Pine Valley, Oregon
Juanita Koopman Durrett, 84, of Baker City, died June 4, 2004, at Settlers Park.
A memorial graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway. Pastor Samuel Wiseman of Faith Lutheran Church in La Grande will officiate.
Juanita was born in Pine Valley on July 6, 1919. She married Milford “Mel” Durrett, also of Pine Valley.
Juanita loved Jesus and was strong in her faith. She was a member of Lutheran Church of Faith in La Grande. She enjoyed her time at Home League and her friends at the Salvation Army.
She was a member of the Eastern Star. She was an accomplished seamstress and served for Macy’s Department Store. She made many beautiful formals, tailored suits for her son and family wedding dresses. She knitted coats, baby clothes, sweaters and much more. She will be missed by all who loved her. She asked that there be “no sad tears for me.”
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years; their two infant sons, Melvin and Gary; her parents, Henry and Georgia Koopman; two sisters, Donna Higgins and Maxine Carnell, and her daughter-in-law, Shirley Durrett.
Juanita is survived by her son Douglas Durrett of California; a daughter, Melva, and son-in-law Rod Knutson of Montana; four grandsons, David and Todd Knutson of Montana, Mark Knutson of Oregon and Jason Durrett of California; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, and her very caring niece, LaRay Violette, of Baker.
Memorial contributions can be made to Pathway Hospice in care of Gray’s West & Company, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, June 11, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor