System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Joy Christensen
Joyce "Joy" Mary Christensen, 62, of Baker City, died June 3, 2003.
In lieu of a memorial service, a picnic will be held in her memory for friends and family sometime in July. For more information, please call Dan Christensen at 425/880-4949 or Wes Christensen at 523-5561.
Joy was born on Oct. 24, 1941, in Butte, Mont. She spent her childhood moving around with her parents, working ranches all over the western United States and Canada, where she acquired her love of horses.
She later married and settled in the Baker area where she raised a family. She spent that time training and raising horses and spent many years involved in the 4-H horse program, in addition to maintaining the family business.
Joy also attended many riding schools, including the renowned Fulmer Riding Academy in Aiken, S.C.
In 1980, she relocated to western Washington where she worked as head trainer and riding instructor at Barnaby Stables on Bainbridge Island.
She later moved to Tucson, Ariz., where she worked as a ranch hand at a guest ranch outside of Tucson.
Later her travels took her to western Kansas where she worked and managed a cattle ranch.
Joy later returned to the Baker area, where she spent her last years as a musician, performer, entertainer and storyteller — preserving the early Western culture and heritage.
Her talents landed her performances at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City; a western heritage museum in upstate New York; Cody and Jackson Hole, Wyo.; the Oregon State Fair; Oregon Parks; the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center; and many local events.
Joy was an inspiration to many. Anything she did, she did with a positive, selfless, can-do attitude. She had a great knack of making lifelong friends wherever she went.
She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. She devoted her life to friends and family, and there was nothing she wouldn't do to help someone out. One could always depend on her no matter what the circumstance.
The world has been a better place because she was in it. She gave so much to this community throughout the years. She had a true love of life and country — a true patriot.
Survivors include one brother who lives in Tennessee; two nephews who live in Florida; four granddaughters, Brenna and Jenna Christensen of Carnation, Wash., and Chanda and Cheyenne Christensen of Baker City; two grandsons, Colton and Payton Christensen, also of Carnation, Wash.; three sons, Dan W. Christensen of Carnation, Wes A. Christensen of Baker City, and Sage — Joy's dog who was a devoted companion and called a son sometimes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sunrise Haven at P.O. Box 6057, Kent, WA 97064.
‘Bill' Clegg
William N. "Bill" Clegg, 85, a longtime Baker City resident died June 6, 2003, at his home.
His graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Lura Kidner-Miesen of the United Methodist Church will officiate.
Visitations will be until 7 o'clock tonight at the Coles Funeral Home.
Mr. Clegg was born Aug. 25, 1917, at La Grande. He was a son of Elmo and Aurelia Nibley Clegg. He went through his junior year attending school at La Grande and graduated from Baker High School the next year.
In 1937, he married Katherine Reynolds. They lived at Baker City until 1940, when they moved to Long Beach, Calif.
In 1945, he entered the U.S. Army serving his country in communications during World War II. He was stationed at Yokahoma, Japan.
He was honorably discharged in June 1946. After the service, he returned to Southern California where he went to work in the Alpha Beta Supermarket Chain. He retired from there in 1969, and he and his first wife Katherine moved to Reno, Nev. Katherine died in 1971 and Mr. Clegg moved back to Baker City.
On Oct. 21, 1972, he married Arlene Engum in Reno, Nev. They had lived in Baker City since that time. Mr. Clegg loved music and was a member of the Kitchen Band. He was a great whistler and played the organ and piano as well.
He also loved watching sports. He was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Arlene of Baker City; son, Jerry Clegg of Union; stepsons, Tony H. Moura of Ontario and Larry N. Moura of Baker City; brother, Robert E. Clegg of Enterprise; grandsons, Steven Clegg of Las Vegas, Nev., and Michael Clegg of St. George, Utah; stepgrandson, Jeff Moura of Ontario; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Katherine.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Charles Lupkoski
Charles W. Lupkoski, 48, of Baker City died June 6, 2003, at his home. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Pocahontas Road and and 17th Street. Pastor Tony Brandon of the church will officiate.
Private interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitations will be until 7 o'clock tonight at the funeral home.
Charles was born Feb. 3, 1955, at Modesto, Calif., the son of Walter William and Bette Jane Kelly Lupkoski. He received his education in various locations and finished high school at Bend.
He lived in Bend for many years before moving to Baker City.
He did volunteer security work, reporting on buildings that were unlocked.
He loved his church and considered them an extended part of his family; it was his main priority in life. Charlie was a very friendly person and was close to his friends.
He was a very honest man and an avid coin collector. He enjoyed making jewelry and loved fishing and camping and he loved his cat.
Survivors include his sister, Melody Haney of Grants Pass; niece, Kelly Haney Grable of Baker City; and a nephew, Michal Haney, also of Baker City.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Seventh-day Adventist Church through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Baker City, OR 97814.
Roseanna Geddes
Roseanna Nadine Geddes, 67, of Baker City died June 6, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1995 Fourth St. Past Susan Barnes of the church will officiate. There will be a reception at the church after the service.
Roseanna was born on Jan. 16, 1936, at Baker City to Harry and Daisy Heart. She was raised on the family ranch on Pocahontas Road.
She attended elementary school at the James School, which was at the corner of Pocahontas and Wingville roads. She was a 1952 Baker High School graduate.
She began her first year of college at the age of 16 at Eastern Oregon College in La Grande. After one year, while working at Leeper's Chevrolet in Baker City in 1954, she met her future husband, Gerald Geddes.
They were married on April 17, 1955, at the First Presbyterian Church in Baker City. After her job at the Chevrolet Garage, she later was employed as a bookkeeper at Commercial Welding.
Her last years of employment were spent at Ferguson Motors as the automotive bookkeeper.
She had to quit working in 1974 because of medical problems. She took great pride in her work and missed being able to work after she became ill.
Roseanna enjoyed traveling. She also enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards with her card clubs and she had interests in many different types of crafts. In their early years of marriage, Jerry and Roseanna were involved in the Promenaders and Crazy Eights square dancing clubs.
Roseanna was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother. She and Jerry were very involved in their family members' sporting activities. She always cherished the time she spent with her family.
She was a true friend to all who knew her and she was loved by many. She is always remembered by the many wonderful things that everyone had to say about her.
Survivors include her loving and dedicated husband of 48 years, Gerald; her daughter, Jeri Ann Hanley and husband, Tom, of Baker City; daughter, Rita Humphreys and her husband, Steve, of Gresham; a son, Brian Geddes and his wife, Amy, of Boise; a brother, John Heart and his companion, Estella Gavey of Rainier; grandchildren, Marissa Hanley, Allison, Connor and Kylee Humphreys and Logan and Kelsie Geddes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Daisy Heart.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Health Care Center, The Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of one's choice through Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Terry Helman
Terry Helman, 62, of La Grande, died May 30, 2003, at his home.
A celebration of life service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the La Grande Eagles Lodge.
Mr. Helman was born on Sept. 19, 1940, at La Grande to Virgil and Cleo Campbell Helman. He was a 1958 La Grande High School graduate.
He served with the Oregon National Guard and later became active in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 21, 1961, he married Marilyn Scott at Boise. The marriage later ended in divorce.
On May 7, 1982, he married Carolyn Roberts.
Mr. Helman worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation for 34 years. He had worked in La Grande, Ontario and Pendleton.
He retired in 1994 as the district office manager from the La Grande office.
Bowling, hunting and fishing were among his hobbies. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge and was a former member of the Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn of La Grande; children, Kari Brown of La Grande, Darin Helman of Milton-Freewater, Kristi Hagey of Pendleton, Mike Presley of La Grande, Debbie Graham of Umatilla, Don Presley of Oregon City and Julie Henderson of Imbler; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Marla Crabill of Baker City; brothers, Randy Helman of La Grande and Rickey Helman of Wilmington, Calif.; and other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Cancer Society, 0330 S.W. Curry, Portland, OR 97201.
Leo Palumbo
Leo Palumbo, 89, a longtime Baker City resident, former elementary school principal and musician, died June 6, 2003, at Settler's Park.
Visitations will be until 6 o'clock tonight at the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday at Coles Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, First and Church streets. Interment will be at 3 p.m. MDT Tuesday at Park View Cemetery in New Plymouth, Idaho.
Leo Joseph Palumbo was born Nov. 24, 1913, at Logansport, Ind., to James Cosimo and Rose Catanzaro Palumbo. The family moved to Payette, Idaho, in 1923 where Mr. Palumbo established the J.C. Palumbo Fruit Co.: grower, packer and shipper of fruit, potatoes and onions.
Leo attended Payette schools, graduating in 1932. He then attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated cum laude with a degree in commerce (now business administration). Leo returned to Payette and joined his father at the fruit company.
In February 1941, Leo was among the first group of men drafted into the U.S. Army. His gear was on a train with troops destined for the South Pacific when he received orders to report to Officer's Training School at Camp Lee, Va. Leo spent three years at Kodiak, Umnak, and Bethel, Alaska, as a stevedore officer.
He was honorably discharged in January 1946 with the rank of captain. Leo then returned to Payette to the fruit company. Leo and Mary Louise Campo (his father's bookkeeper) were married on March 20, 1946.
When the fruit company was sold in 1948, Leo entered the teaching field. His first year was in the middle school at Wilder, Idaho, where he was a social studies teacher and assistant athletic coach of all high school sports.
Leo was then teacher/principal at the West Side Elementary and principal of the junior-senior high schools in Payette for 11 years. The family then moved to Baker City where Leo was principal of Churchill Elementary, taught third grade at St. Francis Academy and taught third grade at North Baker Elementary.
Leo was a substitute teacher for a number of years after retirement and spent a number of years as a driver's training instructor. During this time, he attended nine summer sessions at the College of Idaho to obtain his master of arts in education. He attended three summers at Eastern Oregon University and one at the University of Oregon. When Leo retired, the faculty friends gave him a red Schwinn bicycle. With it Leo rode hundreds of miles in the Baker area.
Shortly after moving to Payette, Leo learned to play the saxophone. He continued to play for school, city and dance bands until his beloved Buddy Band disbanded. He volunteered for years at the Baker County Senior Center. He was Advisory Council chairman and decorated the Extension Building Senior Center for every holiday, season or event. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Oregon Gerontological Association in 1989.
Leo was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, serving as altar boy, choir member and lector.
Leo and Louise are the parents of a son, David, and his wife, Kathy of Boise; and daughters, Rosemary, and her husband, Ronald Kay Panter of Boise, and Peggy and her husband, Gary Brown of La Grande; they have six grandchildren, Jennifer Charters, Angelina Shaver, Brittany and Shane Ellert, and Matt and Eric Brown; and two great-grandchildren, Jordan Robert Charters and Jordan Marie Shaver.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Johnny.
He also is survived by two sisters, Mary Rose Davis of Clarkston, Wash., and Agnes Leeburn of Sun Lakes, Ariz.
Lulu Ritsch
Lulu M. Ritsch, 85, of Chico, Calif., died June 3, 2003, at the Chico Creek Care and Rehab Center.
Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitations were Friday at Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home.
Lulu was born March 21, 1918, at Vale to Melville E. Davis and Mary Jessie Dee Steelman. She started school at the White Star School in Vale and then transferred to Muddy Creek School in 1924.
She then started the 11th grade at Baker High School and graduated in May 1937.
Mrs. Ritsch was baptized in 1957 at the Baker City Christian Church. She met her husband, Henry Ritsch, at Pondosa where they were working for Collins Pine. The couple were married at Boise and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Feb. 23, 2002.
Collins Pine transferred Henry to Chester, Calif., as a logging supervisor until he retired after 36 years. They lived in Butte County, Calif., for 28 years.
Lulu was a homemaker and loved cooking, sewing and the outdoors. She will be missed greatly by her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and friends.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary M. Stout of Baker City; brothers, Carl Davis, and his wife, Illa, of Joseph and Melville Davis Jr. of Sacramento; sisters, Valeta Lammert of Portland, and Vina Schulz and her husband, Elmer, of Gladstone; grandsons, Vernon Stout and his wife, Myra, and Damien Ritsch; granddaughter, Tami Fetter; daughter-in-law, Beverly Ritsch of Chester, Calif.; six great-grandchildren; six nieces; four nephews; and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Douglas; sisters, Ruth Davis and Eleanor Snyder; grandson, Dean Ritsch; nephew, Michael Hall; and brothers-in-law, Homer Snyder and John Lammert.
Grant Dixon
Grant DeGrey Dixon, 84, of Halfway died June 4, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Halfway. Vault interment will be at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception afterward at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall.
Grant was born on April 11, 1919, at Provo, Utah, to Arnold Dixon and Letitia May Banks. He attended high school at Provo. He attended college at UCLA, Brigham Young University and the University of Oregon. Grant worked at Lockheed aircraft during World War II.
He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1943. He married Florence Rosella Marks on Feb. 8, 1946, at Spokane, Wash. Grant's Air Force career covered 24 years. The couple were stationed at Spokane, Wash., Corvallis, Dayton, Ohio, Tokyo, Japan, Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, San Antonio, Texas, and Baffin Island, Canada.
Grant retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 1967. He then worked for the Fremont National Forest at Lakeview for 13 years as a civil engineer. Grant then retired and moved to Halfway in 1981 where he enjoyed gardening, his grandchildren, photography and computers.
He was very active in the local community. He was past commander for the Halfway VFW, Post 7847, past commander of VFW District 6, past grange master of Pine Valley Grange and a member of the Baker County Planning Commission.
Survivors include his wife, Florence "Flo" of Halfway; a son, Greg, of Halfway, daughter-in-law, Laurie, and grandchildren, Jake and Claire; a son, Mike, daughter-in-law, Susan, and granddaughters Emily, Alice and Molly of McCall; son, Brent, daughter-in-law, Patti, and grandsons, Robert, Johnny and Matthew, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; brothers, Bruce, and his wife, Colleen, Floyd and his wife, Lois, Robert and his wife, Genniel, and Douglas and his wife, Helen; sister, Gloria Richardson and her husband, Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Howard and Eldon; and sisters, Evelyn and Doris.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance Service through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
