Donna “Fern” Culley, of La Grande and formerly of Wallowa County, died April 1, 2006, at the Grande Ronde Hospital. She was 90.
Mrs. Culley was born on Sept. 15, 1915, to Arthur and Zella Millard Pearson in Enterprise. She was the great-granddaughter of David Kooch, who was an early pioneer to Wallowa County. She graduated from Enterprise High School in 1934. On June 15, 1935, she married Floyd Culley. She met her husband when he came to Enterprise with the Civilian Conservation Corp. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Baker City where she spent most of her life. He died on her birthday, Sept. 15, 1972. Together they raised three daughters and over the years took in more than 40 foster children.
She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker City and later as a senior companion, taking many trips with them to Canada and the Rockies. She relocated to La Grande in 1995 to be near her daughter, JoJean. The last two years she lived at Wildflower Lodge.
Mrs. Culley enjoyed her children and grandchildren, and her many friends. Her other interests were oil painting, sewing, gardening, canning and yard sales. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Shell, Elaine Crabill and Evelyn Wright and her oldest grandson, Brent Stubblefield of Vancouver, Wash.
She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and Keith Stubblefied of Salem, JoJean and Carl Nelson of La Grande and Jackie and Eddy Dixon of Poulsbo, Wash.; grandchildren Tami, Rick and Kimberly Stubblefield; Craig and Tony Nelson; Carla Wise; Kaye Sloman; Michelle Robbins and Amanda Dixon;17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to New Life Center, care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th St., La Grande OR.
A celebration of life will be held April 14, at 11 a.m. at the New Life Center.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City at 2:30 p.m. on the same day.
Wallowa County Chieftain – April 6, 2006 – Photo with Obituary
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Donna “Fern” Culley, 90, of La Grande and formerly of Wallowa County and Baker City, died April 1 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, April 14 at the New Life Center, 10700 Walton Road. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City at 2:30 p.m. Friday April 14.
Mrs. Culley was born Sept. 15, 1915, to Arthur and Zella Millard Pearson in Enterprise. She was the great-granddaughter of David Kooch, an early pioneer to Wallowa County. She graduated from Enterprise High School in 1934 and on June 15, 1935, she married Floyd Culley. They lived in Baker City where he died in 1972. Over the years took in more than 40 foster children.
She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital and later as a senior companion, taking many trips with seniors to Canada and The Rocky Mountains. Her most memorable trip was to Jerusalem. She moved to La Grande in 1995 to be near her daughter. The last two years she lived at Wildflower Lodge.
She was a member of the Assembly of God Church, and enjoyed her many friends, oil painting, sewing, gardening, canning and yard sales. She was known for her sweet smile.
Survivors include her daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and Keith Stubblefied of Salem, JoJean and Carl Nelson of La Grande, and Jackie and Eddy Dixon of Poulsbo, Wash.; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and other relatives. Three sisters, Mildred Shell, Elaine Crabill and Evelyn Wright, and a grandson died earlier.
Memorials may be made to the New Life Center in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St.
LaGrande Observer – Obituaries for the week ending April 8, 2006 – Published: April 10, 2006
Transcribed by Dixie Ricker
