Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 23, 2021)
RECORDS AND MORE Saturday, January 23, 2021 Obituaries Community Meetings • LA GRANDE — The La Grande School District can- celed its special board meeting and work session for Wednesday, Jan. 27, due to a lack of topics. Briefs Monthly rimfire silhou- ette shoot open to all LA GRANDE — The La Grande Rifle and Pistol Club is hosting a .22 rimfire sil- houette shoot the first Sun- day of the month through April at the club’s river range on Highway 244 (Interstate 84 exit 252, then 3 miles west on the Ukiah-Hilgard High- way). The next will take place Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. The monthly events are open to the public and begin at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $5. Eye and ear protection is re- quired. Rifles or pistols, with no restrictions on sights. For more information, call Gary at 541-786-0809, go to www. lgrpc.com or visit the club’s Facebook page. LOTTERY Megabucks: $7.3 million 17-23-36-41-46-48 Powerball: $730 million 40-53-60-68-69 — PB 22 x3 Win for Life: Jan. 20 19-26-34-47 Pick 4: Jan. 21 • 1 p.m.: 9-2-7-1 • 4 p.m.: 9-4-0-8 • 7 p.m.: 4-8-5-0 • 10 p.m.: 9-2-2-9 Pick 4: Jan. 20 • 1 p.m.: 7-5-9-6 • 4 p.m.: 2-8-8-4 • 7 p.m.: 9-2-2-1 • 10 p.m.: 0-3-6-8 DELIVERY ISSUES? If you have any problems receiving your Observer, call 541-963-3161. tHE OBSErVEr — 3A Ruthann M. (Raml) Batty 1943-2021 • La Grande Ruthann Maxine Batty, 77, of La Grande, died Jan. 1 at Grande Ronde Hos- pital. At her request, there will not be a service. Ruthann was born March 29, 1943, in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, to Cecil and Ruth (Rob- erts) Raml. She moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho, as a young child. She attended George Fox University and Linfield University, grad- uating from the latter in 1965. Ruthann taught in Val- setz, Oregon, where she met her future husband, Lewis Batty, on a blind date, in 1967. They married on June 1, 1968, in La Grande, where she resided until her death. Ruthann taught home economics in Imbler, then later was a substitute at all the Union County high schools. She was also a rural mail carrier in Cove until her retirement in 2003. Ruthann enjoyed teaching, especially home economics, and was threat- ening to teach the ICU nurses how to knit shortly before her death. She also enjoyed gardening, attending church and spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving relatives include her husband, Lewis; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Lloyd Bristol of La Grande; daughter, Cherryll Batty of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother and sis- ter-in-law, Rick Raml (Marty) of Bend; sister and brother-in-law, Rose- mary and Elvin Mann of Sandy; sister, Rilla Raml of The Dalles; and three grandchildren. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. Lloyd ‘Harry’ Bigler 1926-2021 • Union Lloyd “Harry” Bigler, 94, of Union, died Jan. 14. A military honors cer- emony will be held Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Union City Park. Attendees must wear a mask and practice social distancing to meet COVID-19 guidelines. Lloyd, affection- ately known as “Harry,” was born July 21, 1926, in Kalis- pell, Montana, to Lloyd and Lois (James) Bigler. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland. Harry mar- ried Lenore Rose Lewis. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. and Navy. Harry worked for the railroad, in insurance sales, as a school bus driver, as a farmer truck driver and as a golf course maintenance worker. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and hunting. He received an award from the North Powder School District for his announcing of the athletic events. Harry was a member of the Elks and Amer- ican Legion and an hon- orary VFW member. He belonged to Buffalo Peak Golf Course and served as councilman and mayor of North Powder. Survivors include his son and daugh- ter-in-law, Lloyd and Bev- erly of North Powder; sister, Ginger of Mon- tana; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; and a very special friend, Glenna Sharp. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lenore; son, Wayne; daughters, Susan and Kathy; and par- ents; Lloyd and Lois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union VFW Post, 518 N. Main St., Union 97883. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. Evan D. Schwebke La Grande Evan D. Schwebke, 71, of La Grande, died Jan. 22 at his residence. Arrange- ments are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crema- tory, La Grande. Sherill ‘Butch’ D. Estes 1959-2021 • Elgin Sherill “Butch” Delano Estes, 61, of Elgin, died Jan. 15 at St. Luke’s Med- ical Center in Boise, Idaho. A celebration of his life will take place at a later time. Known as Butch, he was born Feb. 10, 1959, at Tra- verse Airforce Base in Fair- field, California, to Alvie and Haruko (Katoka) Estes. He resided in Elgin, at var- ious military bases in the United States and abroad, in Colorado, then returned to Elgin, where he lived the remainder of his life. He attended schools in the Elgin School District through high school. He then attended community college and received an associate degree in general education. Butch was employed as a U.S. Army 101st Airborne staff sergeant and a drill instructor until his retire- ment, and he also worked for Mid Columbia Bus Company. He received a Leadership and Dedication award from Panama City, Panama. Butch enjoyed hunting, gunsmithing and fishing. When he was younger, he enjoyed football, baseball, wrestling, track and bull riding. Butch lived a full life. He embraced a blended family and never hesitated to help a neighbor or friend. He gave of himself continu- ally, but never compromised on who he was — a huge- hearted man. Surviving relatives include his wife, Emma; children and their spouses, Else and Thomas Carter of Virginia, Michael and Stormy Estes of Texas, Dustin and Amy Estes of Arkansas, Rockne Estes of Arkansas, Robin Kintz of Colorado, Daniel Kocher of Colorado, and Tucker Suitter of Oregon; and an extended family including three children brought into the marriage by his wife, Emma; and 18 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Haruko Estes, and sister, Linda Thomas. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. on a report of gunshots. An officer searched the area but found no source for the sound. 6:47 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle at West First Street and North E Street, Island City, and cited Robert Edward Chap- pelle, 49, on two Mult- nomah County warrants — one for criminal mis- chief and trespass, and the other for two counts of driving under the influ- ence of intoxicants, hit- and-run, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, fourth-de- gree assault and more. 11:08 p.m. — A res- ident on the 1500 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande, reported a theft. An officer made contact and determined this was a civil matter. Upcoming local services Please follow guide- lines regarding face coverings and social distancing at all services. Jan. 23 — FERN WITHERRITE: 11 a.m. graveside ser- vice and interment, Joseph Cemetery. Feb. 20 — HARRY BIGLER: 2 p.m. mili- tary honors ceremony, Union Park. — calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande Public Safety Report WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 7:16 a.m. — A caller on the 900 block of C Avenue, La Grande, reported two dog bites. An officer responded and took a report. 8:49 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2300 block of Q Avenue for a domestic disturbance. Police arrested Devan Ray Phillips, 25, on an Oregon state parole board war- rant on an original charge of assault. Police also cited Phillips in lieu of lodging on a Clackamas County warrant for failure to appear on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, reckless endan- gering and fourth-degree assault and on local charges of domestic violence assault and felon in posses- sion of a weapon. 1:17 p.m. — Local law enforcement received a report of a dead cow along McAlister Road, La Grande. The animal enforcement officer checked the area and found a dead deer but no cow. 5:23 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to the 900 block of Dogwood Street, Elgin, on an assault call. The deputy took a report. 9:05 p.m. — A resi- dent on the 1800 block of Second Street, La Grande, reported a theft. An officer made contact and logged the report for information. THURSDAY, JAN. 21 9:22 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle theft on the 10100 block of Wallowa Lake Highway, La Grande. A deputy made contact and will follow up. 12:24 p.m. — A caller reported possible animal abandonment on the 1600 block of Y Avenue, La Grande. The animal enforcement officer made contact and will follow up. 12:38 p.m. — A La Grande resident on the 2100 block of Linda Lane Be the lifeline patients need — community blood drive set The Observer extra staff and by many stated the Strands. “And LA GRANDE — The local volunteers working in don’t forget the people American Red Cross holds the background to support doing set-up and clean-up.” its next blood drive in La donors. The blood drive is noon Grande next week at the Extra staff from the Red to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Church of Jesus Christ of Cross with many local vol- and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. unteers working in the Latter-day Saints, 1802 Wednesday, Jan. 27. Gekeler Lane. For more Each unit of “It is no small thing to take information or donated blood can to schedule an temperatures (and) register appointment, call save three lives, according to informa- Linda Strand at or escort donors.” tion from the blood 541-963-4261 or go Linda and Sheldon Strand, blood drive drive’s coordinators, to www.redcross- coordinators blood.org. Linda and Sheldon Red Cross also Strand. In 2020, local blood offers a digital drives collected 643 units of background to support donor card via its blood blood, providing blood for donors have made good donor app through which nearly 2,000 people. drives a success amid the appointments can be Successful blood drives challenges of the ongoing made. The app also tracks amid the challenges posed pandemic. lifetime donations and by the ongoing pandemic “It is no small thing to allows a donor to follow have been made possible take temperatures (and) his or her donation on its by the Red Cross providing register or escort donors,” way to a hospital. Menus Union County Senior Center takeout lunches CHILDREN’S FREE TAKEOUT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU Pick up 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1504 N. Albany St., La Grande. For delivery, call 541-963-7532 before 10 a.m. Age 60+, $3 suggested dona- tion; all others, $5. Public is welcome. Inquire about family meals and prepackaged sides. JAN. 25-29 Monday: Southwest chili, layered salad, fresh fruit, cornbread, dessert. Tuesday: Swiss tarts (with bacon, mushrooms and Swiss cheese), broc- coli-raisin salad, fresh fruit, brownie. Wednesday: chicken-cashew casse- role, salad greens, sliced fruit, pie. Thursday: deli sandwich, cup of soup, fruit, cookie. Friday: beef ravioli, Caesar salad, sliced breads, fresh fruit, sherbet. • Free breakfast and lunch for anyone age 18 and young- er. Pick up 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central, Greenwood or Island City elementary schools, La Grande. • Fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit and 1% milk are offered daily. • Served at La Grande schools for on-campus students. LMS and LHS menu is same as Central’s. JAN. 25-29 Monday and Tuesday: no school, no meals served Wednesday: BREAKFAST: hot ham and cheese bagel, fresh fruit; LUNCH: crispy chicken wrap, red peppers. Thursday: BREAKFAST: cocoa puffs cereal bar (at Central and Island City) / yogurt pak with bagel (at Greenwood), apple juice; LUNCH: hot dogs, French fries, cucumber slices. Friday: BREAKFAST: apple strudel (at Central and Island City) / breakfast bar (at Greenwood), fresh fruit; LUNCH: Italian meatball sub (at Central) / chicken and cheese ques- dadilla (at Greenwood and Island City), calico bean bake, baby carrots. reported a theft from a mailbox. An officer responded and took a report. 12:56 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2300 block of Spruce Street for a disturbance. An officer counseled the parties about disorderly conduct, and they each departed. 3:45 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2500 block of Third Street James Oliver (J.O.) Maxwell January 24, 1930 - January 12, 2021 James Oliver (J.O.) Maxwell, 90, of Haines, Oregon, crossed over into eternal glory on January 12, 2021 in his own home, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness. J.O. was born on January 24, 1930 to parents Glenn Hand Maxwell and Melva Arvilla Spence Maxwell in his maternal grandparent’s farmhouse in the Muddy Creek area, west of Haines, Oregon. He was the namesake of his paternal grandfather, James Oliver Maxwell. J.O. grew up on the Maxwell Ranch. His first chores included packing wood, gathering eggs and feeding the chickens. Later, he tended sheep and belonged to the 4-H Sheep Club. At 13 years of age, he began working in the hayfield driving a team of work horses pulling a mowing machine, then driv- ing a grain truck from the threshing machine to the farm granaries. J.O.’s first years of schooling were at Muddy Creek School, a couple of miles from home. There was no high school at Muddy Creek so he moved to Baker City and graduated from Baker High School. During the high school years he worked for the John Deere machin- ery dealer after school. He attended a year at Oregon State College. The following year, he decided to go to Cal-Tech Aircraft Power Plant and Airframe Mechanic School in Glen- dale, California to be a licensed A & E mechanic. The summer before going to school in California, J.O. met a young woman, Sue Williams, while they were each waiting on their sisters to take swim lessons. After becoming acquainted, they began dating and stayed in touch after he went to California. Upon completing aircraft school, J.O. joined the United States Air Force. He served for six years. While in the service, he and Sue married on August 12, 1951 and adored each other for 69 years. They have two children. After the military, J.O. worked for the Maxwell Ranch and for Sue’s father drilling water wells in both Oregon and Arizona. He then worked as an aircraft mechanic, manager of a city airport, became a commercial pilot and flight instructor. For several years, he managed the airport in LaGrande. He did contract flying for the U.S. Forest Service, dropping smoke jumpers and firefighting equipment as well as run- ning the aircraft maintenance and re- pair, flight instruction, ground school, air charter, air ambulance and various other related services. J.O. and Sue relocated to Tucson, AZ where he worked well drilling and house construction. He then moved to Virginia and Tennessee before returning to Haines, OR in the early 1990’s to care for his aging parents. Not one to be idle and enjoying the work of a mechanic, J.O. worked well past the age of retirement. He never met a stranger, was always congenial and when he spoke there came words of wisdom or wit. He lived the life of a Christian in both word and deeds. He earned the respect and love of many across the country that he ministered to through his wise guidance and recordings - he will surely be missed but we know he has reached his eternal destination. J.O. was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn & Melva Maxwell. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Elaine Maxwell. His children: daughter, Kathie Sue Maxwell of Al- buquerque, NM; son, Howard James Maxwell of Beaumont, TX. His sister: Glennabelle Barney and husband Jim of Lincoln City, OR. Grandchildren: Jeremy Black, Andrea Black, Aaron Black, James O. Maxwell, Stephen Maxwell, Rebekah Maxwell, Elisabeth Maxwell, as well as 2 great-grandchil- dren. Honorary pallbearers include: Gerald Maxwell, Cliff Coles, Larry Curry, Larry Rood, George Dudley and Ken Bain. Special appreciation to Pam Max- well for her tender care to both J.O. and Sue last week until other family arrived. J.O. will be missed by many friends and relatives not only in eastern Oregon, but across the nation as well - including special family friend, Mary Craig. Due to health regulations related to the virus pandemic, there is no funeral service at this time. A graveside me- morial service will be planned at a later date. Thank you for all the phone calls and expressions of condolences re- ceived from the community. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Haines Elementary School or a charity of your choice through Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave, Baker City, Oregon 97814. Pam Maxwell is compiling a mem- ory book for the family. If you have a fond memory or a copy of a photo, please send them to Pam Maxwell at 15177 Muddy Creek Lane, Haines, Oregon 97833.
