System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Blair Syme
Blair Carl Syme, 51, of Baker City, died Aug. 30, 2005, at his home.
There will be no funeral.
Blair was the golf pro at Quail Ridge Golf Club, fulfilling his lifelong dream and goal of living in this part of Northeastern Oregon.
The son of Margaret Jane Syme of Salem and John Syme of Seneca, S.C., Blair had loved the game of golf all of his life. He had been a manager and teaching professional at courses in greater Chicago, Roanoke, Va., and Charleston, St. Stevens and Myrtle Beach, S.C., areas.
A great player, teacher and manager, Blair had been a special friend and inspiration to young and old alike. He will be deeply missed and ever in the memory of family and friends all over the country.
"May you now fly high with your eagles and may they continue to guide and care for you, " his family said. "We will all love you always."
Survivors include his parents and sisters, Marilee Syme of Vancouver, Wash., and Sheryl Leitner of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Gray's West & Co. is in charge of arrangements.
Myrtle Lay
Myrtle Yvonna Lay, 91, died Aug. 22, 2005, at Medford Rehabilitation and Health Center in Medford.
A graveside service will be held for Mrs. Lay at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Mountain View Cemetery in Ashland. The Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home in Ashland will handle the arrangements. Chaplain Paul Hagedorn of the Providence Hospital Hospice Care Unit will officiate.
Myrtle was born April 19, 1914, to Guy and Jane Inman, whose parents were early immigrants to Eastern Oregon from the Midwest. She spent most of her childhood in or near Baker City and was a graduate of Baker High School.
On Christmas Eve of 1933, Myrtle married Deshler (Dash) Lay, who lived on his parents' farm near Medical Springs. After a few years of farming in Union and Baker counties, the couple moved to Haines, where Dash was employed by the Haines Commercial Equipment Company. In 1956, Myrtle and Dash moved to Baker, where he worked for Levinger's Rexall Drug Store.
Myrtle worked a couple of years as a cook for the Haines Grade School, but for the most part her occupation in life was that of a very competent and caring housewife and mother.
In September of 2002, Myrtle and Dash moved from Baker City to Medford to be near their son and his wife, who are long-time Ashland residents. They resided at the Fountain Plaza retirement community and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2003. Dash passed away in April of 2004.
Myrtle was a marvelous cook and dedicated homemaker. She was very artistic, and well known for her hand-painted and fired floral china plates. She was always very well-liked and appreciated for her helpful nature and sense of family. Myrtle was hard working, and a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Everyone who has been touched by Myrtle will feel a great loss.
Myrtle is survived by her son, Kerry Lay and his wife, Janice; grandchildren, Geoffrey Lay of Tualatin, Bradley Lay of Phoenix, Ariz., and Christopher Lay of Shenzhen, China; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
Jim Hendrix
James Jonathon "Jim" Hendrix Jr., 61, of Halfway, died Aug. 21, 2005, at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise.
His funeral was Friday morning at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway.
Jim was born on May 6, 1944, at Halfway to James Jonathon and Evalenea Buchanan Hendrix. Jim was raised and educated in Halfway, graduating from Pine-Eagle High School in 1963.
Following high school he married Diane Drake, and they had two children: James Jonathon III and Lori Ann. They divorced in 1975. Monique Moore met Jim while working in the ODOT District office in La Grande. They were married in 1976 and made their home in Halfway that November. They had two children: Jennifer and Michael.
During Jim's life he lived not only in Halfway, but also in England, Tucson, Ariz., and La Grande. Jim joined the Air Force in 1964 and during his eight years of service was in Vietnam. In 1972 he joined the Army National Guard. Jim went to work for the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1972, and he retired in 1999.
Jim loved to be in the woods, hunting, gathering firewood, mushrooming and sightseeing. He enjoyed making things with metal, whether it be saddle stands, trailers or gates. He loved country music and dancing. Jim enjoyed his coffee best in his favorite red cup. The distance he was going to travel told how many Thermoses of coffee he would be taking with him. For 25 years he and Monique enjoyed raising quarter horses. He was a wonderful husband, loving father and loyal friend who will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Monique; his children, James Hendrix III of Vancouver, Wash., Lori Ann Jensen of Walla, Walla, Wash., Jennifer Hendrix of Baker City, and Michael Hendrix of Halfway; sisters, Ora "Skip" and her husband, Dave Romine, of Halfway, and Dolly Jean and her husband, Paul Tate, of Goldendale Wash.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and Lady, his canine shadow.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie Griffin.
Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to either Eagle Valley Ambulance or Halfway Ambulance through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home P.O. Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834.
Patye Hillmon Paul
Patye Jo Hillmon Paul, 77, a former Richland resident, died Aug. 23, 2005, at the Kirkland Hospice Center in Kirkland, Wash.
For nearly four years Patye had been fighting courageously and was very much determined to beat her advanced inflammatory breast cancer. She was very alert and involved with her caregivers and family to her death. She always held out hope from the day she was diagnosed, and continued to enjoy each day as much as possible.
Visitations will be Friday from noon to 7 p.m. at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Recitation of the Rosary will be Friday at 7 p.m. at the chapel. Father Julian Cassar will be the celebrant.
Her funeral will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Gray's West & Co., with Jack Pittman of Baker City Christian Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Patye Jo was born March 13, 1928, in Helena, Mont., to Susie and John Collins. Patye lived in Billings, Mont., with her mother until they moved to Baker City when Patye was six. She graduated from Baker High School with the class of 1946. She remained close with many of her classmates, enjoying each and every reunion that was held. She attended Oregon State University for two years and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She spoke of the Oregon State years quite often and really enjoyed her two years there.
She worked for Lawrence Neault on her return to Baker City and at that time she met James Austin Hillmon. Jimmy and Patye were married at St. Francis Cathedral on Oct. 25, 1952, and they enjoyed nearly 35 years together. They loved each other dearly. Jim passed away in September of 1988.
Patye started her career in the banking industry with a position as "mail girl" with Old National Bank and continued on with her career with U.S. National Bank being a note teller, loan officer and branch manager at Halfway. She truly loved being a loan officer and enjoyed that job the most.
She enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing "desert rummy" and "31" with all her "Old Broad Friends" in Pendleton. While living with Susan and Larry, they played cards nearly every Friday night after dinner while listening to "Eagles Tunes." Times we truly cherished being together! She was president of Credit Womens International as well as the Elks Lodge Ladies' Club. After retiring in the mid 1980s, she and Jim settled in Richland and pursued "the country life, " enjoying fishing, gardening and their new friends in Richland. One of her biggest loves was of the water, and the Snake River — or "The River" — was one of her favorite places spending time with family and friends. She was an active reader and a huge sports nut. She enjoyed rooting on Tiger Woods in every golf tournament as well as watching all kinds of sports with Jim, Jack and Larry, her son-in-law.
After Jim's death, Patye married Jack Paul and was active helping him with his business in Richland. She and Jack traveled across the country one spring enjoying the stops with his family in Arizona and Arkansas. They also enjoyed cruising with Susan and Larry and Larry's family to Alaska and the Caribbean. Jack passed away in March of 1995.
Her little Lucky dog was a good friend and companion. He misses her already. Her "Grand Dog, " Palmer, was also a joy to Patye. She loved dogs.
Patye Jo is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Larry Calkins of Bellevue, Wash.; her loving companions and caregivers, Lisa Kata and Pat Stevens, both of Bellevue; sisters-in-law, Jane Kozel of Phoenix, Ariz., Helen Hoddy and her husband, Bob, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Marion Telamona and her husband, Jon, of Delland, Fla., Doris and John Bowen of Tule Lake, Calif., and Neri Anne Post and her husband, Bob, of Wilmington, N.C.; brothers-in-law, Ray Paul and his companion, Melba, of Fayetteville, Ark., Johnny Love of Willows, Calif., and Gary Hubler and his wife, Colleen, of Simi Valley, Calif.; nieces, Evelyn Niehues and her husband, Anthony, of Willows, Ranee and Deana of Willows, Colleen Hurt of Covelo, Calif., and Mary Ann Guirini and her husband, Pat, of Long Valley, N.J.; a nephew, Sean Long of Willows; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews from Willows and from Long Valley; many good friends on the Calkins side of her daughter's family; and many, many dear lifetime friends.
Contributions in Patye's memory may be made to Susan Calkins in care of Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814. Susan would like to construct a "Patye Jo's Hope Fountain" either around the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or somewhere where cancer patients can share their hopes and dreams for the future. Susan discussed this idea with her Mom and Patye loved the idea as well. Susan will keep contributors updated on her progress and when the fountain is erected.
Patye's family would like to thank all the staff at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for their wonderful friendship and care as well as the Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland.
Patye Jo, Mom, Gramma Dawg, we will miss you sooooooo!
‘Vi' McNulty
Viola Margaret "Vi" Devine McNulty, 96, died Aug. 8, 2005, at the Siuslaw Care Center in Florence.
A private family graveside service was held in honor of Viola on Aug. 18 at Eagle Valley Cemetery in Richland. A rosary and Mass for the repose of the soul of Viola were offered at the St. Therese Catholic Church in Halfway.
Vi Devine was born on Nov. 13, 1908, in Oklahoma to Herbert and Ida Cecilia Stroud Devine. At birth Vi weighed less than three pounds. Stories passed down from family indicate that her tiny head would fit in a teacup and all of her would fit in a shoebox. Vi's petite physical stature would follow throughout her life; however, being small never proved to hold her back.
Vi was raised in Kansas City, where she attended Catholic schools throughout her childhood. Kansas was her metaphysical birthplace as family and friends are aware she would rarely fess up to being born in Oklahoma. Vi graduated from high school in Kansas and later met her future husband at a Kansas dance hall. She married her lifelong dancing partner, Walter McNulty, on Nov. 12, 1927. They were later the proud parents of two daughters, Nora and Margaret.
Vi led a very colorful life and pursued many interests. Her work-life included: waitressing at an affluent boarding house; inspecting airplane wings at San Diego's Consolidated (she was the only one small enough to fit in the wings!); owning two restaurants; dietitian; dental assistant; attending college and earning her teaching certificate; teaching at St. Mary's Catholic School in El Centro, Calif.; museum curator at the Oxbow Museum in Aurora . . . and if all that wasn't enough, she also helped her husband build two of their homes as well as refurbish many pieces of antique furniture.
Vi was very kind-hearted and always willing to lend a hand. In her younger days, she and Walt often provided servicemen with a weekend away from Camp Pendleton, Calif., and good home-cooked meals. On Sunday night after closing their restaurant, Vi and Walt would drive the servicemen back to Camp Pendleton using only their dimmer lights as guides. (San Diego was in "blackout" for security during the war, and all families had to black out their windows with paint or paper and only dimmer lights could be used on cars after dusk. The blackout was imposed by the military for fear that Japan would bomb the city.)
Vi was also very passionate about many hobbies. She enjoyed reading, singing, cooking, sewing, making her own patterns, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. She was as generous with her knowledge in these areas as she was a perfectionist. She was happy to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, for example — whether friend or mere acquaintance. However, any observer had to be prepared to see her rip apart one of her many beautiful creations due to a small imperfection. Once torn apart, the creation would be redone. If you didn't see the "fixing" session you would be none the wiser.
Wherever she lived, her house was known as the "plant hospital."
Her granddaughter, Dorothy Hampton, remembers taking numerous plants on their last "roots" to Grandma Vi's hospital. Vi's green thumb ensured that the plants always returned in tip-top shape.
As those who loved her know, jobs or hobbies were never an excuse to neglect family. Taking care of her family was always Vi's number one concern, passion and love. She will be greatly missed by those who mourn her passing, and readily greeted by those who preceded her in death.
Viola is survived by two daughters, Nora Shanklin Cusic of Florence, and Margaret "Midge" Nale and her husband, Jack, of Richland; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren.
Vi was preceded in death by her parents, Ida and Herbert Devine; her husband of 61 years, Walt McNulty; three brothers, Jim, Frank and Sam; one sister, Agnes; one grandson, Don Shanklin Jr.; one great-grandson, Joe Nale Jr.; one great-great-grandson, Luke Shanklin; and two sons-in-law, Donald Shanklin and Ken Cusic.
Contributions in Vi's memory may be made to either the Florence or Eagle Valley public libraries to be used to buy large-print books. Contributions may be made through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Fay L. Alderson
Fay L. Alderson, 95, a long time resident of Baker City, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Services. Graveside services for Mrs. Alderson will be held Thursday, Aug. 25, 2005, at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pastor Tony Brandon of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will officiate. Interment will follow the services. Visitation will be held Wednesday from noon until 7:00 p.m. at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. in Baker City.
Mrs. Alderson was born October 3, 1909, in Optima, Okla., a daughter of Jeptha and Laura (Hizer) Harris. She came to Baker City in 1936. Mrs. Alderson worked for 20 years as a silk and wool finisher at the cleaners in Baker City and nine years at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home in the sewing room. She enjoyed her yard.
Mrs. Alderson is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Laura Ellen and Herman Gibbs of Salem; sons and daughter-in-laws, William H. and Doris Alderson of Baker City, and James and Louise Alderson of Milwaukee; sister, Opal Harris, of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren; and also great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, four brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in her memory may direct them to a charity of one's choice; this can be done through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Baker City, OR 97814.
Sherry Lindsey
Sherry Lynn Lindsey, 56, of Baker City, died Aug. 20, 2005, at her home.
A memorial service is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 1820 First St. Pastor Ray Hedlund of Calvary Chapel will officiate. Friends are invited to join the family following the service for food and fellowship at the church. Disposition was by cremation at Eastern Oregon Pioneer Crematory.
Sherry was born March 17, 1949, in Van Nuys, Calif., to Robert Fenton and Barbara Louise (Ericsson) King.
Truly a selfless beautiful person, Sherry gave to all and expected nothing in return. She loved God and was a faithful servant. Sherry had a special gift from God to help bring those around her to him. She volunteered at the church, cleaning, teaching Sunday school to the kids, and making cookies.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Lindsey; a sister Vicky Percious; six sons: Norman, Kevin, Mickey, Cliffton, George and Nickolas Williams; daughters-in-law: Debbie, Crystal and Janee; and many grandchildren.
Contributions in Sherry's memory can be made to Calvary Chapel in care of Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Jeanne Daniels
Norma Jeanne Daniels, 84, a longtime Halfway resident, died Aug. 17, 2005, in Caldwell, Idaho.
A graveside celebration of Jeanne's life took place today at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway.
Jeanne was born Jan. 31, 1921, and raised in Halfway, where she married "Danny" Daniels and had three children. After Danny's death in 1953 she had to go to work and raise her children. She operated the Stockmans and Hells Canyon Cafe's in Halfway for many years. After her mother's death, she moved to Las Vegas in 1972 where she worked as a hostess in large casino restaurants.
Her family said, "She fed the Pine Valley people with a wonderful smile and compassion for everyone — even if they couldn't pay. She worked very hard all her life and never complained. All she ever wanted from life was for her kids to be happy. We will miss our ‘Super Mom.' "
She is survived by her two sons, Garry and his wife, Linda, of Caldwell, and Greg and wife, Jan, of Kenai, Alaska; one sister of nine siblings, Margie Sagers of Halfway; her ex-husband and lifelong partner, Ben Wathen of Las Vegas; and seven grandchildren, Kaci Gorder, Bryce Maki, Brandi Wendel, Jason and Jarrod Daniels, Lonnie McDonough and Craig Daniels.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her first husband, Forrest Cree Daniels; her daughter, Ronda Maki of Las Vegas; brothers: Henry, Gilbert, Wilbur and Jess; sisters: Alma, Inez and Mona; and by her mother and father, Anna Viola and Charles Wesley Lee.
Contributions in Jeanne's memory may be made to the Pine Valley Cemetery Memorial Fund through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home P.O. Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834
‘Gene' Potter
E.B. "Gene" Potter, formerly of Baker City, died Aug. 16, 2005, at Portland.
His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Ritualistic rites will be accorded by the Baker Elks Lodge, No. 338. Visitations will be until 7 o'clock tonight at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.
Gene was born at Clovis, N.M., on Oct. 18, 1909, to Oscar and Katie Dean Potter. He attended Stanford University where he studied civil engineering. He had been employed by Morrison-Knudsen Co. for more than 35 years when he retired in 1975.
Gene married Frances J. "Jackie" Haldiman on Dec. 23, 1939, and raised her son, Don, as his own. Jackie died in 1973. Don died in 1986.
In 1974, he married Pauline Ross of The Dalles. They had nine wonderful years before her death in 1983.
Survivors include Pauline's daughter, Kristine, and her husband, Kris Thomsen, of Hillsboro; two grandsons, Kevin and Kyle Thomsen and Don Haldiman's three children, Susie Magee and Sylvia and Jimmie Haldiman; Jackie's nieces, Beverly Null, Janet Lamprey, Carol Kohls and Kathleen Lundt; and many caring friends and neighbors.
Ruth Van Driesche
Ruth A. Van Driesche, 90, of Stayton, who attended nursing school in Baker City, died Aug. 14, 2005, at her home.
There will be a Catholic vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stayton. Vault interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Stayton.
Mrs. Van Driesche was born on Feb. 12, 1915, at Enterprise to Tom and Zelnie Downing Lathrop. She was raised and educated at Enterprise.
She earned her nursing degree in 1937 from St. Elizabeth's Nursing School at Baker City. She married Marcel Van Driesche on June 5, 1939, at Mount Angel Abbey. The couple made their home at Stayton where they owned and operated the Star Theater for 30 years.
She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Stayton and greatly enjoyed sewing, reading and her family.
Survivors include her husband, Marcel Van Driesche of Stayton; five children, Ken Van Driesche of Salem, Carla Rosenbalm of Stayton, Karen Bettencourt of Asburnham, Mass., John Van Driesche of Jefferson and Roy Van Driesche of East Hampton, Mass.; a sister, Elf Bissinger of Enterprise; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Catholic Grade School at Stayton or to the Stayton Public Library. Weddle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
