Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (June 23, 2017)
10 — THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS Local Mable Lee Conley Baker City, 1926-2017 Mable Lee Conley, 91, of Baker City, died June 5, 2017, at Meadowbrook Place. A graveside service will be Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at Mount Hope Cem- etery. A light lunch will be served after the memorial service, at the Methodist Church, 1919 Second St. Mable Lee was born on May 4, 1926, at Butte Falls to Henry Calhoun and Mable Donaldson Cal- houn. Mable Lee was the youngest of four children. She was an infant when her mother died in a tragic death. Mable Lee and her three siblings were taken to Prairie City to be cared for by their aunt. When she was old enough for school, Mable Lee walked two miles to a one-room country school in Prairie City. When she got a little bit older, she rode the bus to town to attend the big school. When Mable Lee was ready to enter high school she moved to Portland to live with her father. While attending high school in Portland she was able to work after school filling orders at Montgomery Wards. After gradua- tion from high school she worked at the Swan Island shipyards. It was not long after that she landed a job at the U.S. National Bank. Mable Lee was an avid roller skater and spent many leisure hours at the roller rink. On the night of Oct. 30, 1945, she hap- pened to be at the Imperial Roller Rink in Portland the same night that Navy ships were in port and the troops were on the loose. Roy Conley was looking for something to do that night so he decided to try some roller skating at the Imperial Roller Rink. He put his sea legs into a pair of skates and ended up on his backside. Pretty Miss Mable Lee made a couple of clever comments and this became a pick up date. The next nine days were spent with dates and court- ships and on Nov. 9, 1945, Roy and Mable Lee were married. After Roy got out of the Navy they came to Baker to visit Mable Lee’s sister, Margaret. The plan was to visit for a month and then move on to Ohio to live. After spending a few days fishing around Baker they decided to stay and go hunting in the fall and then move to Ohio. Well, as you can probably guess, they never made their way to Ohio. Three children were born to this couple: Judy Kay, Kenneth and Patrick. Mable Lee took her role as a homemaker very seri- ously. She was a very good mother. She enjoyed knit- ting, gardening, canning fruits and vegetables and stamp collecting. She volunteered at the Sumpter Council CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Camping Spaces After discussing the other events going on in Sumpter during the eclipse weekend, effectively tying up any available space, as well as lack of staff to clean up after campers, the Council decided not to pursue offering camping Methodist Church and the Interpretive Center, she served senior dinners (which she always referred to as “I have to go feed the old people”), worked at the Courthouse counting election ballots, and she even fed the Cycle Oregon bicyclists when they were in town. Years ago, when Baker experienced brutal snow- storms and the freeway would close, Roy and Mable Lee would invite families that were stranded for the night into their home for a meal and a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Mable Lee is survived by her husband, Roy; her son, Patrick, and daughter-in- law, Karen; her grandchil- dren: Sean, Shane, Mary, Julie, Jessica and Kenneth; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grand- children; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mable Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mable (Donald- son) Calhoun; her sisters, Margaret (Calhoun) Allen and Henrietta (Calhoun) Stancliff; her brother, Oliver Calhoun; her son, Kenneth; and her daugh- ter, Judy Kay. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ron- ald McDonald House. FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017 — Obituaries — Ezra & Erelah; Hideki & Yuuki; Aria Rose, Harper & Hudson); nephews Du- gan and Dennis and Niece Ched. He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, brothers Wan- den & Vaden, half sister Charlotte; daughter-in-law Tommie Rose; 2 nephews and great grandson, Elijah. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception immediately following at the Shorthorn Restaurant on Main Street in Richland. For those who would like to make a memorial dona- tion in memory of Wilbur, the family suggests either the John Day Chapter of Knights of Columbus or the John Day Food Bank through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. On line condolenc- es may be shared at www. tamispinevalleyfuneral- home.com. Wilbur Tracey Ashby, 92, died June 6, 2017, at his home in John Wilbur Day, sur- Ashby rounded by his family. A Graveside Service with Military Honors was held on June 13, 2017at the Eagle Valley Cemetery in Richland, Oregon. Wilbur was born on June 11, 1924 to George W. Ashby and Mary Fern Conner at the family home in New Bridge, Oregon. He was the oldest of three boys. He attended both the New Bridge and Halfway schools; completing the 8th grade. At the age of 16, he was employed in the Cornucopia mines, but was not allowed to be underground because of his age. He was making $3 a day. Wilbur joined the US Navy in Aug of 1941 at the age of 17; He was honor- ably discharged in 1945 and then he re-enlisted in July of 1949. During his time in the Navy, he served in both World War II and the Korean War. He spent time serving in the Philippines, China, Korea, at Palmyra and Midway Islands, Pearl Harbor, and Oahu. His ship, the USS Valley Forge, had just returned to the main land from duty at Pearl Harbor when the harbor was hit by the Japanese. The USS Valley Forge was immedi- ately returned to the battle site where he helped in raising the sunken ships, strip them of their loose gear and clean up the hor- rific site. He received the American Area Medal; American Defense Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal; World War II Vic- tory Medal; China Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Medal. In 1950, he received a Let- ter of Commendation for his outstanding services during battle against the hostile North Korean forces. He was fully discharged from the US Navy in 1957 at the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd class. On August 8, 1953 at Judge Lloyd Rae’s home in Baker City, he mar- ried Carole Lee Moore. Together, they raised four children. Wilbur was employed with Morrison-Knudsen. His drill crew worked on the building of the Brown- lee, Oxbow and Hells Canyon Dams and also for Peter Kiewit as an off the road tire man. In 1969 he became employed with Wallowa Whitman National Forest (Baker Oregon) and then transferred in 1975 to the Malheur National Forest (John Day). He retired from the Malheur National Forest in 1984 –as Road Supervisor (GS12-4) Wilbur became a mem- ber of St. Francis Catholic Church in Baker City in 1961, transferring to St Elizabeth Catholic Church when he relocated to John Day. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and thor- oughly enjoyed baking the sheepherder’s bread for the annual fish fries. He was a member of the John Day Elks Club – enjoyed dancing, fishing, golfing, walking with his faithful dog JJ; helping at the local food bank and sipping coffee with old friends each afternoon. He loved his grandchildren and was blessed to hold his great grandchildren. Wilbur is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carole Lee of John Day; four children; Blaiden (the late Tommie Rose) from McDermitt, NV; Trace (Duane) Andrew; Adele (Cody) Wilson, both of Canyon City, OR; and W. Kevin of Aumsville, OR; 14 grandchildren (Rebec- ca, Kristen, Mary, Brant, Joseph, Adena – Riann, Lucas, Alexandra and Andrea – Cala, Michael, Mitch and Malachi); 28 great grandchildren (Isa- bel, Jacob; Chase J, Cailee & Tanler; Silas; Ian, Asher & Avery; Chase; Tehya, Jared, Jace, Trenton, Trey, Axel; Elliott, Aiden & Jacob; Rowdy & Addison; Jack Young, 58, died at his home in Haines on June 10, 2017. There will Jack Young not be a service, but his cremain’s will be scat- tered at a favorite place of Jack’s. Jackie “Jack” Doil was born on April 29, 1959 in Augsburg, Germany to James “Jim” and Geraldine (Willhite) Young. Due to Jack’s Dad, Jim, being in the service, he attended schools “everywhere,” but graduated from Pine Eagle High School in Halfway, Oregon in 1977. Jack enlisted in the Army fol- lowing high school. Jack was married to Waynese “Tiny,” and they had a son J.D. and a daughter Brandee. He lat- er married Linda Wayne. A fond memory of the two of them, was their pet pig, which they fondly referred to him/her as “bacon.” They later divorced. In 2001 he married Sharon Sorensen. Jack was quite literally, a jack of all trades, he could do most anything. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, gardening and being with family. Jack loved the mountains, he especially enjoyed going to Big Bear to “cleanse his soul.” He loved football, cheering on his favorite team, the New Orleans Saints. Jack was an adventurist and an indi- vidualist. It didn’t matter if he had just met you or if you were family, he would always end a conversation when leaving with “love ya!” He was preceded in death by his mother, son J.D. and nephew Jesse. Fred Lohner Jr., 87, of Baker City died June 17, 2017, just nine months Fred after losing Lohner his beloved wife of 62 years. Fred spent his final days surrounded by what he would describe as his greatest accomplishment in life, his three children. A private graveside ser- vice will be held later this summer in Central Oregon, where he will be laid to rest with his wife. Fred was born in Veneta, Oregon on April 6, 1930, to Fritz and Aline Lohner. Fred was the oldest of two brothers who grew up in the Willamette Valley, graduated from Springfield High School and then served in the United States Army. Fred spent his work- ing career in the timber industry, primarily running heavy equipment. Fred’s specialty was operating Bulldozers and was highly regarded as a Grade-Cat Operator, building logging roads primarily on the west-slope of the Cas- cades. Even into his later years Fred was always looking for a new dozer to tinker with. Fred’s hobbies included hunting and fishing, along with restoring Classic Chevy’s and Bulldozers. Fred married Lorraine Swanson on July 17, 1954 in Springfield, Oregon. They had three children, Jay, Rene and Wyn who were all born in Bend, Oregon while the family lived 30 miles south in La Pine. The family moved from Central Oregon to the Pleasant Hill area of the Willamette Valley before moving back to La Pine in 1977. spaces to visitors. City Burn Pile Armbruster stated he received two more com- munications from Diane Miller detailing more trash dumped—the problem is not improving. After discussion about burn pile use and abuse, methods of restricting access, and processes in other coun- ties, Fire Chief Clarke suggested picking dates in the spring and fall to burn and giving notice to residents to bring their yard debris. The Fire Department would set and manage the fire. Mayor Clarke requested getting information on the new process and burn pile eti- quette together for the next Around the Water Tower communication. Fire Chief Clarke sug- gested putting in a deadline and letting everyone know if the problems don’t go away, the City will shut down this service. Armbruster asked if a sign could be placed with reference to an ordinance. McKinney said that could happen and that it’s a Class C felony to dump garbage where it shouldn’t be. Accountant’s Letter McKinney stated the City accountant sent the engagement letter that has to be approved and signed every year. Council approved the engagement letter from Guyer and As- sociates. Transient lodging tax McKinney explained that transient lodging tax cur- rently goes to Baker Coun- ty. Baker City is planning to withdraw from that and Commissioner Bill Harvey sent out a letter asking what other cities are going to do as the agreement is coming up for renewal. McKinney and Woolf were planning to attend a meet- ing the following morning to find out more. McKinney said the County spends the funds on tourism promotion. Sumpter’s portion is $8,100 per year. The City can opt to keep those dol- lars for tourism promotion or facilities, like restrooms. Woolf stated for a couple of years Sumpter had two events advertised on the outer cover of Oregon Fes- tival and Events magazine Wilbur Tracey Ashby Baker City, 1924-2017 Jack is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Megan and her husband Jacob Ruda, Brandee and her husband Rex Pierce and Amanda Springer; sons Luke and Lance McMillen, Mike Dover and Chris Graves; father Jim Young and his wife Delita Hohimer; 11 grand- children; brothers James Young Jr. and Richard Young; sisters Nancy and her husband Jack Pfaff; numerous nieces and cousins. For those who would like to make a memorial dona- tion in memory of Jack, the family suggests the Baker or Haines Ambu- lance or Baker or Haines Fire Department through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Ser- vices PO Box 543 Half- way, Oregon 97834. On line condolences may be shared at www.tamispine- valleyfuneralhome.com Fred Lohner Baker City, 1930-2017 Jack Young Baker City, 1959-2017 Fred had a passion for Alaska and the family took several trips to the North Country through the years. In 2000 Fred and Lorraine moved to Baker County, where they spent their remaining years. Fred is survived by his oldest son Jay Lohner (wife Connie) of Baker City, daughter Rene Rus- sell (Stan) of La Pine, and son Wyn Lohner of Baker City (Robin). Fred is also survived by seven Grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Aline, his brother Edward and his wife Lor- raine. Memorial contributions can be made to the Nation- al Rifle Association or any organization supporting the Timber Industry’s Sustain- able Harvest Rights. To light a candle for Fred, or to leave a condo- lence for the family, please visit www.grayswestco. com. Michael Irvin Townsley Baker City, 1953-2017 Michael Irvin Towns- ley, 64, of Weiser, Idaho passed away Michael on May 26, Townsley 2017 at the Snake River near Huntington. Arrange- ments have been entrusted to Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel in Baker City, Oregon. On May 3, 1953 in Silver City, New Mexico, Michael Irvin Townsley was born to proud parents Robert Irvin Townsley and Rubye Nell Townsley. Mi- chael graduated from high school at Oakdale Union in Oakdale, California in 1971. For eleven years he worked for Enstar as a pip- efitter, retiring in 2015. Fishing, hunting, woodworking, gunsmith- ing, welding, repairing vehicles and being a jack of all trades were things he enjoyed and excelled at. Michael was a lifetime member of The Church of Christ as well as the Na- tional Rifle Association. Michael’s family will always remember him for being an amazing father, grandfather, and mentor to them. He leaves behind his son Michael Robert Townsley of Salem, Oregon; his daughter Laura Nicole Townsley of Santa Rosa, California and four grand- children. Michael is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Rubye Townsley and his sisters Sherry Brad- shaw and Darla Towell. To light a candle for Mi- chael or to leave a condo- lence for the family, please visit: www.grayswestco. com. and the outer back cover of the NE Oregon Visi- tor’s Guide, among other places. Timothy Bishop took pictures of events and grants were available from TLT (Transient Lodge Tax) funds. She said budgeting is getting tighter and they are not sponsoring those specific events, focusing on the county instead of highlighting individual communities. McKinney stated they would report back to Council with more infor- mation later, including the deadline for deciding.
