Baker City Oregon

Taylor, Margaret Catherine Mrs. – Obituary

Margaret Catherine Taylor, 85, passed away on June 12, 2002, in Tacoma, Washington. Born in Santa Cruz, California, she lived there for 59 years before relocating to Oregon in 1977 and later to Tacoma in 1998. Mrs. Taylor worked at the John Ingalls Cannery for a decade and enjoyed crocheting and reading. She is survived by her daughter, multiple grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband, George, and a daughter, Linda. No funeral services will be held.

Van Biene, Jean Ann Mrs. – Obituary

Jean Ann van Biene, 65, passed away from pancreatic cancer on June 23, 2002, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Born on March 4, 1937, in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, she was a graduate of Eastern Oregon University. Jean moved to Scottsdale in 1979, where she operated Diet Center franchises and engaged in community theater and historical reenactments. She was involved with the Business and Professional Women’s Organization and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish. She is survived by her husband, son, stepdaughter, and grandchildren.

Carlson, Faye Arlene Kirkland Mrs. – Obituary

Faye Arlene Carlson, 67, formerly of Baker City, passed away at home in Elgin on June 23, 2002. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Elgin Stampede Hall, with interment at Elgin Cemetery. Born on December 3, 1934, she graduated from Union High School in 1952 and was married twice. Faye was devoted to her family, enjoyed horses, gambling, and country music. She is survived by her children, siblings, and nine grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice.

Rama, Daniel – Obituary

Daniel Rama, 28, of Baker City, passed away in a motor vehicle accident on June 21, 2002, while en route to fight a fire in Colorado. Born on June 6, 1974, in Grinnell, Iowa, he was raised in Nebraska and graduated from North Platte High School in 1992. Known for his love of music, passion for basketball, and firefighting, he is remembered for his warmth and humor. He is survived by his parents, siblings, and friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday at the First Church of the Nazarene.

Bailey, Bart – Obituary

Bart Bailey, 20, of Baker City, Oregon, died on June 24, 2002, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident while traveling to work as a firefighter. A graduate of Baker High School and a civil engineering student at Oregon State University, he was actively involved in music and drama. His Celebration of Life service will take place at 2 p.m. at the Baker City Church of the Nazarene, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Bart is remembered for his faith, love for family, and dedication to others.

Hansen, Mary Ellen Holman – Obituary

Mary Ellen Holman Hansen, 70, passed away on June 30, 2002, after a battle with cancer. Born on October 6, 1931, in Baker City, she was raised by her grandparents and later pursued a career in education, teaching for 34 years. After moving to Reno, she became actively involved in community service, contributing to various local boards and projects. Her dedication earned her numerous accolades, including the Jefferson Award. Mary is survived by her brother Dennis E. Kirby.

Powers, Robert E. “Bob” – Obituary

Robert E. “Bob” Powers, 82, passed away on July 3, 2002, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on September 25, 1919, Bob was the youngest of six in a farming family with Irish roots. He and his wife, Sally, owned Powers Family Shoes for 25 years, becoming a beloved fixture in the community. Known for his generosity and dedication to customer service, Bob cherished his profession. He is survived by Sally, their daughter Colleen, three grandchildren, and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice or St. Francis de Sales Cathedral.

Wyatt, Alan W. – Obituary

Alan W. Wyatt, 51, of Durkee, Oregon, died on July 2, 2002, while working as a timber faller in Colorado. Born on August 28, 1950, in Sacramento, California, he was passionate about rodeo and cattle ranching. He married Victoria Lennberg in 1970 and moved to Oregon in 1972, where he expanded his livestock operation. Alan was known for his expertise in timber falling safety and received military commendations. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. A celebration of his life will take place at the Durkee Grange.

Britton, Lois Wilson Butts Mrs. – Obituary

Lois Butts Britton, 88, of Baker City, passed away on June 23, 2002, in Gillette, Wyoming. Born Lois Victoria Wilson on August 27, 1913, in Richland, she graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 1932. Lois had a diverse life as a pack string operator, tax collector, postmaster, and shop owner, while raising her family. An active individual, she embraced new experiences throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Chuck, and numerous family members. Memorial services were held in Baker City and Gillette.

Huff, Donald Leslie – Obituary

Donald Leslie Huff, 32, of Halfway, Oregon, passed away on June 25, 2002, near Oxbow, Idaho. Born on August 30, 1969, he was an adventurous spirit, known for his passion for fishing and his work as a river guide. A graduate of Naches High School and San Jose Christian Bible College, he was devoted to his family, particularly his wife Patti and stepdaughter Molly. He is survived by his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. A graveside service was held at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway.

Biographical Sketch of Alexander C. McClelland

Alexander C. McClelland, born in Indiana in 1842, has had a diverse career path. After being educated in Wisconsin, he moved to Montana in 1863 as a gold-seeker but found teaching more rewarding. He later worked in the mines and stock business before marrying Mary Chambers in 1874. Following a stint in Olympia, he moved to Baker County for health reasons. Currently, he serves as the registrar of the U.S. land-office in La Grande, Oregon, appointed by President Harrison.

Biography of Syrenous Burnett McCord

Syrenous Burnett McCord, born in 1842 in Pennsylvania, was a prominent hardware merchant in Eastern Oregon. After moving to Wisconsin and apprenticing as a blacksmith, he traveled west in 1864. He established himself in the blacksmithing trade before founding the town of Wingville and later transitioning to hardware in Baker City. A civic leader, McCord served as the first mayor and county treasurer, advocating for public control of the city’s water system. He married Angie Speelman in 1871 and had seven children.

Julian, Marland R. “Marv” – Obituary

Marland R. “Marv” Julian, 65, of Baker City, passed away June 28, 2002, at home. Born on August 7, 1936, in Springdale, Arkansas, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force and later became a renowned chef in various restaurants, including the Baker Hotel. Marv was also an entrepreneur in restaurant equipment and janitorial supplies. He is survived by his wife, Aletha, children, grandchildren, and other family members. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

Harris, Mildred Virginia France Mrs. – Obituary

Mildred Virginia Harris, 80, passed away on July 5, 2002, in Boise, Idaho. A longtime resident of Baker City, she was born on September 10, 1921, in Wynne, Arkansas, and married Leonard H. Harris in 1941. Mildred was a devoted wife, mother, and active member of her church. After retiring in Burley, Idaho, the couple traveled extensively before returning to Baker City. She is survived by her husband, three children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Grays West Co. on Wednesday.

Tonack, Ron – Obituary

Ron Tonack, 66, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on July 6, 2002, due to ALS. Born on September 24, 1935, in Pendleton, he dedicated his life to education, earning a master’s degree in special education and serving in various teaching roles, including at Baker High School. Ron was known for his friendly demeanor and his commitment to helping students. He is survived by his wife Lorna, daughters Johanna Young and Gretchen Surber, and several grandchildren. Memorial contributions are encouraged to local charities.

Hansell, Wallace Arthur – Obituary

Wallace Arthur Hansell, 48, of La Grande, formerly of Baker City, tragically passed away in an automobile accident on July 7, 2002. A celebration of his life will take place at Daniels Chapel of the Valley in La Grande. Born on July 5, 1954, he was a 1971 graduate of La Grande High School and a barber for many years. He is survived by his wife, children, parents, and siblings. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Diabetes Association.

Culley, Catherine E. Starr Mrs. – Obituary

Catherine E. Culley, 81, of Baker City, passed away on July 6, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center. Her funeral will be held at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, followed by burial at Mount Hope Cemetery. Catherine, born on July 7, 1920, in Astoria, was adopted and later married Harold Culley, with whom she had five sons. A skilled cook and avid crocheter, she enjoyed spending time in prayer and reading the Bible. Memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

Senter, Willetta Wyatt Vaughn Mrs. – Obituary

Willetta Vaughn Senter, 80, of Pendleton, passed away on July 11, 2002. Born on January 30, 1922, in Boring, Kentucky, she worked as a seamstress during WWII and had a passion for crochet and quilting. Willetta married Robert L. Vaughn Sr. in 1946 and later John T. Senter Jr. in 1965. A devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoyed gardening and cooking. Survivors include her children, grandchildren, a sister, and other relatives. Her graveside service will be held at Island City Cemetery.

Spicer, Louise Moore Mrs. – Obituary

Louise M. Spicer, 74, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on July 11, 2002. A funeral service will be held on July 16 at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with Pastor Robin Harris officiating. Louise, born on July 15, 1927, in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., married Conrad Spicer in 1946. She owned Mr. Sizzle restaurant and later retired to Florida before moving to Baker City in 1999. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. Contributions may be made to the A.L.S. Foundation.

Ryder, Jack Hughes – Obituary

Jack Hughes Ryder, aged 70, passed away on July 15, 2002, in Sumpter, Oregon. He was born on July 3, 1932, in Baker City and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After living in California, he returned to Oregon, operating the Oasis Restaurant and Motel in Juntura for 22 years. A funeral service will be held on Friday, followed by burial at Blue Mountain Memorial Garden. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, three sisters, and two grandchildren.