Rock Creek Cemetery in Baker County, Oregon, preserves the burial records of a once-vanished local community near the former town of Rock Creek. This detailed cemetery listing includes names, dates, family relationships, veterans, infants, and graves with missing or unreadable markers, offering a valuable historical record contributed by Belva Ticknor.
Erman Bell, 89, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on August 25 at home, with no public service as per his wishes. Born on May 30, 1912, in Rock Creek, he married Leona Hearing and worked as a mechanic for the state. He lived in Union before relocating to La Grande two years prior. Mr. Bell is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a sister. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Cancer Society or Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care Services.
Elfleda “Middy” Parker, 65, of North Powder, Oregon, passed away on July 19, 1977, after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the Haines and North Powder areas, she was born on December 19, 1911. Middy married Gifford Parker in 1929 and was active in her community as a homemaker, volunteer, and businesswoman. She was a charter member of the Order of the Eastern Star and attended the Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, daughters, siblings, grandchildren, and extended family.
Clara Long Welch, a lifelong resident of Baker County, passed away at 91 on November 10, 1965. Born on February 24, 1874, she was the daughter of pioneer Alonzo Long. Clara married William James Welch in 1891 and was a charter member of the Haines Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughter, two sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death in 1931. Funeral services were held on November 15, with interment at Haines Cemetery.
Mrs. Amy Beatrice Long, 85, of Baker, passed away on October 29 after a brief illness. Born on December 20, 1883, to pioneers William and Mary Owen, she married William Long and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1951. Mrs. Long is survived by five daughters, five sons, 22 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, along with her sister and other relatives. A lifelong Methodist and GAR member, her funeral was held on November 3, with burial at Haines Cemetery.
Lee C. Stanley, 79, passed away on Monday evening at Cedar Manor nursing home. A long-time resident of Haines, he served as Baker County Assessor and worked in various mines and ranching in the Rock Creek community. Born on December 21, 1886, in Parsons, Kansas, he married Nellie Mae Hearing in 1911, who predeceased him in 1959. He is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the West Co. Memorial Chapel, with interment at Haines cemetery.
Letha Belle Stanley, a popular junior from the Muddy Creek District, passed away suddenly on January 5, 1934, following an operation for a ruptured appendix. Born on April 9, 1917, near Haines, she was well-loved by friends and family in the local communities. Her funeral, led by Rev. R. O. Wildman, took place at the Haines Methodist church and was attended by many. Letha is survived by her parents and three sisters, leaving the community mourning her loss.
Nellie Mae Stanley, a lifelong resident of Baker County, passed away at her home in Rock Creek at the age of 70. Born on December 7, 1888, she married Lee C. Stanley in 1911 and they ranched in the Rock Creek district until retirement. Nellie is survived by her husband, three daughters, two brothers, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday at West and Company, led by Rev. Tom Foster, with burial to follow in Haines Cemetery.
Mrs. Anna De Long, age 58, passed away at her Rock Creek home on Monday night. A resident of Baker County for 33 years, she was married to Andy De Long on February 19, 1896. She is survived by her husband, two sons—Dr. H.J. Monerief and Sgt. M.C. De Long—and six grandchildren, along with two sisters.
Cyrus Newton Chambers, a longstanding resident of the Rock Creek district near Haines, passed away from heart-related issues. Notable for his contributions to the community, he served on the Rock Creek school board and was an active member of the Baptist church. He is mourned by his wife and son, William. Funeral services took place at the Haines Methodist church, led by Rev. Josie Blokland, with burial in Haines cemetery.
Pearl, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Blize, passed away on May 4, 1890, in Rock Creek, Baker County. Her obituary was published in the Eastern Oregon Republican on May 15, 1890.
Wm. J. Blazie, aged 35, passed away from consumption on July 17 at Rock Creek. He is survived by his wife and three children. Having spent many years in Union, he leaves behind a worried mother, brother, and sister. His death was noted in the Eastern Oregon Republican on July 24, 1890.
Eleazer W. Crain, an old resident of Rock Creek, passed away at his grandniece’s home, attributed to old age. A Wisconsin native, he moved to Kansas before traveling to Oregon by wagon. Crain was a Civil War veteran, serving with an Iowa Infantry division. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Sarah Jane Crosby, and several nieces and nephews. A brief funeral service took place at the M.E. church in Haines, led by Miss Blokland, with American Legion members as pall bearers.
The funeral service for nine-year-old Margaret Duncan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Duncan of Rock Creek, took place at their home on Sunday following her passing at a Baker hospital the previous Friday. She was laid to rest in the cemetery at Haines. The announcement was made in the North Powder News on February 20, 1926.
Nena Avis Davis, a lifelong resident of Baker County, passed away at 69 on April 19, 1991, at her home in Baker City. Graveside services were held on April 24 at Haines Cemetery, led by Rev. Jerry McConnell. Born on March 16, 1922, in Rock Creek, she graduated from Haines High School in 1940 and married Gene Davis in 1950. Mrs. Davis worked in hospitality and was known for her sewing and musical talents. She is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, and extended family.
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.
Cora Mae Fidler, aged 82, passed away on September 19, 1996, in Haines, Oregon. Born on October 17, 1913, in Rock Creek, she was a lifelong resident and an active member of the Haines Methodist Church. Cora worked as a telephone operator and short-order cook, notably assisting at the Circle H café. She enjoyed outdoor activities and volunteering at the Eastern Oregon Museum. Cora is survived by her son, daughter, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Haines Methodist Church.
James Albert Hearing, a prominent farmer in Rock Creek, passed away at his ranch on October 27 after a long illness. Born on December 14, 1870, in Linn County to Oregon pioneers, he is survived by his wife Lydia, a daughter, a son, and several siblings, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. His funeral was conducted by Rev. Lawrence Robinson at Wests chapel, with burial in Haines cemetery. This obituary highlights Mr. Hearing’s life and contributions to the community.
Mrs. C.J. Osborne, born Frances Evelyn Osborne in England in 1859, passed away in San Francisco after spending the winter with her son, Lawrence. Following her death, her body was sent to Portland for cremation. She emigrated to Baker County with her late husband in 1899, eventually residing in La Grande after his death in 1913. A lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of England, she is survived by three sons, eight grandchildren, and numerous friends.