System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Jack Davis
Jack Burton "Ripper" Davis, 54, of Hermiston, a former Baker City resident, died Aug. 31, 2005, at his home.
There will be a celebration of his life later. His wish was to be cremated and to have his cremains placed in Crater Lake.
Jack was born on March 6, 1951, at Silsbee, Texas, to Virgil Victor and Ruth Magdalene Park Davis. He was raised at Honey Island, Texas. He loved hunting and fishing in the piney woods of east Texas and especially at the hunting club at Hardin County.
His parents owned and operated barbecue restaurants, which Jack and his brother, Vic, and sister, Dee, worked at for many years until their parents divorced. Jack was an excellent barbecue cook and his food was enjoyed by all.
Jack left home at the age of 18 and worked in many of the oil fields in Texas as a driller helper.
He moved to Empire, Colo., and worked at the Henderson Molybdenum Mine above Empire where he met many of his lifelong friends and got the nickname Ripper.
He moved many times between Colorado where his father lived and back to Texas where his mother lived. He drove truck for Denver Dry Goods and had many memorable stories about those deliveries.
All who knew Jack loved his detailed storytelling about his life and thrill-seeking adventures. When Jack lived at Empire, he got his faithful dog, Lucifer, who traveled all over with him.
He was very loving and devoted to his family and took great pleasure in teasing and playing practical jokes on his nephews, Clint Davis, Walter Drake and Curtis Drake and his niece, Indi Kay Moore.
In 1976, Jack was visiting a friend at Chandler, Ariz., where he met Patricia Wollman. Jack and Pat spent a memorable summer at Lake Powell, Utah, where they worked and enjoyed boating, swimming and cliff diving.
They then moved to Idaho Springs, Colo. When Jack learned that his grandfather, Curtis Ivy Davis was marrying his childhood sweetheart "Dutch, " Jack asked Pat to marry him. The four were married in a double-ring ceremony at Silsbee, Texas, in 1977.
Jack and C.I. celebrated many of their birthdays together. They were born 50 years apart on the same day in March.
Jack and Pat moved to Kountze, Texas, where Jack was working again in the oil fields. They moved to Weimer, Texas, then to Big Spring, Texas, where Pat was employed as a respiratory therapist.
In 1986, Pat encouraged Jack, who quit school in the eighth grade, to get his GED. He was very proud of this accomplishment.
He got his favorite guitar while they lived at Idaho Springs. Jack was an excellent songwriter with a rustic voice that never lost its Texas accent. He wrote about things he loved, places he'd been and also used his unique and wonderful imagination to write songs.
Jack and Pat moved to Mount Enterprise, Texas, where their son, Hank Curtis Davis, was born. The marriage ended in divorce in 1995.
Shortly thereafter, Jack became a Christian. He wrote and played more than 100 songs, including many Gospel songs. He spent many of the last years of his life telling others about the Lord.
Jack was most at peace outdoors away from the crowds and people. He was an accomplished marksman and fisherman.
He collected many guns and knives over the years and they were very precious to him. His hobbies included archery, blowguns, gardening, cribbage, backgammon, cooking, swimming and cliff jumping.
After their divorce, Pat and Hank moved to Baker City. Jack moved there within a year and worked as a truck driver in Baker City and later moved to Hermiston. He always remained close to his son, Hank.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and whose life he touched. His charm, wit, humor and songs and lyrics will long live on.
Survivors include his son, Hank Davis of Baker City; brothers, Vic Davis of Magnolia, Texas, and Bronson; a sister, Dee Drake of Silsbee, Texas; nephews, Clint Walter Drake and Curtis Drake, both of Silsbee, Texas; a niece, Indi Kay Moore, and her son, Douglas, both of Silsbee, Texas; his father, Virgil Davis, and stepmother, Doris, of Grand Junction, Colo.; and a stepsister, Pam, of Grand Junction, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Park Bylsma; his grandfather, Curtis Ivy Davis; his aunt, Edna Lindsey; his half-brother, Jerry Bowman, and his wife, Lorrie Bowman; his faithful dog, Lucifer; and his childhood friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston was in charge of arrangements.
Charlie Emmons
Charlie Emmons, 98, a former Baker City resident, died Aug. 25, 2005, at the McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas.
His family was planning a special memory 99th birthday party for Charlie on Sept. 9, and he was really looking forward to it. The family will play a video of his life at his memorial service and hope he will be pleased.
Charlie was born on Sept. 9, 1906, at Greenville, Texas. He married Erma McCormick in 1926, and they were married for 70 years. When they married she was 16 and he was 19. Erma was the love of Charlie's life.
Charlie worked at Dentlers Potato Chip Co. for 42 years. He also worked in the insurance business. At the age of 70 he learned a new profession and became a machinist. Charlie could build or fix anything.
After Charlie retired, he and Erma intended to travel, but after three years Erma lost her vision. Even with her blindness, Erma continued with her quilting passion. Charlie was her faithful companion and he threaded all her needles and helped her in every way. Charlie spent the next 25 years taking care of Erma and spending time with their family.
Charlie and Erma had a travel trailer and they saw most of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Fifteen family members flew to Hawaii to honor "Nanny and Papaw, " as they were affectionately known, and to help them celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary.
Erma and Charlie were the backbone of their family. They were the best support team any family could ever have. They were always there to help their children and grandchildren, and they were blessed to even have great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Nanny and Papaw were always known to be "long on love" for their family, and their love was unconditional.
"As a family, we have an empty space that can never be filled, but we feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful man in our lives. He will be missed every day. We will always love and miss you, Papaw. Thanks for the memories, " his family members said.
Survivors include a sister, Azelle Turner; a daughter and her husband, Joyce and Paul Johnson of Mission, Texas; a daughter, Betty Green of Baker City; grandchildren, Loyd Henson and his wife, Faith, of Scottsdale, Ariz., who gave him three great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; grandson, Jim Henson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and three children and one great-grandchild; a granddaughter, Rocky Morris and her husband, Larry, of Baker City, who gave him three great-grandchildren, Dan and his wife, Amy, Jeff and his wife, Jodi, and Lori and her husband, Tim Halsey, and eight great-grandchildren: Anthony, Missy, Kayla, Kade, Jake, Justin, Drew and Morgan; Steve Jones and his wife, Marilyn, of Baker City, who added five great-grandchildren: Dyana, Michael, Leandra, Anna and Mika, and two great-great-grandchildren, Nathan and Audrey.
Charlie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Erma; sons-in-law, Loyd Henson and Clancy Green; great-granddaughter, Rachyl; and by his parents, siblings and many friends.
Carl Fleming
Carl Douglas Fleming, 40, of Newberg and Halfway, died Aug. 30, 2005, as the result of a motor vehicle accident near Halfway.
There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Carl's life later this month. The date and time will be announced.
Carl was born on Feb. 9, 1965, at Santa Cruz, Calif., to Jimmy Dale and Carla Sue Caskey Fleming. He spent most of his growing up years at Santa Cruz, graduating from Monte Vista High School in 1983. He was a gifted athlete and after graduation he played baseball for a year in college.
Carl and Monique met in 1988 and were married on March 3, 1991. They had two children: James and Casey. Carl worked most of his life as an equipment operator.
In 1995, the family moved to Newberg. It was after the move to Newberg that Carl became an avid hunter and fisherman, with the help of his friend and mentor, Gary Star. These last several years, Carl had enjoyed coming to Halfway to hunt. He was in the process of moving to the Halfway area at the time of his death. He had just gained employment with the Pine Valley Ranch at Halfway.
Carl will always be remembered for his love of family, friends, the outdoors and his great sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife, Monique; sons James and Casey; and his sister, Katee.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jimmy, who died in 1997, and Carla, who died in May 2005; and a brother, Trevor, who died in 1986.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Stella Carter
Stella Carter, 99, of Baker City, died Sept. 1, 2005, at Meadowbrook Place.
Her funeral was at noon today at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Tony Brandon officiated. Vault interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Stella was born on May 13, 1906, at Mabton, Wash., to Pearle and Edson Sharpe. Her childhood years were spent with her three brothers and two sisters in the Horse-Heaven Hills. She attended college at Ellensburg, Wash., earning a teaching certificate.
She began her teaching career in the Horse-Heaven Hills area where she met Carl. Stella and Carl were married on Nov. 12, 1927, at Sunnyside, Wash. They were married for 59 years before Carl's death in 1986.
In 1948, the family moved to Baker County where they operated their farm on Sutton Creek until their retirement in 1970 when they moved to Baker City and lived on Foothill Drive.
During her life, Stella was a teacher, nurse, wonderful mother, grandmother and friend. For many years she enjoyed volunteering at the Seventh-day Adventist Church and St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Stella enjoyed writing and authored many articles of the Bickleton news for the Sunnyside Sun. She was the communication secretary for the Seventh-day Adventist Gleaner and the local newspapers for many years. She also wrote many poems for the enjoyment of her friends and family.
Survivors include her sister, Ruby Brown of Grandview, Wash.; children, Elvin and Mary Jean Carter of Baker City, Mary Jean and Grover Mann of Lincoln City, Dean and Rosie Carter of Nampa, Idaho, Ruby and Bill Hohensee of Gresham, Larry and Diana Carter of Salem and Pearle and Paul Stover of Nampa, Idaho; 22 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl; children, Vernice Naught and Wilburn Carter; and great-grandsons, Joe and Danny Mann.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice through Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Melda Gibson
Melda Mary Frances Nelson Gibson, 84, a former Baker City resident, died Aug. 16, 2005, at a Portland nursing home.
Her graveside funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Jack Bynum will officiate.
Melda was born Sept. 16, 1920, at Baker City. She grew up in Baker City, and moved to California after her marriage to Gordon Gibson. They moved to Portland in 1989, where she resided until her death.
Melda loved to cook, crochet and knit. She worked in real estate while living in California. She loved her twins, Karl Paulsen, who died in 1999, and her daughter, Karol Paulsen Molnar, who lives at Burley, Idaho. Melda had much joy sharing times with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughter, Karol Molnar; two daughters-in-law, Donna Scrivner of Baker City and Sue Morton of Pendleton; five grandchildren, Kent Paulsen of Medford, Jody Lamberson and Andrea Cress, both of Pendleton, Christi Molnar of Kent, Wash., and Lohry Coltrin of Copenhagen, Denmark; 10 great-grandchildren, Alex Rauh, Danielle Delaney, Elizabeth and Danielle Baldwin, Mandy Lamberson, Nolan and Whitney Anderson, and Daniel, Jamie, and Krysanna Coltrin; one great-great-grandchild, Isaac Alexander Rauh, who was born Aug. 2, 2005; five sisters, Gertrude Cate, Barbara Lagan, Gladys Bosler, Margaret Mullins and Emma Pinjo; one brother, Donald Straub; and very special friends, Marianne Gallagley of Portland, and Bob and Gema Preece of Vancouver, Wash.
Melda also was preceded in death by her adopted parents, Nellie and Frank Nelson; and her biological parents, George and Velma Shurtliff Straub.
Eloise Mitchell
Eloise (Albrecht) Mitchell, 82, a former Baker City resident, died Aug. 28, 2005, after a brief struggle with a blood disorder.
Informal services will take place in September at her daughter Victoria's home in Martinez, Calif.
Eloise was born Oct. 6, 1922, at Pocatello, Idaho. When she was a young girl her family moved to Baker City. She went to school in Baker City and still has many area friends who will remember her. She was active in band, chorus, and Rainbow Girls. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church. She was proud that she never missed a class reunion until this year.
She met and fell in love with Grant Mitchell. She knew she had chosen her lifetime dancing partner. They married in 1945 and moved to Boise, where they spent their married lives. They owned Mitchell Plumbing.
They had so many wonderful friends and they enjoyed playing pinochle, bowling and golfing with them. They also danced on television as the Star Lighters. Eloise and Grant were active in the Southminster Presbyterian Church. Most of all they loved being together and now they are once again together.
Eloise is survived by her devoted and loving brother, Frank Albrecht of Portland; her daughters, Linda Stiller of Augusta, Ga., and Victoria (Vicky) Oleson of Martinez, Calif.; her grandson, Steven Stiller; her granddaughter, Brenda Glenn; her grandson Peter D. Oleson; and her great-grandsons, Michael, Ritchie and Brady Glenn. She will be missed by her two sons-in-law, Harry Stiller and Peter A. Oleson.
Eloise was and will continue to be a wonderful mother, friend, counselor and role-model to all who knew her. We will miss her and are looking forward to reuniting with her.
Joseph Givens
Joseph J. Givens, 45, a Baker City native, died Aug. 26, 2005, in Elko, Nev.
There will be a potluck and gathering of Joe's family and friends in his honor at the American Legion, 2129 Second St., at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. All friends and family are invited to attend.
Joseph was born June 14, 1960, in Baker City, and attended school in Baker City and La Grande. He moved to Nashville, Tenn., and spent most of his adult life there. In 2004, he moved to Elko, Nev., to be closer to family.
He is survived by his brothers, Mitch Givens and his wife, Hazel, of Elko, and Greg Givens and his wife, Carla, of La Grande; sister-in-law, Leisa Givens of Baker City; stepfather and stepmother, Dick and Connie Weygandt of Pacific City; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Cameron; grandparents, Helen Obershaw and Earl Estes; and brothers, Thomas D. Givens and Lonnie Weygandt.
Elizabeth McKim
Elizabeth Hanes McKim, 84, of Baker City, died Aug. 28, 2005, at a Boise hospital.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1995 Fourth St. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Ustick Chapel in Meridian.
Elizabeth was born on March 19, 1921, at Saint Mary's, Pa. She met and married Dr. Menzie McKim Jr. on May 6, 1944. They moved to San Jose, Calif., for Menzie to do surgical training for four years. Elizabeth, with her husband and two children, lived at Okinawa for one year.
She enjoyed being a homemaker, boating, fishing, gardening, bird watching and spending time with her family at their Spring Creek cabin. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who recognized her kindness, wit, selflessness, and love of life.
Survivors include her husband Menzie McKim Jr., M.D.; son, Thomas D. McKim, M.D., and his wife, Cynthia A. McKim, D.M.D.; daughter, Nancy Galvin, and her husband John Galvin; sister, Jean Hall; and grandchildren, Benjamin and Michael McKim and Janine and Nathan Galvin.
She was preceded in death by her five siblings.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Charles Lewis
Charles William Lewis, 92, of Baker City, died Aug. 28, 2005, at his home.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Pastor Jack Bynum of the United Methodist Church will officiate. Ritualistic rites will be accorded by Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 34, AF & AM.
Private interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Charlie was born on May 7, 1913, on the family farm near Summerville, to James Lewis and Mertie Robbs Lewis. He had two younger sisters, Elva and Lila.
He attended grade school in the area and graduated from Imbler High School. While working for Safeway in the late 1930s he was transferred to Baker City where he met and married Grace Mineff. They had three children: Carolyn, Robert, and Joan. They had been married 63 years at the time of Grace's death.
Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, but because of sun blindness he received a medical discharge. He bought Guyer Grocery in south Baker City during the 1940s and later changed the name to Lewis Grocery.
After selling the grocery, he worked for Pifher Brothers as a carpenter. In the 1970s, he worked for Bob Clemens constructing Boise Cascade Homes.
He was a lifetime member of the Baker Masonic Lodge and Baker Elks Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his son, Robert; daughter, Joan; and sister, Lila.
Survivors include his daughter, Carolyn, of Baker City; grandchildren, Desiree Wellman of Baker City, Tony Bloom of Dixon, Calif., Jordan Lewis and Erica Lodahl, both of Portland, and Elizabeth and Lea Croft of Baker City; great- grandchildren, Sasha Bloom, Matthew Bloom, and Luke and Cloe Lodahl; great-great granddaughter, Katie Bloom; and sister Elva Doud of La Grande.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker County Shrine Club, Pathway Hospice, or the Baker United Methodist Church through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
