Keating Oregon

Adams, Frances Elizabeth Gilkison Mrs. – Obituary

Frances Elizabeth Adams, 90, passed away on December 11, 2004, in Elgin, Oregon. Born on February 4, 1914, in Keating, she graduated from Elgin High School and later contributed to the war effort by working in shipyards. Frances, alongside her husband Ernest, operated Adams Supply Store until her retirement in 1976. An active community member, she enjoyed various hobbies and travel. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with services scheduled at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Dean, Dallas – Obituary

Dallas Dean, 81, of Baker City, passed away on August 26 at his home. Born on July 1, 1925, he graduated from Union High School and served in the Army during World War II. He worked in various businesses, owning a Shell service station before retiring in 1990. After marrying Charlene Lee Moffit in 1990, they enjoyed winters in California before settling in La Grande and later returning to Baker City. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepson, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Duncan, Fred P. – Obituary

Fredrick P. Duncan, born December 28, 1861, in Missouri, passed away on January 26, 1936, at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Oregon after four days of treatment. He moved to Oregon as a child and spent many years farming in Keating. A member of the Woodman of the World, he is survived by two daughters, five sons, and ten grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the West and Company chapel, with interment at Medical Springs Cemetery.

Dean, Ovle – Obituary

Ovle A. Dean, aged 77, passed away on December 1, 1970, at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital after a prolonged illness. Born on December 17, 1892, in Keating, he spent his life ranching in Keating and Baker Valley. He is survived by his wife Edna, a brother, and two nephews, with a brother having preceded him in death. A member of the First Christian Church and local organizations, his funeral was held at Grays West and Co., with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Dean, Marvin B. – Obituary

Marvin B. Dean, 85, a lifelong resident of Baker, passed away on October 1, 1981, at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home. His funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on March 7, 1896, Dean worked for the Pondosa Lumber Co. and was involved with several veterans’ organizations. He is survived by his wife, Alice, a son, two stepsons, a stepdaughter, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers.

Dean, Byrl Obit – Obituary

Byrl Emele Dean Sr., 70, of Keating, Oregon, passed away following a brief illness on March 9, 1970. A lifelong rancher, he later worked with Wheaton Monument Co. and was active in the Baker Elks Lodge No. 338. Funeral services will take place on Thursday at Grays West and Co. with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Agnes, son Bryl Jr., brothers Ovel and Marvin, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. Contributions can be made to the Byrl Dean Memorial Fund.

Duncan, Roscoe E. ‘Roc’ – Obituary

Roscoe E. ‘Roc’ Duncan, 72, a respected rancher from the Keating area, passed away on January 25, 1986. Born on September 9, 1913, he was an active community member, serving as a life member of the Baker Elk Lodge and past chairman of the Keating Soil Conservation District. He married Ruth H. Hermsen in 1937 and is survived by his wife, three children, and numerous grandchildren. His funeral will be held at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, followed by private interment at Big Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Oregon Lung Association.

Bennett, Dale – Obituary

Dale Bennett, 89, of Baker City, died on July 2, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. Born on October 8, 1915, in Eagle Valley, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After marrying June Borcher in 1949, they raised three children on their Keating ranch before moving to Baker City in 1958. An avid outdoorsman, Dale participated in local projects and supported community athletics. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Baker Elks Lodge. His wife passed away in December 2004.

Wirth, James David – Obituary

James David Wirth, an 8-year-old boy from Keating, tragically passed away at a Baker hospital following a fall from a horse at his family farm. Although he was quickly transported to the hospital and initially seemed stable, his recovery was hindered by his weakened state from a recent operation. His death on Saturday, April 14, 1928, is a profound loss for his family and community.

Emele, Edith V. – Obituary

Edith V. Emele, 82, of Baker, passed away on November 23, 1980, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. A funeral service will be held on November 26 at Grays West and Co. Pioneer Chapel, led by Rev. R. Peter Anderson, with private interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born February 22, 1898, she was married to Harry Emele in 1918 and was a devoted homemaker and member of the Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, a brother, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Taylor, Dorcy (Higgins) – Obituary

Mrs. Dorsey Taylor of Haines was tragically killed in a car accident near Mission, Oregon, on Christmas Day. Her husband, B. A. Taylor, and their daughter, Della, survived the incident without injury. The family had previously resided in North Powder, where they operated farms in the Wolf Creek and Sunny Slope regions, before moving to Keating and finally to Haines. The news of her death was reported by the La Grande Evening Observer on December 28, 1946.

Ewing, Goldie J. Best Mrs. – Obituary

Goldie J. Ewing, aged 90, passed away on January 4, 2005, in Baker City, where she lived her entire life. Born on September 8, 1914, she married Harvey C. Ewing in 1936, sharing 43 years until his death in 1979. Goldie dedicated her life to family, supporting her children and grandchildren while also excelling in carpentry and sewing. She is survived by her son, foster daughter, siblings, and numerous descendants. Services will be held at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Colton, John J., Jr. – Obituary

John J. Colton Jr., a 90-year-old lifelong resident of Baker County, Oregon, passed away on July 31, 2005. Born on December 21, 1914, he was the third of 15 siblings and had a career that included herding sheep on the family ranch and working as a welder during World War II. He married Anna Hope Harris in 1936, and they shared 53 years together. Colton was active in community organizations and enjoyed family, outdoor activities, and sports. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and several siblings.

Dolby, Mary Caroline Colton Mrs. – Obituary

Mary Caroline Dolby, 91, of Baker City, passed away on November 21, 2004. Born on February 26, 1913, in Keating Valley, she was the second of 15 children. Mary graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1931 and married James Ford Dolby in 1934. A dedicated homemaker, she drove the Keating School bus and was involved in numerous community activities. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many family members. Her funeral will be held at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Duncan, Roscoe E. “Gene” – Obituary

Roscoe E. “Gene” Duncan, 65, a lifelong resident of Baker County, passed away on August 11, 2004. Born on October 12, 1938, he was educated locally and served in the U.S. Army before establishing a family-run wholesale business. Gene was actively involved in youth sports, coaching for many years and refereeing basketball at various levels. He held memberships in the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus and was a dedicated member of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. Gene is survived by his wife, four children, and numerous relatives.

Williams, Marjorie J. Spence Mrs. – Obituary

Marjorie J. Williams, 92, a lifelong resident of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on August 12, 2004. Born on June 28, 1912, she was the daughter of Harry and Grace Truscott Spence. Marjorie married Jay Williams in 1933 and raised two children while working in various local businesses. A committed volunteer and member of the United Methodist Church, she was known for her love of family and community. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and will be remembered fondly by many.

Colson, Naomi June Crisp Mrs.

Naomi June Crisp Colson, aged 78, passed away on June 15, 2005, in Weiser, Idaho, and was a former resident of Baker County, Oregon. Born on February 4, 1927, in Parma, Idaho, she was married to Benjamin E. Colson in Baker City on March 30, 1947. Naomi was active in her community and church, serving in various leadership roles. She is survived by her husband, children, siblings, and grandchildren. Her memorial service will be held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Payette, Idaho.

Best, Elton Ralph – Obituary

Elton Ralph Best, 85, passed away on February 7, 2005, in Keating, Oregon. A lifelong resident, he worked in a sawmill and later for the U.S. Forest Service. Born on October 10, 1919, to William and Pearl Best, he was married to Eleanor Franklin, with whom he had two children. Elton was known for his routine visits to Stockmans Tavern and his caring nature towards family and friends. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and ex-wife, among others.

Ingle, Bess O. Wiglesworth Mrs. – Obituary

Bess O. Ingle, 97, passed away on January 8, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center in Baker City. Born on June 28, 1907, in Morrow County, she moved to Baker in 1926. Bess married Glen W. Ingle in 1928 and worked as a teacher and courthouse clerk. She enjoyed family gatherings, fishing, and gardening. Bess is survived by her son, daughter, multiple grandchildren, and a sister. A funeral service will be held at Coles Funeral Home, followed by private interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Bennett, June Borcher Mrs. – Obituary

June Bennett, 79, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on December 15, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Born on June 1, 1926, she was the youngest of three children. June graduated from North Bend High School in 1944 and became a registered nurse after graduating from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1949. She married Dale Bennett in 1948 and raised three children. An avid fisher, reader, bowler, and golfer, she is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Memorial details to follow.