System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Leon Smothers
Leon Smothers, 89, of Dexter, Mo., and a former Baker City resident, died Aug. 1, 2002, at his home in Dexter.
His graveside funeral will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Roger Scovil of the Baker City Christian Church will officiate. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Visitations will be Monday from 9 a.m. to noon at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave.
Mr. Smothers was born March 19, 1913, at Fisk, Mo., to Marian Johns Smothers and Grettia Parker Smothers.
He was a former ranch hand and maintenance worker at the Baker County Courthouse.
He was united in marriage to Clydia Ego on Aug. 2, 1953, in Oregon. She preceded him in death on Aug. 20, 1998.
Mr. Smothers is survived by his two brothers, Edward "Bus" Smothers of Dexter, and Bill Smothers of Florissant, Mo.; two sisters, Lucille Quinn of Aurora, Mo., and Helen "Tudy" Smothers of Florissant; and by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; by a brother, Elvin Smothers; and by three sisters, Madge Smothers, Mary Ruth Christ and Adele Crabtree.
Contributions in Mr. Smothers' memory may be made to the American Lung Association in care of Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Dustin Guy
Dustin Leland Guy, 21, of Baker City and a former Sunnyside, Wash., resident, died July 28, 2002, at his home.
His funeral will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Burial will be in Outlook Cemetery. Visitations will be Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the service, at the funeral home.
Dustin was born June 26, 1981, in Sunnyside to Robert (Bob) and Rena (Tucker) Guy. He received his elementary education from Outlook School. He attended sixth, seventh and eighth grades at Sunnyside Christian School.
In 1996 Dustin and his family moved to Baker City, where he graduated from Agape Christian School in 1999.
At the age of 10, Dustin accepted the Lord as his personal savior at Grace Baptist Church in Granger., Wash. During high school, he served on three missionary trips to Mexico, where he ministered to many through his guitar music.
Dustin was known for his hard work ethic as a welder, and he worked beside his father at various job sites throughout the United States. Dustin was a friend to all and touched many people's lives. He loved spending time outdoors, camping and fishing with his family and friends.
Dustin is survived by his parents, Robert and Rena Guy of Baker City; two sisters, Amanda Guy and Madyson Guy, both of Baker City; his niece, Kaylynn, and nephew, Jerrid, to whom he was fondly known as "kuncle"; his grandparents, Carol and Ken Tucker of Sunnyside, and Mildred Guy of Granger; also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be left at Smith Funeral Home.
Robert Ellingson Jr.
Robert Parcher Ellingson Jr., 85, a Klamath Falls resident for 80 years, died July 24, 2002, at Merle West Medical Center.
His funeral was Friday at the Klamath Lutheran Church. Private burial was at Eternal Hills.
Robert was born April 7, 1917, at Hawkins, Wisc., the oldest of four children of Robert Parcher and Myrtle T.N. Ellingson Sr. In 1923 he moved with his family from Wisconsin to Klamath Falls, where they were involved in lumber remanufacturing, logging and saw milling in the Klamath Basin. Robert attended Roosevelt Elementary School and graduated from Klamath Union High School with the class of 1936. Robert attended Oregon State University and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1940.
He married Helen Mae Ruzic of Eureka, Calif., on Nov. 24, 1940. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last Thanksgiving. Better known as Papa and Bob to all who knew and loved him, Robert was never without his Stetson. Robert and Helen Ellingson valued higher education for youth and have for many years sponsored foundation scholarships at Oregon State University, the University of Oregon and the Oregon Institute of Technology.
Robert was general manager of Ellingson Lumber Company in Klamath Falls and later president of Ellingson Lumber and Timber Companies in Baker City. He was well known in the forest products industry and participated in many trade organizations, including Western Wood Products Association and Western Forest Industries Association. After 50 years of working at his passion, he retired in 1992.
Throughout his lifetime Robert continually gave to his neighbors, church and community. He was a life member of Klamath Lutheran Church and Klamath Elks Lodge No. 1247, past president and 50-year perfect attendance member of Klamath Falls Rotary Club and an active participant in the Rotary 4-H barbecues. He was a 60-year member of Reames Golf and Country Club as well as the SAE Alumni Association.
Robert loved to hunt ducks and deer with his loyal friends and sons. His interest in trap shooting led to his membership in the Pacific Indians Trap Shooting Club of Canada, where he served as Tyee Sachem.
Papa looked forward to his summers at Lake of the Woods, pulling grandchildren and neighbors behind the roar of "Robert's Rocket."
Robert exemplified everything that is good and noble. He will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband and father of his three children.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Ellingson of Klamath Falls; brother and sister-in-law, Donald M. and Thaoma Ellingson of Baker City; sister and brother-in-law, Dorthea and Robert W. Balderston of Englewood, Colo.; son and daughter-in-law, Robert P. III and Diane Ellingson of Baker City, daughter, D. Kathryn DeArmond of Wilsonville, son and daughter-in-law, G. Peter and Ginger Ellingson of Baker City; nine grandchildren, including Lisa and Brian Wing of Canby, Tom and Linda DeArmond of Wilsonville, Brent DeArmond of Hubbard, Travis Ellingson of Tacoma, Wash., Todd Ellingson of Portland, Thomas Ellingson of Lake Tahoe, Calif., Capt. Greg and 1st Lt. Jenny Ellingson of Port St. John, Fla., 1st Lts. Kelsey and Joseph Kramer of Sumter, S.C., and Camber Ellingson of Baker City; and two great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Benjamin Wing of Canby.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Sigmund H. Ellingson of Baker City.
Contributions in Robert's memory may be made to the Oregon Institute of Technology Endowed Scholarship in his name, or to the Klamath Lutheran Church.
Fred Cockram
Fred Joseph Cockram, 64, a longtime Wingville dairyman and rancher, died July 27, 2002, at his home, surrounded by many of his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
His graveside funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor John Cockram of Prince of Peace Lutheran church in Phoenix, Ariz., will officiate. Vault interment will follow the ceremony. Visitations will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until noon at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.
Fred was born March 20, 1938, in Baker City to Ernest and Berniece Cockram. He attended schools in Baker and graduated from Baker High School in 1956. After graduating from high school, he attended Oregon State University to study animal husbandry.
On June 29, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Annette Grabner. They moved back to Baker and began their partnership in family and farming. He worked at Builder's Supply for five years before he and Annette created Mountain View farms, specializing in dairy, beef and farming. During his years of farming he served on and chaired many boards, commissions, and industry organizations: National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, Northwest Dairymen's Association, Oregon Dairy Council, Oregon Dairy Products Commission, Oregon Beef Council, Oregon Cattlemen's Association, Baker County Chamber of Commerce, Baker Airport Commission, Baker Livestock Association, and Baker County Fair Board.
In 1999, Fred and Annette sold their dairy cows to concentrate on family, retirement, beef cattle, mining, and racing quarter horses. In May of 2001, Fred lost his life partner and best friend, Annette, to cancer.
Fred is survived by four children and their families: Michelle and Collin Kaseberg and their children, Jeff, Danny, Wade, Hannah, Evan and Walker, of Baker City; Cherie and Craig Ward and their children, Morgan, Alyssa and Calli, of Baker City; Daryl and his fiance' Monette and their children, Joelle, Kenny, Jamie, Matt and Donnie, of Baker City; and Jeanne and Scott Mohr and their children, Kayla and Alexa, of Vernonia; brothers and their wives, Freeman and Shirley of Vancouver, Wash., and John and Tonya of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a sister-in-law, Janis Shields and her husband, Frank, of Boise; Aunt Bea Jordan of Washington; special friend Carol Kirklin of Portland; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial contribution to the Cockram Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Baker County 4-H Leaders Association, 2610 Grove St., Baker City, OR 97814 or through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Glenn St. John
Glenn Orville St. John, 81, of Baker City, died July 28, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center.
At his request, Glenn was cremated and will not have a formal funeral service.
Glenn was born April 10, 1921, in Chico, Calif., to Orville and Myrtle St. John. The family moved to Southern Oregon soon after. After his schooling, he drove log trucks. He served his country in World War II, spending 2 years in the South Pacific in the 1881st Aviation Engineers. The 1881st built landing strips in New Guinea and the Philippines where he witnessed the famous return of General MacArthur.
After Glenn's discharge, he was married to Anna Lorraine Nail of Spokane, Wash. He worked in the logging industry, driving truck and running a sawmill until he was injured in a logging accident in 1950. In spite of a permanent disability he farmed, cut electric poles, built another sawmill and sold real estate. He and his wife bought and sold property, building seven house and log cabins throughout Oregon. They moved to Eastern Oregon in 1968 and lived in the Granite and Sumpter areas until ill health mandated a move to Baker City in 1993.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Anna Lorraine of Baker City; a and daughter-in-law, Alan and Jan St. John of Bend; grandsons, Matthew St. John Bend, and Shawn St. John and his wife, Vivienne, of Houston, Texas; three sisters, Gladys Labart of Reedsport, Joyce Boles of Broken Bow, Okla., and June Brown of Cottage Grove.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Jack, Mack and James.
Contributions in Glenn's memory may be made to either The Salvation Army or the Shriners Hospital for Children, in care of Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Claire Wester
Claire Curtis Wester, 77, of Baker City died July 24, 2002 at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Her funeral was today at 11 a.m. at Coles Funeral Home. Associate Pastor Bob Whiteman of the Baker City Christian Church officiated. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Claire was born July 18, 1925, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Charles D. Woods and Theresa Kelly Woods.
She married Robert L. Curtis on June 16, 1946, and they settled down in Canyon City, where they started their family. In addition to being a devoted mother, wife and homemaker, Claire worked with Bob in their trucking business as bookkeeper until 1969, when they moved to Baker City. Bob Curtis died shortly after the family moved to Baker City.
A devoted mother and homemaker, Claire remained in Baker City, raising her daughters as a single parent. She worked at Basche Sage Hardware and Ellingson Lumber Company.
On June 25, 1977, Claire married Billy Wester. She and Bill enjoyed many years of traveling around the United States, trips with cherished friends and spending the winter months in Arizona.
Claire loved music, dancing, swimming, the outdoors, flowers, fine food, golfing and especially spending time with her family and friends. Those who truly know her will remember that twinkle in her eye and her wonderful smile. She had many talents including oil painting, crocheting and sewing. Claire was a member of the Baker City Ladies Golf Association and was an accomplished golfer whose highlights included three holes in one. She loved the Elkhorn Mountains and no matter where she was residing she had a picture of the mountains to remind her of home.
She is survived by her daughters, Theresa Curtis of Baker City, Kathleen Yencopal and her husband, Jerry, of Baker City, Cindy Jesseph and husband, Jim, of Riverton, Wyo., Carly Curtis and her partner, Elaine Testa of Portland; her grandchildren, Nathan Murphy and his wife, Brenda, Jennifer Murphy, Jason Yencopal, Rob Yencopal, Nicole Baker and Aaron Baker; and her great-grandchildren, Cole Murphy, Taylor Murphy, and Makayla Murphy. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Woods of Laguna, Calif.
Claire was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wester, who died in October 2001; her parents; and her sisters, Katherine, Margaret and Rosemary.
The family requests that those who wish may contribute to a memoriam in Claire's name to the Baker City Ladies Golf Association. This may be done through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Leora Sharp
Leora Arletta Martin Sharp, 92, of New Bridge, died July 21, 2002, at her home.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Aug.17 at 10 a.m. at the Nazarene Church in New Bridge. Interment will be at the Eagle Valley Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held at the New Bridge Grange following the service.
Leora was born May 2, 1910, in Saugas, Mass., to Edward Everett Martin and Arletta Maud Holsten. She was the eldest of five siblings: Leora, Ted, Everett, Paul and Mary.
Both parents encouraged education for their children at Northwest Nazarene College. When Leora finished her education, she held three degrees: a B.A. in theology, a B.A. in arts, Magna Cum Laude, languages in Greek/Hebrew, Latin, French and Spanish as well as a certificate in education.
She accepted a post following college in New Bridge, helping the local Nazarene Pastor. When she arrived the pastor was busy farming and stepped aside for her. So she had a congregation, and in that congregation was the Sharp family. She met, fell in love and six months later married Randolph Sherman Sharp on Dec. 17, 1934. They had three children, Evelynne Lee, Randolph Edward and Joel Martin.
Leora had many jobs besides wife and mother. She was also a pastor, school teacher, principal and district school superintendent.
Randolph supported her with prayer and unwavering emotional support.
Leora leaves memories of storytelling, courage and the love of the Lord. She said that "The Lord gave her a double portion of love." And that love she gave to her family, friends, students, church members and her community.
She is survived by her sons and their wives, Randolph E. and Betty Sharp and Joel Martin and Kathy Sharp; grandchildren: Ron and Jeannine Sharp, Bob and Jeannette Sessions, Lori Prout, Ed, Steven and Jamie Sharp; great-grandchildren: Mike and Kerri Sharp, Josh and Arrow Norton, Leland and Tawsha Mashak, Terra Sharp, Robbie Sessions, Rainbow Sessions, Katherine and Jessie Prout; great-great grandchildren, Brandon and Levi Norton and Alaina Mashak.
Leora was preceded in death by her husband, Randolph, and her daughter, Evelynne.
Contributions in Leora's memory may be made to the Nazarene Church in care of Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834.
Larry Graves
Larry A. Graves, 66, a longtime Baker City resident, died July 26, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His funeral will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Pastor Bill Cox of McEwen Bible Fellowship will officiate. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Visitations will be today until 8 p.m. at Gray's West & Co.
Larry was born March 12, 1936, in Baker City to Lawrence and Emma Graves. Though born in Baker City, Larry lived with his family at Sumpter at the time, and he continued to make his home there until his mid 20s, when he moved to Baker.
Larry was a mill worker for much of his life, working at Ellingson Lumber for quite a while, and after that for Malheur Lumber in John Day. Later in his life he became a ranch hand for the Phillips Ranch, where he remained until his retirement.
Larry and his wife, Roberta Calloway, raised one son, Norm, and two daughters, Trudy and Lorraine.
Larry loved hunting and fishing and just being in the outdoors. He especially enjoyed getting together with his family during their annual hunting trips. He also was a lifetime member of the Friends of the Sumpter Valley Dredge.
Larry is survived by his wife, Roberta; his mother, Emma Graves; his son, Norm; two daughters, Trudy and Lorraine; and four sisters, Dorothy, Marie, Pat and Sandy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Graves.
Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to the Friends of the Sumpter Valley Dredge in care of Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
David Scott
David Phillip Scott, 67, of Ontario, and a former Haines resident, died July 23, 2002, at Holy Rosary Medical Center.
His memorial service will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Haines. Pastors Sally Wiens and Mike Allen will officiate.
David was born March 3, 1935, at Haines to Raymond Earl and Georgia (Jaroman) Scott.
He found his house 17 years ago with Louise Pierce and they have been devoted to each ever since.
David worked the past 14 years at Bellows Construction in Ontario as a truck driver. He loved collecting collector cars and trucks, and full-size antique trucks.
He is survived by his mother, Georgia Scott of Haines; his partner, Louise Pierce of Ontario, and her seven children; a daughter, Diana Grende of Union; a son, Mike Scott of Baker City; a brother, Paul Scott of Haines; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Scott.
Contributions in David's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross in care of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette, Idaho 83661.
Della P. Baker
Della P. Baker, 105, a longtime Baker City resident, died Saturday, July 20, 2002, at the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center in La Grande.
Her funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel. The Rev. Susan Barnes of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Vault interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Mrs. Baker was born April 8, 1897 to Tom and Sarah (Davis) Thomas in Carroll, Neb. She attended a country school near her hometown. When she was 20 years old, and still in Carroll, she married Othal Baker. Othal worked as a farmer in Carroll for a good many years while the couple raised their four children, Delmar, Della May, Viola and Eldon. In 1940 they moved to Baker City where Othal became a contractor. The couple lived the rest of their lives in Baker City.
She loved gardening and was a "professional" babysitter. She once proclaimed to a reporter that she had changed the diapers of 92 percent of the businessmen in Baker City. She had been a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary in Baker since 1975.
Mrs. Baker is survived by a son, Delmar Baker and his wife, Mary Anne, of Casa Grande, Ariz.; a daughter, Della May Taylor and her husband, John, of Portland; a son-in-law, Donn Ballantyne and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Baker, both of Baker City; 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Othal Baker; a daughter, Viola Ballantyne; and a son, Eldon Baker.
Contributions in Mrs. Baker's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice in care of Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
