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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 13, 2021)
RECORDS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021 THE OBSERVER — A3 OBITUARIES Marie (Allen) Hill Stock Jerry Lou (Halsey) Gerber Robert ‘Gene’ E. Fuller 1933-2021 1933-2021 1933-2021 Formerly of Union “Jim” B. Hill, and they Marie Hill Stock, 88, had three daughters and formerly of Union, died Oct. 22, 2021. A celebra- adopted two sons. Jim preceded her in death in tion of her life was held 2000. In 2014, she married Nov. 1 in Mesa, Arizona, Ted Stock of and she was Seattle, and they buried at Par- enjoyed seven adise Memo- years together. rial Gardens Survivors in Scottsdale, include her Arizona. Marie was husband, born July Ted; daugh- 6, 1933, in ters and their Hinckley, spouses, Crystal Utah, to Fred- and Lance Stock rick Allen and Voss, Mer- Thelma (Blake) rily Verhagen, Allen. Her mother died and Lorie and James; when she was 6, and she numerous grandchil- moved to Union when she dren and great-grandchil- and her sisters, Josephine dren; and sister, Blanche and Blanche, were placed Koehler. as foster children in the She was preceded in home of Grant and Ezma death by her parents and Baxter Wilde. Marie was foster parents; sister, Jose- raised in Union and lived phine Zaugg; fi rst hus- there for many years. In band, James Hill; sons, her later years she lived in Jonathan and Lee Hill; Arizona. and son-in-law, Paul Marie married James Verhagen. La Grande Jerry Lou Gerber, 88, of all, she loved to travel, of La Grande,died Nov. 8, the highlight being her trip 2021, at a local care facility. through the Panama Canal. A funeral service will be She was a member of the held Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church Loveland Funeral Chapel, and a charter member of La Grande. the Elks Emblem Club. Jerry Lou, the only child She also was a member of of Herschel M. Halsey and Hope Chapter #13 Order Areta L. (Titus) Halsey, of the Eastern Star, Wes- was born July 23, 1933, in leyan Circle, Rebekah Baker. They lived in Union Lodge #96, Daughters of until Jerry Lou was 2 years the Nile, Eagles Auxil- old, when they moved to iary and American Legion La Grande. She attended Auxiliary. Ackerman and Central ele- Survivors include her mentary schools and gradu- cousins, Ron and Dorothy ated from La Grande High Titus of Union, Norman School in 1951. and Carol Titus of Hawaii, Jerry Lou took classes at Cindy Titus Peterson of what is now Eastern Oregon Newburg, Sharon and Larry University, then worked Vermillion of La Grande, for Evenson and Snyder Jim and Teresa Smith of CPAs as a bookkeeper for Union, and Robin Restel 12 years until being injured and Sandra Vowels of in a car crash. She then Carson City, Nevada. worked for the La Grande She was preceded in School District in the same death by her husband, capacity. Glenn; daughter, Toni; par- On April 21, 1951, Jerry ents, Herschel and Areta; Lou married Dale Niederer, uncle and aunt, Marvin and and their daughter, Toni C. Gertrude Titus; and many Niederer, was born on April cousins. 21, 1954. Toni passed away Memorial contribu- at the age of 40. Dale and tions may be made to Jerry Lou divorced in 1955. Hope Chapter #13 Cancer Jerry Lou and Glenn Research Committee, or A. Gerber were married PAWS (dogs assisting vet- on Nov. 26, 1976. They erans) in care of Hope enjoyed a wonderful life Chapter #13 O.E.S at 1411 together until Glenn’s X Ave., La Grande 97850. passing on Jan. 23, 1995. Online condolences Jerry Lou enjoyed may be made to the family reading, crafting and doing at www.lovelandfuneral- crossword puzzles. Most chapel.com. Formerly of La Grande Robert “Gene” Eugene the United States. He was Fuller, 88, of Hermiston a man of God and always made people feel and formerly of welcome and La Grande, died loved. He always Nov. 2, 2021. had a smile on At his request, his face and was there will not be an awesome a service. hugger. Also known Survivors as Gene, he was include his wife born Feb. 17, of 63 years, 1933, in Weiser, Betty; children, Idaho, to Robert Fuller Dennis Fuller Fuller and Clara of La Grande, (Annsey) Fuller. Roxie Myers He served in the and her husband, U.S. Navy from Steve, of Stan- 1951-1955. He fi eld, and Jim married Betty Fuller of Herm- Collins, and iston; six grand- together they children; and 10 raised three great-grandchil- children. dren. Gene worked Online condolences for the Union Pacifi c Rail- road as an engineer for 34 may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- years. After retiring, he and Betty traveled all over chapel.com. Delta R. (Huff man) Phelps 1945-2021 Summerville Delta R. Phelps, 75, of baking them their favorite Summerville, died Oct. goodies and giving gifts. 30, 2021, in Spokane, Delta enjoyed sewing, Washington, due to com- knitting and wood- plications from a working and short battle with always had a cancer. A grave- project going side service will on. She liked be held Nov. traveling and 26 at 1:30 p.m. vacations at the at the Sum- Oregon Coast. merville Cem- She enjoyed out- etery. A cele- door activities bration of her including gar- life and dinner dening, snow- will immedi- mobiling, horse- Phelps ately follow back riding, at the Odd Fellows mushroom hunting and Hall on Main Street in daily walks in the woods. Summerville. Survivors include her Delta was born Dec. husband, Roger Phelps 30, 1945, in Enterprise, of Summerville; chil- to Mary Lou (Lathrop) dren and their spouses, Huff man. She was the Mike and Sheila Phelps eldest of four children. of Elgin, Nikki Phelps She met her future hus- of Spokane, Wash- band, Roger Phelps, in ington, and Tim and Prineville. They were Jenny Phelps of Sum- married in 1964 and had merville; nine grandchil- three children: Mike, dren and 10 great-grand- Nikki and Tim. They children; brothers and lived in La Grande until sisters-in-law, Steve 1972, when they moved and Karen Huff man of to their forever home Sutherlin and Craig and on 20 acres outside of Kylene Huff man of La Summerville. Grande; nephew and Delta worked for Boise wife, Bill and Tia Koops Cascade in Elgin for 33 of Hermiston; and many years until retiring in other nieces and nephews. 2011. She loved spending She was preceded time with her chil- in death by her mother, dren, grandchildren, Mary Lou; sister, Billie; and great-grandchil- and a granddaughter and dren. She especially loved two great-grandsons. DEATH AND SERVICE NOTICES Richard ‘Dick’ Beedle La Grande Richard “Dick” Beedle, 93, of La Grande and Desert Hot Springs, California, died Oct. 19, 2021. Arrangements by All California Cremation, Palm Desert, California. Coral M. Ward La Grande Coral Marie Ward, 85, of La Grande, died Nov. 9, 2019, at Grande Ronde Retirement Residence. A memorial ser- vice will be held Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at the La Grande First Presbyterian Church. Masks will be required. To join the service virtually, go to www.facebook.com/groups/FPCLa- Grande. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande. Hubert M. Comfort La Grande Hubert M. Comfort, 86, of La Grande, died Nov. 12, 2021, at Grande Ronde Hospital. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. Marjorie Gorham Formerly of Union County Marjorie Gorham, 98, formerly of Union County, died Oct. 13 at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Heppner. A recita- tion of the Rosary and a funeral was held Nov. 12 at Hep- pner’s St. Patrick Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Sweeney Mortuary, Heppner. Melvin L. Buffi ngion Ryan ‘Jorgy’ C. Jorgensen 1980-2021 La Grande Ryan “Jorgy” Chris- Pacifi c Railroad. He topher Jorgensen, 41, of enjoyed skiing, riding La Grande, died Oct. 24, dirt bikes, fi shing, 2021, at St. Alphonsus hunting, shooting and Medical Center off -road drives in Boise. A cel- in his prize ebration of his possession, life will be his Toyota held Nov. 20 at Landcruiser. 10 a.m. at the La Jorgy loved Grande Naza- doing anything rene Church. and everything Also known with his family. as Jorgy, he He was a dedi- was born Aug. cated father and Jorgensen 22, 1980, in family man and La Grande, loved helping to Jerry Jorgensen and out and coaching his Wendy (Lindsey) Jor- boys’ sports teams. He gensen. He was raised in truly had a heart of gold La Grande and attended and would do whatever Heidi-Ho preschool, he could to help others. Greenwood Elemen- Survivors include his tary School, La Grande wife, Jacy; sons, Cole Middle School and La Jorgensen and Cain Jor- Grande High School, gensen of La Grande; where he was on the father, Jerry Jorgensen of football team and wres- La Grande; brother and tling team and won the sister-in-law, Eric and Reno Tournament of Brook Jorgensen of La Champions. Grande; six nieces and He graduated from nephews; and numerous LHS in 1999 then aunts, uncles and cousins. attended two years at He was preceded in Oregon State Univer- death by his mother, sity, where he was on the Wendy Jorgensen; and wrestling team. He mar- grandparents, Elton and ried Jacy Murrill in 2008. Pauline Lindsey, Flora Jorgy worked for Collingwood and Vern Fleetwood, the USFS Jorgensen. La Grande District and Online condolences the USFS La Grande may be made to the Hot Shot Crew, then as family at www.loveland- funeralchapel.com. an engineer for Union La Grande Melvin L. Buffi ngton, 84, of La Grande, died Nov. 8, 2021, at his residence. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD MEETINGS • LA GRANDE — The Grande Ronde Hospital Auxil- iary will hold its November meeting on Monday, Nov. 15, at Island City City Hall. Refreshments will be available at 9 a.m. with the meeting following at 9:30 a.m. All are wel- come as the auxiliary resumes in-person meetings. • IMBLER — The Imbler School Board of Directors will meet for a regular Session on Tuesday, Nov. 16. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Room 1 of the high school. • UNION — The Union Rural Fire Protection Board will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. at the fi re hall. For more information, call 541-910-3114. The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. www.eomediagroup.com An Independent Insurance Agency Trusted Insurance Help Since 1994 Get Trusted, Friendly, Expert Medicare Insurance Help 10106 North C St. • Island City 541-975-1364 • Toll Free 1-866-282-1925 www.reed-insurance.net UPCOMING LOCAL SERVICES Please follow guide- lines regarding face cov- erings and social dis- tancing at all gatherings. Nov. 13 — FRED ERICKSON SR.: 11 a.m. memorial service, Elgin Nazarene Church. Nov. 13 — FLORIECE PAPEN- FUHS: 2 p.m. celebration of life, Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, La Grande. Nov. 14 — CONNIE CARTER: 2 p.m. cel- ebration of life (casual dress), Elgin High School gym. Nov. 14 — TOMMY LITTLE: 2 p.m. celebra- tion of life, Elgin Com- munity Center. Nov. 16 — JERRY LOU GERBER: 10 a.m. funeral, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande. Nov. 19 — CORAL WARD: 11 a.m. memo- rial service, La Grande First Presbyterian Church. Nov. 20 — RYAN “JORGY” JOR- GENSEN: 10 a.m. cele- bration of life, La Grande Nazarene Church. Nov. 20 — CINDY SHIPP: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. viewing, Bollman Funeral Home, Enterprise; 4 p.m. celebration of life, Hur- ricane Creek Grange, Joseph. Nov. 20 — BETTY TURLEY: 2 p.m. cel- ebration of life, La Grande First Presbyte- rian Church; reception follows. Nov. 26 — DELTA PHELPS: 1:30 p.m. graveside service, Sum- merville Cemetery; fol- lowed by celebration of life and dinner at Sum- merville Odd Fellows Hall on Main Street. — calendar cour- tesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande Cindy Lee Shipp (Fine) July 2, 1954 - October 30, 2021 Cindy Lee Shipp (Fine), known to many as Prairie Flower, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She passed away on October 30th, 2021. Cindy was born to Sonny and Darlene Fine in Dayton, Washington, on July 2nd, 1954, and raised in Wallowa County by her loving grandparents, Mildred and Clint Johnson. She spoke very fondly of living and working with her grandparents on a ranch near Elk Mountain. They raised her to be proud of her Wallowa County heritage which included the Johnson, McFetridge, and Kinney families. She felt a deep con- nection with her Wallowa County roots. She also forged many friendships in her early years and treasured those relationships throughout her life. Cindy was caring and compassionate. She earned her nurs- ing degree from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendle- ton, Oregon, and worked as a registered nurse for many years. In retirement, she used her nursing skills to give advice and support to friends and family. Cindy co-founded the first vegetarian restaurant in Corvallis, Oregon, in 1975. The Vanburen Cafe was a place where Cindy combined her love of cooking with her love of friends and fam- ily. She gained many life-long friends and developed her famed Sunburger recipe. She sold the restaurant in 1980 but continued to cook for family and friends throughout her life. Anyone who has tasted her sourdough bread knows the love that went into every batch. Although she was a great nurse and cook, she considered her family to be her greatest accomplishment and loved spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren, great-grandchil- dren, nieces, and nephews. Cindy loved dogs as well as people and was especially fond of her Boston Terriers. Many lucky pups were spoiled by her, and she loved to watch them play with her grandkids. She was very good at fishing as well, and caught and fried up many Rainbow Trout in her day. Cindy also enjoyed travel and adventure. She lived in both California and Hawaii for a time, did a VW bus road trip through Mexico, and was thrilled to travel to Europe and Asia to visit her oldest son and his family. Cindy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 20 years, Norman Shipp. She is survived by her four children; Heather Bowers (John), Sol Warnock (Kelly), Grace Fitz- gerald (Jake), and Bill Warnock (Allie); 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. Her family will dearly miss their in-person visits and video chats with her. She had a way of making each person she talked to feel like the most treasured, important, and talented person on Earth. Cindy was quick to make friends and held them close to her heart. We, her surviving family, want to thank all her friends who have enriched her life beyond measure and comforted us with love and support in our time of mourning. We are so grateful that she made it back to her home in Wallowa County where she was able to spend her final days reconnecting with her dear friends and family. This allowed her to leave this world with peace, love, and happiness. Her heart of gold and an unparalleled sense of humor will be greatly missed by so many. To honor Cindy, a public viewing will be held at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise on November 20th, 10:00 am -12:00 pm, followed by a family graveside service at Prairie Creek Cemetery. We invite everyone who loved Cindy to join us for a Celebration of Life ceremony that will be held at 4:00 pm at Hurricane Creek Grange.
