Scotty Haskell, 87, of Baker City, died May 23, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Care Center after a long period of illness.
Scotty Behner Haskell was born Jan. 28, 1920, to Rob and Pearl Behner in Posey Valley, near Halfway. She spent her first eight years in Halfway and loved Pine Valley.
In 1928 her father sold his livery stable and the family moved to Baker City. Scotty completed her education there and graduated from Baker High School in 1938.
She married Charles A. Haskell Nov. 11, 1939, in Weiser, Idaho. Scotty had a diverse career of employment during her lifetime. She was the first carhop in Baker at the Polka Dot Cafe on Main Street. She broadcast news and women’s programs at KBKR Radio in Baker City. She was a salesperson for the Bootery, a Baker shoe store, and a federal employee of the Selective Service system.
During her lifetime, Scotty and her family lived in Baker, Pendleton, Astoria and Portland. Scotty had many interests and became proficient at all of them over her life. She graduated from writing courses and became a published author of her 2004 book, “You Girls, Those Two,” about her early adventures in Halfway.
Additionally, she sold articles to Oregon magazines and newspapers, including the Oregonian newspaper. Most recently she wrote a book review for the Baker City Herald.
She also had a love for the arts. She sketched and painted. She learned tap dance and clog dancing. She joined an acting group while in Portland known as the Oregon Senior Theatre. The group traveled across the United States, performing in California, Chicago, New Orleans, New York City and Vancouver, B.C. Scotty polished her acting talent and started performing in television commercials and movies. She appeared in “The Promise” with James Garner and had a role in “Homecoming” starring Ed Harris.
After returning to Baker City in 1992, she became involved with the Interpretive Center, volunteered at the Oregon Trail Regional Museum, and was one of four Baker women who worked tirelessly to open the Leo Adler Museum. Along with other volunteers, she also was instrumental in restoring the Chinese Cemetery in Baker.
In July 2005 Scotty suffered a debilitating stroke and was sent to the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise. She rejected the prognosis of her doctors, who said that if she recovered at all it would take two to six years. In two months Scotty proved that through her eternal optimism and iron will she could make a nearly total recovery in 60 days. Her physicians told her that they had seen few patients survive a stroke of that magnitude, and no one had ever recovered as fast as she had.
During Scotty’s life her children heard her consistently encourage everyone that “It is never too late to realize your dreams!” She was optimistic, saw the “glass as half full,” and never complained about any of her concerns or her health.
She is survived by her four children, Bea Jean Haskell of Baker City, Charles Kim and his wife Maureen Haskell of Eagle, Idaho, Harve S. Haskell of Baker City and Janece Ann and her husband Mike Davis of Wilsonville; her special friend, Charles Chandler of Baker City; and her nine grandchildren, Jeanie McCleese, Christopher Haskell, Nathaniel Haskell, Joshua Haskell, Katie Haskell Roberts, Sarah Haskell, Justin Davis, Aaron Davis, and Emma Davis; and several great-grandchildren.
Scotty was preceded in death by Charles A. Haskell, her parents, a brother, Bud Behner, and two sisters, Blanche Behner and Mabel Hagan.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date that will be published so that all friends and family may attend. Scotty would want all those who knew her to attend.
Interment will be on a date to be determined and held privately by her family.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 25, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor