Joseph Oregon

Mastrude, Spencer Fredrick – Obituary

Spencer Fredrick Mastrude, 84, of La Grande, passed away on February 14 at a local care home. Born on April 29, 1922, in Joseph, he was a graduate of Enterprise High School. Mastrude worked in farming, logging, and heavy construction, primarily as a cat skinner. He was married twice, first to Nellie Hanby and later to Guelda Lampman. An avid fisherman and storyteller, he left behind four children, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. His wife predeceased him in 2006.

Aylward, Ruby Lamara – Obituary

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.

Hartsock, Gary David – Obituary

Gary David Hartsock, 45, of La Grande, passed away on January 13 at his home. Born on March 30, 1962, in Yakima, Washington, he faced significant health challenges, including Friedreich’s Ataxia, but remained determined to contribute to his community through fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Diabetes Association. A member of the La Grande Church of Christ, Gary was known for his positive spirit and love for photography. He is survived by his parents, siblings, and a large extended family. Memorial services are scheduled at Loveland Funeral Chapel and the La Grande Church of Christ.

Childers, Dale – Obituary

Dale Childers, 57, of Milton-Freewater, passed away on November 13, 1988. He was born on August 7, 1931, in Wallowa and graduated from Joseph High School in 1949. After training at Moler Barber College, he owned barbershops in Klamath Falls and Arlington before running Dales Barber Shop in Milton-Freewater for two decades. He married Jan Hobbs in 1973 and is survived by her, three children, a stepdaughter, and several grandchildren. No funeral service will be held per his request.

Davis, Carl – Obituary

Carl Davis, known as “Mr. Pioneer,” transformed Pioneer Federal Savings into a prominent banking institution in Northeastern Oregon. A dedicated community leader, he supported numerous local initiatives and served on multiple boards, including the Baker County Chamber of Commerce. His banking career began in 1939, interrupted by U.S. Coast Guard service during WWII. Under his stewardship, Pioneer became a major lender in home financing. Davis, respected for his integrity and kindness, passed away at age 89, leaving a legacy of community involvement and business success.

Wilson, Donna Rae Fine Mrs. – Obituary

Donna Rae Wilson, 59, of Joseph, passed away on August 12, 2005. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Enterprise, followed by burial in Grangeville, Idaho. Born on February 23, 1946, she lived a life marked by ranching in various locations and raising her three children. Donna also worked in retail and as a librarian and teaching assistant. She is remembered for her strong faith, love for landscaping, and dedication to family, survived by her husband Ray and three children.

Snell, Doris Mabel Bowman Mrs. – Obituary

Doris Mabel Snell, a longtime resident of Boise and former Baker County inhabitant, passed away on July 7, 2003, just before her 89th birthday. Born on July 9, 1914, she overcame early health challenges and led an active life, marrying Loyal Snell in 1940 and working as a licensed practical nurse until her retirement in 1979. Doris was known for her love of cooking, gardening, and her adventurous spirit. She is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Warnock, Dan, Sr. – Obituary

Dan Warnock Sr., 96, a respected rancher from Sumpter Valley, passed away on August 15, 2003. He was born on January 30, 1907, and raised on a cattle and horse ranch in Wallowa County. After a diverse career, he established a cattle ranch in Sumpter Valley in 1946, where he lived for 56 years. Warnock was a dedicated community member, involved in 4-H, local clubs, and was recognized as Oregon’s Father of the Year in 1969. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Riggs, Annette Dawson Hall Mrs. – Obituary

Annette Dawson Hall Riggs, aged 86, passed away on May 21, 2006, in Baker City. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on July 26, 1919, in Joseph, she married Lowell Hall in 1941 and later became a dedicated teacher in the Baker School District for nearly 25 years. After Lowell’s death in 1994, she married Dwight Riggs in 1998. Annette is survived by her husband, children, and numerous grandchildren and relatives. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or local charities.

Anderson, Charles “Chuck” – Obituary

Charles “Chuck” Anderson, 57, of Plevna, Montana, passed away on April 30, 2006, at the Fallon Medical Complex in Baker, Montana. Born on August 6, 1948, he grew up in Condon and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After a career in range management with the U.S. Forest Service, Chuck pursued his dream of ranching in Baker City and later in Plevna. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, several grandchildren, and siblings. His funeral will be held at Baker United Methodist Church with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Mrs. Muriel Estella Dotson Merritt – Obituary

Muriel Estella Merritt, 89, of New Meadows, Idaho, passed away on February 13, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center. Born on December 29, 1912, she grew up in Idaho and married Lawrence J. Merritt in 1932, with whom she had three children. A devoted homemaker, she enjoyed writing, gardening, and storytelling, leaving a cherished legacy among her family. Her funeral will be held at the New Meadows United Methodist Church, with interment at Meadow Valley Cemetery. Mrs. Merritt is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many relatives.

Widman, C. Wayne – Obituary

C. Wayne Widman, 69, of Parkdale, formerly of Baker City, passed away on March 31, 2002. Born on April 7, 1932, he graduated from Baker High School in 1950 and held various jobs, including roles at a sawmill, hardware store, and with the Forest Service. Wayne and his wife, Jackie, raised three sons and three daughters. Later marrying Kathryn C. Bergerson, he contributed to his community through handyman work and active participation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Biography of R. G. Winston

R. G. Winston, born in 1835 in Kentucky, became a prominent figure in Wallowa County, Oregon, after relocating from Missouri in 1884. A successful stockman, he purchased a homestead and thrived through hard work and sound management. Winston, who experienced two marriages—first to Mary Caroll and later to Angelety Caroll—raised several children while contributing to the community’s prosperity. Respected for his character and judgment, he remains a notable and influential member of the local society.

Biographical Sketch of Charles W. Meek

Charles W. Meek, born in 1850 in Hertfordshire, England, immigrated to the United States after the death of his father. He initially settled in New York and later in Michigan, where he honed his carpentry skills for eleven years. In 1878, he moved to La Grande, Oregon, before homesteading in Wallowa County, where he became a successful farmer and sawmill operator. Married to Alice N. Baker, he raised a family and contributed significantly to local politics, including serving as county commissioner, earning respect for his integrity and community involvement.

Biographical Sketch of William P. Newby

William P. Newby, born on July 29, 1862, in Iowa to English pioneers, has significantly contributed to Wallowa County’s development through his industrious farming efforts. Settling in 1883, he expanded his homestead from a quarter section to 400 acres, excelled in agriculture, and raised quality livestock. Married to Minnie Daugherty since 1893, they have two children. Esteemed for his integrity and strong character, Newby is a prominent figure in the community, recognized for his business acumen and moral worth.

Biographical Sketch of Mary E. Perkins

Mary E. Perkins, born to William and Nancy Warnack in Indiana, moved with her family to Kansas and then to Wallowa County in 1879. After the death of her mother, she married Luther Perkins in 1881, raising three children while managing a successful 240-acre stock ranch near Imnaha. Recognized for her industriousness, skillful management, and community contributions, she has become a respected figure among Wallowa County’s leading citizens, amassing significant property and a thriving livelihood.

Biographical Sketch of Mary E. Proebstel

Mary E. Proebstel, born in 1835 in Ohio, later moved to Iowa where she received a good education. In 1865, she married Frederic W. Proebstel in Grande Ronde Valley and moved to Wallowa County around 1870. There, they succeeded in general farming and stock raising, significantly increasing their land and livestock holdings. Renowned for her graciousness and capability, Mrs. Proebstel earned the respect of her community and is remembered as a dedicated figure in her family’s and county’s development.

Biography of J. A. Rumble

J. A. Rumble, born in 1842 in Iowa, significantly contributed to the development of Wallowa County, Oregon, after moving there in 1880. A Civil War veteran, he served in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and later transitioned to farming and stock raising before entering real estate. Appointed as a U.S. commissioner, he helped establish Wallowa County’s boundaries with noted integrity. Married to Lucinda Sommer, he had two children and held local government positions, earning respect for his service and dedication to the community.

Biographical Sketch of William Sherod

William Sherod, born on February 28, 1849, in Tennessee, is a prominent businessman in Wallowa County, Oregon. After early experiences in Kansas, he pursued farming before moving to Oregon in 1881. He successfully transitioned from sheep raising to establishing a mercantile business in Wallowa in 1898. Married to Jennie Eads, he has four children, two of whom are deceased. Active in the community and a member of the I.O.O.F., Sherod is known for his integrity and commitment to public welfare.