Archived Marriage Records
Jack G. ‘Jud’ Judson Jr.
May 27, 1969 - Dec. 20, 2009
Spokane, Wash. - Our brother Jack (Jud), 40, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, unexpectedly of natural causes in Spokane, Wash. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Inurnment will follow at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Cremation and services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Condolences may be made to the family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com. Jud was born May 27, 1969, in Ontario to Jack and Bette Judson. He attended Alameda Elementary and participated in Little League baseball. As Jud got older, he excelled in BMX bike racing. Before starting his senior year at Ontario High School, he narrowly escaped death in a motorcycle accident. After coming out of his coma, he was moved to the Elks Rehabilitation Center in Boise, Idaho. From there, he moved to Puyallup, Wash., to learn life skills at a head injury foundation. Once that step was completed, he moved to Spokane, Wash., for a job placement program. He resided there until his death. Jud was preceded in death by his mother, Bette, in 1981 and his father, Jack, in 1997. He is survived by two brothers and four sisters, Terri Elsberry (Ric), Sandy, Ore., Tony Judson (Mary), Fruitland, Kim Murata (Diane), Cypress, Calif., Sandra Russell, Pullman, Wash., Jackie Judson, Cornelius, Ore., and Julie Judson, Cheney, Wash.; nieces and nephews, Michele Gerard (Jason), Gresham, Ore., Tyler Elsberry, Gresham, Ore., Tiffany Elsberry, Boise, Idaho, Ben Judson and Drew Judson, Fruitland, Lea Murata, Costa Mesa, Calif., Kiana Murata, Cypress, Calif., Lisa Daniels (Mike), Hayden, Idaho, Carina Davio (Joe), Boise, Idaho; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Donations may be made to the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Center or a charity of your choice, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
Thomas James Murphy ‘Tom’
April 5, 1949 - July 6, 2009
Fruitland - Thomas James “Tom” Murphy, age 60, of Fruitland, passed away Monday, July 6, 2009, at his home. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009, at the Assembly of God Church, New Plymouth.
With God’s guidance and promises, Tom’s life was filled with adventures, friends and family. Tom was raised in Gooding, Idaho, by his parents, Vernon W. and Marjorie J. (Warrington) Murphy. With his younger sisters, Gale (Bob) Bosserman and Linda (Jerry) Johnson, they enjoyed life, horses, bicycles, swimming and close connections to grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins.
In high school, Tom met the love of his life, Irene Bush. They married in Gooding on July 9, 1967. They have two daughters, Trina Roley and Shanna (Paul) Johnson.
They graduated from the College of Southern Idaho, Tom receiving his A.S. in automotive technology. They moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1970. Tom worked at Larry Barnes Chevrolet. During this time, he became involved in racing go-karts. In December of 1971, he raced at the National Go-Kart races in California and finished third in his class. In 1972, he became interested in kayaking. This began his lifelong love of running the rivers, and the close friendships that developed have only become closer with time. In August of 1974, with two friends, the North Fork of the Payette River just above Banks was conquered. They ran most of the Idaho Rivers, some for the first time any kayaker had ran them.
In 1981, the family moved to the farthest northern point on the continent, Barrow, Alaska. Tom worked as a mechanic and for the North Slope Borough on the utilidor project. Then he began his teaching career. He was a natural teacher in the wood shop, auto shop, welding and mechanic shop for 13 years. He was his son-in-law’s student teacher and then retired when his son-in-law wanted his job!
When he returned to Idaho, he continued his passion of teaching with the Nampa School District.
Tom looked forward to being with Jesus in heaven. The family wants to express their gratitude to all the doctors and nurses that made it able for him to continue to live his life while in treatment.
He leaves behind his wife; two daughters and one son-in-law; three grandchildren, Jenna (Stephen) Sessums, Shevie Johnson and Jessica Roley; and many nieces and nephews. He will continue to influence many lives through the many people he has touched.
He requested, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to MSTI Cancer Nursing Department or a charity of your choice, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
Patricia Ann Heitz
July 14, 1929 - Dec. 24, 2009
Fruitland - Patricia Ann Heitz, 80, Fruitland, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, at home. Pat was born to Marian and George Doucette July 14, 1929, in Hibbing, Minn. She was raised in Chicago. Shortly after the war, she came west to marry Leroy “Fred” Heitz, and they settled in Fruitland. She and Fred lived in many locations around Fruitland. The Fred-and-Pat construction team built several houses in town and finally realized their dream of moving to a small farm. They lived on the 12 acres they loved until both of them passed away. Her fondest accomplishments included the raising of her three sons and watching her grand- and great-grandchildren grow. She, Fred and her mother, “Grandma Dou,” made trips all around the West and included trips to Hawaii and Guam in their busy itineraries. All three talked excitedly about these trips for years afterward. Other fond memories for her centered around the many friends she made in her years of employment at Ore-Ida in Ontario. She is survived by her three sons, Leroy Jr. “Duke,” Sierra Vista, Ariz., Doug, Woodland, Wash., and Terry, Fruitland; and her granddaughters, Susan Mullikin, Heather Heitz, Danielle Heitz and Rachel Heitz. She is also survived by her two brothers, Duane and Theodore Doucette; and her three sisters, Georgina Federline, Ruth Severtson and Shirley Hutchison. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; her sister, Rosemary; and her granddaughter, Amy. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Haren-Wood Chapel in Payette.
Rufus 'Pa' Taylor
Nyssa - Rufus “Pa” Taylor, 92, passed away peacefully due to the effects of a recent stroke, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Nyssa Gardens with his loving daughter, Linda, by his side. We were blessed to have our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend with us for so many years to make us laugh, share and show us how to age with courage and dignity. Pa was a true southern gentleman. He was the first born to Rufus E. Taylor and Minnie (Kirksey) Taylor in Benton, Tenn. He had three brothers and four sisters who looked up to him and adored him for the fine example he was to them. He was a wonderful combination of gentleness and strength, wisdom and understanding, laughter and love. He was proud of his service to his country during World War II. He enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to a radar navigation crew. His buddy convinced him to continue their training at Mountain Home, Idaho, because he had heard what a beautiful place it was in the mountains of Idaho. You can imagine the look on their faces as they pulled into the train station. Not many mountains in Mountain Home! Pa delighted in telling that story through the years. He did work on the Anderson Ranch Dam and enjoyed seeing the finished project later in life. After the war, the Norwegian transport vessel, “M-S Torrens”, docked in California. Pa fell in love with the West Coast and convinced his young bride to bring their only child to San Francisco in 1946. They had to live in the Willard Hotel for a brief time because no one wanted to rent to a couple with a child. He worked two jobs to earn a decent living. One was at the Owl Drug Store and the other with Swift & Co. Meats. Before long, there was an apartment available at Candlestick Cove (now the home of Candlestick Park) for military personnel. In 1949, they bought a new home in the Shoreview Subdivision of San Mateo. Pa only had a high school education, but due to his strong work ethics and dependable service, he worked his way up in the meat packing business. He was appointed superintendent for the plant in Medford, Ore., in 1953, and retired after 31 years with the company. Upon retirement, Pa and Mom relocated to Vale to be closer to family. They enjoyed their friends there, and Pa filled a vacancy on the city council for a short time. Soon, they chose to store everything and move back to Tennessee to care for family members who were in poor health. In 1980, when they came back, they settled in Ontario to be close to their granddaughters and attend their many activities. Pa and Mom spent many happy years using their travel trailer to go to the coast in search of agates and enjoy the fresh ocean air. They also caught their share of crappie at Bully Creek and catfish on the Snake River. Pa loved to travel and said jokingly how he should have been a gypsy. Every summer, they made the trip to Tennessee to visit family and friends. His happiest times were spent with his family, especially grand- and great-grandkids. Dad was a 60 plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and charter member of the Lions Club in Benton, Tenn. His life was full of unselfish giving, pride in his country and love of God. A springtime graveside service will be held when the birds are singing and the world is full of rebirth. Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters. He is survived by his only child, Linda (Jerry) Taylor, of Ontario; two granddaughters, J.J. (Aaron) Peters and Jaime Taylor; and three precious great-grandchildren, Natalie Taylor Rose Peters, Jared Dennison Houston Peters and Brady Taylor Cradduck. Many loving family and friends also survive him. Our family would like to thank Dr. Fred Stark and staff, the nurses and staff at Holy Rosary Medical Center and Nyssa Gardens Assisted Living, as well as the XL Hospice support team for their loving care of our precious father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Help Them To Hope or a charity of your choice.
Lola (Brown) Tracy
Nov. 9, 1925 - Dec. 7, 2009
Great Falls, Mont. - Lola (Brown) Tracy, 84, Great Falls, Mont., a former resident of Missoula, Mont., and Fruitland, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, with her family by her side, at the home of her son, of cancer. Her funeral was at 11 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1401 Ninth St. N.W. Burial took place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Lola (Brown) Tracy was born Nov. 9, 1925, in Lovell, Wyo., and raised in Salmon, Idaho. She trained as an Army cadet nurse and met her husband, Trand, while caring for him when he contracted pneumonia while home on leave from the military. They were married Nov. 17, 1945, and had two sons, Mark and Ralph. They raised their children in Missoula and later moved to Fruitland to open a drive-in restaurant. They later sold the restaurant and she then worked for a local doctor until her retirement. After retiring, Trand and Lola moved back to Missoula and later to Great Falls to be closer to family. Lola was an avid gardener who loved painting, cooking, sewing, spending time with family and friends and serving others. She was very active in her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All who knew Lola enjoyed her loving, generous spirit. She is survived by sons, Mark (Misha) Tracy, of Great Falls, Mont., and Ralph Tracy, of Stevensville; her brothers, Achillies “Jim” Brown, Dale Brown and Fera “Chuck” Brown; sisters, Doris Hicks and Louise Rice; grandchildren, Shannon Smith, of Boise, Krista (Ryan) Smith, Heather Tracy and Tyson Tracy, of Great Falls, Sara (Mat) Stevenson, of Missoula, Rachel Tracy, of Stevensville, Joshua Tracy, of Ely, Nev., and Lindsey Tracy of Spokane, Wash.; great-grandchildren, Brittany (Adam) Johnson and Ashley Mauss, of Utah, Ryan Reynolds, of Boise, and Kevin and Kody Smith, of Great Falls; and a great-great-grandson, Austin Johnson, of Utah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Trand Tracy, who passed away in 2005; brothers, Scott and Larry Brown; and sister, Curtie Orr. The family suggests memorials in Lola’s name to American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 550 N. 31st St., No. 103, Billings, MT 59101.
Hazel Ileen Wagstaff
Dec. 19, 1915 - Dec. 9, 2009
Nyssa - Following a brief illness, Hazel Ileen Wagstaff peacefully left this life Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the home of her sister, Margery (Farrell Peterson), of Nyssa, where she had been living for the past two years. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of the Owyhee Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a quarter of a mile west of the Owyhee Junction, Dec. 19, 2009, following a viewing in the Relief Society room from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family using their online guestbook at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell, Idaho. Born Dec. 18, 1915, to Willard and Vera Bishop in Provo, Utah, she later moved to Ogden, Utah, where she graduated from school and worked as a secretary. Later, she moved to Parma where she married Lamar Patterson in 1939. To that marriage were born her first two treasures, Patsy and Steven (Wendy Cutler).
When her first marriage ended, she worked for Pond/Renstrom Insurance Agency as a secretary for many years. The emptiness she had felt was filled to overflowing when she married John Wagstaff in 1964, accepting, loving and learning from his seven children, Richard (Cami Bruneel), Larry (Marsha Burgess), Beth (Dean Fields), Linda (Harold Clark), Elaine (Tom Phillips), John (Jenny Kennington Hallenberger) and Susan (Lloyd Saunders).
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; four children, Patsy, John, Beth and Larry; her parents; one brother; and three sisters. She is survived by hundreds of adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, known for the piano and organ music she shared, along with the beautiful quilts and gardens she produced, she was loved and admired by all who knew her. She will be sorely missed but will live forever in our hearts as an example of goodness and love.
Dawn Juanita (Mordhorst) Sparks
July 9, 1959 - Nov. 7, 2008
Boise - Dawn Jaunita (Mordhorst) Sparks, 49, of Boise, quietly passed away, Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, surrounded by family, at her parent’s home in Payette. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette, with XL Hospice Chaplain Fred Bassett, who quickly became someone special in Dawn’s final days, officiating. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences may be made to the family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
Dawn was born to Richard and Barbara Mordhorst, July 9, 1959 in Ontario, Ore. A sister Kelly Ann joined her in 1961. They lost their father tragically in a car accident in 1966.
In 1968, a wonderful man entered Barbara’s, Dawn’s and Kelly’s lives and Byron Champion joined the family and became Dawn and Kelly’s loving dad. Dawn attended Payette schools throughout her education, graduating high school in 1977. After high school, she enrolled at Boise State University. She received her B.A. in business. She worked as a claims examiner for Argonaut Group Inc. from 1981 until 2000, then for Sedgwick Inc. until her illness in March 2008. Dawn married Jim Sparks in 1981, but they later divorced.
Dawn loved her work, Boise and especially her BSU Broncos. She was very fond of animals, especially her cats, Jewels and Tiny, who now live with Dawn’s friends. Dawn enjoyed shopping, eating out with friends and family get togethers.
Dawn is survived by her parents, Barbara and Byron Champion; grandmother, Georgenne Yagar (Bud); sister, Kelly Franek (Ed); her nephew and nieces, Eddie Franek (Ashley), Sarah Franek (Travis Williams) and Sonnie Joe Franek; three great- nephews, Hayden, Braxton and Lander Franek (Eddie and Ashley); and lots of aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins, whom she loved dearly.
She also leaves behind special friends, Becky Holder, Bonnie Hall and Terri Gheen (aunts); Elizabeth Dawn Holder-Rahn and Heather Bennett (cousins); Heidi Cooper, Jerry Lockner, Stephanie Smith, David Macy, Dannelle Bowman and Roxanne Stevens (friends).
Special thanks to XL Hospice for all the wonderful care they gave Dawn and for all the help, support and kindness given to her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to XL Hospice, of Payette, Simply Cats, of Boise or Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
Robert MacKenzie 'Bob'
Sept. 26, 1938 - Aug. 26, 2009
Fruitland - Robert “Bob” MacKenzie, affectionately known as “Papa Hun,” age 70, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at Payette Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Condolences may be made to the family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
Bob was born to Scottish immigrants Robert and Isabella MacKenzie on Sept. 26, 1938, in Mount Kisco, N.Y. His parents gave him life and nurtured those qualities we all treasure — being genuine, loyal, sincere and trustworthy. Bob displayed a rare combination of strength and gentleness that endeared him to all. He served others, teaching by example and raising goals by high expectations.
Bob attended Mount Kisco Elementary School and was a member of the first graduating class of Fox Lane High School in 1957. He attended Paul Smith’s College and the University of New Hampshire. He married Dorothy “Billie” Budnik in 1960. From that union, four children were born — Donna, Robert, James and Scott.
In August of 1975, Bob, Donna and Robert relocated to Payette, Idaho, where Bob and Billie purchased Genoway’s Payette Greenhouses. Billie, Jim and Scott joined them in November after selling their home in Mount Kisco. Bob and Billie owned and operated Genoway’s until 1993. In addition to owning Genoway’s, they purchased a 40-acre fruit orchard in Fruitland in 1983, which they later sold. Billie passed away in 1998.
In 1988, Bob began work for Payette County as an appraiser. He was appointed to the position of assessor in 1989. Bob continued to serve Payette County uncontested for over 20 years and was attending an assessor’s conference in Orofino at the time of his death. As Payette County assessor, Bob held the following positions: president of the Idaho Association of County Assessors (1999-2000), IAC Board of Directors (2001-2009), president of IAC (2004-2005), National Association of Counties Board of Directors (2005-2006), member of IAC Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and member of the Board of Equalization Manual Committee. Bob also worked closely with the Idaho State Tax Commission on property tax rules and implementation of the property tax system for the state. He was generous of his time and knowledge to help county government better serve all Idaho citizens in a fair manner. In 2002, Bob was awarded the Mill-Adler Award.
Bob married Jan Parker on July 1, 2000, in Caldwell, Idaho. Bob and Jan built their home on the land where Bob’s orchard was previously located. Their years together were short, but their lives were full. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. One of Bob’s favorite activities was Friday night dominoes.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman and gardener. His love for the outdoors began at a young age. He enjoyed hunting birds and big game with his sons, grandsons and many friends. Bob acquired his outstanding gardening skills by working side-by-side with his father on Bennett Cerf’s Estate in Mount Kisco, N.Y.
Bob is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Jan MacKenzie, of Fruitland; his daughter, Donna (Dan) Jones, of Ontario; sons, Robert (Sandy) and Scott (Heidi) MacKenzie, both of Fruitland, and Park Erickson, of Denver, Colo. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Alisha (Toby) McBride, Jamieson, Ore., Greg Schaffeld, Ontario, Tiffany (Chad) Cruickshank, of Nyssa, Candice, MaKayla, Scotty, Alexis and Maisie MacKenzie, all of Fruitland; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Peter McBride, of Jamieson; his sister, Jane Paller, of Emmett, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Billie; son, James; and his parents.
To honor Bob’s love of gardening, the family requests that flowers adorn the church, or donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the IAC Scholarship Fund in care of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
Louise Wilson Stafford “Lou”
August 8, 2009-June 4, 1926
Payette - Louise Wilson Stafford (“Lou”), age 83, passed away early on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, in Payette, Idaho. Lou and her twin sister were born in Higdon, Arkansas, on June 4, 1926. The family migrated west in the 1930’s and lived in central California.
In 1944, while working in the Officers Club at Merced Air Force Base, Lou met Flight Instructor Lieutenant Del Stafford. Del’s heart took flight in the presence of this dark-haired, green-eyed beauty, and they had great fun courting. Pianist Skitch Henderson was among Del’s flying buddies, and Skitch was inspired to play for Lou sometimes. Del and Lou were married a few months before the war ended in 1945. During their life together, they lived in northern California, Yuma, AZ (where they owned and operated an A&W restaurant for several years), and in southern and eastern Oregon. They celebrated 64 years of marriage earlier this year.
Lou was a whole-hearted homemaker. She contributed to the household by budgeting, gardening, cooking, canning and freezing food, hauling wood, and sewing clothes for the whole family. She became an expert seamstress and was undaunted by projects such as making drapes for the house, stitching quilts of any size, making tailored shirts or jackets for Del and son, and dresses, blouses and lined wool suits for herself and daughter. She also made dolls, bears, and other stuffed animals for her grandchildren.
Lou loved fabric stores, and she always had a project underway or in mind.
Lou is survived by husband Del Stafford of Ontario, daughter Elaine Stafford of Tacoma, Washington, son Wayne Stafford (Diane) of Weiser, granddaughters Cassie Stafford of Baker and Natalie Longtin of Ontario, and great grandchildren Memphis, Seren, and Tayler. She was preceded in death by her brother James Wilson. She is survived also by twin sister Verlie Davis of Lake Isabella, California, and sister Gussie McBride of Jerome, Idaho, along with numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and caring neighbors.
A memorial celebration of Lou’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 12, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Ontario. The family wishes to express gratitude to Sheri Slabaugh and her assistants in Payette, and to the staff of Heart ‘n Home Hospice in Fruitland, for the loving care provided to Lou in her final weeks. Special thanks also to members of the Nazarene Church who have delivered abundant meals to the family during this time of bereavement.
Bella Lee Wilson
Sept. 19, 2009
Fruitland - Bella Lee Wilson, infant daughter of Katrinda Gonzalez and Tedd Wilson of Fruitland, returned to heaven on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Payette. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Payette. Services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette.
Our little princess only stayed a moment but will be loved and missed forever. She joins her brother, Brodie, to keep him company until we can be reunited eternally.
She is survived by her mother, Katrinda Gonzalez; her father, Tedd Wilson,; and her brothers, Joseph, Elijah and Mason. She is also survived by her grandparents, Joyce Vasquez, Jeff and Candy Oxnam, Jesus and Blanch Gonzalez, and Rod and Sherry Wilson; her aunts and uncles, Jesse and Katie Gonzalez, Luis and Loni Gonzalez, John Gonzalez, Myllissa Reyes, Raymond Reyes, Anthony Gonzalez and Sarah Reyes.
In memory of Bella, memorials may be made out to Katrinda Gonzalez, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
