22, coinciding with his 61st wedding anniversary to Sylva Michael. Born on January 16, 1912, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and later managed Safeway Stores. He enjoyed ranching, sports, and church involvement. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice through Grays West Co. in Baker City.