System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!‘Stan’ Saunders
Dalton Stanley “Stan” Saunders, 74, died Jan. 12, 2002, at his home in Richland.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Richland Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Eagle Valley Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception afterward at the Richland Christian Church.
Stan Saunders was born on Sept. 10, 1927, in Richland to Merritt and Eva Dean McDowell Saunders. Stan came into this world weighing one pound. He was not expected to survive, but because of the loving efforts of his aunts, Clara and Mattie, Stan thrived. He was raised and educated in the Richland area, attending the New Bridge grade school, Sunnyside grade school and Eagle Valley High School. It is said that he attended more days of school during football season than any other.
In 1945 Stan joined up with the Army and served 18 months. He and Jane Marie Allen were married in 1948 at Jane’s grandparent’s home, the Allens, in Richland. Of this union they had three children, Marcia, Dwight and Dan. He and Jane enjoyed 41 years together until her death in 1989.
From 1948 to 1961 Stan worked for Burnt River Sawmill. After leaving that job, he returned home to Richland to ranch with his parents. Stan was a hard worker, very dedicated to his family and lifestyle. He worked hard to play hard. He made working with the kids fun. When he would take the kids on a vacation hunting, they would also be riding for cattle, or picking up rocks. They would have a wiener roast afterward.
Stan had been a member of the Elks Lodge, president of several ditch companies and one of the founding members of the Eagle Valley Trailblazers. He especially enjoyed his volunteer work with the Lions and the Rodeo. It was then that he was in his element, which was visiting with people. While his children were growing up, he was very involved with 4-H, always willing to lend a hand with hauling a horse, or whatever the need might have been.
Stan was proud to be a fourth generation member of the Saunders family, all having the opportunity to live in the same vicinity of the old home place. One of the traits that Stan will be most remembered for will be of his storytelling. As he would tell a story, those listening would become very attentive and the story would grow larger and larger.
Survivors include his three children, Marcia and George Gover of Halfway, Dwight and Debbie Saunders of Richland, and Dan Saunders of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Stacy and Morgan Gover of La Grande, Holly Kay and Joey Marie Gover of Halfway, and Sierra Lynne and Sydney Leigh Saunders of Richland; one brother, Buddy Dean Saunders of California; and a sister, Dorothy Renz of Redmond; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jane.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Valley Ambulance Fund through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
‘Brownie’ Brown
Artemas “Brownie” Brown, 88, of Baker City, died Jan. 12, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center.
His memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, 1919 Second St. Pastor Lura Kidner-Miesen will officiate.
Mr. Brown was born on April 5, 1913, at Mason City, Iowa. He was the son of Artemas and Ruth A. Sundberg Brown. After graduating from high school, Mr. Brown attended Carlton College in Minnesota on a music scholarship. There he met and married his wife, Edith Brown, who was also attending on a music scholarship.
“Brownie” was a devoted husband, father and lay Methodist minister while devoting more than 50 years of service as a professional YMCA director in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Washington and Idaho. He spent his spare time in Christian service to his community and family and loved hunting, fishing and gardening.
Survivors include his brother, Jay Brown, and his wife, Norma, of Des Moines, Iowa; two daughters, Ruth Ann Angel of Portland and Peggy Steinmeyer and her husband, Herb, of Astoria; his son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Wesley Ann Brown of Baker City; seven grandsons, five granddaughters and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Edith.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker United Methodist Church or the Baker Family YMCA through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Michelle Shankle
Michelle Shankle, 34, of Baker City, died Jan. 7, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Pat Brunner of Jehovah’s Witnesses will officiate. Disposition was by cremation at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Crematory.
Michelle Shankle was born Aug. 7, 1967, in Baker City to Gary Wayne Shankle and Charlotte Ann Bryant. Michelle spent her youth in Baker City. She left briefly as a young adult, living as far away as South Carolina.
She returned to Baker City several years ago to raise her children. She enjoyed the mountains surrounding Baker and went on many hunting trips with family and friends.
Michelle also was an avid pool player. She was very proud of her ability and would challenge anyone to a game and usually would win. She loved football. She kept track of the games and was always rooting for her favorite team, the Oakland Raiders.
Michelle was a plant lover. Her house was full of a variety of plants that were either given to her or that she had rescued from people who did not have her green thumb. She also enjoyed music. There was always music playing in her home. Michelle’s proudest accomplishment was her three beautiful children; her last thoughts were of them and their welfare.
Michelle was loved by many and her memory and legacy will be kept alive by those who loved her and by her children.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Wayne Shankle; her grandfather, Frank Chad Shankle; and two cousins, Rodney Lynn Shankle and Katrina Kay Blair.
Survivors include her three children of Baker City, Andrea, Dakota and Ethan; her mother, Charlotte Thomason; two grandmothers, Anne Johnson of Baker City and Martha Whitt and her husband, Jim, of Benton, City, Wash.; a brother, Wesley Shankle of Frankfort, Ky.; two sisters, Desi Bloom and Tonya Stiefvater and her husband, Paul, of Baker City; a nephew, Jordan Shankle of Frankfort, Ky.; a niece, Sasha Bloom of Baker City; two stepbrothers, Peter Papadopoulos of California and George Papadopoulos of Baker City; three uncles, Jerry Shankle, and his wife, Ila, of Fruitland, Idaho, Phillip Shankle and his wife, Marilyn of Lacey, Wash., and Norman Shankle and his wife, Mary, of Weiser, Idaho; five aunts, Brenda Rohner and Theresa Shankle of Prosser, Wash., Doris “Faye” Shankle of Hermiston, Kathy Baker of West Richland, Wash., and Wilma Shankle of Baker City; and numerous cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society through Gray’s West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Diana Hulick
Diana M. Hulick, 37, of Baker City died Dec. 19, 2001, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Her memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1250 Hughes Lane. Pastor Roger Scovil of the Baker City Christian Church will officiate. Disposition was by cremation at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Crematory.
Diana was born on Dec. 4, 1964, in Baker City to Judy Ingram and Dell Francis. She lived in Baker City all her life. She was a 1983 Baker High School graduate. She was a member of the notorious girls volleyball team that went to the state volleyball playoffs.
She had several jobs over the years. Among her favorites were the ones in which she helped people in need, including her work as a 911 dispatcher and her last job at Settlers’ Park.
She married her soul mate, love and friend, Willard, at Catherine Creek Park on Aug. 12, 1989. It was a day of sunshine and warmth full of celebration and love.
Diana shared the love of cars, road trips through the mountains, to the beach or anywhere the road would take her and Willard. Their beloved dog, Kelly, was always by their side.
A birthday, anniversary, graduation or birth of a child for her family or friends were never forgotten by Diana. Life was always a celebration of love, friendship, fun and laughter. Diana had a zest for life that was felt by all of those around her. She was loved and admired by many and will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her scruffy little dog, Birt. He was always by her side during her early ventures of life.
Survivors include her husband, Willard; her mother, Judy Ingram; her father, Dell Francis; her sister, Lorrie Hill, and her husband, Larry; nieces, Theresa and Rachel; and nephew, Reggi; her sister, Kelly Dougherty, and her husband, Chris; and her nieces, Emily and Becca.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain States Tumor Institute, Thunder Mountain Motor Sports Association, Baker County Search and Rescue, or a charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Mildred Griffin
Mildred Catherine Griffin, 80, of Monmouth, a former Haines resident, died Jan. 5, 2002, at Monmouth.
There will be a private family service later. Visitations will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dallas Mortuary Chapel. Interment will be at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Mildred was born May 25, 1921, at San Diego to Shorty and Bessie Adams Crowner. She attended school until the ninth grade. She married Mack Griffin, who preceded her in death.
Mildred moved to Haines to be with her daughter, then later moved to Monmouth to be closer to her grandchildren until her death.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and embroidery. She also enjoyed drives in the country, and watching wildlife.
Mildred is survived by her daughter, Lorraine K. Litteral of Haines; grandchildren, Pamela Hight, and Gail and Thomas Hight, all of Monmouth; and nine other grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Maude Coombes
Maude Pearl Coombes, 97, of Haines, died Dec. 8, 2001, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Disposition was by cremation at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Crematory. Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Baker City Christian Church, 2998 Eighth St. Pastor Roger Scovil of the church will officiate.
Mrs. Coombes was born on April 1, 1904, at Pine Hill, Ky., to John Clark and Liza Edwards Johnson. She was the last of 12 children.
She moved from Kentucky to St. Maries, Idaho, and then to the Republic, Wash., area where she met Oscar Cullen Coombes. They were married on May 12, 1922.
They lived in various places in Washington until the fall of 1928 when they came to Sparta. They lived in various places in Eastern Oregon until 1940 when they established their home on Salmon Creek near Baker City.
They left the area during the war years and went to Stanfield to help in the war effort. They kept their home on Salmon Creek as their permanent residence. She and Oscar were married just short of 66 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Clark and Liza Edwards Johnson; her husband, Oscar; brothers, Alonzo, Freeman and Gay Johnson; sisters, Ida, Georgia, Laura and Dora; daughter, Erma Gray; a granddaughter, Jean Haluber; and a great-grandson, Virgil Knight.
Survivors include Donald Coombes of Haines, Benjamin and Doris Coombes of Stanfield, Jasper and Lois Coombes of Richland, George and Perry Coombes of Silegmon, Mo., Edward and Elise Coombes of Winchester, Idaho, and Jabudah and Alan Grossmiller of Baker City; 30 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Gertrude Spencer of Troy, Idaho, Dorothy Stuart of Omak, Wash., and Vertha Berry of Woodland, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Charlotte Challis
Charlotte Ann Challis, 64, of Stanfield, and a former Baker City resident, died Jan. 4, 2002, at her home.
Her graveside funeral will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery in Stanfield.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of arrangements.
Charlotte was born March 1, 1937, at La Grande to Floyd Vernon and Dorothy Mae Pyburn Peasley.
She had lived in Stanfield since 1975. Formerly she had lived at Baker City, Pendleton and Pilot Rock.
On June 19, 1956, she married Clarence Challis at Reno, Nev. She was a former member of the Stanfield Moose Lodge.
Charlotte was a very private person who enjoyed ceramics and crafts. She was the matriarch of the family who loved taking care of her family.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Clarence Challis of Stanfield; a son, Scott Challis of Stanfield; a daughter, Stacey Challis of Stanfield; a sister, Cassie Sipp of Hermiston; five grandchildren, Dauson and Cutter Dorran, Kodi and Chelsea Challis, and Challie Sipp; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Dorothy Peasley; her daughter, Kandi Challis, who died in 1983; and a brother, Darrell Peasley.
Contributions in Charlotte’s memory may be made to the Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Orchard Ave., Suite 6, Hermiston, OR 97838.
‘Sandy’ Douglas
Donald “Sandy” Douglas, 78, a former Baker County resident, died Jan. 2, 2002.
Services will be withheld until further notice, pending notification of next of kin.
Donald is interred at the Little Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home in Portland.
Don had not been in touch with any known surviving family members for quite some time, but he left behind many friends and associates in the Hawthorne District of Portland, where he will be missed.
He was preceded in death by one older sister, Carmen Douglas Menges, who died in the Denver area in July of 1997, at the age of 76.
Don was born in California on Aug. 2, 1924, but spent most of his life in Oregon. His grandparents were Rose and Arthur Oliver, who homesteaded the Oliver Ranch at Keating.
Don had spent most of his later years in the Portland area, where he retired. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and served in World War II.
He is survived by two daughters.
The family would appreciate any leads as to the names and whereabouts of his children. You may email Phil Menges, Jr., at pmenges@mindspring.com, or call 303/730-8837 with any information.
‘Jim’ Weber
James S. “Jim” Weber, 85, died Jan. 1, 2002, at his home in Richland with his family by his side.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Richland Methodist Church. The Rev. Bill Shields will officiate. Interment will be in the Eagle Valley Cemetery at Richland.
Jim was born on March 19, 1916, at Brownsville. He was a 1938 graduate of the University of Oregon at Eugene and shortly afterward married Florence Staggs. They moved to Baker County in 1940 and became partners in Staggs and Weber, a prominent cattle and sheep ranch in the Keating area.
In 1971, Jim married E’ Jay Morrissey. Together they spent almost 20 years in Ontario where he owned Eastern Oregon Properties and engaged in sales and appraisals of ranch properties. He retired and they moved to Richland in 1991. He will be missed by his family and his many friends.
Survivors include his wife, E’ Jay; his sister, Jean Arnold of Portland; his daughter and son-in-law, Chary and Donn Mires of Baker City; his daughter, Linda Triplett of Baker City; his son and daughter-in-law, James and Clare Weber of Hidden Hills, Calif.; his stepdaughter and son-in-law, Sara Lee and John Seaman of Bellingham, Wash.; his stepson and daughter-in-law, Mike and Janie Morrissey of Keating; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Pathway Hospice of Baker City, the Eagle Valley Ambulance of Richland or the Oregon Trail Regional Museum of Baker County.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home in Halfway.
David Gardner
David Lee Gardner, 81, a longtime Baker City resident, died Dec. 29, 2001, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His funeral was Wednesday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel. Pastor Ed Niswender of the Calvary Baptist Church officiated. Vault interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery. There was a reception afterward at the Calvary Baptist Church.
David Lee Gardner was born to Chester William Gardner Sr. and Cora Young Gardner in Baker City on April 22, 1920. He attended school in the Baker area and was a Baker High School graduate. After graduating, he spent several years delivering mail on the Sparta Stage Route. He had a great love for the people and the land.
Mr. Gardner entered the U.S. Navy a few days after Pearl Harbor and became an aviation boatswain’s mate first class. He was assigned to a carrier for the next three years in the South China Sea and the mid-Pacific where he was in harm’s way many times.
After World War II, Mr. Gardner returned to the farm up Washington Gulch where he resumed his great love for fishing and hunting. A few short years passed and he was recalled to service during the Korean conflict. He returned to the farm, however, because of family medical conditions. Dave served his country with pride and honor.
In later years, he became quite knowledgeable about the history of World War II, most particularly the naval battles. He was very concerned about the well-being and medical research being done for people with mental disorders. He actively urged Congress to provide additional funds for research.
He met and married Lorraine Hopkins in 1951. He was an avid sportsman and loved fishing (especially for steelhead), elk hunting and hunting for all types of birds.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Gardner of Baker City; his sons, Terry Gardner of Ontario and Dave Lee Gardner Jr. of Baker City; a daughter, Barbara Zinter, and her husband, Sid, of Heppner; grandchildren, Barney, Josh and Jason Zinter of Condon and Heppner and Marc and Daniel Gardner of Moro; a brother, Chester William Gardner, and his wife, Rita, of Washougal, Wash.; a nephew, Frank Gardner of Burns; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression or the Mountain States Tumor Institute.
