Ella L. Allen, aged 93, passed away on February 19, 1991, at a nursing center in Gresham. Born on January 30, 1898, near Lostine to pioneer parents, she was a dedicated educator and taught home economics across multiple schools. During World War II, she served as a director for the YWCA. A life-long member of the Christian Church, her legacy includes numerous family members. Funeral services will be held on February 28, with burial in Lostine Cemetery.
Mrs. Jane R. Hartley, aged 74, passed away at her Gresham home after a prolonged illness on January 17, 1916. Born in Yorkville, Illinois, she married W. T. Hartley 56 years prior and migrated from Kansas to Oregon in 1880. Survived by eight children, her funeral was held at the Gresham M. E. Church on January 19, with Dr. Alfred Thompson officiating. She was laid to rest in Mount Scott Park Cemetery, following a service attended by family and friends.
Carol May Smith, 76, of Gresham, passed away on July 5. Born on July 23, 1929, in La Grande, she pursued a career in education, earning degrees in elementary education and librarianship. Carol taught at various schools before working as a reference librarian at Texas Tech University for 18 years. Married to Roland E. Smith in 1956, she enjoyed activities like bridge, sewing, gardening, and caring for cats. A graveside service is scheduled for July 27 at Island City Cemetery.
Lyle Walter Headley, 80, of La Grande, passed away at his home on October 3. Born on July 7, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska, he served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and later worked as a heavy equipment operator. He married Lillian Ruth McIntyre in 1950, and after her passing in 1998, he moved to La Grande. An active community member, Lyle was known for his humor and skills in woodworking and mechanics. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a sister.
Ruby Lamara Aylward, 95, passed away peacefully on September 2 in Gresham, Oregon. A former resident of Joseph and Elgin, she was born on April 19, 1912, in Pomeroy, Washington. Ruby was married to William Quintin Aylward for 67 years, with whom she farmed for over 45 years. She is remembered for her dedication to family and her role as a Methodist. Ruby will be cremated and interred alongside her husband at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla. She is survived by four children.
JoAnn Jody Daniels Steffensen, 70, formerly of La Grande, passed away on December 18 after battling brain tumors and C.O.P.D. Born on April 8, 1937, in Driggs, Idaho, she was the youngest of 20 children and later moved to Baker City and Spalding, Nebraska. Jody enjoyed a diverse career, ultimately becoming a dedicated caregiver and managing Ideal Guest Home until her retirement in 2002 due to health issues. She is survived by her son, three daughters, and eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at Loveland Funeral Chapel.
Merle Frances Quint, 93, passed away on Nov. 17 in Gresham, Oregon. Born on October 24, 1914, she was raised in Perry and graduated from Eastern Oregon College. An esteemed teacher for 35 years, she taught in various locations, including a stint in Pakistan. Merle married Edgar LeRoy Quint in 1939. She is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson. A private graveside service is scheduled at Island City Cemetery.
Edna Irene Harvey, aged 99, passed away at her La Grande home on March 19. Born on October 18, 1908, in Springhill, Louisiana, she was the daughter of Allan and Daisy Reeves. She married Leonard Burr “Buck” Harvey and lived in various locations before settling in Oceanside, California, in 1969. Active in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Edna enjoyed gardening with her husband. She is survived by her daughter, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and extended family. Her husband predeceased her in 1999.
Leslie Ann O’Mohundro, 58, of Gresham and formerly of La Grande, passed away on April 7. She was born on June 23, 1949, in Pendleton, raised in La Grande, and later moved to Portland. Leslie graduated from La Grande High School and attended Eastern Oregon University. She worked in retail sales and is survived by her parents, Lewis and Dorothy O’Mohundro, her brothers, Lee Roy and Richard, and sister, Sue O’Mohundro-Bailey. A memorial service is pending.
James Douglas Vincent, 73, of Ukiah, passed away on April 7 in Gresham. Born on October 17, 1934, in St. Louis, he relocated with his family to Tillamook, where he was raised. Doug had a varied career in logging and truck services, moving to Alaska before returning to Ukiah in 1984 with his wife, Patsy. They ran a service for hunters, and Doug was an avid dog breeder and nature enthusiast. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, a son, and several grandchildren.
Wilma F. Molstrom, age 52, passed away on September 8, 1971, at Pendleton Community Hospital. Born on November 15, 1908, near Gresham, she married Frank Molstrom on February 15, 1946, and they resided on a farm near Adams. A member of various local organizations, including the United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary, she is survived by her husband and two nephews, Eugene and Charles Riggs of Portland. Her funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, with interment at Olney Cemetery.
Hazel M. Farnsworth, 77, of Canby, passed away on March 29, 1976. Born on March 5, 1889, in New York, she moved to Oregon as a child and settled in Canby in 1930. Married to Jesse Farnsworth since 1920, she was involved in the Methodist Church and various veterans’ organizations. Hazel is survived by her husband, two sons, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, while one son, Loren, predeceased her in World War II. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday.
Julia B. Hobbs, 82, of Gresham, OR, formerly of Baker City, passed away on March 16 at Kaiser Hospital in Portland. Graveside services are set for March 25 at Haines Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Dennis Schmidt. Julia, a graduate of Muddy Creek High School and Eastern Oregon College, worked in retail and taught at Muddy Creek School. She is survived by her son, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband and parents. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Vivian W. Gargan, 85, passed away on May 15, 2005, in Caldwell, Idaho. A former longtime resident of Baker City, her funeral will be held on Saturday at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on October 24, 1919, in Portland, she married James F. Gargan in 1949 and raised five sons. Vivian was active in St. Francis de Sales Cathedral and enjoyed outdoor life, painting, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her sons, sister, and nine grandchildren.
Lurley A. Sutton, 78, of Gresham, formerly of Baker County, passed away on March 2, 2005. Born on November 22, 1926, in Richland, she married Clyde Sutton in 1946 and enjoyed a long life dedicated to family, cooking, and socializing. She was an accomplished cook and skilled in sewing and crocheting. Lurley is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Buckhorn Restaurant in Vernonia.
Wanda Helen Havlik, aged 82, passed away on October 12, 2004, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on October 31, 1922, she graduated from Baker High School in 1940 and worked at the Oregon Employment Service during the war. She married Frank Havlik in 1947 and later moved back to Baker City. Wanda was known for her quiet strength, faith, and love for her family, including children Dale and Linda. She is survived by her siblings, children, grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Two funerals will be held in her honor.
Edith Loraine Palmer, 90, passed away on April 26 in Gresham, Oregon. Born on February 9, 1914, in Huntington, she graduated from Huntington High School in 1933 and earned a Sociology degree from the University of Oregon in 1937. During WWII, she served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Women’s Army Corps. Edith worked as the City Recorder for Huntington from 1950 to 1977 and was involved in local organizations. She is survived by her niece and nephew. A memorial service will be held in Huntington at a later date.
Robert H. “Bob” Sterling, aged 91, passed away on January 21, 2004, in San Luis Obispo, California. Born on March 10, 1913, in Gresham, Oregon, he graduated from Oregon State University and served as a County Extension Agent in Montana and Oregon. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he achieved the rank of Captain. After a distinguished career, he retired as Professor Emeritus in 1975. Bob is survived by his wife, Donna, and their two children. A memorial service is scheduled for March 6, 2004.
Dorothy Hayhurst Palmer, 92, passed away on January 11, 2003, due to double pneumonia complications. A former longtime resident of Baker County, she was born on July 23, 1910, and married Harold Palmer in 1935. They lived in Baker City until moving to Gresham in 1969, later relocating to Greenbrae, California. She is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren, and extended family. Her memorial service was held in Mill Valley, California, where a poem was read in her honor.
Arlo Ledell Van Vandenbos, 70, formerly of Baker City, passed away on January 1, 2003. Born June 8, 1932, on the Rose Bud Sioux Indian Reservation, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and later earned a degree in civil engineering. He enjoyed a 30-year career with the Soil Conservation Service, raising five children with his wife, Ruth Ann. An avid outdoorsman and Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, he was respected for his craftsmanship. He is survived by his family and numerous grandchildren.