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.

Robinette, Amos D. – Obituary

Amos D. Robinette, 77, a lifelong resident of Baker County, Oregon, passed away on February 8, 1970. Funeral services will be held on February 12 at the Christian Church in Richland, with interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on January 1, 1893, to pioneer parents, he was Postmaster of Robinette for 25 years and managed the local General Store. He is survived by his wife, Ora, two daughters, a granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Pine Masonic Lodge Building Fund.

Reed, Sarah E. Graham Mrs. – Obituary

Sarah E. Reed, age 79, passed away on February 2, 1981, in Scappoose, Oregon, having lived there for three years. Born on April 8, 1901, to Albert K. and Sarah C. Graham, she is survived by her son Norman L. Wirth, daughter Avis A. Corley, and several siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Dan D. Wirth, who died in WWII, as well as three brothers and four sisters.

Hoffman, George William – Obituary

George William Hoffman, aged 64, of Richland, Oregon, passed away in St. Elizabeth hospital following a prolonged illness. Born August 29, 1890, in Elgin, Oregon, he lived in Pine and Eagle Valleys since 1908 and worked as a sawmill worker. He is survived by his wife Jasmine, four children, and numerous grandchildren and siblings. Funeral services will be held on Monday at the Christian church in Richland, with interment at Eagle Valley cemetery.

Bogen, Belva Gene Lakey Mrs. – Obituary

Belva Gene Bogen, 78, of Richland, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2005. Born on March 25, 1927, in Drain, she married her high school sweetheart, John Bogen, in 1945. A dedicated homemaker and accomplished pianist, Belva enjoyed outdoor activities and was involved in missionary work across various states and Europe. She is survived by her husband, four children, a brother, and twelve grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled at Richland Christian Church, with further services planned in Drain.

Vernholm, Willard Dale – Obituary

Willard Dale Vernholm, 73, of Baker City, passed away on September 25, 2005. Born on February 11, 1932, in York, Nebraska, he later moved to Corvallis and then New Plymouth, Idaho. Dale served in various roles, including for the Payette National Forest and Umatilla National Forest, before retiring in 1991. He is survived by his wife Jo, their three sons, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At his request, there will be no services. Memorial contributions can be made to local charities.

Grant, Kenneth Huston – Obituary

Kenneth Huston Grant, 86, passed away at his home in Richland on March 14, 2005. Born on July 10, 1918, in Harlan, Oregon, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and married Mary Ellen Hammond in 1943. After the war, he settled in Richland, operating a ranch until recent years. He married Madge Stevensen in 1998. Grant is survived by Madge, four children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, a son, and a brother.

Holland, Edward A. – Obituary

Edward A. Holland, 71, of New Bridge, passed away on March 25, 2005. Born on February 18, 1934, in Ontario, he grew up in Harper and Richland, excelling in sports and later serving with the U.S. Forest Service for over 30 years. A devoted family man, he cherished his great-grandchildren and maintained a deep appreciation for the Eagle Cap Wilderness. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute or a charity of choice.

Wright, John William – Obituary

John William Wright, 79, of Richland, passed away on March 29, 2005, after a battle with cancer. Born on October 15, 1925, he served in the U.S. Navy and later operated the family farm. Married to Evelyn Pearson in 1950, he was an active rancher in Pine Valley for 20 years. He enjoyed outdoor activities and had an interest in flying. He is survived by his children, Kim and Susan, and brother, Gill Jr. A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday.

Bennehoff, Duane Elbert – Obituary

Duane Elbert Bennehoff, 81, passed away on April 11, 2005, at the Boise Veterans Hospital. Born on September 26, 1923, in Richland, he was a veteran of World War II and worked as a meat cutter before farming and ranching in Baker Valley. Known as Benny, he was actively involved in the community, including the Baker Livestock Auction and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his wife, Willma, four children, and several grandchildren. A private service will be held later.

Stafford, Theodore – Obituary

Theodore Stafford, aged 75, was discovered deceased in his cabin located 12 miles from Richland. Heart disease has been cited as the cause of death. His funeral took place in Richland following his passing.

Hooper, Arthur W. – Obituary

Arthur W. Hooper, aged 70, passed away on November 23, 1980, in Madras, following a longstanding connection to Richland, where he was born in 1910. A dedicated member of the Christian Church since 1940, he farmed in the area before transitioning to construction until his retirement in 1975. He is survived by his wife, M. Winifred Weir, six daughters, a son, and 16 grandchildren. His funeral will take place at the Christian Church in Richland, with interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery.

Thrasher, Pearl Long Mrs. – Obituary

Pearl Thena Thrasher, born July 8, 1902, in Haines, Oregon, passed away on January 6. The eldest child of pioneer family William and Amy Long, she married Daniel Price Thrasher in 1920. A lifelong homemaker and devoted family member, she lived in various towns before settling in Baker in 1926. Pearl is survived by her husband, two daughters, five grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. Her funeral will be held Friday at Langrell-Monroe Mortuary, with interment at Haines Cemetery.

Maxwell, Fronia Tracey Mrs. – Obituary

Fronia M. Maxwell, aged 94, passed away on March 5 at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Haines, where she had been a long-time resident. Born on October 19, 1897, in Bellingham, Washington, she moved to Haines in 1937 after living in several locations. Fronia married Wallace Maxwell in 1937 and worked as a cook for the Railroad crew and Haines School. She is survived by two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a sister. Graveside services were held on March 10 at Haines Cemetery.

Ashby, George Wilbur – Obituary

George Wilbur Ashby, 84, of Richland, Oregon, passed away while visiting his son in Moses Lake, Washington. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at the Christian Church in Richland, officiated by Rev. Russell Booher. Born in Union County, he worked as a farmer and miner, living in Pine and Eagle valleys for over 75 years. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and numerous grandchildren, with one son predeceased. Interment will be at Eagle Valley Cemetery.

Masterson, Jesse Clarence – Obituary

Jesse Clarence Masterson, 78, a retired stockman, passed away at his home in Baker. Services will be held on Wednesday at the Christian Church in Richland, with interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on September 15, 1884, in Lostine, Oregon, he married Angie Ownbey in 1907 and lived in various locations including Wallowa and Enterprise before settling in Baker. He is survived by his wife, three sons, three daughters, siblings, and numerous grandchildren. Arrangements are by Beatty Chapel.

Hoffman, Jasmine Johnette Garrett Mrs – Obituary

Mrs. Jasmine Johnette Hoffman, aged 71, passed away on Wednesday following a brief illness. Born on January 27, 1900, in Bountiful, Utah, she moved to Eastern Oregon in 1903 and spent much of her life in Eagle Valley. She was married to George William Hoffman in 1915 and operated various cafes in Richland and Baker after working in shipyards during World War II. She is survived by four children, several siblings, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at the Christian Church in Richland.

Hankins, Eva May Mills Mrs. – Obituary

Eva May Hankins, aged 50, passed away in Boise, Idaho, following a prolonged illness. Born on February 5, 1924, in Seattle, Washington, she attended local schools and graduated from Pine Valley High School. Eva married F. Doyle Hankins on December 2, 1963, and lived in various locations, settling in Richland, Washington. Her funeral will be held on February 26 at the Christian Church in Richland, Oregon, with interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, a daughter, stepchildren, and numerous relatives.

Hewitt, Sylvan Star – Obituary

Sylvan Star Hewitt, 88, of Union, formerly of Richland, passed away on November 25, 2005. A life celebration will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at Daniels Chapel in La Grande, followed by interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on May 13, 1917, Hewitt served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He later operated a sawmill, engaged in various business ventures, and pursued his passion for gold mining. He is survived by two grandsons and two brothers, but predeceased by two sons.

Brooks, Charles Walter “Charlie” – Obituary

Charles Walter “Charlie” Brooks, aged 72, passed away on November 15, 2005, at his home in Baker City. A graveside memorial service is scheduled for November 18 at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on June 13, 1933, in Richland, Charlie served in the U.S. Army before pursuing a diverse career, including working as a dairy operator and in construction. He married Mary Lee Fitchett in 1958 and raised two sons. Charlie enjoyed outdoor activities and family sports, leaving behind a loving family and numerous memories.