Wheeler County OR

Hamblet, June E. – Obituary

June E. Hamblet, 74, passed away on March 24, 2005, at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Born on June 10, 1930, in Lostine, she spent her early years in Wallowa County before marrying Harold Hamblet. The couple lived in various states before settling near Service Creek. Mrs. Hamblet enjoyed music, rodeos, and family gatherings. She is survived by her husband, four children, eight grandchildren, and a brother. A memorial service is scheduled for April 9 in Fossil, with arrangements by Sweeney Mortuary.

Myers, Helen Aletha – Obituary

Helen Aletha Myers, 90, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on August 4, 2006. Born on January 8, 1916, in Franklin, North Carolina, she graduated from high school in Wheeler County in 1934. She married Edgar Mason Myers in 1938 and lived in Klamath Falls and Kinzua, eventually settling in Fossil where they operated a ranch. Helen was active in her community and enjoyed various hobbies, including gardening and fishing. She is survived by three sons, a brother, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Noble, Loretta Susan – Obituary

Loretta Susan Noble, 85, passed away on August 2 in Hillsboro. Born on April 11, 1921, in Missouri, she worked at Boeing during World War II and married Harold Clifton Noble in 1943. The couple lived in various locations, ultimately settling in Cove before moving to Beaverton in 2001. A devoted homemaker, she was active in her church and enjoyed quilting and reading. Loretta is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled for August 7, with burial at Cove Cemetery.

Williamson, John Harold – Obituary

John Harold “Jack” Williamson, 70, of La Grande, passed away on February 15 at his home. Born on May 26, 1936, in Albany, he graduated from Jewel High School and Western Oregon University. He served in the Army and worked for NASA, as well as in logging and home construction. Known for his mobile RV repair service, Jack enjoyed outdoor activities and was beloved for his friendliness. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at First Baptist Church.

Myers, John E. – Obituary

John E. Myers, 67, passed away on April 13 at his residence in La Grande, Oregon. Born on August 30, 1939, in Klamath Falls, he grew up on a ranch east of Fossil. After graduating high school in 1957, he attended Willamette University before serving in the Army. Myers worked in the tire business for 32 years, retiring in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Willie Mae, children, grandchildren, and brothers. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at Loveland Funeral Chapel.

Givens, M. LaVelle – Obituary

M. LaVelle Givens, 80, of La Grande, passed away on October 25. Born on May 19, 1927, in Baker, she experienced a rich family heritage in the Grande Ronde Valley. Following her high school education in Hereford, she married Jimmie Warren, who died shortly thereafter. LaVelle later married John Atkinson and had three children, later marrying Rex Givens. She held various jobs and was actively involved in community organizations. She is survived by her mother, children, grandchildren, and extended family. No public services are planned.

Delaney, Vennie Florence – Obituary

Vennie Florence Delaney, aged 98, passed away on October 23 in Lewiston, having previously lived in Union. A graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the VFW Hall. Born on September 7, 1909, in Fossil, to Ray Jordan and Mamie Oliver, Vennie married Roy Delaney in 1930 and was actively involved in her community as a cook and Avon representative. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, leaving behind a large family. She was preceded in death by her husband and son.

Dickson, Mary Ellen – Obituary

Mary Ellen Dickson, 73, of La Grande, passed away on March 7 after a prolonged illness. Born on May 13, 1934, in Atlanta, Kansas, she later moved to Idaho. Mary married Frank Dickson in 1952, and they lived in various locations including Umatilla and Kinzua. A dedicated family member, she is survived by her son Randy, daughters Jean and Debbie, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters and a brother. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held.

Donnelly, Roderick – Obituary

Roderick W. “Doc” Donnelly, 88, formerly of La Grande, passed away on October 12, 2009, in Richmond. Born on May 23, 1921, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning multiple honors. After the war, he pursued higher education and taught vocational agriculture at La Grande High School, among other locations. He was married to Julé Donnelly for 57 years and is survived by three children and nine grandchildren. A private family gathering will follow, with arrangements by Sweeney Mortuary.

Cooke, Lester Vaner

Lester V. Cooke, 96, of Ellensburg, passed away at Kittitas Valley Community Hospital. Born on January 27, 1890, to pioneering parents, he graduated from Ellensburg High School and earned a degree in agriculture from Washington State College. Cooke was a notable sprinter and married twice, first to Mary B. Edwards and later to Gladys Haskins. He farmed in Oregon and Kittitas Valley before retiring to Ellensburg. He is survived by family, including two sons and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church.

Asher, Mabel Roland Mrs. – Obituary

Mabel Roland Asher, 94, of Prairie City, formerly of Baker City, passed away on January 10, 2005. Born on January 18, 1910, in Wheeler County, she was the oldest of five siblings. Mabel married Fred Asher during the Great Depression, living in various states due to his engineering career. They had three children. After Fred’s retirement, they settled in Baker City and later became winter residents in Arizona. Following Fred’s death, Mabel moved to Reno and then to John Day. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church.

O’Neal, Raymond Willis – Obituary

Raymond Willis O’Neal, 97, passed away on February 24, 2003, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on July 11, 1905, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, he traveled west as a child and spent his life in logging and mill work. He married Thelma Brummett in 1936 and raised four children. A devoted family man, he enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and joking with loved ones. His funeral service will be held on Saturday at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with a graveside committal in Prineville on Monday.

Brainard, Bertha Alice “Babs” Crawford Mrs. – Obituary

Bertha Alice “Babs” Brainard, 91, passed away on November 16, 2003, in John Day. Born on May 29, 1912, in Canby, Oregon, she was a longtime resident of Prairie City and married Ben Brainard in 1929. Babs was active in community service, notably as the Justice of the Peace and curator of the DeWit Museum, where she significantly contributed to its historic preservation. She is survived by her son, daughters, and numerous grandchildren. No services are planned.

Daly, Rachel Hanby Hudspeth Mrs. – Obituary

Rachel Hanby Hudspeth Daly, 89, passed away on December 30, 2000, at her home in Fossil, where she lived with her husband, Richard, for 25 years. Born on December 13, 1911, in Hereford, she was known for her partnership in the Minam Horse Ranch and her lifelong dedication to family. She experienced personal tragedy with the loss of her first husband but found happiness with Richard, marrying in 1942. She is survived by her husband, children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.