Erma Lee Oard, 83, of Baker City, died Sept. 25, 2009, at Meadowbrook Place.
A private family celebration of her life will be scheduled later at the Burns Cemetery in Burns.
Mrs. Oard was born on Dec. 1, 1925, at Burns to Harold and Ethel Hankins Cawlfield. She received her education in one-room schools and graduated at Burns.
She grew up on several ranches in Harney and Grant counties. After graduating she worked at the Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington as a civilian during World War II. She married Albert Oard on Dec. 9, 1943, at Burns.
They made their home in various locations in Oregon while Al worked for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1975, they came to Baker City where her husband was promoted to forest supervisor for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
After his retirement, the couple moved to Colorado for five years and retained a home in Baker City. They traveled to Yuma, Ariz., for the winter for 12 years, which Mrs. Oard loved.
Her married years were dedicated to her family and she worked hard to be a special wife and mother. Mrs. Oard loved horses and enjoyed the retirement years with her husband.
Mrs. Oard was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Al.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon September 30, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor