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EARL 'TAZ' CONNER
Earl Erwin "Taz" Conner, youngest son of Elsie Spokane and Gilbert Edward Conner, passed away Oct. 12, 1999, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington.
He was born Feb. 18, 1938 at At. Anthony's Hospital in Pendleton and was raised on the Umatilla Indian Reservation where he attended District 44, the last public grade school on the reservation, and then graduated from Pendleton High School in 1956.
He attended Boise Junior College prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served his country from Nov. 28, 1956, to July 18, 1972, and was honorably discharged as a Personnel-man, First Class Petty Officer (E6). Awards and decorations included: Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award).
He served two tours of duty in Vietnam on the USS Fox and USS Leonard F. Mason. His Navy career took him to Providence, Rhode Island; Norfolk, Virginia; Rota, Spain; Oakland, CA; Tacoma, WA; Japan and Vietnam.
In addition to his military career, he worked in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, State of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights Division, Smith Frozen Foods, Portland Urban Indian Council, Multnomah County Juvenile Court, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, and various local ranches in wheat and pea harvests. He also studied sociology at Portland Community College where he was active in United Indian Students for Higher Education as President.
He lettered in varsity football as a starting defensive guard at Boise Junior College. At PHS, he was captain for 1955 Varsity Football, was an all-conference tackle in 1955, lettered in track and tennis and was a member of the concert and marching bands.
Taz's Indian name was Koots Koots Wapta, after his mother's paternal uncle. His father's grandfather was Alikut, younger brother of Young Chief Joseph.
As a descendant of the Joseph Band, Taz dedicated more than ten years to the development of a gathering and healing place for the original and present-day inhabitants of the Wallowa Valley. His efforts resulted in the founding of the Wallowa Valley. His efforts resulted in the founding of the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center, Inc., a scholarship program, and the Tamkaliks Celebration held annually in July since 1991. He was also active in efforts to revitalize Indian participation at the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and Encampment.
He was a member of American Legion George St. Dennis Post 140 and VFW Post 922, Pendleton.
He is survived by brother Norman; sisters, Leah and Etta; cousin Gordon Watters, all of Pendleton; cousin Irvin Watters of Lapwai, Idaho and Ken Conner, Portland; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Naomi Sheppard, Duane, Cecil and Antoinette Williams.
Dressing will be at Bishop Funeral Chapel at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. Washat Services will begin at 7 p.m. in Wallowa, 209 East 2nd, (541) 886-3101, with burial at Wallowa cemetery, Whiskey Creek Road. A dinner will be held at the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail "Coalition" property following the burial. Everyone is welcome.
The family requests that in lieu of floral arrangements, contributions be made to the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center, Inc., in his memory at P.O. Box 15, Wallowa, OR 97885.
ROGER DECKER
Roger Alan Decker, 63, of Wallowa, passed away Oct. 4, 1999 at La Grande. He was born to John and Helen Decker Jan. 2, 1936, on his grandparents' farm in Vernon, N.J. After graduating from Sussex High School, he left his parents and sister, Jan and enlisted in the U.S. Air force.
While stationed in Spokane, WA, he met Cathy Landis of Wallowa. She was attending Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington. Roger and Cathy were married
Nov. 20, 1957, in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. They had three daughters, Terri Wilson, Karen Josi, Carolyn Harshfield, all of Wallowa, and a son, Gary Decker, of Bend.
After his tours of duty throughout the United States and overseas, Roger retired from the military career of twenty years and moved his family to Wallowa. In that same year, he began his twenty-two year law enforcement career in Wallowa County, during which he served twelve years as Wallowa County Sheriff. Roger's second retirement came on Jan. 1, 1997, and since then he has worked part-time as a bus driver for Moffit Brothers' Transportation in Lostine.
Roger was devoted to public service in many areas including EMT Association, Lion's Club, Search & Rescue, Good Sam Club, and Oregon State Sheriff's Association. Roger had a zest for life and he lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed flying, bowling, hunting, camping, raising horses, and other animals, and shopping for bargains. He also loved holiday traditions and family gatherings with his wife, children and ten grandchildren. Eight of the grandchildren are seven-generation residents of Wallowa County.
Survivors include his wife, Cathy Landis Decker of Wallowa; children, Terri Wilson and husband Warren and children Jeromy, Amanda, and Andrew of Wallowa; Karen Josi and husband Larry, children Amber, and Charisse of Wallowa; Carolyn Harshfield and husband Mike, children, Ryan, Tyler and Taylor of Wallowa; Gary Decker and wife Suzie, children, Sarah and John of Bend, Gary is a Sergeant with the Deschutes County Sheriff Department; sister, Jan Phillips of Bainbridge, New York, and many other relatives. His father, John Decker, preceded him in death.
A Celebration of Life was held at the First Baptist Church in Enterprise, with Pastor John Jefferies, Wallowa Assembly of God Minister, officiating, with a military ritual by Oregon State Police. Vault internment was in Wallowa cemetery. Bollman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Margaret McFarland
Margaret H. McFarland, 84, of La Grande died Dec. 15, 1999, at the Wallowa Valley Care Center.
She was born March 5, 1915, at Hoquiam, WA, the daughter of John and Ann "Gunhild" Norlund. She married
August Sperling in 1934 and they operated Cherry's florist until his death in 1967. In 1971 she met and married
Robert "Mac" McFarland.
She is survived by her husband Mac of La Grande and Enterprise; son Ted Sperling of Newport, WA; daughters Marilyn Holt of Joseph, and Carolyn Dutcher of Umatilla; one sister, Ann Smith; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Private family services were held Saturday, Dec. 18, with interment at the Enterprise cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the La Grande Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one's choice in care of the Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St., Enterprise, OR 97828.
KATHRYN JOSCELYN
Kathryn Cress Joscelyn, 94, of Halfway died June 6, 2000.
Kathryn was born Feb. 20, 1906, in Portland, to Leona and Harry Cress. She attended high school and Reed College in Portland. She married
William Joscelyn and lived several years in Pescadero, Calif. After his death she moved to eastern Oregon and lived in Baker City, Halfway and Joseph. She served two years in the WAAF during WWII.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Warren and her sister Elizabeth. She is survived by brothers John Cress of Baker City and Don Cress of Grants Pass and several nieces and nephews.
She loved the outdoors, working on ranches with horses and hiking in the beautiful Wallowa mountains.
Services will be announced by the family at a later date.
ESTHER MARTIN
Esther Evadeen Biggs Martin, 85, died June 6, 2000, in Baker City.
She was born Sept.7, 1914, in Evans, Oregon to Elmer M. Biggs and Minnie Larsen Biggs, the second of four daughters.
She received her education in Wallowa. She graduated from Wallowa High School in 1931 and was married
to Vern L. Martin in Wallowa on Nov. 22, 1935.
Evadeen was a devoted homemaker until the death of her husband, Vern, in 1963. At that time she went to work at Neuberger and Heilner as the bookkeeper. She continued in that position until the store closed and she retired. Evadeen was active in the Presbyterian Church and the Soroptomists of Baker City. She enjoyed bowling and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ninnie Biggs; her sisters, Mabel Hill and Harriet Biggs; and her husband, Vern Martin.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and John Paradis of Maryland; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Carol Martin of Baker City; her three grandchildren, Jim Martin of Portland, Karen Martin of Corvallis and Mike Martin of Baker Cit;y and two nephews, Peter and Richard Paradis.
Graveside services and internment were held Tuesday, June 13, at Mt. Hope cemetery in Baker City. Those who wish to make donations in her memory may direct them to the First Presbyterian Church or charity of ones choice, through the Coles-Strommer Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR. 97814.
KEITH SHEVLIN
Keith Bruce Shevlin, 78, died in Clarkston, Washington on June 11, 2000.
He was born February 7, 1922 in Enterprise to Frank Allen Shevlin and Minnie Minerva (Marks) Shevlin, homesteaders homesteaders on the Imnaha.
He married
Clara (Aschenbrenner) Shevlin on Sept. 24, 1943, and worked as shop foreman at Boise Cascade.
Survivors include his wife, Clara, Clarkston; daughter Keitha Shevlin of La Grande; stepson Ed Young, Kamiah, Idaho; stepdaughter Myradeen Christensen, Elgin; stepson, Doug Young, Clatskanie; sister Frieda Ward, Boise, Idaho; sister Rubye Dorsey, Gresham; sister Rita Lee Aschenbrenner, Enterprise; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
GENERAL KENVILLE
General L. Kernville, 88, of Prineville died on June 10, 2000.
Mr. Kenville was born on June 5, 1912 in Paradise, the son of Joseph Sherman Michael and Mary Anna (Cole) Kenville. Mr. Kenville was raised in Paradise. At the age of 17 he moved to Joseph, nd at 18, moved to Wallowa, where he farmed until 1985 .He retired and moved to Prineville to live near his daughter.
Mr. Kenville married
Leona Anderson in Wallowa on March 11, 1936.
Mr. Kenville is survived by daughters Margaret English of Prineville, Marie Zeller of Wilsonville and Genevieve Fickel and Vicki Rae McDaniel, both of Salem; sons Michael Kenville of Monterey, Calif., Jeffery Kenville of Lakeview and Kevin Kenville, Madras; sister Mabel Miller, Milwaukee; 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Kenville was preceded in death by his wife Leona Kenville on May 10, 1997, his parents, one brother, two sisters, and one granddaughter
Arrangements are under the direction of the Prineville Funeral Home and the Bollman Funeral Home.
WINGERT WALKER
Wingert Dee Walker, 79, formerly of Enterprise, died October 19, 2000.
Mr. Walker was born to Jesse D. and Ruby Hazel (Milhollen) Walker on October 3, 1921, in Enterprise. Wingert grew up and attended schools in Enterprise. On April 16, 1943, he was married
to Marian Francs Isom in Boise, Idaho. From 1942 to 1945, he served in the United States Air Force and flew twenty-five missions in a B-17 as waist gunner. These missions earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.
When he returned to Enterprise, he operated a dry cleaning business for five years. He then became a bank teller for First National Bank in 1951 and worked his way up to bank manager in Moro and managed various banks in Eastern Oregon. In 1961, he moved to Newberg and worked at First Interstate Bank for two years, then transferred to the main office in Portland where he stayed for six months. Wingert then took over management of the Yamhill-Carlton Branch from which he retired in 1983. That same year, he took over management of Mountain View Mobile Park which he continued to do until his illness.
Wingert loved golf, stained glass work, calling Bingo, and time spent enjoying his grandchildren. He was member of First Presbyterian Church and a Life Member of the Elks Lodge in Sherwood.
Surviving and left to honor his life are his wife, Marian Frances Walker of Newberg; two daughters, Janis Drinkwater of Oregon City and Kristy Bauman of Newberg; one son, Craig Walker of Newberg; one brother, Max Walker of Union; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and those who have come to know and appreciate him where he has lived and worked.
His memorial service will be Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Newberg. Committal will be private.
VERNON SIMMONS
Vernon C. Simmons, 79, died Oct. 13, 2000, in Enterprise.
Mr. Simmons was born on Dec. 17, 1920, in Joseph, the son of Ted and Eva Simmons. He attended Pratt and Joseph schools. He was married
on March 14, 1941.
Occupations include milk delivery for the creamery, and working for the Mt. Emily mill and Boise Cascade mill for over 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. After retiring in 1982, he traveled with the Little Swiss Rovers, the Wallowa Valley Bucking 4's, and wintered in Arizona and Portland on occasion.
His survivors include his wife of 59 years, Norma L. Dietrich; one son, Dennis Simmons of Enterprise; two daughters, Freda F. Curtis of Vale and Joyce A. Wren of Sheridan; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Teddy D. Simmons, Edward L. Simmons and Marvin G. Simmons.
Services were held Oct. 17. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Fund.
J. PAUL ROPER
J. Paul "Shorty" Roper died Oct. 20, 2000, at the home of his daughter in Wallowa.
He was born March 7, 1908, to Robert S. Roper and Jane E. Roland-Roper in Verden, Okla.
He moved to California in 1934 where he met and married
Clarcie Brichfield in 1939. They raised six children there, and he worked as farmer, ranch hand and heavy equipment operator. Paul moved to Wallowa County in 1966 and has lived here off and on since then.
Paul is survived by four children, Pauline Toney of Maher, Colo., Ruby Bryant of Wallowa, Stan Roper of Maxwell, Calif., and Rick Roper of Rock Springs, WY; and four sisters, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and two brothers, Ralph and Robert Roper. Also preceding him in death were daughter Susie Bryant, son Ronald Roper and four grandsons, Juvi Bryant, and Mark, Scott and Lee Roper.
Interment of his ashes will be taken care of by the family at the the Maxwell cemetery in California on Oct. 27.
LENORE DANIEL
Lenore S. Daniel, 83, formerly of La Grande, died Friday, Oct. 20, 2000, in Portland.
Mrs. Daniel was born on June 14, 1917, the daughter of William Ramsey and Sarah (Holmes) Smart in Murry, Utah. On July 10, 1936, she married
Virgil E. Daniel in Meridian, Idaho.
For many years Mrs. Daniel owned and operated a day care center and also worked as a Real Estate Sales Agent in Portland before moving to Bend. There she served as the President of the women's Council of Realtors. She later moved to La Grande with Virgil where they retired in 1979. He preceded her in death on January 11, 1989.
Mrs. Daniel enjoyed gardening, quilt making, sharing family history, oil painting and fishing.
Survivors include her children, Annetta L. Hook of Portland and Virgil Ennis Daniel of Eagle River, Alaska; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Betty Kelley and Dorothy Brewington, both of Bend; and other relatives and friends.
A graveside service was held Oct. 25 at the Wallowa cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Daniel to the Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care Services in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, OR 97850.
JOHN LEMON
John W. Lemon, 83, died Oct. 16, 2000, at his home in Island City.
Mr. Lemon was born on June 12, 1917, the son of Lester and Edith (Ader) Lemon in Midvale, Idaho. In 1935 he graduated from Midvale High School and on August 20, 1940, he married
Margaret Harmon in Lewiston, Idaho. They moved to Walla Walla, WA, where he worked as a dental technician until 1947, when they moved to La Grande. They purchased Globe Furniture and operated it until 1973. He then owned and operated a cattle ranch for 10 years and also drove truck for RD Mac.
Mr. Lemon was life member of the Masonic Lodge and York Rite Freemasonry in Walla Walla and the Al Kader Shrine. He was a former member of the La Grande Country Club, the La Grande-Union Chamber of Commerce and was a life member of the La Grande Elks Lodge.
Mr. Lemon enjoyed golf and water skiing, was an avid hunter and fisherman and bowled. He was a pilot and owned his own plane for many years. He also owned a cabin at Wallowa Lake.
Survivors include his children, Terry and Mary Jo Lemon of La Grande and Janet and Jeff Frye of Island City; grandchildren Greg and Jennifer Lemon and TJ and Jamie Frye; half sister Daisy Manning of Salt Lake City, Utah; and other relatives and friends. His wife Margaret preceded him in death on March 8, 1999.
Committal and interment took place Oct. 20, at the Island City cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Lemon to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, OR 97850
WINIFRED MCCUBBIN
Winifred Platzoeder McCubbin, 85, died Oct. 20, 2000. She was born March 26, 1915, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Florence Mann and Harold Boyd, and moved to Enterprise around 1919. She was raised by her mother and stepfather William Platzoeder, graduated from Enterprise High School in 1933, and attended one year of college in La Grande. She married
Charles L. McCubbin in 1944.
Winifred held various jobs in Enterprise, including operator for the phone company. She then moved to Milton-Freewater and worked in two drug stores and as a dispatcher for the Milton-Freewater Police Department. After retirement she worked as a part time clerk in Galbraith's Law Office.
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Helen Krieger of Hillsboro and Marian Bauer of Petaluma, CA; brother, Conrad Platzoeder of Williamsburg, Va.; and grandchildren Jeff Krieger, Portland, Kevin Beltzner and Chris Beltzner of San Diego, Calif., and Nicole Bauer, of Petaluma, Calif.
No funeral services are planned. Memorials may be made to the Walla Walla Humane Society, "C" St., Walla Walla Regional Airport, Walla Walla, WA 99362.
MARIE BURDETT
C. Marie Burdett, a long time resident of Wallowa County, died Oct. 23, 2000. She was born Sept. 1, 1902, in Yoncalla to Edward and Clara (Perkett) Meyers. She married
Joseph M. Burdett in 1924 and lived in Wallowa County the remainder of her life on a ranch in between Enterprise and Joseph. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars $4307, Liberty Grange, Rebekah's Silver Lake Lodge in Joseph, American Legion Auxiliary #157.
She loved to fish, hunt and work in her garden.
Survivors include her son-in-law. Frank Guthrie of Enterprise, granddaughter Jan Halverson of Kahlotus, WA, great granddaughters Cindy Richman of Turner and Tina Limbaugh of Pendleton, five great great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, three brothers and two sisters and her daughter Helen Guthrie.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, in care of Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St., Enterprise OR 97828. Graveside services Friday Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. at the Enterprise cemetery.
CLYDE STONEBRINK
Clyde L. Stonebrink passed away at his home in Enterprise, Oct. 19, 2000. Clyde was born in the Leap area of Wallowa County, July 8, 1917, the sixth child of George W. and Grace (Edwards) Stonebrink. As a child, he moved with his family to northeastern New Mexico. In 1934, he traveled to Steamboat Springs, Colo. where he graduated from high school.
Clyde served in the US Army during World War II, spending 42 months overseas. The men in his platoon were his loyal friends and always expressed a special bond with their leader. At the end of the war, he returned to Steamboat Springs where he married
Helen May. They ranched together there for 15 years, during which time he attended Agricultural classes for four years under the GI Bill. In 1961, he and his wife returned to Wallowa County where they continued to ranch and farm.
The many nieces and nephews as well as the neighbors and friends were a special part of Clyde and Helen's life. Clyde's commitment to his country, community and family was unselfish and giving. He served his community on many civic projects, the latest being the Hurricane Creek Pioneer cemetery in Wallowa County.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Helen of 54 years, three brothers, Roy of Yamhill, Earl of Newberg, and Berle of Washougal, Washington, and five sisters, Gladys Biffle of Clayton, NM, Viola Miller of Logan, Utah, Nina Borroz of Vancouver, WA, Geneva Hodges and Frances Tessman of Newberg.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clarence, Elwood, Scott and Harold and sister, Lulu Hampton.
The family request in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Wallowa County Hospice c/o Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St. Enterprise OR 97828.
