Dick Culpus, a member of the Colville tribe, succumbed to his injuries on July 28, 1928, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver along the Old Oregon Trail near Pendleton. He suffered significant cuts and internal injuries from the incident.
Lennie Juliet Hearing Rice, 54, of Colville, Washington, and formerly of Enterprise, passed away on April 20, 2000. Born on July 23, 1945, in Enterprise, she was raised in Wallowa County and graduated from Enterprise High School. She had a hair salon in John Day and was involved in horse training, sewing, and reading. She is survived by three daughters and eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Wallowa Cemetery, with details forthcoming.
Robert Burns Wright, a resident of Joseph, Oregon, passed away on July 21, 1961, at Wallowa Memorial Hospital after an eleven-month illness. Born on January 10, 1896, in Colville, Washington, he had been a longtime inhabitant of Wallowa County, working as a ditch walker. He is survived by his wife, Agnes E. Williamson, two stepsons, a sister, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at Bollman Chapel, with burial at Prairie Creek Cemetery.
Richard Dean Vernam, 78, passed away on July 6 following open-heart surgery in Portland. His funeral will be held on July 14 at Mountain View Christian Church in Joseph, with burial at Prairie Creek Cemetery. Born on April 7, 1928, in Colville, Washington, he was a dedicated welder and business owner, co-founding VEMCO in Enterprise. Vernam was active in numerous organizations including the Masons and the NRA. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorials can be directed to the Oregon Donor Program or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Joan W. Baxter, aged 67, passed away on January 13, 2006, at her daughter’s home in Camas, Washington. She is survived by her husband, Gary L. Baxter, their children, and six grandchildren. A memorial service will take place at the Enterprise Christian Church on January 20 at 1 p.m. Joan’s legacy includes her close-knit family and connections in various states, reflecting a life rich in relationships and community ties.
Grace Pope, 99, passed away on June 2 in Clayton, Washington. Born on September 21, 1906, in Minnesota, she married Milo Pope in 1927 and lived in various locations throughout the Northwest, settling in Halfway from 1964 to 1996. A dedicated community member, she helped establish a Christian congregation and was active in local organizations. After Milo’s death in 1997, she resided with her daughters until moving to a care center. Grace is survived by her children, 21 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for July 22 in Halfway.
Corinne Josephine Svetich, aged 78, passed away on June 29 at her home in Walla Walla. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Skyview Memorial Park, Pendleton. Born on January 4, 1928, in Sacramento, she grew up in North Port and graduated from La Grande High School in 1946. Corinne married Matthew Svetich in 1950 and worked at local banks. She was active in her community and enjoyed various hobbies. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Margie Evelyn Schwendemann, 87, of Summerville, Oregon, passed away on April 26 in Portland. Born on November 18, 1920, in Wallowa, she married John M. Schwendemann in 1946. The couple operated Western Automatic Sprinkler Co. for many years before her husband’s passing in 1984. Marge was known for her strong will, love for family, and exceptional cooking skills. She is survived by four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Daniels-Knopp Funeral Center, followed by a graveside service at Wallowa Cemetery.
Ardith Maxene Livingston, aged 100, passed away on May 31, 2008, at her home in Union, Oregon. Born on August 29, 1907, in Santaquin, Utah, she was the eldest of 13 siblings. After a varied life that included work as a milliner and a long career with the U.S. Forest Service, she dedicated herself to her family and church, leaving a legacy of service and devotion. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at her church on Saturday.
Adolphus Mathew Wilson, aged 82, passed away on September 18 and was commemorated with funeral services at the Moser Egger Chapel, followed by burial at Highland Cemetery. Born on September 10, 1869, in Rogerville, Tennessee, he had resided in the local community for 14 years. He is survived by two daughters, a son, two sisters, a brother, seven stepdaughters, four stepsons, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers included community members who honored his memory.
Robert E. Lee, 69, a range keeper for the state game department, passed away from a heart attack while at an auction in Colville on May 1, 1954. Born on May 17, 1884, in Walla Walla, he had lived in Kettle Falls for the past five years. He is survived by his wife Hattie, a daughter, a son, three sisters, three brothers, and two grandchildren. His body was transported to Walla Walla for services and interment at Blue Mountain Cemetery.
Ellsworth V. E. V. Cooke, 94, of Grants Pass, passed away on June 14, 2006. A graveside service is set for June 17 at Laurel Cemetery. Born on April 8, 1912, in Entiat, Washington, Cooke worked in copper mining during World War II and later in the logging industry after moving to Illinois Valley in 1944. He also promoted garlic production in Oregon. A member of various lodges, he had five marriages and no children but helped raise five families. He is survived by his sister, Gladys Fattig.
Claudia P. Strong, 70, a resident of Moses Lake, WA, passed away on July 12, 1990. Born on March 9, 1920, in Seattle, she was the daughter of Claude and Emma Cooke, part of Washington’s pioneer families. Claudia married Fred L. Strong in 1940 and later worked as a checker at local grocery stores. Her graveside service was officiated by the Women of the Moose. She is survived by her brothers, sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
Rebecca Mark, aged 89, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2007. A funeral service will be held on October 27 in Baker City, Oregon, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Born on November 12, 1917, in Endicott, Washington, she married Richard H. Mark in 1939 and raised six children on their Nampa farm. She was devoted to her family, music, and gardening. Rebecca is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings, and is remembered for her faith and service.
Byron Charles Brinton, 93, of Baker City, passed away on March 22, 2005, at home surrounded by his family. Born on January 28, 1912, in North Dakota, he served in the Navy during World War II and became a prominent newspaper editor and publisher. He played a significant role in local community development and conservation efforts. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by five children and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on March 26, with a reception to follow.
Dorothy Smith, 85, of Unity, passed away on July 30, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center. Born on August 23, 1919, in Burns, she graduated as valedictorian and earned a degree in education. She taught elementary school in various districts and married Arthur W. Smith in 1941. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, brother, and granddaughter. She is survived by two sons, a brother, a sister, and three grandchildren. Graveside services will take place at Helix Cemetery.
Rev. Cushing Eells, D.D., born on February 16, 1810, in Blandford, Massachusetts, was a prominent Congregational minister and missionary. After studying at Williams College and East Windsor Theological Seminary, he served in various educational and pastoral roles across Oregon and Washington. Eells was instrumental in establishing several churches and played a key role in founding Whitman College. He dedicated his life to missionary work among Native Americans and contributed significantly to educational and religious institutions in the region. Eells passed much of his later life in Eastern Washington, promoting faith and community development.
Marjorie Sue Brown, 81, died on February 23, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born on July 26, 1924, in Baker City, she was the daughter of Elmer and Claretta Blankenship. A former owner of 10th Street Market, she also operated Miles Grocery with her husband, Darrell Brown. Following various relocations, she settled in Las Vegas to live with her daughter. She is survived by her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and will be fondly remembered by those who knew her.
Sharon Rose Burke Jones, 60, of Baker City, passed away on February 20, 2006. A memorial service took place at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, followed by a reception. Born on January 25, 1946, in Davenport, Washington, she graduated from Columbia High School in 1964 and served in the Women’s Army Corps. Sharon worked as a certified nurse assistant and was married to Reve for 25 years. She is survived by her children, father, siblings, and grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Matilda M. “Tillie” Mullen, 85, of Baker City, passed away on November 16, 2000. Born on May 15, 1915, in Bend, she had deep roots in Oregon and Washington. Tillie was married three times, with notable contributions as a mother, farmer, and community member. She operated a store and served in various local roles. Her legacy includes her sons, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, alongside a network of extended family. Tillie was predeceased by her daughter, several relatives, and her husbands.