Richland Oregon

Devore, Joseph R. – Obituary

Joseph Arthur Devore, born July 9, 1850, in Boone, Iowa, passed away on August 20, 1927, in Union, Oregon. He married Lucinda Ann Shafer in 1874, with whom he had nine children, though two sons and one daughter predeceased him. After relocating from Iowa, Devore lived primarily in the Union and Cove areas for over three decades. He is survived by six sons, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His funeral was attended by numerous family members and friends. He is interred in the Union cemetery.

Trimble-Blank, Bonnie Mrs. – Obituary

Bonnie Jean Trimble-Blank, 73, passed away on March 5, 2006, at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA. Born on February 6, 1933, in Baker City, Oregon, she settled in Weston after living in Union. Bonnie was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her strong family ties and storytelling. She was married to John Trimble and later to Alvin Blank. Bonnie enjoyed camping, outdoor activities, and cherished memories from family vacations. She will be fondly remembered by her loved ones.

Jones, C. W. “Tiny” – Obituary

C.W. “Tiny” Jones, 82, a prominent figure in Baker City and longtime businessman, passed away on September 7 at his home in Haines, Oregon. Born on December 27, 1923, in Richland, he served in the Army during World War II and later built a successful trucking business. He was also involved in ranching and part-time farming. Jones is survived by his daughter Kris, son Everett, and brother Ralph. Funeral services are planned for September 13 and 14. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or multiple sclerosis research.

Whitnah, Calvin Hugh – Obituary

Calvin Hugh Whitnah, 70, of Richland, passed away on August 10 at his home. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at the LDS Church in Halfway, followed by burial at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on June 6, 1938, in Rupert, Idaho, Calvin had a career as a diesel mechanic and was actively involved in family life and community events. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and twelve grandchildren. Calvin was known for his dedication to family and his work.

Ransom, Paul E. – Obituary

Paul E. Ransom, 83, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on August 8 at Rose Cottage in Kennewick. Born on September 30, 1924, in Walla Walla, he married three times and had six children. Ransom was a farmer and cattle rancher, actively involved in community organizations such as 4-H and the Charolais Association. He participated in church mission trips around the world and served on the Pleasant View school board. He is survived by many children, grandchildren, and extended family, with a memorial service scheduled for August 12.

Hinzpeter, Norbert O. – Obituary

Norbert Nibs Otto Hinzpeter, 89, passed away on October 22, 2009, in Baker City after a heart attack. Born on December 7, 1919, in St. Louis, he served in the U.S. Air Force and had a long career as an air conditioning technician. He married Ruth Carlson in 1940, sharing 59 years of companionship. He spent his later years in Eastern Oregon, where he was active in his community and enjoyed family activities, fishing, and volunteering. He is survived by his daughter, Susan, and numerous relatives.

Schuck, Otto Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. Otto Schuck, aged 53, passed away last Friday at a hospital in Baker after a prolonged illness. Originally from Germany, she emigrated to the United States in 1891, living in New Jersey and Cleveland before settling in Oregon eight years later. She is survived by her husband and 15 children, including Chas and Otto from Union, and several daughters residing in Baker and Pendleton. Mrs. Schuck’s contributions to her family and community will be remembered.

Simonis, Arthur Verdell

A funeral service was held for Arthur Verdell Simonis, a nine-month-old child who passed away due to pneumonia after a three-week illness. The service took place at the Christian church, officiated by Rev. Earl Miller, and was attended by local community members. Arthur’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex E. Simonis, mourned their loss. He was buried at Eagle Valley Cemetery following the service on Thursday, December 22, 1936.

Simonis, Charles Edward – Obituary

Charles Edward Simonis, aged 78, a lifelong resident of Eagle Valley, passed away on Thursday. Born on February 3, 1878, in Richland, he worked as a rancher. He married Stella Derrick in 1911, who survives him, along with their son, Ellis, and other family members. Simonis was active in the Richland Christian Church and local lodges. His funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Richland Christian Church, with interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery.

Kirby, Ella R. – Obituary

Ella R. Kirby, aged 78, passed away on February 14 at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise after a prolonged illness. A rosary and mass will be held at St. Francis Cathedral, followed by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Born on March 14, 1882, in Richland, Oregon, she was a lifelong resident of Baker County and married W. L. Kirby. Ella was involved in the Durkee Catholic Church and the Durkee Grange. She leaves behind her husband, four sons, four daughters, and many grandchildren and relatives.

Saunders, Raymond M. “Ray”, Jr. – Obituary

Raymond M. Saunders Jr., 78, of Hermiston, formerly of Baker City, passed away on December 2, 2005. Born on July 30, 1927, in Salem, he graduated from Eagle Valley High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Alice Martin in 1946 and retired as a parts manager in 1986. Ray enjoyed the outdoors and gardening with Alice. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, six granddaughters, and several relatives. A graveside service will be held at Eagle Valley Cemetery.

Bowerman, Rex – Obituary

Rex Bowerman of Halfway tragically lost his life after being thrown from his horse on a hill trail between Halfway and Richland. The incident occurred after Bowerman visited his sister and is believed to have resulted from his foot getting caught in the stirrup as the horse stumbled. He was dragged for approximately half a mile before his body was discovered by local residents. Bowerman is survived by his parents and several siblings.

Cowles, Ada – Obituary

Ada M. Cowles, 83, passed away on January 9, 1999, in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on February 13, 1915, in High Valley, she married Charles C. Cowles in 1936 and moved to Baker City in 1949. A homemaker for most of her life, she had lived in Missouri for 15 years prior to her death. Ada is survived by her niece, nephew, and great-niece. She is preceded in death by her husband, son, and parents. Private interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Cropp, James – Obituary

James Silas Cropp, age 76, passed away at his daughter’s home in Richland, Oregon, on March 5, 1953. Born on November 1, 1876, in Whitman County, Washington, he moved to Eagle Valley in 1894 and married Anna Jane Simonis in 1900. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1950. He is survived by his wife, seven children, three sisters, a brother, 24 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for March 9 at West and Company, with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Duffy, Clinton J.

Clinton J. Duffy, an influential figure in Baker County mining, passed away from a heart attack at 83 years old at his farm near Richland. Originally from Ireland, he was an early prospector in Cornucopia, discovering the profitable Queen of the West mine. After his mining success, he transitioned to farming and stock raising in Eagle Valley. Duffy is survived by his wife, son Donald, and a married daughter in California. He was also a longtime member of the Eagle Oddfellows lodge.

Grover, David S. Sr. – Obituary

David S. Gover Sr., an 87-year-old farmer from Eagle Valley, passed away on July 23, 1971, following a brief illness. Services were held on July 26 at the Methodist Church in Richland, officiated by Rev. Russell Booher. Born on February 20, 1884, in Missouri, he spent his life farming in Eagle Valley and was married to Pearl Leno Thorp. He is survived by seven children, numerous grandchildren, and was a long-time member of the New Bridge Grange.

Gover, Vester W. – Obituary

Vester William Gover, a 47-year-old farmer from Wingville, passed away on Tuesday due to a rupture of a major artery, leading to severe complications. Born on September 17, 1909, he was the son of David S. and Pearl L. Thorp Gover, and he married Delora Funk in 1933. Gover had a 20-year farming career and worked at the Oregon Lumber Co. for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, children, parents, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services are set for Friday at Beatty chapel.

Gover, Wilford L. Sr.

Wilford Lovell Gover, Sr., aged 67, passed away at his home in Pine Valley. A service will be held on Friday at the Christian Church in Halfway, followed by burial in Pine Haven Cemetery. Born on January 31, 1893, in Richland, Oregon, he moved to Pine Valley in 1921 to manage his ranch. He married Velma Estes in 1922 and is survived by his wife, two children, and several siblings and grandchildren. Friends may visit the church prior to the service.

Simonis, Joseph Henry – Obituary

Joseph Henry Simonis, aged 79, of Richland, passed away on Sunday. Born on March 21, 1874, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, he moved to Baker County as an infant and spent his life there. Professionally, Simonis was a blacksmith and miner and was a member of the Catholic Church. He is survived by two sisters, four brothers, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.