Josephine County OR

Snyder, Josephine Edwards – Obituary

Josephine Snyder, aged 80, passed away on May 9, 1990, at the Delamarter Care Center in Pendleton. A graveside service will be held at Olney Cemetery on May 14. Born on May 19, 1909, in Wilderville, Oregon, she was educated in the Portland area and attended Northwest Nazarene College. Mrs. Snyder was known for her love of sewing, hunting, and fishing. She is survived by her husband, John, and several children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Grimes, Loraine Wyman – Obituary

Loraine W. Grimes, aged 87, passed away on December 1, 1995, at Royale Gardens Health Care Facility in Grants Pass. Born to George Milton Grimes and Maude May Fleming, he was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Pirzer, who died on November 27, 1957. Funeral services are pending with Hull Hull Funeral Directors. Loraine Grimes was laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Cooke, Ellsworth V. – Obituary

Ellsworth V. E. V. Cooke, 94, passed away on June 14, 2006, in Grants Pass. Born on April 8, 1912, in Entiat, Washington, he worked in copper mining during World War II and later in the logging industry after relocating to the Illinois Valley in 1944. In Grants Pass, he promoted garlic production. A five-time husband without children, he assisted in raising five families and was involved with the Eagles, Masonic lodges, and the White Shrine. His sister, Gladys Fattig, survives him.

Biography of Robert E. Lockwood

Robert E. Lockwood, born on February 15, 1858, in Kirbyville, Oregon, was the son of Robert Lockwood, Sr., a mining deputy sheriff who was murdered in the line of duty. Educated in Canyon City, Lockwood pursued a career in printing, eventually becoming the owner and editor of the Weiser Signal in 1890. Known for his strong editorial voice and political engagement, he was nominated for state senator in 1898. Lockwood married Leah Norah Wilson and had one son, George Edwin, becoming a prominent figure in southwestern Idaho.

Biography of Thomas H. Gilham

Thomas H. Gilham, born on February 13, 1858, in Siskiyou County, California, is recognized for his significant contributions to Union County, Oregon, where he was educated and built a successful farming and fruit-growing business near Alicel. The son of pioneer Calvit A. Gilham, Thomas exhibited integrity and dedication to local advancement. He was active in community affairs, serving on the county central committee and running for county judge. Married to Flora Neville, he has two children and remains a respected figure in his community, connected to the Methodist Church.

Jordan, Edna H. – Obituary

Edna H. Jordan, aged 101, passed away on November 16 at her home in Grants Pass. Born Edna Grace Henner on September 18, 1905, in Baker City, she spent her early years in Haines and married Ben Rich Jordan in 1931. They resided in Imbler until 1989, later moving to La Grande. Following her husband’s death in 1999, she relocated to Grants Pass. Edna is survived by her son, Kim L. Jordan, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will occur later in Imbler.

Kehr, Ewald Albert – Obituary

Ewald Albert Kehr, 84, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on April 11, 2007, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center. His funeral will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, coinciding with what would have been his 63rd anniversary with his wife, Edna. Born in South Dakota, Ewald farmed before moving to Minnesota where he married Edna in 1944. After a varied career including logging and contracting, he enjoyed woodworking and was active in his church. He is survived by his wife, children, and numerous grandchildren.

Kopsas, Ralph ‘Nick’ – Obituary

Ralph Nick Kopsas, 73, of Merlin, passed away on September 14, 1998. Born on March 3, 1925, in Sioux Center, Iowa, he served as a seaman first class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Kopsas moved to Grants Pass in 1958 and worked in local mills. He was actively involved in various community organizations and enjoyed playing cards. He is survived by his wife, Letha, and several children, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

Grimes, Josephine Pirzer – Obituary

Josephine P. Grimes, 46, originally from Hugo, passed away on November 27, 1957, in Salem. Born on December 24, 1910, she is survived by her husband Loraine W. Grimes, son Kenneth David Grimes, mother Anna Pirzer of Grants Pass, and sister Ann Elliott of Portland. Funeral arrangements are managed by Hull and Hull Mortuary, with burial set for Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Cooke, James Delmore – Obituary

Ellsworth V. E. V. Cooke, 94, of Grants Pass, passed away on June 14, 2006. A graveside service is set for June 17 at Laurel Cemetery. Born on April 8, 1912, in Entiat, Washington, Cooke worked in copper mining during World War II and later in the logging industry after moving to Illinois Valley in 1944. He also promoted garlic production in Oregon. A member of various lodges, he had five marriages and no children but helped raise five families. He is survived by his sister, Gladys Fattig.

Cooke, Edwin Nathan – Obituary

Edwin Nathan Cooke, born August 3, 1885, in Elmsburg, Oregon, passed away on May 26, 1958, in Cave Junction due to a heart attack. A resident of O’Brien since 1931, he is survived by his wife Lela, his mother Lois, brothers, five sons, a daughter, and 12 grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the Legion Hall in Cave Junction, with military honors provided by the Oregon State Guard. His interment will take place at the IOOF Cemetery.

Cooke, Clara Noland – Obituary

Clara Cooke, aged 67, passed away on October 16, 1968, at Josephine General Hospital. Born on May 18, 1900, in Homewood, Illinois, she is survived by her husband, Ellsworth Cooke, a sister, Elizabeth Drill, and a brother, Joseph Noland. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday at Hull and Hull Chapel, led by Rev. Masimo Ghilardl, with burial at Laurel Cemetery in Cave Junction.

Keller, Robert George – Obituary

Robert George Keller, aged 71, passed away on April 4, 1984, at Josephine Memorial Hospital. Following his passing, graveside services took place at Hillcrest Memorial Park, led by Rev. Walter Ferris. Born on December 30, 1912, in Seattle, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and dedicated 37 years to the U.S. Forest Service, primarily in Eastern Oregon, before retiring in 1972. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughter Ann, and sister Frances.

Conner, Lela Maude Ingersoll Cooke – Obituary

Lela M. Conner, 87, passed away on February 13, 1975, in McCleary, Washington. Originally from Lowell, Washington, she lived in McCleary for 18 years and previously in O’Brien, Oregon. A member of the McCleary Grange and American Legion Auxiliary, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde L. Conner. Lela is survived by her daughter, four sons, sisters, a brother, and many grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted in Elma and Cave Junction, with burial at Laurel Cemetery in Kerby, Oregon.

Reddick-Bowman, L. Dawn Washburn Mrs. – Obituary

L. Dawn Reddick-Bowman, 80, of Eugene, formerly of Baker City, passed away on October 7, 2005, due to chronic leukemia. Born on June 6, 1925, she was the daughter of Harry and Catherine Washburn. Dawn was married to Ronald Bowman, who predeceased her, and previously to Wilson Bill Reddick. She worked in retail and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and art. She is survived by two daughters, two sons, two sisters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to local charitable organizations.

Leep, Frances Williams Mrs. – Obituary

Frances W. Leep, 87, of Baker City, passed away on January 16, 2005. Born on July 11, 1917, in Missouri, she relocated to Oregon at age 14. A graduate of Oregon State University, she worked as a Home Economics teacher and later served 22 years with the Oregon Family Children Services before retiring in 1972. A long-time member of the Baker City Christian Church, she is survived by her three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the church.

Maxwell, John Dwyer – Obituary

John Dwyer Maxwell, a key plaintiff in the United Steelworkers’ landmark 1988 lawsuit against Oregon Steel, passed away on May 11, 2004, due to AIDS complications at age 56 in Baker City, Oregon. Born on February 13, 1948, in Grants Pass, he was a skilled millwright and a dedicated union member. His legal battle for unfair labor practices lasted until a favorable ruling in 1995. Maxwell is remembered for his independence, humor, and love of the outdoors. He is survived by his children, siblings, and grandchildren.

Biography of Adna C. Craig

Adna C. Craig, born in Ohio in 1821, was a prominent figure in the Grande Ronde valley after his diverse career in tanneries, brick-making, and mining across various states. In 1855, he settled in Oregon, where he contributed to the region’s development, including constructing the first brick building in Douglas County. Over the years, Craig served in multiple local government roles and became known for his hospitality, operating the Craigton Hotel, a health resort renowned for its therapeutic mineral springs.