Baker City Oregon

Laursen, Maybelle Sheret Mrs. – Obituary

Maybelle Laursen, 78, passed away on October 18, 2002, at her home in Sumpter, Oregon. Born on August 8, 1924, in Seattle, she had a long career with Pacific Northwest Bell and enjoyed extensive travel. She married Otto Laursen in 1953, and they shared 46 years before his passing. Maybelle is survived by her three children, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. At her request, no service will be held, and her remains were cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Prasch, Ferriel Joyce McKinney Mrs. – Obituary

Ferriel Joyce McKinney Prasch, 67, a former resident of Baker City, passed away on October 13, 2002, in Modesto, California. Born on September 17, 1935, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and taught in Portland before relocating to California. After managing a Baskin-Robbins store, she resumed her teaching career in 1986 until her retirement in 2001. Ferriel enjoyed various hobbies and cherished her time with family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her three children and five grandchildren.

Dethloff, William Joseph “Joe”, Jr. – Obituary

William Joseph “Joe” Dethloff Jr., 57, passed away on October 18, 2002, after a brave battle with cancer. A Portland native, Joe served in the U.S. Navy and dedicated over 26 years to naval reserves. He worked for the U.S. Post Office, rising to the position of postmaster. Actively involved in his community, Joe volunteered for various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and local churches. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family, remembered for his generosity and faith.

Gould, Doris Jo “Darcie” Williams Mrs. – Obituary

Doris Jo “Darcie” Gould, 57, of Athena, formerly of Baker City, passed away on October 10, 2002. Born on December 6, 1944, in Glover, Oklahoma, she married Jay E. Gould in 1963 and moved frequently before settling in Athena in 1998. Known for her love of the outdoors and painting, she received multiple awards for her artwork, which she donated throughout Oklahoma and Oregon. She is survived by her husband, children, siblings, and grandchildren, with a memorial service held at Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home.

Benson, John J., III – Obituary

John J. Benson III, aged 60, passed away on October 13, 2002, in Muncie, Indiana. A former teacher at Royerton Elementary and U.S. Air Force veteran, he was active in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and served on the board of the Isanogel Center. He is survived by his wife, Marianne, two sons, and other family members. Memorial services will be private, and contributions can be made to a scholarship fund or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Blakeway, Myrtle L. Birge Mrs. – Obituary

Myrtle L. Blakeway, 73, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on October 12, 2002, at her daughter’s residence. Born on April 21, 1929, in Homedale, Idaho, she was the daughter of Lloyd O. and Eva Mae Hurst Birge. A member of the Eagles Lodge, Myrtle had a passion for travel, fishing, and cooking. She is survived by four children, two sisters, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. A private service will be held later, with arrangements made by Coles Funeral Home.

Hickerson, Kenneth “Ken” – Obituary

Kenneth “Ken” Hickerson, 63, of Baker City, passed away on October 12, 2002. A graveside funeral will be held on Saturday at Eagle Valley Cemetery, followed by a potluck at the Richland Grange. Born on February 19, 1939, in Baker City, Ken served in the U.S. Army before studying engineering at Eastern Oregon University. He worked at Precision Castparts until his retirement in 1999. Ken is survived by his four children and several grandchildren. He had a passion for miniature horses in his later years.

Stallings, June Mrs. – Obituary

June Stallings, 77, passed away on October 22, 2002, in Blackfoot, Idaho. Originally from Woodward, Oklahoma, she moved to Idaho at 17 and later resided at Elkhorn Village from 1988 to 1996. Known for her oil paintings, she dedicated her life to her family. She is survived by her son Wes Huck Stallings, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Her burial took place in New Plymouth, Idaho, on the day of her passing.

Hunt, W. Donald “Don” – Obituary

W. Donald “Don” Hunt, 78, of Orem, Utah, passed away on October 24, 2002. A retired teacher from Baker City, he was a World War II veteran and devoted member of the LDS Church. Born in Idaho, he excelled in academics and sports, including a brief stint with the New York Yankees. He dedicated 36 years to teaching biology and natural science. Don is survived by his wife, Billie, four children, and numerous grandchildren. His funeral was held at the Orem Park 4th Ward Chapel, with interment at Veterans Memorial Park.

Monroe, Martha Ann Rafn Mrs. – Obituary

Martha R. Monroe, 72, of Baker City, Oregon, and former co-owner of Monroe Mortuary, passed away on October 26, 2002. Born on August 26, 1930, in Houston, she attended Santa Ana College and dental school at UC Berkeley before marrying Jim Monroe in 1964. The couple moved to Baker City in 1981, where she became a licensed funeral director. Active in various community organizations, she is survived by her husband, two sons, and three grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at Coles Funeral Home on Wednesday.

Dougherty, Shannon James – Obituary

Shannon James Dougherty, 32, of Baker City, passed away on October 25, 2002, after a three-year battle with A.L.S. His funeral was held at Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem. Born on April 13, 1970, he defied medical expectations and cherished time with his family, especially his children. A skilled professional floor technician, he moved to the Willamette Valley to be closer to relatives. Shannon is survived by his parents, wife, children, and many siblings and relatives, remembered for his humor and love.

Purvis, Rusty Gene – Obituary

Rusty Gene Purvis, aged 39, passed away on October 27, 2002, in Portland. A graveside service will be held on Friday at Ironside Cemetery, officiated by Floyd Cooper. Born on November 17, 1962, in Baker City, he graduated from Riddle High School and attended Boise State University. He worked as a computer technician for Zilog and Fujitsu. Rusty is survived by his partner Julie Brown, his parents Don and Carol Purvis, and his brother Don Jr. He is remembered for his love of fishing, football, and NASCAR.

Horton, Troy J. – Obituary

Troy J. Horton, 75, passed away on October 24, 2002. A former resident of Baker City, he was born on July 25, 1927, and served in the U.S. Army after graduating from Westport High School. Horton pursued education at Linfield College and received the John Hay Whitney Fellowship at Columbia University. He taught high school in Baker City and Portland, authored a children’s book, and focused on the arts. He is survived by two sons, a sister, a brother, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life is scheduled for November 9.

Edwards, Paul – Obituary

Paul Edwards, 79, passed away on October 25, 2002, in Baker City, where he spent his life. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served aboard the USS Anderson. Married to Nellie Ann Perkins since 1947, he worked for the Baker School District until retirement. An engaged community member, he was involved with the fire department and the Calvary Baptist Church. Survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings, he is remembered for his love of the outdoors and his warm personality.

Ellingson, Donald Matthew – Obituary

Donald Matthew Ellingson, 84, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on October 30, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center. Born on July 31, 1918, in Hawkins, Wisconsin, he later moved to Klamath Falls. A University of Oregon graduate and World War II Army Air Corps veteran, he co-owned Ellingson Lumber Co. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, with memorial contributions suggested to charity through Coles Funeral Home.

Rouse, Palma Gerarda DeRoest Mrs. – Obituary

Palma Gerarda Rouse, 88, of Gresham and a longtime resident of Baker City, passed away on October 30, 2002. Born on February 4, 1914, she was the eldest of nine children and married Jack Rouse in 1934. They were prominent cattle ranchers and had five children. Palma was an active member of the Baker County Garden Club and other local organizations. She is survived by her four children, siblings, 15 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are planned for this weekend.

Loverin, Wesley Ernest – Obituary

Wesley Ernest Loverin, 86, of Hereford, Oregon, passed away on October 31, 2002. Born on July 4, 1916, in Visalia, California, he grew up in Three Rivers, where he contributed to his family’s pack station. A decorated World War II veteran and pilot, he graduated with a degree in agriculture from Fresno State in 1952, later becoming a dedicated rancher. Loverin was passionate about flying and enjoyed outdoor activities with his family, including herding cattle and hunting. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

MacPherson, Alice Marie Ensminger Mrs. – Obituary

Alice Marie Ensminger MacPherson, 82, of Union, passed away on October 15, 2002, following a brief illness. Born on February 7, 1920, in Baker City, she graduated from Union High School in 1938 and married Donald Franklin MacPherson in 1939. The couple operated The Union Republic newspaper and later returned to Union. Alice is survived by her daughter, son, brother, half-siblings, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994. Memorial contributions can be made to the Union County Humane Society.

Mathews, Ada M. Paugh Mrs. – Obituary

Ada M. Mathews, 76, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on November 4, 2002, at her home. Born on July 9, 1926, in Norton, Kansas, she moved to Milton-Freewater in 1933. Ada worked in canneries and operated several businesses in Eastern Oregon with her husband, Paul, whom she married in 1972. She enjoyed gold mining and was known for her love of people. Ada is survived by her stepchildren, siblings, and extended family. A funeral service is scheduled for November 8 at Coles Funeral Home.

Todd, Gary A. – Obituary

Gary A. Todd, age 49, of Eagle, Idaho, formerly from Baker City, passed away on November 4, 2002. His funeral will be held at Coles Funeral Home, led by Rev. Robert C. Irwin, with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on February 12, 1953, Gary graduated from Baker High School and worked in various jobs, including retail management. He is survived by his daughter, mother, brother, and granddaughters. Memorial contributions are requested for the St. Francis Food Bank.