Halfway Oregon

Ingram,Chester – Obituary

Chester Earl Ingram, 36, was tragically killed in a logging accident on Marr Flat when a logging truck ran over him during loading operations. He was assisting the truck driver, Wilbur Curry, when the vehicle began to roll backward. Ingram was a World War II veteran and a logger, residing in Joseph, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Helen, their children, and his parents. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at the Enterprise Christian Church, followed by burial in Pendleton.

Colpitts, Georgettae Pearl – Obituary

Georgettae Pearl Colpitts, known as Georgie, passed away on June 20, 2007, at the age of 69 in Baker City. Born on May 26, 1938, in Enterprise, she graduated high school in 1956 and married Harvey Colpitts the same year. The couple had four children and settled in Halfway after living in Milton-Freewater and Oxbow. Georgie was known for her creativity, social spirit, and love for cooking. She is survived by her sister, children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, with memorial contributions directed to Pathway Hospice.

Colpitts, Georgie – Obituary

Georgettae “Georgie” Pearl Colpitts, 69, of Halfway, passed away on June 20, 2007. Born on May 26, 1938, in Enterprise, she graduated high school in 1956 and married Harvey Colpitts the same year, raising four children: Audrey, Alice, Arlene, and Chip. The family settled in Halfway after brief stays in Milton-Freewater and Oxbow. Georgie was known for her creativity and social nature, working at local restaurants. She is survived by her children, sister, grandchildren, and cat. A graveside celebration is scheduled for June 30, 2007.

Clark, Leland

Leland “Boots” Clark, a 26-year-old former resident of Union, Oregon, tragically died last Friday in Halfway when he fell from a hay wagon and was crushed beneath its wheels. The accident occurred as he attempted to control a startled team of horses. Clark, who was married to Miss Gaylord of North Powder, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Clark. His funeral was held on Tuesday at his parents’ home in Union.

Oliver, Ned – Obituary

Ned Oliver, a former resident of Cove, Oregon, passed away after a prolonged illness complicated by brain tumors and cancer. He and his wife, Charles Hancock, operated the Cove Corner Grocery before relocating to Halfway, Oregon. Mr. Oliver’s health had deteriorated significantly while hospitalized in Boise, leading to his death in Weiser. His funeral was held in Halfway, with family and friends in attendance. His son, William, was on military furlough but had to leave soon after the funeral for his service in Texas.

Collier, Rulen Frank – Obituary

Rulen Frank Collier, aged 86, passed away on March 24, 2005, in Union, Oregon. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, followed by interment at Union Cemetery. A WWII veteran and former prisoner of war, Collier had a successful career as a restaurant owner. He is survived by his children, stepchildren, 16 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and siblings. Memorial contributions can be made to Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care Services.

Pope, Grace – Obituary

Grace Pope, 99, passed away on June 2 in Clayton, Washington. Born on September 21, 1906, in Minnesota, she married Milo Pope in 1927 and lived in various locations throughout the Northwest, settling in Halfway from 1964 to 1996. A dedicated community member, she helped establish a Christian congregation and was active in local organizations. After Milo’s death in 1997, she resided with her daughters until moving to a care center. Grace is survived by her children, 21 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for July 22 in Halfway.

Gover, Alvada – Obituary

Alvada Gover, 88, of Imbler, passed away on April 14 at a local care home. A celebration of life will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, followed by a graveside service at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on May 5, 1918, she married David S. Gover, Jr. in 1937 and moved to Union County in 1959. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorials can be made to local health organizations.

Koopman, Norman – Obituary

Norman Koopman, 82, of Halfway, passed away on November 6 in La Grande, surrounded by family. Born on October 1, 1925, he dedicated much of his career to teaching vocational agriculture at local high schools until retiring in 1993. An enthusiastic gardener and golfer, he remained active in the community through various roles, including teaching the 55 Alive Driving program. He is survived by his wife, Jewel, their two sons, and five grandchildren. A celebration of his life is planned for spring.

Metz, Janice M. – Obituary

Janice Marie (Christman) Metz, 73, of Troy, Montana, and formerly of North Powder, passed away on August 29, 2007, from congestive heart failure. Born on May 15, 1934, she was a highly regarded pianist and organist, and an esteemed educator with a degree in elementary education. Janice married Gus Metz Jr. in 1957 and had seven children. She taught for over 20 years and later managed property with her husband. A memorial service will be held on Saturday in North Powder. She is survived by her family and numerous grandchildren.

Dean, Barbara June – Obituary

Barbara June Dean, 84, passed away on April 14 at her home in La Grande, Oregon. Born on December 7, 1923, she served as Union County Treasurer for 16 years after joining the courthouse in 1961. A member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and various community organizations, she is survived by her husband Byrl, their two sons, siblings, grandsons, and a great-grandson. No services will be held, and memorial contributions can be made to GRH Homecare Services.

Lindstrom, Rosalynn M. – Obituary

Rosalynn Rose M. Lindstrom, 58, of Elgin, passed away on March 22 from lung cancer. Born on July 6, 1949, in Halfway, she graduated from Pine Eagle High School and briefly attended Eastern Oregon State College. Rose married Malcolm A. Lindstrom in 1970 and raised three children while serving as an EMT. Following her husband’s death in 1987, she returned to Halfway, contributing to the local food bank and Lions Club. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings. Memorial contributions may be made to the Halfway Lions Club.

Stoddard, Shirley Elaine – Obituary

Shirley Elaine Stoddard, 66, of Elgin, Oregon, passed away on April 26 at her daughter’s home in Baker City. Born on January 26, 1942, in Halfway, she graduated from Baker High School and eloped with Vernon Stoddard Sr. in 1960, having five children together. Shirley worked in various positions, including as a teller and at nursing homes. She enjoyed family, crocheting, gardening, and reading. She is survived by her children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with her husband and several family members preceded her in death. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at the V.F.W. Hall in Union.

Smith, Thomas – Obituary

Thomas Ira Smith, 93, of McMinnville, formerly of Elgin, passed away on July 10. A memorial service is scheduled for August 9 at the United Methodist Church in Elgin. Born on September 22, 1914, Smith graduated from Elgin High School in 1932 and served in the Navy during World War II. He spent many years running a family electrical business and enjoyed outdoor activities, flying, and traveling. He is survived by four children, a sister, a brother, and six grandchildren, and was predeceased by his wife, Orlena Belle Smith.

Leep, Janie E.

Janie Elizabeth Leep, aged 70, passed away at her home on Monday. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday at West and Co. Chapel, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Born on November 22, 1890, in Gifford, Iowa, she moved to Baker County at 18 and married Willis Leep in 1911. The couple lived in Halfway until 1942. She is survived by her husband, a son, a brother, four sisters, six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leep, Willis – Obituary

William Robert Leep, 81, passed away on a Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hospital after a prolonged illness. Born on December 2, 1889, in Halfway, he was the son of pioneering parents and graduated from Pine Valley High School in 1911. Leep was married to Jane E. Haines, who predeceased him. He enjoyed retirement activities like hunting and fishing and was a member of the Baker Elks Lodge. He is survived by a son, George, and six grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at Grays West and Co. Pioneer Chapel.

Leep, Leonard R. – Obituary

Leonard R. Leep, 43, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at St. Elizabeth Hospital. His funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday at West and Co. Chapel, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Born on May 12, 1916, in Halfway, he moved to Baker 14 years ago and worked as a truck driver. A World War II veteran, he was active in various veteran organizations. He is survived by his parents, four children, a brother, and three nieces.

Leep, Bethyl G. – Obituary

Bethyl G. Leep, a lifelong resident of Halfway, passed away at her home on Saturday after a three-month illness. Born on June 28, 1908, she was a member of the Christian Church and attended local public schools, with a brief period spent in California. She is survived by her parents, three sisters, and two brothers. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at the Christian Church, with interment at Pine Valley Cemetery.

Gregory, Harold Loyd – Obituary

Harold Loyd Gregory, 85, of Halfway, passed away on December 20, 2005. Born on December 19, 1920, in Troy, Texas, he was the youngest of ten siblings. Loyd served in the Army for 20 years, including as a medic in WWII. He was a devoted family man and a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and VFW. In his later years, he settled back in Halfway with his wife, Gae, where he was known for his humor and love of ice cream. He is survived by his family.

Allstead, John Elton – Obituary

John Elton Allstead, aged 60, passed away at his home in Vancouver, Washington, on December 11, 2005. He was the son of the late John Dudley and Daisey Bell Davidson Allstead. A memorial service is scheduled for July 2006, with details to be announced. Contributions in John’s memory may be made to the ALS foundation, VFW Post 7847, or the Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance Service through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home.