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Berna Thomas Manning
Former Madras resident Berna Jean Manning died peacefully at her home in Medford, Jan. 8, 2007, at the age of 77.
She was born Aug. 20, 1929, in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, and grew up in the Spokane, Wash., area.
In 1946, she moved to Madras and married
John "Jack" E. Thomas in 1948. They lived in Madras until 1961, and were later divorced.
She moved to Salem in 1968, where she worked in radio broadcasting sales. In 1977, she married
Leslie J. Manning of Salem, who preceded her in death in 2001. In 2002, she moved to Medford to be closer to her family.
She was small in statue, but huge in heart. She loved her home and took great pride in decorating, gardening and being the consummate host. She valued integrity and loyalty and people knew her as a generous and kind person. She especially loved being with her family.
Survivors include her daughter, Colleen J. Burbank of Monmouth; sons, Robert P. Thomas of Phoenix, Ore., and John E. Thomas Jr. of Ashland; granddaughter, Stephanie McMechan of Portland; grandson, Jake Burbank of Monmouth; seven stepchildren; and five step-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Jan. 13, at the Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service in Salem. Interment followed at the St. Louis Catholic cemetery in St. Louis, Ore. Contributions have been suggested to the Father Taaffe Foundation, P.O. Box 47, Salem, OR 97308. Arrangements were under the direction of Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
E. Bruce McKee
Madras resident E. Bruce McKee died Jan. 11, 2007, at East Cascade Living Center at the age of 95.
Mr. McKee was born Oct. 17, 1911, in Cashmere, Wash., to parents Ellis and Ruby (Cornell) McKee. He was a very good musician and loved to play the piano and organ. Music was very important in his life. In his early years, he had a band and enjoyed those times spent playing with his bandmates.
In 1939, he married
Margaret Walters. They lived most of their lives in Pendleton, then in 2001 moved to Madras.
He worked as a self-employed truck driver for 12 years and owned his own fleet of logging trucks. He then went to work for the Pendleton School District as the bus barn manager and stayed there until his retirement. After retiring, Mr. McKee went with his son-in-law to Africa and worked on farm development projects.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McKee were very active in their retirement and especially enjoyed traveling. He was well-read and always kept up on the latest political issues. He was known as a "lifelong Democrat" who enjoyed conversation on present political issues. Friends remember him fondly as a very kind man.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret McKee of Madras; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ron Thomas of Crooked River Ranch; grandchildren, Shane McKee, Brian McKee, Christian Waggoner, Christopher Powell, Jonathan Powell, Kathy Dube, and Lisa Kuhlmann; 14 great-grandchidren; sister, Jean "Pat" Peterson of Spokane, Wash.; and brother-in-law, Donald Walters of Phoenix, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Alan McKee.
A private family disposition will be held. Arrangements were under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home of Madras.
Ruby Smith
Former Madras resident Ruby Mae Smith died Jan. 4, 2007, of congestive heart failure at the age of 92. She had only lived at her daughter's home in Junction City three weeks at the time of her death.
Mrs. Smith was born Dec. 14, 1914, to parents Walter and Carrie (Smith) Messinger, in their homestead at Opal Prairie. She arrived on her mother's birthday and was the first baby born in Jefferson County. She attended school in Culver and Madras, graduating from Madras Union High School in 1933.
On Aug. 1, 1934, she married
Hulbert Miller and moved to Portland. They had four daughters, Donna, Sherry, Norma and Claudia. In 1947, they divorced and Ruby moved back to Madras.
An old high school sweetheart, Clifford Glenn Smith, looked her up and on Dec. 25, 1949, they married
and combined their families, adding four more children, Ruby, Darrell "Sonny," Judy and Douglas. In 1954, they added Glenda to the family, and in 1968 welcomed Carrie to the family.
Mrs. Smith was a homemaker, and in the late 1960s and early 1970s worked at the Bright Wood mill in Madras. After retirement, she won a trip to Hawaii by selling Avon. Her husband, Clifford Smith, passed away in 1985.
She loved to do yard work, arrange flowers, draw and make crafts. She was a faithful member of the Christian Science Church. On July 19, 1998, she was honored as the Jefferson County Pioneer Queen at the 46th Annual Jefferson County Pioneer Picnic.
After selling her home in Madras, she moved to Redmond and and lived at Reindeer Meadows Retirement Center for two years, then lived in Corvallis for four months before moving to Junction City.
Surivors incude her children, Donna Miller of Portland, Sherry Casselman of Scappoose, Norma Locke of Gaston, Ore., Claudia Allgood of Junction City, Glenda Gassner of Corvallis, and Carrie Hume of Prineville; stepdaughters, Ruby Garside of Prineville, and Judith Cardwell of Athol, Idaho; 22 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, two stepsons, Darrell "Sonny" Smith and Douglas Smith preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held later this spring. Burial was at the Mount Jefferson Memorial Park cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Murphy-Musgrove Funeral Home in Junction City.
Alton Preston Abbe
March 22, 1939 - February 7, 2012
Madras resident Alton Preston Abbe passed away Feb. 7, 2012, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend surrounded by his wife and children.
He was born March 22, 1939, in Big Springs, Texas, to James David Abbe and Susie Elizabeth Butler. He graduated from high school in Harper, Ore., and joined the Army. Soon after, he married
Sharon Nartz, of Ashwood, and they had one son, Brett Abbe.
On Feb. 20, 1970, Al married
Judy Garren of Madras. Al and Judy met while working for KEITH Manufacturing, where Al worked as a welder.
Through the years, Al was a cowboy, rancher, managed gas stations including Leather's Gas Station in Madras, and remodeled and managed apartments they owned. Al and Judy managed Sonny's Motel in Madras for 24 years, and he worked there up until his retirement.
Al enjoyed woodworking, hunting, crossword puzzles, spending time with his family and friends. He was an all-around handyman, and helped his kids with remodeling projects and had a wealth of knowledge to share.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 31 years. He was a real dad, not just a father, and was a friend and encourager to many younger people who looked up to him.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Abbe of Madras; sons and daughters-in-law, Brett Abbe of Madras, Skip and Christy Abbe of Madras, and Brad and Carol Abbe of Sisters; grandchildren, Eddie and Deanna Abbe of Madras, Holly Hawes and her husband Josh Hawes of Salem, Jordan Abbe of Madras, Kendra Heckathorn of Sisters, and Joey Heckathorn of Madras; great-grandchildren, Orren and Daymin; brothers, Ken Abbe, Joe Abbe, and Glen Abbe; and sister, Sharon Barnes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James David Abbe and Suzie Elizabeth Butler; brother, Jim Abbe; granddaughter, Amanda Mae Abbe.
A celebration of life was held at the Madras Elks Lodge Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and The American Diabetes Association in his name.
Timothy Dubisar
September 6, 1953 - February 10, 2012
Madras resident Timothy "Tim" Dubisar passed away Feb. 10, 2012, at the age of 58. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Madras United Methodist Church. A full obituary will appear in next week's Pioneer.
Chad "Bubba" Willis Hamilton
March 28 1974 - January 6, 2012
Chad "Bubba" Willis Hamilton, 37, our loving son, father, brother and friend, went to live with God and his papa on Jan. 6, 2012. He was born March 28, 1974.
Chad lived life full of love, kindness and giving. He never gave up no matter what. In return, he was given a beautiful son that fulfilled his every dream of love and life. His son was always No. 1.
Bubba loved to read and play with his son, bowl, ride four-wheelers, fish, hunt, camp and laugh. He was a rancher and greatest uncle and babysitter to his "baby girl" and "Cody Man."
On Jan. 11, a beautiful service was given by Philip David at Bel-Air Funeral Home, with family and friends from Warm Springs. Then, Sheriff Adkins led the truck bringing Bubba home to the Metolius Methodist cemetery followed by over 200 cars filled with family and friends.
A final pass through a bridge of love, made by the honor guard of hundreds of friends, family and brothers where Pastor Janet Farrell, my dear friend Wilson Wewa, and the longhouse Washat spiritual singers made the beginning of Chad's new life very beautiful.
Smile down upon us Bubba: your beautiful 4-year-old son Dan; a mama that loves you dearly, Elaine Boehme; your sister and best friend, Charity Hamilton; Dad and ranch partner, Jim Corey; ranch and coffee drinking partner, Margie Watson; brother, Tearle Stormbringer; sister, Addie Gleason; baby girls, Elizabeth Walton and Cody Man Walton; cousin, Ryan Carter who was like a brother; and many friends, relatives and brothers. Chad knew no strangers. We love you.
Thank you doesn't seem to be enough for all everyone did for us and the love and caring still being given. Thank you to: Madras Bowl, Neda Wesley and Washut singers, Loren at Mail, Copies and More, Bobby McDonald and Kenny, Black Bear Diner, Punky at Beatle Bailey Burgers, Lee Baggett at Rocky Ridge Excavation, Mary and Pam, the United Methodist Church, Safeway Store and Marie for the beautiful flowers, Doug for being personal, Wilson Wewa, Donny Rowan Trenching, Sheriff Adkins and April, Pastor Janet Farrell, Gerald Ballard, Crystal, Paul and sign crew, all our friends and family from everywhere who have shown how much Bubba meant to people everywhere.
Thank you all for sharing our pain, tears and laughter. With all of you around us, and God, we can all heal together. Love from Chad's (Bubba's) family.
Chad's Prayer: Oh, Mighty Creator, abide with me this day, As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Let me fear no evil, Instead, let my spirit leap like the deer, Who evades the young hunter.
Today, my circle of life, Has no beginning and no end, I didn't start the circle and neither did I end it, But, I love you, Oh, Creator, for making my circle, A circle of courage and love.
Let me be judged by my respect for Life, And, by my number of friends and family that I Loved, Let me walk like the deer beside the still waters, As I walk with you, Oh, Creator, Into the beautiful sunset.
Don't cry for me too long; For I will wait for you at the Lord's table, The way you waited for me, And, we will remember the days, We enjoyed life together. By Wilson Wewa.
Ruth Hazel Nordstrom
October 8, 1919 - January 30, 2012
Former Madras resident Ruth Nordstrom of Redmond, passed away Jan. 30, 2012. Services will be held at a later date. Autumn Funerals-Redmond is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rita Lee (Wa-Thlu-Na) Squiemphen
July 8, 1931 - January 11, 2012
Rita Squiemphen was born July 8, 1931, in Warm Springs, and went to be with our Creator Jan. 11, 2012, in Bend.
Rita was a respected tribal member elder and an outspoken Tribal Council member, having served 24 years on council; in that time served on various committees; including, Health and Welfare, Culture and Heritage, Kah-Nee-Ta Board, Warm Springs Forest Products Industries Board, Land Use, and Fish and Wildlife.
She was an outspoken advocate for education for tribal members, tribal member employment, and economic development for the tribal organization. She always expressed a deep passion and concern for the Confederated Tribes.
Although no longer serving as a council member, many tribal members approached her, seeking advice, guidance or words of encouragement. She never turned anyone away and always had a smile on her face.
Rita mentored a lot of the younger people, giving them advice to help them better themselves, sharing ideas, concerns and just keeping up with everyone she came into contact with. She had many friends, among our tribal people, as well as people associated with the tribe. People always knew where she stood on issues; she was never afraid to tell people what she thought.
She took great pride in her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, always encouraging them to finish school, to always stay active with sports, to always follow their dreams and always work hard.
She was an avid horsewoman in her youngers years. She was a jockey, as were the rest of the girls in her family. She could break horses with the best of men and her parents taught her the meaning of "hard work," working on the family ranch.
She was always busy fundraising and her motto was "don't take any money that you could raise yourself" and "don't buy what you can't pay for."
She was a very ambitious lady, always taking classes in the care of horses and other livestock. She organized local clinics for barrel racing, team roping, and other events. She was always generous in sharing her knowledge of whatever was asked for.
She and Earl took in foster kids, helping and teaching them the meaning of "honest, hard work." She also helped many people that had health issues or lost a home to fire by doing fundraising for them. She was always one of those who helped when someone lost a loved one, by baking pies or cakes for their dinner.
Rita was very passionate about her tribe, always looking for ways to help better our reservation and help tribal members. It didn't matter what district you were from, she was willing to help everyone.
She was one of those people who led by example; if she couldn't get results one way, she'd look for another way to get it done. If it was within her power, she'd get it done!
Rita was always looking ahead to the future, trying to find ways to make things better for her family; putting them first before herself. She stepped in when someone lost a beloved mother, giving them the comfort and support they needed. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Earl Squiemphen; her five children, son, Terry Squiemphen and wife Gladys, daughters, Valerie and Earlynne Squiemphen, Sammi O'Reilly and husband Tom, CR Begay and husband Anson, and son-in-law Edison Yazzie all of Warm Springs.
Also, 11 grandchildren, Monica, Gary, Vernon, Phil, Lynn, Amanda Jo, Teri Jo, Chance, Topaz, Blaine and Destry; and 12 great-grandchildren, Gary III, Arrita, Jordan, Jeston, Kalynn, Brody, Aurora, Thyrecia, Zachary, Aaron, Scott and Joletta.
She also leaves behind adopted kids Tom Estimo Jr., Lawrence Squiemphen Jr., Shawna Jackson, Marva Meanus and Lois Squiemphen; brothers, Russell, Alfred Jr. and Wissie Smith; and sister, Ginger Smith, all of Warm Springs.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Sr. and Lucinda Smith; daughter, Priscilla; grandsons, Dan and Thurman; brothers, Sylvester, Jonas, and Roscoe Smith; sisters, Maxine, Gloria, and Della Smith, Martha Frank and Louise Langley.
