Francis Fohl
Francis (Frank) Leo Fohl, 81 of Rogue River, died August 25, 2004 at Royale Gardens in Grants Pass. Frank was born April 17, 1923 in the small town of Cedar Grove, Indiana and spent the last years of his life in the small town of Rogue River.
As a youth Frank spent time in the Civilian Conservation Corp working in the wilderness area of Wyoming. It was there that he began his life-long love of nature and the outdoors.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific on a submarine chaser. It was during the Navy years that he met and married Ruby Jean Bailey in New Orleans. They were married for 57 years when she died in March of 2003.
After World War II Frank joined the Army and was stationed in Austria, Germany, Hawaii (before it was a state)., Washington and Monterey, California. He also served in Vietnam as an advisor during the early years of that war, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star. After 20 years of service in the Army, Frank and Ruby retired to Susanville in 1973. He enjoyed many happy years there fishing in Eagle Lake, making occasional trips to Reno, getting an AA degree and working for the Bureau of Land Management.
Subsequently they moved to Gold Hill and later Rogue River where Frank fished the Rogue and gardened. He and Ruby enjoyed playing Aggravation and Poker and were both avid Giants and 49er fans.
Frank is survived by three daughters: Millie Thomas and husband Philip of Santa Rosa,CA, Barbara Thompson of Sacramento, CA and Janet Schroeder and husband Richard of Santa Rosa, CA; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Dewey and Alice Fohl of Cincinnati, OH.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 3 at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Chapel of the Valley-L.B. Hall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Alessi
Shirley "Midge" Alessi, 85, of Rogue River, made her journey on August 21, 2004.
Private services will be held. Southern Oregon Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
She was born Shirley Bernice Lowery on May 16, 1919 in Brownsville, OR. On January 28, 1939 in San Jose, CA, she married Joseph John Alessi, who preceded her in her journey in 1997. They were married for 59 years. Together they enjoyed a fulfilling life on their ranch in Gilroy, CA where they had orchards and raised chickens and animals. She worked at Poultry Producers and Monarch March Co. in San Jose, CA and in the U.S. Post office in Gilroy, CA. After leaving Gilroy they lived on Orcus Island, WA and Eugene, OR before settling in Rogue River. While in Rogue River she worked as a volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce in Grants Pass, and the Community Center Thrift Store in Rogue River.
She was a member of the senior bowling league in Grants Pass.
She loved to travel and enjoyed lawn bowling and alley bowling. She and her husband were avid folk dancers and enjoyed camping.
Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Easley of Rogue River; her grandson, Dennis Easley of Reno, NV; and a great-granddaughter, Tiffany Easley of Las Vegas, NV; three sisters, Melba "Madge" Silva of Rogue River; Hallie "Pat" Lenz of Texas; and Luwanna Luazon of Hillsboro.
Her brother, Robert Lowery of Eugene, OR preceded her in death.
She was a loving and vibrant lady. Her smile and enjoyment of life will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Roland Furlatte
Roland Furlatte, 90, of Rogue River passed away August 8, 2004 at the Rogue Valley Medical Center.
He was married to his best friend, Mildred Furlatte for 64 years. He enlisted in the Army when he was 20. In the field artillery he was a qualified expert gunner. He received an Honorable Discharge in May of 1936.
When he retired from his position with an oil exploration company in Long Beach, CA, he moved to Rogue River and was happy here for 22 years.
He enjoyed playing Bridge and Chess, did lots of hunting and skiing in his younger years. He loved Mt. Ashland.
In addition to his wife Mildred of Rogue River, he is survived by his daughter Barbara in Palm Springs, CA; five grandchildren, Patty, Sam, Christina, Amanda, and John; and seven great grandchildren.
He will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.
Contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Oregon. A memorial will be held at a later date.
Pete Orr
Lifelong Rogue Valley resident Pete L. Orr, 79, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2004 in Medford.
A memorial service was held on Friday, August 13.
Mr. Orr was born on May 22, 1925 in Rogue River to Vern and Gladys (Moore) Orr.
He attended Evans Creek Grade School in Rogue River and high school in Medford. Pete, as friends and family knew him, entered the U.S. Navy in July of 1943. He served until being honorably discharged at the rank of Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class in April of 1946. Pete married Charlotte Rothboeck in Medford on December 13, 1952.
He worked in construction and was a member of the Carpenter's Union. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an excellent craftsman, builder and handyman.
Survivors include his wife, Charlotte of Medford, son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Mary Orr of Vancouver, WA; daughter Vicki Orr of Medford; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Rick Goodman of Bend; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a brother Ike Orr of Medford.
Memorial contributions may be made to the RVMC Foundation, 2600 Siskiyou Blvd., No. 100, Medford, OR 97504. The family has asked that donations be directed to Hospice or to the Cancer Center; the donor has the choice and may indicate such on the check memo.
William Schulte II
Former Rogue River resident William Edward Schulte, II, passed away August 19, 2004 in Ashland. He was born July 21, 1945.
Bill was a two-tour Viet Nam veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps.
Bill enjoyed traveling most of his life, having lived in California, New York, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and Oregon. But he enjoyed the last few years in Rogue River visiting his mother Gloria Teresa Albrect, who preceded him in death in 2000; his father William Edward Schulte preceded him in death many years ago.
Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Jean (Ficher) Schulte of Ashland and her daughter, Sherry Jean; his sister Lois Ann De Benedetti, his brother-in-law Pat De Benedetti, his nephew Jon De Benedetti all of Rogue River; his niece Darcy Burchell (Portland); many great nieces and nephews; his aunt, uncle and cousins in California, and his aunt in New York.
Bill was the kindest of human beings and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Norm Barnett
Norm "Ed" Barnett, 81, of Rogue River died Wednesday August 4, 2004 at Rogue Valley Medical Center.
Memorial services were held Saturday at the Brookside Village Recreation Center on Wards Creek Lane in Rogue River. Chapel of the Valley-L.B. Hall Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
He was born June 2, 1923 in Long Beach, CA. He married Bulah Teafatiller on November 29, 1942 in Las Vegas, NV. She preceded him in death in 1989.
He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He worked for Aminail Oil Co. in Huntington Beach, CA for 39 years. Upon his retirement in 1985 he moved to Rogue River from Garden Grove. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid gardener.
He is survived by daughters Johnnie Hannum of Grants Pass, Norma Martin of Mission Viejo, CA, and Glenda King of Wildomar, CA; two sisters, Alice Paris of Laverkin, UT and Nettena Giese of Hemet, CA; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Michael Gallagher
Michael F. Gallagher, 61, of Rogue River, died Saturday, August 7, 2004 at his home.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526.
No services will be held. Southern Oregon Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Daniel Lowery
Daniel E. Lowery, 90, of Rogue River died Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at Three Rivers Community Hospital.
Viewing was held Saturday, August 7 at Chapel of the Valley-L.B. Hall Funeral Home.
He was born January 12, 1914 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He married Mary Lee Osborn on April 30, 1937 in Dos Palos, CA. They moved to Rogue River from San Jose, CA in 1974. He enjoyed gardening.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Roger Lowery of Rogue River, three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by sons Danny and Bobby Lowery, a daughter, Patsy Lowery and one grandchild.
Eugene "Pat" Patterson
Former Rogue River resident Eugene "Pat" Patterson died June 30, 2004 in Bothell, WA. He was born February 6, 1927 in Council Bluffs, IA. He was a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant.
He is survived by his wife, Minnie of Bothell; daughters Julie Patterson of Waco, TX and Leslie Peters of Lyndon, VT; grandson, Dale Miller of Bothell; and great grand-daughter, Megan Miller of Bothell.
Stanley Moore
Stanley R. Moore, 84, of Rogue River, died Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at his home.
A graveside service was held Saturday, July 31, 2004 at Woodville Cemetery with Pastor Larry Johnson officiating. A memorial service was held Sunday, August 1, 2004 at Grace Baptist Church.
Contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 4233 E. Evans Creek Rd., Rogue River, OR 97537.
He was born on April 12, 1920 in Inglewood, CA. He was the middle son of five children born to Percy and Mae Moore. He had a normal childhood. During the Depression, he helped with the vegetable gardening, fruit tree orchards and the poultry flocks which were all part of rural life in Inglewood. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in January 1942 and was stationed in the South Pacific on New Guinea and other islands. After his discharge from the service he was in a partnership in a lumber company, then later worked as an insurance salesman and eventually joined the Inglewood Police Department from which he retired. After his retirement, he moved to Rogue River where several of his retired police friends were already residents.
He was a member of Grace Baptist Church for 10 years.
He was an avid reader and became a very well educated person. He was brilliant in history and could spout facts, figures and anecdotes about U.S. and world history. He was also fascinated by archaeology and the scriptures and he had a great sense of humor. He also had a love of "big bands" and classical music.
He is survived by his brother, Arthur O. Moore of Los Angeles, CA.
Bennie F. "Poppo" Baker
Bennie F. "Poppo" Baker, 76, of Rogue River, died at Rogue Valley Medical Center, Sunday, july 11, 2004.
Mr. Baker was born on Nov. 19, 1927 in Canton, SD. In 1973 he moved to Phoenix, OR and on March 24, 1975 he married Lorraine Rapp in Reno, NV, who survives.
He is also survived by four children: Ira Baker and Rick Rapp, both of Central Point, Christy Renfro of Arizona, and Bennie Jr. of Denver, CO. The Baker's have numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Two of his granddaughters, Summer and Holly reside in CA, and one, Rikki-Lynn, live here in Central Point. He was one of 16 children, his four surviving siblings are; Dale, Gerald, Rosalie and Victor.
Eleanor Gilpin
Eleanor Angela Gilpin, 90, of Rogue River, died Tuesday, July 13 at Fairview Transitional Health Center.
Private interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Grants Pass Funeral Alternatives is in charge of arrangements.
She was born April 12, 1914 in Easthampton, MA. She married Samuel Barclay Gilpin on May 20, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY. He preceded her in death in 1983. She was a homemaker. She moved to Rogue River in 1971 from Palo Alto, CA. She was a member of Our Lady of the River Catholic Church.
She enjoyed church activities and enjoyed the potlucks and fellowship while spending winter months in Yuma, AZ.
She is survived by one brother, Stanley Osetek, nephews Steven Osetek and Alan Osetek all of Springfield, MA.
Mary Hench
Mary Hench, 57, of Merlin, died Wednesday, July 7, 2004 at her home.
A celebration of life will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the Hench home 91449 Wildflower Drive in Merlin) with eulogy by Cliff Custer at 5:00 p.m. Southern Oregon Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, Josephine County Chapter, 31 W. 6th St., Medford, OR 97501 or Redwood Dialysis Center, 201 SW L Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526.
Mary was born December 22, 1946 in Visalia, CA. She attended college at College of the Sequoias. on April 22, 1971 at Sparks, NV she married Thomas Hench. She moved to Rogue River 27 years ago and moved to Merlin in April. She had worked as a realtor for 12 years, most recently with Allstate Real Estate as broker and co-owner for the last four years. Along with her husband, she owned and operated Sunrise Water Gardens for 20 years.
She was a member of the National Association of Realtors; Oregon Association of Realtors; Grants Pass Multiple Listing Association; and the Presbyterian Church of Rogue River.
Her hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling, and water gardening. She was completely involved with her family and had a loving relationship with numerous friends locally and elsewhere.
In addition to her husband, Thomas Hench of Rogue River and Merlin; she is survived by three daughters, Sheryl Bonn of Portland; Pamela Bergeson of Denver, CO; and Christina Hench of Grants Pass; a son, Jonathan Hench of Merlin; and five grandchildren, Tanner Guisness; Jonah Bonn, Brody Guisness; Delaney Bonn; and Aliyah Lippolis.
Daniel Ring
Daniel "Happy" Craig Ring, 30, of Rogue River, died Thursday, July 8 at his home.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at Woodville Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Rogue River Community Center Annex Building, 132 Broadway, with Pastor Jeff Shelton officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 W. 6th St., Medford, OR 97501.
He was born January 30, 1974 in Grants Pass. He lived in Rogue River for 20 years, moved to Eugene in 1994 and back to Rogue River in April 2004 to be cared for. He worked as a merchandiser and fork lift operator. He was previously employed by EMC Headwear, Whittier Wood Products and Premier Distribution. He will be remembered for his love of family, loyalty, strength, and sense of humor.
He was a member of the Rogue River Volunteer Firefighters Association. He was also a volunteer football coach at Willamette High School.
He loved sports and enjoyed playing golf, baseball, broomball, football, and hockey. He also enjoyed snowboarding, hiking, scuba diving, sky diving and barbecues. He was a Dallas Cowboys fan and Darrell May fan.
Survivors include his father, Robert Dale Ring of Grants Pass; his mother, Kathleen Irene Hannan; his sister Constance Ann Jenezon, both of Rogue River; his brother, Matthew Jacob Gustafson of Florence; his grandmother, Gerry Miller of Marysville, CA; and grandfather, Elza Ring of Grants Pass.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Herbert Truman Hannan in 1992; and his grandmothers, Bertie May Ring in 1996 and Ruth Louise Hannan in 2002.
Burbank, Jack
John A. "Jack" Burbank, 77, of Rogue River, died Saturday, June 26, 2004 at Three Rivers Community Hospital.
Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, 2004 at River Valley Community Church with Pastor Mark Goens officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
He was born on August 2, 1926 in Redwood City, CA. He went to high school in Redwood City and college at San Jose State in San Jose, CA. On May 29, 1965 in Reno, NV he married the former Jan Blackburn, who survives. He owned and operated J. Burbank and Sons Construction in San Jose for 12 years. From 1983 to 1985 he had Engineering Services in Santa Cruz, CA and was under contract to the city of Saratoga and Capitola. He moved to Rogue River in 1995.
He was a member of the Rogue River Kiwanis; the mounted patrol of San Mateo County; the Santa Clara County Horsemen's Association; and the Builders Exchange of Santa Clara County.
He enjoyed fishing, golf and horses.
In addition to his wife, Jan P. Burbank of Rogue River, survivors include his four sons, Steven M. Burbank and his wife Suzanne; Thomas J. Burbank-Costa; Michael G. Burbank; and Gary R. Burbank; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Whithurst; his father, John Burbank; and his brother, William Burbank.
William Mendoza
William Joseph Mendoza, 80, of Rogue River, died Friday, June 11, 2004 at Three Rivers Community Hospital.
Graveside services were Saturday, June 19 at Woodville Cemetery in Rogue River with VFW Post 4116 conducting.
He was born on November 30, 1923 in Oakland, California. He joined the U.S. Army in March of 1943 and served in the 340th Airdrome Squadron in India, Burma and Central Burma. His decorations included the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal. On December 11, 1947 in Oakland, CA he married the former Lorraine Eva Fernandes, who survives. He and his wife moved to Rogue River in 1969. He worked at various mills. He also owned and operated with his wife Rogue River Aviaries. He later worked at North Valley High School as a custodian until his retirement in 1995.
He was a member of the Teamsters Local #70 in Oakland, CA, and the VFW Post 4116.
His hobbies included exotic birds and animals, reading, playing slot machines, and spending time with family and friends telling stories and jokes.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, Lorraine E. Mendoza of Rogue River; survivors include his son, Mike Mendoza of Roseville, CA; his daughter, Judy Beaumont of Rogue River; five sisters, Jackie Soares and Bobbie Berry, both of Grants Pass; Geri Poletto and Diane Moore, both of Medford; and Carol Holloway of Alameda, CA; four grandchildren, Jess Costello of Reno, NV; Cari Costello of San Diego, CA; Michelle Judd of Wasilla, AK, and Shawn Marshall of Livermore, CA; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Mason.
Rodgers, John
John Rodgers passed peacefully after 82 years on June 21, 2004 of age related causes.
He was born to Charles and Margaret Rodgers October 11, 1921 in Fall River, MA. He graduated from Durfee High School in Fall River in 1940. On December 11, 1943 he married Ruth Braga, his high school sweetheart. He served proudly in World War II as a Naval Aerologist from 1942 to 1945.
He moved to Eugene, OR in 1952 where he and Ruth raised their five children. In 1974 they moved to Ashland and retired to Rogue River in 1986. He was employed in the insurance industry, food industry and retail industry during his work life. He retired as a store manager for Bi-Mart in Ashland.
He served with the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master, and enjoyed camping, boating, traveling, reading, politics and most especially all family activities.
John was an avid and supportive Duck fan for over 50 years.
He will be remembered by his family and a plethora of friends as a gentle, loving, supportive patriarch with an extraordinary sense of quip and humor.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth B. Rodgers, three sons, John Jr. and wife Denise of Jacksonville, Jeffrey and wife Lisa of Ashland, David and wife Kaniz of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; two daughters, Sheila Clemans and husband Steve of Port Orchard, WA, Sharon Harbert and husband Joe of Eugene, OR, 20 grandchildren and many adoring great grandchildren.
John was a lifelong Catholic and a member of Our Lady of the River Catholic Church in Rogue River. A private service will be held in Eugene by his immediate family members.
In place of any memorial contributions, send prayers of peace and thoughts of love to your family, friends and the community that you live in.
Rosemarie Davi
A celebration of Life for Rosmarie Davi was held July 5 at Idle Wheels Mobile Home Estates Club House in Medford.
Rose, 54, of Medford, died Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at her home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Oregon, 7420 SW Bridgeport Rd., #200, Tigard, OR 97224.
Mrs. Davi was born Jan. 24, 1950 in San Francisco to Glenn and Rose Marie (Baxter) Johnson. They preceded her in death. On July 2, 1987 in San Jose, CA, she married Robert Davi, who survives. They moved to the Rogue Valley from Paradise, CA in 1989.
Mrs. Davi worked as a back office nurse in California. She enjoyed water skiing, boating, and helping people.
Survivors besides her husband include a son, Charles Scott of California; a sister, Margie McGinnis of Rogue River; a brother, Dick Rovito of Marysville, WA; granddaughter, Angela Scott; and loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Rovito and a sister, Dorothy Motch.
