Elgin, Oregon
Laura Haefer, 92, of La Grande died Thursday at a local care center. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday Aug. 28 at the Island City Cemetery.
Laura was born Aug. 3, 1914 the daughter of Ralph B. and Alice (Ayars) Smith on Pumpkin Ridge near Elgin. She attended school in a one-room school house on Pumpkin Ridge before later graduating from Elgin High School.
After high school she married Fritz Ott but the marriage ended in divorce. In January 1953 Laura married August Haefer and the couple remained married until August’s death.
Laura worked as a cook in the school district for many years and was a member of the Imbler Christian Church, longtime member of Tops, Kops and also the Eagles Lodge. She was an excellent seamstress, avid reader and loved to crochet and knit.
Survivors include her children and spouses, Connie and Wendell Abell of Island City, Frederick Arthur Ott of Sacramento, Calif., Deanna Boschee of Oceanside, Calif., and Mel and Diantha Ott of Spokane; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law and spouse, Ethel Smith and “Bus” Hoover; and other relatives and friends. Her parents, husband, brother Arthur Smith and sister Ruth Smith all preceded her in death. Two grandsons also preceded her in death, Terry Lee Abell and Robert Earl Abell.
Those who wish may send flowers or make a contribution in memory of Laura to the Diabetes Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande.
The Observer Online, Obituaries for the week ending Aug. 26, 2006, Published: August 28, 2006