Klickitat County WA

Purkes, Lena Floy Tozer Bowman – Obituary

Mrs. Lena F. Purkes, aged 92, passed away on January 25, 1973, at Fairview Medical Facility in Centerville. Born on July 26, 1880, in LeRoy, Michigan, she married Edson R. Bowman in 1902, and later Thomas Purkes in 1951. A member of the First Baptist Church, she is survived by a son, three daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled at Foglesong Funeral Home, with services on January 29, 1973, followed by interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Basse, Wilhelmina Isaacson Jacobson – Obituary

Funeral services for Mrs. Wilhelmina Basse were conducted on November 30 at the Finnish Lutheran Church in Centerville, led by Rev. C. J. Sacarisen. Mrs. Basse, aged 74, passed away on Thanksgiving at Goldendale General Hospital. Born in Sweden, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1891 and married William Jacobson in 1895, who died in 1900. She later married Wilhelm Basi in 1901. Survived by her husband, three sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren, she was interred at Centerville Grange Cemetery.

Wiidanen, Charles – Obituary

Funeral services for Charles Wiidanen, a pioneer of Centerville, were held at Phillips Funeral Home, with interment at Centerville Grange Cemetery. Born April 21, 1877, in Michigan, Wiidanen moved to Klickitat Valley as a child and spent his life farming and contributing to the community. He married Jennie E. Planting in 1905 and was active in the Apostolic Lutheran Church and Centerville Grange. Wiidanen passed away on November 28, 1952, at age 75, survived by his wife, daughter, and siblings.

Smathers, Martha Etlidge – Obituary

Martha Etlidge Smathers, aged 85, passed away on June 20, 1947, in Yakima. She was a long-time resident of Ellensburg, having moved there from Goldendale in the late 19th century. Survived by her three sons, Ed, Lee, and John, along with a granddaughter and six great-grandchildren, her funeral will take place on Thursday at Honeycutt-Evenson chapel, led by Rev. Paul Deane Hill, with interment at the IOOF cemetery.

Bender, Louis Charles – Obituary

Louis C. Bender, 68, passed away on August 21, 1982, while fishing near White Salmon. Born on December 22, 1913, in Ellensburg, he served as a rural mail carrier and operated the Horse Shoe Tavern from 1936 to 1972. Married to June Molotte in 1948, he was a dedicated family man and an active member of the Eagles Lodge and Kittitas County Field and Stream Club. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, eight grandchildren, and two brothers. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday.

Hale, Eugene Vaughan “Gene” – Obituary

Eugene Vaughan “Gene” Hale, a respected Baker County resident, passed away at 92 on May 31, 2005. Born on May 20, 1913, he continued his family’s ranching legacy after his father’s death in 1929. Gene and his wife, Charlotte, endured hardships, including losing their calf crop, yet they successfully operated their ranch for over 50 years. Known for his kindness and humor, he was also an avid harmonica player. Gene is survived by his siblings and numerous relatives. His funeral is scheduled for June 3.

Ragsdale, Lee Verdell – Obituary

Lee Verdell Ragsdale, 91, passed away on March 4, 2004, in Medford. A Baker City native and educator, he held various teaching and coaching positions, including at Medford Senior High and Portland State University, where he served as dean. Ragsdale was passionate about athletics and actively involved in professional organizations. He is survived by his daughter, son, two brothers, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on March 22 at the First Congregational Church of Christ in Portland.

Baird, Philip R. – Obituary

Philip R. Baird, 70, passed away on January 29, 2003, in Port Angeles, Washington. Born on October 9, 1932, in Klickitat, he married JoAnna Redburn in 1952. He relocated to Sequim in 1998 after a career as a food broker in Phoenix, retiring in 1996. A member of the Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church, he is survived by his wife, children, mother, siblings, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter and his father. Memorial contributions can be made to the local health clinic.

Klikitat Tribe

The Klikitat Tribe, a Shahaptian group, historically inhabited the headwaters of the Cowlitz, Lewis, White Salmon, and Klickitat rivers in Washington. They interacted with neighboring Yakima and various coastal tribes, gaining recognition as traders. In the early 19th century, their population declined due to an epidemic, leading to temporary territorial expansion before retreating back north. They participated in the 1855 Yakima treaty, ceding their lands and now primarily reside on the Yakima Reservation, where they have largely merged with related tribes.

Chilluckittequaw Tribe

The Chilluckittequaw Tribe, also known as Chilûktkwa, is a Chinookan tribe that historically inhabited the north side of the Columbia River in Washington’s Klickitat and Skamania counties. In 1806, Lewis and Clark estimated their population at 2,400. A remnant remained near the White Salmon River until 1880 before relocating to the Cascades, where a few members were still present in 1895. The Smackshop subtribe is associated with them.

Biography of Hon. R. O. Dunbar

Hon. R.O. Dunbar, born in Illinois in 1845, moved to Oregon at a young age and became a prominent figure in public service. Residing in Goldendale, he has held various roles, including probate judge, district attorney, and speaker of the territorial council, advocating for legislation on corporate power and alcohol restrictions. A dedicated attorney and respected writer, Dunbar’s integrity and strong convictions are notable. He is married to Clarissa White and has two children, Fred and Roth.

Hooker, William Guy “Bill” – Obituary

William Guy “Bill” Hooker, 92, of Union, Oregon, passed away on December 24, 2002. Born on January 15, 1910, in Cleveland, Washington, he later moved to Asotin, where he grew up. Bill married Frances Harriet Wilsey in 1932 and worked for a mill before joining the Forest Service in Union after 1945. He cherished family, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was known for his humor. Bill is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A graveside service is scheduled at Union Cemetery.

Sampson, Gerald Weston “Sam” – Obituary

Gerald Weston “Sam” Sampson, 72, passed away on June 8, 2006, in Baker City due to kidney disease. Born on December 5, 1933, in White Salmon, Washington, he was a 1951 graduate of Washougal High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he worked in the trucking industry. Sam is survived by his wife, Molliann, three daughters, a brother, and five grandchildren. He was an active member of the American Legion and enjoyed outdoor activities with his family.

Biography of Thomas Johnson

Thomas Johnson, born in Canada in 1839, significantly contributed to the development of Goldendale, Ellensburgh, and Cle-Elum in Washington. Arriving in 1862, he initially operated a ferry and later ventured into cattle ranching and farming. In Goldendale, he laid out the city, established the first store, gristmill, and a bank. After a devastating fire in Ellensburgh, he rebuilt and expanded his business ventures. Johnson served in various public roles, prioritizing community growth and development. He resides in Cle-Elum with his wife and four children.

Williams, Ellen Planer Mrs. – Obituary

Ellen Williams, 80, a Baker City resident, passed away on May 27, 2002. A celebration of her life will take place on June 1 at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, led by Pastor John Goodyear. Born on March 21, 1922, in North Dakota, she was an accomplished artist and educator, serving as the first president of Crossroads Arts Center. Ellen is survived by her children, siblings, and grandchildren. Her artistic legacy continues to inspire many, as noted by her family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Trail Regional Museum.

Van Gaasbeck, Florence Gladys Thompson Mrs. – Obituary

Florence Gladys Van Gaasbeck, 81, passed away on January 17, 2002, in Baker City. A longtime Arlington resident, her funeral is scheduled for January 19 at Coles Funeral Home, with interment at Arlington Cemetery. Born on June 28, 1920, in Rufus, she married Clark Van Gaasbeck in 1939. An active musician and member of Eastern Star and the United Methodist Church, she enjoyed painting, crafts, and outdoor activities with family. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.