Emmett Idaho

The Payette Valley, Its Towns

The Payette Valley, located in southwestern Idaho, is characterized by its varied geography, including mountains and fertile lands along the Snake River. The region’s development accelerated with the advent of the Oregon Short Line Railway, transforming it from a desert to a vibrant agricultural hub. The valley excels in fruit cultivation, particularly apples and prunes, thanks to its favorable climate and irrigation systems. Towns like Payette, New Plymouth, Falks Store, and Emmett have emerged, each contributing to the valley’s economic growth through agriculture, timber, and livestock industries.

Biographical Sketch of James T. Davis

James T. Davis, a prominent figure in Malheur County, Oregon, was born on October 25, 1850, in Missouri. His family journeyed westward, settling in various locations before ultimately establishing a farm near Nyssa. Known for his integrity and strong work ethic, Davis has transformed his 120-acre property into a prosperous enterprise. After the death of his first wife, Lulu Brinnon, he remarried in 1898. An active political participant, he supports the Democratic Party and is regarded as a respected community member.

Biography of R. D. Greer

R. D. Greer, born in Ohio in 1850, has been a significant figure in Malheur County’s development. After moving to Nebraska in 1866, he returned to the West in 1875, eventually settling in Emmett, Idaho. He later engaged in the lumber industry in Weiser and operated a successful mercantile business in Ontario before moving to his current homestead near Owyhee. Greer is noted for his involvement in local progress, including the establishment of the Owyhee ditch, and is an active community member alongside his wife, Alice.

Bork, Flora – Obituary

Mrs. Frank Bork, formerly Grace Sewell, passed away in Emmett, Idaho, on Thursday morning. Her in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Bork, received the news and traveled for the funeral, returning home on Sunday. Grace, a long-time resident of Wallowa County before relocating to Idaho, is survived by three daughters, a son, several grandchildren, and siblings. Her death is mourned by her family and the community.

Holloran, Clara Berneice Kreizenbeck – Obituary

Clara Berneice Kreizenbeck Holloran, 88, of Enterprise, passed away on October 22 at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. A mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Katherine Catholic Church on Friday, with burial following at the Enterprise Cemetery. Born on April 17, 1918, in Emmett, Idaho, she married Francis Jeremiah Holloran in 1955. Berneice is survived by her sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother. Memorials may be sent to the Kreizenbeck Scholarship Fund.

Noland, William “Bill” Harold – Obituary

William Harold Noland, 83, of Enterprise, passed away on November 2 after a prolonged illness. Born in Boise on February 2, 1923, he served in the Air Force as a B-29 flight engineer during World War II. Following the war, he earned a pharmacy degree and had a successful career, including co-owning a drugstore. He enjoyed various hobbies and was an active community member. He is survived by his wife, Pat, their sons, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday.

Spencer, Jess W. – Obituary

Jess W. Spencer, a former businessman in Union, passed away on November 19, 1937, in Montesano, Washington. Born on September 23, 1875, he was the son of pioneer parents who settled in the Grande Ronde Valley. Following a varied life that included farming and running a business, he married twice and raised a large family. His funeral at the Methodist Episcopal church in Union featured his six brothers as pallbearers. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Rickett, Wanda J. – Obituary

Wanda J. Rickett, 57, formerly of La Grande, passed away from natural causes on April 20 at her home in Emmett, Idaho. Born on September 11, 1949, in La Grande, she graduated from La Grande High School in 1968 and later worked at the public library. After moving to Flagstaff, she married Keith Rickett and later opened a dog-grooming business in Emmett. Wanda is survived by her mother, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on April 30.

Rogers, Leslie George – Obituary

Leslie George Rogers, 74, of Imbler, passed away on March 10. He was born on June 10, 1933, in Emmett, Idaho, and served as a military policeman in the Army. Les married Nita Rose Lyndley in 1955 and later wed Gwen Rose Bomstad in 1995. A retired shipping foreman, he was active in community organizations and enjoyed outdoor activities with family. A celebration of life is scheduled for Thursday at Loveland Funeral Chapel, following a viewing today. He is survived by his wife, children, and numerous grandchildren.

Fetters, Carl B. – Obituary

Carl B. Fetters, a long-time resident of Ola, passed away at his home in Emmett on October 15, 1940. Born on February 9, 1867, in Knox County, Illinois, he married Lucy B. Milam in 1888. In 1896, he journeyed west in a covered wagon and homesteaded in Northern Idaho before relocating to Ola in 1915 and later Emmett. His funeral was held at Bucknum Chapel, and he is survived by his wife, four brothers, a grandson, and two great-grandchildren.

Phillips, Dave “Shorty” – Obituary

Dave “Shorty” Phillips, 74, passed away on April 29, 2005, in Prineville, Oregon. Born on October 10, 1930, in Emmett, Idaho, he worked in the mill after his family moved to Kinzu. A U.S. Army veteran, he lived in Prineville, Baker City, and returned to Prineville. Shorty had a career in lumber, retiring in 1993, and was a passionate outdoorsman. He was predeceased by two wives, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and siblings. No public service was held.

Clark, Thelma Marie Chambers Mrs. – Obituary

Thelma Marie Clark, 88, of Baker City, passed away on May 11, 2005, in Emmett, Idaho. Born on February 9, 1917, she was the daughter of Edgar and Iva Best Chambers and married Elmer L. Clark in 1942. Thelma was an educator and later worked at the Oxbow Post Office. A dedicated leader in Oxbow 4-H, she cherished reading, sewing, and the outdoors. Thelma is survived by her son Richard, five grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Nalley, Francis Ilene Fleck Mrs. – Obituary

Francis Ilene Nalley, 80, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on March 26, 2004. Born on November 28, 1923, in Burley, Idaho, she was the youngest of 13 siblings. Francis married Robert Nolan Nalley in 1947 and had four children. She enjoyed knitting, baking, and creating holiday meals with family. After living in various Idaho towns, she moved in with her son in 2003. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a sister. No formal service will be held.

Burbank, Maxine Rynearson Mrs. – Obituary

Maxine Burbank, 84, of Ontario, formerly of Baker County, passed away on April 22, 2004, from diabetes complications and strokes. Born on June 13, 1919, in Emmett, Idaho, she and her husband operated the Hereford Store before relocating to Ontario in 1957. Maxine was a dedicated waitress at Eastside Cafe for over 20 years and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and crafts. She is survived by family members including her sister, brother, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Payette, Idaho.

Sowles, Mary Ellen Sanders Mrs. – Obituary

Mary Ellen Sowles, 77, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on April 18, 2003. A funeral service will take place at First Presbyterian Church, followed by a graveside interment on May 5 at Valley View Cemetery in Silverton. Born on June 10, 1925, in Malta, Montana, she held various bookkeeping positions and was active in church groups. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings, and was preceded in death by her husband, William Sowles, and other family members. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church.

Schlegel, Willard “Willie” – Obituary

Willard “Willie” Schlegel, 82, passed away on June 26, 2003, in Emmett, Idaho. Born on March 12, 1921, in Whitefish, Montana, he excelled in sports during high school and later became a commercial fisherman. Willie was active in his community, serving on the Elgin city council, founding the Eastern Oregon Timber Carnival, and operating a fish market. He faced health challenges, including Alzheimer’s, before moving to Boise in 1999. He is survived by his wife Maxine and their daughter Cass, along with three granddaughters.

Suitter, Earl Nathan – Obituary

Earl Nathan Suitter, 78, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on May 9, 2006. Born on September 1, 1927, in Emmett, Idaho, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later became involved in local civil service as a member of the Baker County Mounted Sheriff Posse. Earl was a rancher, a land management services business owner, and an advocate for wildlife conservation. He is survived by his wife Wilma, three children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.