Richland Oregon

Tuning, Rachel Sarah Bogart Mrs. – Obituary

Rachel Sarah Tuning, 93, of Baker City, passed away on November 14, 2005. Her funeral will be held at Coles Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Scovil officiating. Born on May 26, 1912, she graduated from Richland High School and trained as a nurse. Rachel married Earl Tuning in 1935, and they shared a life of work and leisure in farming and cooking. She is survived by two sisters, a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews, following the loss of her husband and siblings.

McNulty, Viola Margaret “Vi” Devine Mrs. – Obituary

Viola Margaret “Vi” Devine McNulty, 96, passed away on August 8, 2005. Born on November 13, 1908, in Oklahoma, she was raised in Kansas City and became known for her vibrant personality and numerous interests. Vi worked in various professions, including waitress, dietitian, and teacher, and was an accomplished hobbyist, excelling in sewing, gardening, and more. Survived by two daughters, six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, she was deeply loved and will be missed by family and friends. A private graveside service took place on August 18.

Paul, Patye Jo Collins Hillmon Mrs. – Obituary

Patye Jo Hillmon Paul, 77, passed away on August 23, 2005, after a brave battle with advanced inflammatory breast cancer. Born on March 13, 1928, in Helena, Montana, she lived most of her life in Baker City and Richland, where she enjoyed a fulfilling career in banking and cherished family time, especially near the Snake River. She was married to Jim Hillmon for nearly 35 years and later to Jack Paul. Patye is survived by her daughter, Susan, and many friends and family. Contributions in her memory will support a fountain for cancer patients.

Bateman, Lois Mae Simonis Mrs. – Obituary

Lois Mae Bateman, 80, of Junction City and formerly a longtime resident of Baker City, passed away on January 13, 2005. Born on July 1, 1924, in Monument, she moved to Richland in her youth and later to Junction City. She enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, and solving puzzles. Lois is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry, and several family members. No funeral services will be held per her wishes.

Melchior, Bertha Mae “Peggy” Mrs. – Obituary

Bertha Mae “Peggy” Melchior, 71, of Halfway, passed away on July 25, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center, surrounded by family. Born in San Diego, she married Donald Johnson in 1950, later marrying James Robert Melchior. A devoted mother of five, she moved to Richland in 1973 and then to Halfway, where she thrived in gardening, ceramics, and family activities. Peggy is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her passing is mourned by many who cherished her.

Jones, Phyllis Ann Bennehoff Mrs. – Obituary

Phyllis Ann Jones, 80, of Baker City, passed away on August 1, 2005. Her funeral will be held at the Baker Elks Lodge, with a graveside service at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on December 7, 1924, in Richland, she graduated from Eagle Valley High School and Multnomah College. Phyllis married C.W. “Tiny” Jones in 1946 and helped establish Jones Truck Line in Baker City. She is survived by her husband, son Everett, and daughter Kristi Ann. Memorial contributions designated to various charities are welcome.

Bernard, Joseph Henry “Joe” – Obituary

Joseph Henry “Joe” Bernard, 87, passed away on September 5, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Care Center in Baker City. Born on May 27, 1918, in Richland, he moved to Baker in 1932 and worked as an auto mechanic until his retirement in 1980. Joe was an outdoor enthusiast, heavily involved in snowmobiling, and a charter member of the Baker Snowmobile Club. He is survived by his daughter Nadine, son Les, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his wife Marge.

Graven, Geraldine “Gerry” Betsinger Mrs. – Obituary

Geraldine “Gerry” Graven, 85, passed away on April 26, 2005, in Eugene, Oregon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, followed by interment at Eagle Valley Cemetery and a reception at Eagle Valley Grange. Born on May 30, 1919, in Pendleton, she married Herbert Betsinger and later Walter Graven. She is predeceased by her husband, son, and twin sister, and is survived by daughters Marcia Dima and Gloria Graven. Memorials may be made to the Eagle Valley Ambulance/EMT fund.

Sutton, Lurley A. Sass Mrs. – Obituary

Lurley A. Sutton, 78, of Gresham, formerly of Baker County, passed away on March 2, 2005. Born on November 22, 1926, in Richland, she married Clyde Sutton in 1946 and enjoyed a long life dedicated to family, cooking, and socializing. She was an accomplished cook and skilled in sewing and crocheting. Lurley is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Buckhorn Restaurant in Vernonia.

Smith, Delbert Ray – Obituary

Delbert Ray Smith, 56, a lifelong resident of Sparta, Oregon, passed away at home on December 6, 2004. Born on April 5, 1948, in Baker City, he was primarily raised in Sparta. Delbert worked as a logger and cattle rancher, known for his love of fishing, hunting, and humor. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, children Jimmy and Malaina, stepchildren, and grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held on December 10 at the Richland Christian Church.

Ritter, Jim – Obituary

Jim Ritter, 89, of Richland, Oregon, passed away on May 2, 2004. Born on March 3, 1915, he grew up on his family’s cattle ranch and enjoyed rodeo during his youth. Jim had a brief career as a grain mill operator and was an inventive craftsman. He was married to Evelyn Merrick from 1943 until her death in 1967, and later to Muriel Smith until her passing in 2000. Jim became a resident of the North Senior Care Home in Richland before his death.

Ashby, Wanden Lloyd – Obituary

Wanden Lloyd Ashby, 77, of Richland, Oregon, passed away on November 10, 2004, due to complications from heart surgery. A graveside service will take place at Eagle Valley Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Ralph Holcomb, with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Wanden, a World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, had a varied life including serving in the Merchant Marines, ranching, horse racing, mining, and crafting wooden bowls for friends and family. He is survived by his daughter and several grandchildren.

Bennett, Odie Lovell – Obituary

Odie Lovell Bennett, aged 85, passed away on July 25, 2004, in Richland, Oregon. A lifelong resident, he was born on May 4, 1919, and graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 1938. He worked various jobs, including sheep shearing and as a peace officer, and was involved in community activities like the Hells Canyon Riders. Lovell was married twice, had two daughters, and was known for his love of the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters, and numerous grandchildren and stepfamily.

Guyer, Erma Gladys Mrs. – Obituary

Erma Gladys Guyer, 93, passed away on August 4, 2004, in Boise. Born on October 23, 1910, in Richland, she enjoyed a life of caring for others, including feeding the needy during the Great Depression and caring for her disabled husband for over four decades. After marrying Louis Guyer in 1928, they moved to various locations, raising two sons in Baker City. Her funeral service will be held on August 9, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. She is survived by her family and many descendants.

Simmons, Halroyd G. – Obituary

Halroyd G. Simmons, aged 88, passed away on August 8, 2004, in Vashon Island, Washington. Born in American Fork, Utah, he graduated from Montana State College in Mechanical Engineering. A World War II Navy veteran, he later became Mayor of Hayden, Arizona, where he contributed to the community’s development. An outdoorsman and a dedicated Boy Scout leader, Hal was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. He is survived by his wife Helen, four children, and several grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for October in Ennis, Montana.

Mosley, Robert Eugene – Obituary

Robert Eugene Mosley, 53, of Huntington, Oregon, passed away on August 13, 2004. Born on November 17, 1950, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, he moved to Oregon as a toddler. A Marine Corps veteran, Robert had two marriages and fathered two sons, Lance and Boe. He worked at a paper mill and later as a fishing guide. He returned to Eastern Oregon to retire. He is survived by his mother, sons, stepchildren, grandchildren, and sister. Memorial services are forthcoming.

Lloyd, Madge M. Colton Mrs. – Obituary

Madge M. Colton Lloyd, 84, passed away on August 24, 2004, in Yakima, Washington, after a lengthy illness. A former resident of Baker City, she was the daughter of John and Nora Colton and married Robert H. Murray in 1939, raising 10 children. Following her husband’s death, she returned to school and worked as a city inspector’s secretary and Deputy Sheriff Matron. She is survived by nine children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and several siblings. Services are planned for September 15 in Baker City.

Remsen, Ruth Abbott Mrs. – Obituary

Ruth Abbott Remsen, 83, of Richland, Wash., passed away on April 8, 2005. Born on August 13, 1921, in Idaho, she was one of 11 siblings. Ruth married Mearl F. Remsen in 1942, and they moved several times, including to Lakeview and La Grande. A lover of gardening and youth organizations, Ruth is survived by her twin brother, three children, and numerous grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband and several siblings. A memorial service is scheduled for May 28, 2005.

Huff, Rory – Obituary

Rory Huff, 27, of Richland, Oregon, passed away on May 29, 2005, due to a motor vehicle accident. Born on October 15, 1977, he grew up in Richland and attended local schools, graduating from Cambridge High School in 1996. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed various activities and was known for his kindness and generosity. Rory worked in several roles, including logger and guide, and is survived by his companion, family, and friends who will miss him dearly. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday at the Richland Lions Community Park.

Gordon, Robert D. – Obituary

Robert D. Gordon, 72, of Sheridan, formerly of Baker City, passed away on June 20, 2005. Born on June 11, 1933, in Sunnyside, Washington, he grew up in Sparta and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After a career in the tire business, he retired in 2002 and enjoyed cutting firewood. He is survived by his wife Barbara, children, grandchildren, and extended family. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, with his ashes to be scattered in Sparta.