Joseph Oregon

Makin, Elzie O. – Obituary

Elzie O. Makin, born August 7, 1862, in Indiana, moved to Oregon as a child. He worked on a sheep ranch in Wallowa County and eventually established his own ranch after years of economic prudence. Makin was married twice, first to Margaret Findley, with whom he had eight children, and later to Mollie Tuttle, with one child. A prosperous citizen of Joseph, he dedicated his life to sheep-raising and community involvement while choosing not to pursue public office. Makin is remembered for his hard work and success.

Irwin, Noel N. – Obituary

Noel N. Irwin, the son of M. and Sarah Irwin, passed away at the age of three in Joseph, Wallowa County, Oregon, on September 20, 1888. His brief life was noted in the Eastern Oregon Republican newspaper on October 4, 1888.

McCully, F. D. – Obituary

Frank D. McCully, a prominent figure in Wallowa County, passed away at his home in Joseph, Oregon, on March 13, 1939, after declining health. A pioneer known for establishing the first store, bank, and electric plant in the area, he also introduced public water works and ran stage lines. McCully played a key role in the creation of Wallowa County and served as a county commissioner and a state representative. His legacy includes contributions to local infrastructure and the Republican Party. He was survived by two children.

McCully, Fred F. – Obituary

Fred Fletcher McCully, of Wallowa, passed away in a La Grande hospital. Born on October 8, 1870, in Lebanon, he moved to Wallowa County with his family in childhood. He served as cashier of the bank in Joseph and was involved in local affairs, holding the position of city recorder at his death. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, son Kermit, and grandson Jerry. Funeral services were held at the Wallowa Methodist church, followed by interment at Prairie Creek cemetery.

Baker, Alma W. – Obituary

Alma Wilhelmina Eckley Baker, born June 7, 1905, in Joseph, Oregon, passed away on June 24, 1894, at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. Raised in Liberty, she married Benjamin Eckley and had eight children while managing various farming and pastoral challenges. After Ben’s death, she worked at Wallowa Lake Lodge and volunteered for the VFW Auxiliary. In 1952, she married Harvey Baker, later facing health issues that led to her residing at nursing homes. Alma is survived by two sons, four daughters, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fisher, Erma – Obituary

Graveside services for Erma Fisher, 72, will be held on January 17 at Milton-Freewater Cemetery, following her death on January 14 at Walla Walla General Hospital. Born in Wallowa County on December 14, 1907, she married Ira Fisher in 1926 and lived in various locations before settling in Umapine in 1946. A member of the First Christian Church, she is survived by her husband, daughters Marlene Wright and Virginia Smith, siblings, and numerous grandchildren. Memorials can be made to the Oregon Heart Association.

Vest, Albert – Obituary

Albert Raymond Vest, a long-time sawmill worker from Joseph, passed away on January 17, 1969, at the age of 63 after a period of ill health. Born on October 27, 1905, in Kansas, he had resided in Wallowa County for 58 years and was a World War II veteran. He is survived by his wife, Mona Mae Heskett, a foster son, two sisters, and a brother. Memorial services were conducted at Bollman Chapel, with burial in Enterprise Cemetery.

Heskett, Jesse C. ‘Jerry’ – Obituary

Jess C. Jerry Heskett, aged 76, passed away on September 18, 1985, at Amber Valley Nursing Home in Pendleton. Born on May 31, 1909, near Enterprise, he spent his early years farming with his family before moving to Milton-Freewater in the 1960s and later to Pendleton in 1981. A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Enterprise Cemetery. He is survived by his siblings and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements are managed by Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home.

Action, Jennie Martha – Obituary

Jennie Martha Action passed away on March 2, 1955, in Enterprise, Oregon, at the age of 76. Born on February 7, 1879, in Weston, she married James E. Action in 1900, who died in 1909. A member of several community organizations and a lifelong Baptist, her memorial service was led by Rev. Leslie Bailey. She is survived by her son, John W. Action, and daughter, Florence Seda, along with several siblings. Jennie was known for her contributions to the local library during her time in Joseph.

Balter, Julius – Obituary

Julius A. Balter passed away on September 12, 1920, from heart disease while en route to Joseph, Oregon. Born in Prumburg, Germany, on November 21, 1850, he immigrated to America in 1863 and later settled in Kansas before moving to Oregon in 1883. Balter was married to Alice Beith in 1878 and had four children, two of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, six grandchildren, and many friends. His funeral took place at Prairie Creek cemetery.

Childers, Thelma Marie (Crow) – Obituary

Thelma Marie Childers (Crow) passed away at the age of 97, with graveside services scheduled for March 27, 1997, at Lostine Cemetery. Born on December 12, 1899, in Hurricane Creek, she graduated from Lostine Schools and married Cecil Childers in 1921. A dedicated community member, she was involved in several organizations and worked at various local businesses. She is survived by her son Jack, a sister, a brother, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.

Childers, Emma Mrs.

Emma Childers, widow of James W. Childers, died on July 16, 1932, at her son Earl’s home after a seven-week illness. Born January 12, 1854, in Salem, she married James W. Childers in 1870 and contributed to the development of Wallowa County. She is survived by five children, 22 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services, led by Rev. Hall K. Wallis, took place at the Methodist church, and she was interred in the Enterprise Cemetery.

Childers, Cecil – Obituary

Cecil Childers, aged 91, passed away on May 18, 1991, in La Grande, Oregon. Born on July 6, 1899, in Lostine, he was the son of George and Liza Childers. He married Thelma Marie on July 24, 1921, and worked for park services. He is survived by his wife, son Jack, and grandchildren. The funeral took place at the Joseph Baptist Church, with interment at Lostine Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice through Bollman Funeral Home.

Cole, Robert Lindford – Obituary

Robert Lindford Cole (1867-1950) was a pioneer of Wallowa County, Oregon, having arrived with his family from Nebraska in 1880. He began his journey at age 13, hunting for food along the way. Following various farming ventures, including a stint in Canada, he returned to Wallowa County, where he became postmaster in Paradise. Cole credited his faith with providing him peace and happiness later in life. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, and several deceased siblings.

Cole, Lindford Catherine – Obituary

Catherine Lindford Cole, born May 17, 1835, near London, England, passed away on December 10, 1891, in Joseph, Oregon, at age 56. After moving to America as a child, she experienced several life changes, including marriages to Eli Misner and Wiley P. Cole. The couple relocated to Nebraska and then to Wallowa Valley in 1880. Catherine, a devoted Christian and mother of six, died following a heart attack after a brief illness. Her funeral was attended by many in the community.

Willis, Laura Ethel – Obituary

Laura Ethel Willis, born February 18, 1900, in Joseph, Oregon, passed away on April 26, 1973, at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. She was married to William Jasper Willis in 1924, who predeceased her in 1949. A devoted member of the Wallowa Lake American Legion auxiliary and the Joseph Chapter 67 OES, she is survived by her sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held on Saturday at the Bollman Chapel, followed by interment at Prairie Creek Cemetery.

Arnold, A. F. – Obituary

A. F. Arnold, born on November 13, 1870, in Kentucky, passed away on October 30, 1946, in Joseph, Oregon, after a prolonged illness. He settled in Wallowa County in 1893 and was involved in sheep farming until 1918. Arnold was married to Dora Fairchild, with whom he had six children, four of whom survive him. His funeral took place at Imnaha school house, and he is buried in Imnaha cemetery. He is remembered fondly by family and friends who offered their support during his illness.

McCully, John W. – Obituary

John W. McCully, born on May 22, 1821, in New Brunswick, passed away on January 20, 1899, in Joseph, Oregon. He relocated with his family to Ohio in 1822, later lived in Iowa, and moved to Jacksonville, Oregon in 1852. After studying medicine in St. Louis, he served as a purser on Willamette River steamboats and was a prominent figure in the last Territorial Legislature representing Jackson County. McCully was also an active member of the Masonic community.

Estes, T. N. – Obituary

T. N. Estes, a respected pioneer of Wallowa County, died on November 1, 1918, at his home in Joseph due to heart failure. He was nearly 72 years old and is survived by his wife and nine children. His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in the local community.

Dunbar, Oron L. – Obituary

Oron L. Dunbar, formerly of Joseph, Oregon, passed away from influenza on October 27 in Oregon City. Born 48 years ago in Fairview, he had recently managed a store in Oregon after relocating from California. Previously, he was the manager of the McCully Mercantile company in Joseph. He is survived by his daughter, Lucile, a teacher in Joseph, and his son, Raymond, who is serving in the 65th artillery in France.