Cecilia Katherine Elder
Cecilia Katherine Elder, 50, died in Portland Saturday, Oct. 16.
Cecil, as we knew and loved her, was born in Klamath Falls December, 20, 1953 to Eleanor and George Sprague. Referring to herself as a “Catholic School Survivor,” she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Oregon College.
She married her beloved husband, Philip Elder on June 12, 1976. Cecil and Phil shared 28 years, many of which Cecil delightfully recounted in her annual Christmas letter to scores of family and friends.
She worked at the Lake County Library for 22 years, taking over as head librarian and COO/fundraiser in 1989. Recognized for working any room she entered, Cecil was known to go after overdue book borrowers and potential raffle ticket buyers with equal purpose. She was instrumental in working with the library board to create the Library Endowment fund, and vowed to see a “new library built and paid for” before her work was finished. To that end, she requested that contributions be made to the Lake County Library Building Fund in lieu of flowers during her hospitalization.
Often the first to arrive on a doorstep with a casserole or a cake, a bag of books, or a ride to the doctors office 200 miles away, she took care of her family, her friends and her community with enthusiasm, serving on local civic boards, school budget committees, and in service clubs.
Cecil and Phil hated to miss a party and were sincerely happy to attend wedding receptions, retirement dinners and birthday parties to celebrate with friends from one end of the county to the other. Her humorous outlook was a constant in her life, whether it was her job, her family or her survival in the Catholic school she remembered so fondly.
Cecil could make and take a good joke. She embraced her 50th birthday last December with absolute joy and was touched that her friends had already arranged a celebration for her, probably relieved as well that the appropriate observance would not be left entirely to Phil to plan the “surprise” birthday party he knew would please her.
Cecil is survived by her devoted husband and friend, Phil; her adored twins, Doug and Chelsea; and by a loving family of brothers George, Tim and Carl and sister Patty; mother-in-law Genevieve Elder; nieces and nephews; and an endless circle of friends. She was unabashed in her pride and delight when talking about her family: her son the fraternity president, her daughter studying abroad, her brother the rocket scientist. She often remarked about Phil “What a guy,” and meant it.
Celebration of life services will be Friday, Oct. 22 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A potluck luncheon at the Lake County Fairgrounds will immediately follow. At Cecil’s request contributions can be made to the Lake County Library Building Fund, and overdue books should be returned to the library.
Delmer M. “Del” Lepley
Delmer M. “Del” Lepley, 73, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, at Lake District Hospital.
Del was born to Valmer Miles and Ada Mitchel Lepley May 17, 1931 in Klamath Falls. He attended grammar school in Keno and graduated in 1949 from Klamath Union High School. He attended Oregon Institute of Technology majoring in automotive technology and served in the U.S. Air Force from July 1951 to July 1955.
He married Roberta Buckhorn July 1951. That marriage ended in divorce. He married the love of his life, Maurice Waterhouse in August 1974.
Before opening his own garage, the Lakeview Service eStation (where Arrow Realty now operates), he worked for a variety of car dealerships, including Briscoe Motors, Farley Ford and Dan Collins. Though he closed the doors on the garage in 1992, he never truly retired. Until his death he continued to act as a consultant to a variety of people in a variety of ways, and did many small jobs for people despite his physical challenges.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and playing pinochle with special friends Ed and Jean Pierson. He loved spending time and traveling with special friends Chuck and Treva Kelly.
He was anything but ordinary. He promoted volunteerism in the community on a variety of fronts. For a number of years he worked with the local Boy Scouts troop. He served on the Lakeview Town Council for 14 years before accepting a position as fire chief. He retired from that position in 1996, but continued to volunteer for the fire department, ultimately giving the community some 40 years of dedicated service.
Del served as 911 director and was a member of the Lakeview Disaster Unit, certified as an emergency medical technician and as an advanced first aid instructor. He taught many classes for emergency services volunteers and for the general public.
Del’s generous spirit drove him to look for ways to further protect the citizens of Lake County. Along with Connie Nash, he applied for and received a grant to build the current Emergency Services Building. He and former mayor Bob Alger were instrumental in establishing the 911 center in Lake County. He was an Air Life team member from its inception.
He was honored as Lake County’s Senior Citizen in 1979 for his dedication to Lake County and its people. Del took care of his family just as fervently as he did his volunteer responsibilities. He was loved by all for his humor and wit, his gentleness and his wonderful stories. Though his time has passed, Del Lepley’s example will continue to guide others through the future. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Maurice; two sons, Willard of Julian, Calif., and Darrell of Lakeview; stepchildren, Anita Vernon of Portland, Rhonda Rosier of Beaverton, Ron Waterhouse of Lakeview, Julie Adams of Aloha; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service of tribute and love was held Monday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Lakeview Elk’s Lodge. The VFW Layne Clifton Post 4070 participated in the service. Interment
was private. A potluck luncheon followed the memorial services.
Contributions in the his memory may be made to the Hugh Currin House, 2601 Daggett Ave., Klamath Falls 97601; Air Life, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend 97201; the Ronald McDonald House, 1700 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend 97701; or to a charity of the donors choice.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral chapel had charge of the arrangements.
A. Erica Gannaway
A. Erica Gannaway, 96, died at her home in Lakeview Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 from natural causes.
Erica was born to Theodore and Mary (Cornwall) Issajeff in Albert Lea, Minn., on Feb. 2, 1908. While growing up she lived in various places in the United States and finished her education in Florida. She then moved to Columbia Falls, Mont., where, along with her mother and sister, she operated the telephone office. She then relocated to Kalispell, Mont., where she met Paul Gannaway and they were married on Sept. 19, 1936. They made their home in Kalispell until moving to Portland in the late 1950s. From Portland she moved to Lebanon until 2002 when she came to Lakeview.
Erica loved the outdoors. She especially enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. Her last successful deer hunt was at the age of 88.
She is survived by godchildren; Don Jordan of Lakeview, John Jordan of Loomis, Calif., and Erica Covarelli of Truckee, Calif; nephews, Bryant Werner of Bountiful, Utah; John Werner of Silver City, N.M. and Cray Werner of Silver City, N.M.; nieces, Louise Westergard of Bountiful and Linda Smith of Salt Lake City; sister-in-law, Afton Werner of Bountiful and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and a sister.
Contributions in the memory of Mrs. Gannaway may be sent to the Lakeview Disaster Unit, 245 N. F St., Lakeview 97630 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jesse James Lightle
Jesse James Lightle, 90, died at the Lake District Hospital Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004 following a brief illness.
Jesse was born March 6, 1914 in Idalia, Colo., to Andrew J. and Emily Lulu Josephine Stewart Lightle. Jesse was raised and educated in Colorado and Lake County.
He entered the U.S. Army and served in the 1st Calvary in 1941. He was a decorated soldier, receiving the purple heart and a bronze star. He served two years in the South Pacific and was discharged in 1945.
He was married to Pearl McLain July 4, 1947 in Reno, Nev.
Jesse was employed by many ranches in Lake County. He was also employed by the Willow Ranch Sawmill. He went to work for the U.S. Forest Service and retired from that occupation in 1976.
Jesse enjoyed fishing, yard work, and woodworking and hunting until his health would no longer allow that activity. He also enjoyed his family very much.
Survivors include his wife Pearl of New Pine Creek; one son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Debe Lightle of Lakeview; one daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Rich Gage of Lakeview; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother Floyd and sister-in-law, Mabel Lightle of Lakeview and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service of tribute and love will be held at the Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. The interment
will be private at the New Pine Creek Cemetery.
Contributions in the memory of Jesse may be made to the Ronald McDonald House 1700 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend 97701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel has charge of the arrangements.
Verla Jean Humbird
Verla Jean Humbird, 72, died at the Merle West Medical Center in Klamath Falls Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004 following a brief illness.
Mrs. Humbird was born Oct. 11, 1932 in Grass Valley, Calif., to Delbert and Florence Bonavert Ebaugh.
Jean was raised and educated in Grass Valley where she graduated from high school.
She married Jay D. Humbird Feb. 8, l952 in Reno, Nev. The couple came to Lakeview from Sprague River in l996.
She was a tremendous homemaker and enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and the outdoors.
Survivors include her husband Jay of Lakeview; two sons, Daniel Humbird of Grass Valley and Jerry Humbird of South Lake Tahoe; two daughters, Pam Pfalner and Lorrie Hill both of Grass Valley; five grandchildren, one great grandson, one brother Bob Ebaugh and numerous nieces and nephews.
At the request of Mrs. Humbird and her family public services will not be held.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Capel has charge of the arrangements.
Vernon C. “Vern” Ross III
Vernon C. “Vern” Ross III, 64, died at the Lake District Hospital Monday, Oct. 18, 2004 following a lengthy illness.
Vern was born May 4, 1940 in Klamath Falls to Vernon C. Ross Sr. and Margaret Williams. He was raised and educated in Klamath Falls and Eugene.
Vern was married to Deanna Dalebout, Jan. 13, 1956. To that marriage three children were born, Peggy Ortloff, Chet Ross and LeAnna Ivy. The marriage ended in divorce.
` Vern came to Lakeview in 1974 where he was a self-employed carpet layer. He returned to Eugene in 1977 and laid carpet for Rubenstien’s Furniture Store. He most recently returned to Lakeview in 1997.
He enjoyed fishing, wood working and he was an avid motorcycle rider. He was a member of the Eagle’s Lodge in Lakeview.
Survivors include: one son, Chet Ross of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two daughters, Peggy Ortloff of Dorena and LeAnna Ivy of Oakridge and eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marilyn and brother-in-law Dave Christensen, Donna and brother-in-law Floyd Hoyez all of Lakeview and Connie Gastaldi of Klamath Falls along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel. Interment
followed at the Sunset Cemetery in the family plot.
Visitation was held at the funeral chapel on Friday.
Contributions in the memory of Vern may be made to the Lake District Hospital, 700 S. J St. Lakeview 97630 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel had charge of the arrangements.
Phillip R. “Phill” Wagner
Phillip R. “Phill” Wagner, 51, of Fort Rock, passed away Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, of natural causes.
Phill was born on June 23, 1953 in Eureka, Calif., to Ray and Edna (Sharrow) Wagner. He married Elaine Warmington on June 7, 1980 in Eugene.
A Fort Rock resident for 30 years, he worked at the North Lake County School District for 22 years and then retired on disability from the Lake County Road Dept. as a mechanic/grader. He was also an EMT for the Lake County EMS. He helped run the family ranch in Fort Rock, and enjoyed fly fishing, spending time with his family, and playing classical piano (which he was very good at).
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Wagner of Fort Rock; parents, Ray and Edna (Sharrow) Wagner of Fort Rock; son, Jesston Wagner of Fort Knox, Ky.; daughter, Bobbie Wagner of Mommouth; brother, Mitch Wagner of Eugene.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony at the Fort Rock Community Church on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. A private family committal service at Fort Rock Cemetery will be prior to the celebration of life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St. Suite.. 1100 New York, NY 10016.
Ernest Frederick (Fred) Andrews
Ernest Frederick (Fred) Andrews, 83, died at his home in Christmas Valley, Feb. 22, 2005. He had been a resident of Christmas Valley since 1976.
Andrews was born in Salem to Ernest K. and Flossie (Monroe) Andrews Nov. 10, 1921. He served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific fleet on a submarine tender, the USS Euryale for more than three years.
He married Aleine Youngblood June 29, 1947, in Winnemucca, Nev.
Survivors include his wife, Aleine; sons, Ernest (Cliff) Andrews of Christmas Valley, Alfred Andrews of Boise, Idaho, and Richard Andrews of Lebanon; daughters Shirley Gibson of Tillamook, Beverley Phillips of Christmas Valley, Patricia Ellis of Washougal, Wash., and Deborah Beals of Washougal, Wash.; nephew, Alvin Andrews of San Antonio, Texas; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service at Pioneer Cemetery in Salem at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26.
Betty L. Geiger
Betty L. Geiger, 82, a long-time resident of The Dalles, died at the local hospital Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005, surrounded by her family.
Betty was born in Lakeview July 13, 1922. She and her three brothers were born to Enid Leighfield Frakes of Wales, Great Britain, and father John Frakes of Lakeview. Betty graduated from Lakeview High School.
After receiving the Daly Fund scholarship she attended Oregon State College in Corvallis, where she met her husband, Edward Geiger, to whom she was married for 64 years. They met at a Tea Dance while in college and married May 29, 1941 and moved to The Dalles where they took over the Geiger Cherry Orchard in 1948.
Betty was a loving wife and mother of three children. She spent her life creating a warm and comforting home for her husband and children, focusing on their upbringing, taking them to class and after school activities. When not taking care of the family, she was very active in the family cherry orchard, managing the book and payroll, organizing the pickers and was even known to help out in the orchard picking cherries if needed. She was a member of PEO and a self-taught seamstress and quilter, designing and constructing the Cherry Sweetheart coronation robe that was inspired by the Portland Rose Festival’s coronation robe. Her designs were featured at the local art center in 1987 showcasing her many family quilts and hand work designs.
She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Henry, James and Jack Frakes.
Survivors include her husband, Edward J. Geiger; son, John and his wife, Patty Geiger of The Dalles; daughters, Carrol and husband, Larry Clark of Corvallis, Linda and husband Jules Valente of Renton, Wash.; five grandchildren, Carrie, Katie and Laurie Clark and Joe and Maria Valente; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 3 with the Rev. Todd Unger officiating. Interment
followed at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Educational Foundation, 1112 Cherry Heights Road, The Dalles 97058.
Addie Rose Mulkey Martin
Addie Rose Mulkey Martin, 91, died at her home in Alturas, Calif., Feb. 28, 2005.
Rose was born Sept. 26, 1913. She attended grammar schools in Davis Creek, Willow Ranch, Calif., and Union Grade School on the west side of Goose Lake. She graduated with honors from Lakeview High School in 1931.
After graduation she worked for Towers Soda Fountain and for an attorney, Mr. McKinney, in Lakeview. She married Blaine Thornley Martin on Jan. 11, 1934, in Alturas. In later years she worked for the new U.S. Post Office in Willow Ranch and became postmaster in the spring of 1950.
In 1955 she moved with her family to Hyampom, Calif., Trinity County, where she worked for Fosters Grocery Store. Rose finished her working career in Hayfork, Calif., Trinity County, at the U.S. Postal Department and retired in 1983.
Rose loved to spend time with her family whom she dearly loved. She had a passion for gardening, playing pinochle and traveling to the coast. She loved reading a good novel and was a member of the Sisters of Pythian affiliated with the Masonic Lodge.
Her husband preceded her in death on March 18, 1984. In November 1998 she moved to Alturas to live with her daughter Myrnalee Harden and son-in-law Ron.
She was preceded in death by husband, Ron; parents, Grover and Georgia Howell Mulkey; one sister; and two brothers.
She is survived by her three daughters and two sons-in-law, Myrnalee and Ron Harden of Alturas, Judy Martin of Alturas and Donna and Bart Scrivner of Lakeview; nine grandchildren, Ronnie Harden, Jr., of Alturas, Suzanne Eilts of Redding, Calif., Sean Harden of Burney, Pam Bosiger of Redding, Karen Lovell of Sacramento, Calif., Lauri Parent of Sacramento, Bart Scrivener of Bend, Debra Scrivner of Redmond, Teena Cobian of Lakeview; 16 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Louise Huff of Hayfork; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was Monday, March 7 at Kerr Mortuary in Alturas. Dr. Ben Zandstra officiated.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Modoc County Medical Center Ambulance Crew or to the Modoc Senior Citizens Center, 906 W. Fourth St. Alturas, CA 96101. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Alturas Cemetery.
James Heryford Ousley
James Heryford Ousley, 87, passed away Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at Midway Hospital, Los Angeles.
Ousley was born Sept. 13, 1917, in Lakeview to Abner “Abe” J. and Amy Heryford Ousley. His parents raised him in Lakeview, and he graduated from the University of Oregon. He lived for over 50 years in Los Angeles. Ousley was single.
He was a member of the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles and the Elks Club (Lakeview Lodge No. 1536). He is mourned by cousins and numerous friends.
Ousley left his entire estate, estimated at more than $5 million, which includes property in downtown Lakeview, in trust for the benefit of the Amy Heryford Ousley and James Heryford Ousley Educational Fund. Income from the fund will be used to provide scholarships for graduates of Klamath and Lake county high schools attending public universities and colleges in Oregon.
Graveside services were at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, Calif.
Myron H. “Buz” Buswell
Myron H. “Buz” Buswell, 86, passed away Monday, Sept. 24, 2005 from age-related causes.
Buz was born Oct. 20, 1918 in Portland and served in the US Army Air Force as a B-24 pilot in the South Pacific during WWII.
Buz married Jeanne Briscoe in 1947 and together they operated Buswell Flying Service at the Lakeview Airport from 1950-1983. In 1983 they moved to Independence.
Jeanne preceded him in death in January of 2003.
He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-laws, Annette and Dennis Whittington of Creswell and Lisa and John Dahl of Salem; grandson, Thomas Whittington of Portland; granddaughters, Tara Whittington of Salem and Kara Dahl of Eugene; sister, Margaret Fuhrwerk of Ohio and many friends.
A memorial service was held on Oct. 1 in Salem.
Fern Callaghan
Fern Callaghan, 97, passed away at the Lake District Hospital Long-Term Care Facility Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005.
Fern was a life long resident of Lake County. Fern was born April 5, 1908 in Lakeview to Willie O. and Iva Cleland Grisel.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Don and Zelma Callaghan; daughter and son-in-law, Gerry and Whitey Bumgarner all of Lakeview; brother Jerry H. Barry of Salem; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fern was preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, one grandson, two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.
At the request of Mrs. Callaghan public services will not be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake County Senior Center, 11 N. G St., Lakeview 97630 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel has charge of the arrangements.
Loyal George Pierson
Loyal George Pierson, 68, of Deer Park, Wash. passed away at his home on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 after a long and courageous battle with cancer, with his family at his side.
Loyal was born at the Lakeview Hospital on May 2, 1937 to Warren and Helen Johnson Pierson. He lived in Lakeview until 1999 when he moved to Milton Freewater.
Loyal enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 and served a tour of duty in Korea. He received an honorable discharge in 1961 and returned home to Lakeview, where he helped his Uncle Wayland farm the Pierson ranch. He was employed at Lakeview Lumber Company where he worked for thirty years until his retirement.
Loyal was loved and respected by all of his family and made many good friends in the Lakeview area.
He enjoyed carpentering and mechanic work; his favorite recreation was being with his children and fishing in the local trout streams.
Loyal was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
He was preceded by his parents, an infant son, his brother, Larry Pierson and his uncle, Wayland Pierson.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Alicia Hotchkiss Pierson; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Heidi of Spokane, Wash., David and Althea of Spokane; sons, Michael of Spokane and Kevin of Spokane; daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and Terry Kinney of Battleground, Wash.; twelve grandchildren; sister, Linda Duke Borges of Covelo, Calif.; uncle Udell Pierson of Napa, Calif.; aunts, Margie Pierson Jones of Fairfield, Calif. and Dorothy Johnson Rath of Hastings, Neb.; special cousin, Lois Ann Pierson Koefoed of Sacramento, Calif. as well as two nephews, three nieces and numerous cousins.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the family home in Deer Park.
For those wishing to remember Loyal to his family please address cards to Alicia Pierson, 28504 North Cottonwood Rd., Chattaroy, Wash. 99003.
