Saturday, December 18, 2021
East Oregonian
A5
OBITUARIES
Ted James ‘Teddy’ Baker
Sept. 1, 1994 — Dec. 7, 2021
Stanfi eld
Ted James “Teddy” Baker This was the year that he found
was born in Pendleton, out his middle name was not
Oregon, on Sept. 1, 1994, to Bear. It was devastating. Once
Richard D. Baker
he recovered from the
Jr. and Jamie D.
shock and contem-
(Harvey) Olden-
plated his options,
burg. Teddy was
he announced that
full of smiles
he would “keep it
and laughter. His
anyways.”
fun and endear-
Thanks to youth
ing personal-
sports, awesome
coaches (you rocked
ity earned him
his world, LeRoy
several nick-
VanCleave), and new
names through-
out his life: Teddy
friendships, Teddy
Baker
Bear, Tedward,
found his stride in
Tedster, Special
Pendleton. Every
Ted, Teddles, etc.
year he played baseball,
From early on, Teddy loved basketball and football. He
spending his time with others. was fortunate to play on many
He never wanted to be alone, all-star teams and traveling
even if that meant grocery teams. When his 10-year-old
shopping with mom every All-Star team won the state
week. Thanks to our beloved championship, you’d never
family pet, Mitzi Doodle, seen a happier kid, EVER!!
Teddy always had an available He loved sports! Once he
companion. Without question, discovered college football,
a dog was never loved more. Teddy became a huge Oregon
Mitzi’s role was later fi lled by Ducks fan. To his great
a dutiful, hyperactive Corgi dismay, brother Dannon is a
named Snickers, who had Beaver fan. Ted’s room was
an insatiable need to be with green and gold. Dannon’s
others and was constantly was orange and black (thank
busy. Her and Teddy were a God they no longer had to
good match.
share). As expected, there
For his fi rst seven years, were many Civil Wars in our
Teddy lived in Echo, Oregon, household, along with a half
where he met his lifelong Ducks/half Beavers bath mat
friend, Connor Bettencourt, that stood the test of time, and
at the age of 2. Connor was two opposing stocking caps
exactly three weeks younger that were proudly worn during
than Teddy and much slower several cold winters.
at mastering the fi ne art of
As Teddy and Dannon got
potty training. This meant that older, they both found a love
Teddy received more rewards, for music. They spent years
which quickly revealed his sharing their favorite songs
competitive nature.
and bands with each other.
Everything became a When they were younger, you
competition from then on. could fi nd them sequestered in
His older brothers, CJ and a bedroom or bathroom sing-
Dannon, were his idols and ing along to entire albums.
his main reason to compete. Good memories are made and
He would do anything to remembered with music.
Teddy loved anything
keep up, including learn-
ing to rollerblade at the age physically challenging,
of 3. There was never a dull including skateboarding.
moment at our house. Teddy Unfortunately, this sport
and his brothers were either caused a serious elbow injury
playing sports or competing and two surgeries his fresh-
at sports video games. His fi rst man year. It was devastating.
game controller wasn’t ever Ironically, skateboarding was
plugged in, since there were the only sport exciting enough
only two ports, but you can bet for him that he was able to
that didn’t keep Teddy from continue after the injury.
winning!
Later, after high school, Teddy
The family moved to Pend- took up golf, which he enjoyed
leton in 2001, where Teddy immensely. He shot a hole-in-
met his fi rst love, Mrs. Liz one in 2017! Again, happiest
Nirschl. First grade was a big kid, EVER!! Surprisingly,
breeze, thanks to her! After Teddy found an appreciation
much reassurance that she for professional soccer. Man,
would still be nearby, Teddy did he get into those games!
eventually gave in and agreed But over the years, one of his
to move on to second grade. favorite things was watch-
ing ball games with his dad,
especially football. Those two
spent countless hours together
on a comfy couch, cheering on
their teams.
Teddy never had any fear
from the time he was small.
Well, except for the dentist.
His lack of fear explains how
he ended up working in the
wind energy industry with his
oldest brother, CJ. CJ stays on
the ground, but not Teddy. His
job required climbing up to
400 feet inside of the turbines
(windmills) to fi nish the inte-
rior assembly. He would send
us pictures of him standing
on top of the windmills. He
loved the feeling of freedom!
Working on the road gave
Teddy many opportunities for
adventure, which he was eager
to take advantage of.
He and CJ would attend
games and events, wherever
they were working. But most
of their down time was spent
watching movies, working
out, playing catch and cook-
ing together. When Ted was
on a job without CJ, he would
convince work buddies to join
in his next adventure. He was
so excited when he and his
friends were able to attend
both a Ducks vs. Auburn
game and a Dallas Cowboys
playoff game, while on a job
in Texas. Traveling together
provided good times and good
memories for both Teddy and
CJ. For that, we are forever
grateful.
Everyone knew that Teddy
was fi ercely competitive, but
those who knew him well also
knew that he had a very soft
and caring side. He was gener-
ous beyond belief. He would
often donate to local causes,
while working on the road. He
helped his friends, whenever
they needed him. He found
joy in buying gifts for others,
which, to be completely
honest, occasionally included
some unique items. But that
was Ted — unique. He was
truly one-of-a-kind. He had
a variety of interests and
dreamed of one day writing a
book of poetry. Surely, there’s
poetry in heaven.
Teddy loved dogs, he
loved kids, he loved people
of all shapes and colors, he
just loved love. And he wasn’t
afraid to say it out loud. We
will miss that.
Teddy made many friends
along his short journey and
befriended many of their
families, as well. A special
thank you to the Bettencourt’s
and O’Rourke’s. You showed
Teddy much love and many
happy times. From our hearts
to yours, thank you to every
single person who loved him,
cared about him and contrib-
uted to his life in some way.
He loved and appreciated you,
and so do we.
Teddy was a very special
young man who lost his way
and was struggling to fi nd his
way back. Sadly, he chose to
leave this diffi cult and compli-
cated world on Dec. 7, 2021.
We are completely heartbro-
ken, but we are confi dent that
our Teddy is smiling again.
Family members Ted has
reunited with: great-grandpar-
ents, Wilburn (Bob) Pursel,
Alice (Eva) Pursel and Lucille
Baker; grandparents, John
Dodds, James Harvey and
Richard Davie; aunts, Connie
Baker, Denene (Baker) Davis
and Dawn (Widner) Harvey;
and his beloved dogs, Mitzi
and Snickers.
Family members who will
miss him beyond measure:
father, Richard D. Baker Jr.;
mother, Jamie D. (Harvey)
Oldenburg; stepfather, Derek
Oldenburg; brothers, Christo-
pher (CJ) Kunkle and Dannon
Baker; stepsisters, Maggie
Carter, Sydney and Gracie
Oldenburg and their fami-
lies; nephew, Taigen Kunkle;
g randparents, R ichard
Baker Sr., Suzie Davie, Lana
Dodds-Jacobson, Rick Jacob-
son and Hallie Harvey; and
many aunts, uncles and cous-
ins in Oregon and Alberta,
Canada. And, of course, his
last beloved Corgi, Raley Jane.
A celebration of life will be
held at the Roy Raley Room
on March 12, 2022, at 4 p.m.
We would love for you to join
us and share your memories
and stories. Photos of you
and Teddy would be greatly
appreciated. Copies can be
mailed to Jamie Oldenburg at
216 N.W. Seventh St., Pendle-
ton, OR 97801, brought to the
service or sent on Messenger.
In lieu of fl owers, dona-
tions will be accepted at the
service for local nonprofit
organizations in Teddy’s
memory. He would want us to
bless others. We hope to see
you all there.
Burns Mortuary of Herm-
iston is in care of arrange-
ments. Please share memories
of Teddy with his family at
www.burnsmortuaryhermis-
ton.com.
Alice Lavina (Martin) Saunders
UPCOMING SERVICES
April 6, 1928 — Dec. 15, 2021
Hermiston
Saturday, Dec. 18
Blackburn, Joe — Celebration of life, 2 p.m. in the
Roy Raley Room at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds,
1205 S.W. Court Ave.
Burk, Karen — Celebration of life, 11 a.m. at
Milwaukie Elks Lodge No. 142, 13121 S.E. McLoughlin
Blvd., Oak Grove.
Rossi, Frank — Memorial service, 1 p.m. at the West-
side Church of Christ, 2185 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston.
Sunday, Dec. 19
Reardon, Ethan — Funeral service, noon at the
Oregon National Guard Armory, 900 S.E. Columbia
Drive, Hermiston. Burial with military honors will follow
at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Monday, Dec. 20
Rhinehart, Phil — Graveside service, 11 a.m. at the
Ukiah Cemetery.
Williams, Teddy — Memorial service, 1 p.m. at the
Burns Mortuary Chapel, 685 W. Hermiston Ave., Herm-
iston.
Tuesday, Dec. 21
Saunders, Alice — Graveside service, noon at the
Eagle Valley Cemetery, Richland, Oregon.
Alice Lavina (Martin) decision to move to Hermiston,
Saunders of Hermiston, Oregon, to be near their oldest
Oregon, passed away on daughter, Terrilyn Piquet.
Dec. 15, 2021, in Hermiston,
Flower and vegetable
Oregon, at the age of
gardening was
93 years and 8 months.
a hobby and a
She was born in Rich-
passion for her
land, Oregon, on April
entire life. She
6, 1928, to parents,
enjoyed sharing
bouquets of fl ow-
Herman and Laura
ers with her family
Annavea (Haskins)
Martin.
and friends.
Her parents owned
She is survived
and operated the tele-
by her daughters,
phone company. Since
Terrilyn Piquet
their residence was
(Allen), Hermis-
Saunders
connected to the back
ton, Oregon; and
of the telephone office, she Judith Chapman (Charles),
claimed to be born in a tele- Abilene, Texas; granddaugh-
phone offi ce.
ters, Raquel Piquet (Craig),
Alice graduated from Monique Piquet, Bridget
Richland High School along Hinrichs (Jon), Danielle
with her lifelong sweet- Piquet, Tonya Weatherman
heart, Raymond Saunders Jr. (Brendan) and Amy Alice
Because World War II had Burson; great-grandchildren,
already begun, Ray was serv- Damian Piquet, Devin Piquet,
ing in the Navy when he was Brayden Hinrichs, Brooklyn
granted a 10-day leave, to Hinrichs, Jaelyn Hinrichs,
marry Alice Martin on March Lirian Holden. Annika
10, 1945. She later graduated Holden, Holton Weatherman,
from Richland High School in Ellie Weatherman and Hudson
Weatherman.
May of 1945.
Alice and Ray began their
Alice was preceded in death
life together in 1946, living by her husband, Ray, and her
in Baker, Oregon, where parents.
they resided for most of their
In lieu of fl owers, donations
married life. They soon may be made to Vange John
completed their family with Memorial Hospice Education
the addition of two daughters, Fund or Eagle Valley Ceme-
Terrilyn and Judith. Alice tery.
began working outside of the
A graveside service will be
home when the girls were in held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021,
school. She was the manager of at noon at the Eagle Valley
the S&H Green Stamps store Cemetery, Richland, Oregon.
until it closed. Then she served
Please share memories
in the Baker County Clerk’s of Alice with her family at
offi ce for a few years before www.burnsmortuaryhermis-
being elected to three terms as ton.com. Burns Mortuary of
the Baker County treasurer. In Hermiston, Oregon, is in care
2003, Ray and Alice made the of arrangements.
DEATH NOTICES
Joseph Lynn Lytle
Aug. 16, 1925 — Dec. 11, 2021
Walla Walla
Joseph Lynn Lytle, 96, of Walla Walla, died Dec.
11, 2021, at Milton-Freewater Health & Rehabilitation
Center. He was born Aug. 16, 1925. Arrangements are with
Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home of Milton-Freewater.
Benjamin Michael
Nov. 16, 1954 — Dec. 15, 2021
Pilot Rock
Benjamin Michael, 67, of Pilot Rock, died Dec. 15,
2021, at his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1954, in Pilot
Rock. Arrangements are with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel,
Folsom-Bishop. Online condolences may be sent to www.
pioneerchapel.com.
Donald Robinson
Jan. 6, 1948 — Dec. 16, 2021
Pendleton
Donald Robinson, 73, of Pendleton, died Dec. 16, 2021,
at his home. He was born Jan. 6, 1948. Arrangements are
with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop. Online
condolences may be sent to www.pioneerchapel.com.
Ronald Henry Currin
Aug. 21, 1960 — Dec. 3, 2021
Pendleton & Clements, California
Ronald Henry Currin were instrumental in start-
was born in Heppner, ing his career and allowed
Oregon, on Aug. 21, 1960, him to broaden his cattle
to Ronald Currin and trading network. In 2005, he
found his ultimate
Judy Lazinka
position as direc-
Currin. Affec-
tionately, he was
tor of procurement
known to family
with John Wilson
and friends as
and Beef North-
west. He loved
Ronnie or RC.
He was raised on
what he did and
the family cattle
valued the people
ranch on Butter-
he worked with in
creek with his
the cattle industry.
Ron married
brothers, Tony,
Mike and Steve;
Rayanne Engel
Currin
and sister, Jenni-
in 2005 and they
fer.
divided their resi-
Ron graduated from dency between Clements,
Heppner High School in California, and Pendle-
1978, then attended Blue ton, Oregon. In 2007, they
Mountain Community welcomed twins, son, Riley,
College and Montana State and daughter, Rayna, which
University, on rodeo schol- have been their pride and
arships, where he was a joy.
three-time College National
On Dec. 3, 2021, after a
Finals Rodeo qualifi er. At lengthy battle with meta-
Montana State, he discov- static bladder cancer, Ron
ered his love of the cattle passed away at his Clem-
industry. After returning ents home with his wife by
home from Montana State his side.
University, Ron pursued the
He was preceded in death
family’s passion of rodeo. by his brother, Mike Currin
He traveled for several in 1990. Ron is survived by
years, over thousands of wife, Rayanne; son, Riley;
miles, with his brothers and and daughter, Rayna. In
friends making a lifetime of addition, father, Ron Sr.;
memories and friendships. mother, Judy; brother,
He was an accomplished Tony (wife Kelli); brother,
all-around cowboy, compet- Steve (wife Lisanne); sister,
itive in both calf roping and Jennifer Gutridge (husband
steer wrestling. Captur- Shane); sister-in-law, Judy
ing the prestigious Pendle- Pederson (husband Curtis);
ton Round-Up All-Around and nine nieces and neph-
Champion in 1993 and the ews.
Steer Wrestling in 1995
A celebration of life
were the major highlights will be held in Pendleton
of Ron’s rodeo career.
at the convention center on
After Ron’s rodeo career, Dec. 31 at 1:15 p.m. Memo-
he switched gears and began rial contributions can be
pursuing his passion of made to the Ron Currin
trading cattle. He started in Memorial c/o Bank of
the business at the bottom Eastern Oregon, P.O. Box
and worked his way up to 39, Heppner, OR 97836 or
become a fi rst-class cattle to Hospice of San Joaquin
trader. Ellington Peek and via www.hospicesj.org in
Western Video Markets Ron’s memory.
Philip Richard ‘Phil’ Rhinehart
June 4, 1947 — Dec. 10, 2021
Las Vegas
Philip Richard “Phil” whether riding his bike or
Rhinehart of Las Vegas, going to the hills.
He is survived by his
Nevada, was born on
June 4, 1947, in Pendle- brothers, Forest Rhinehart,
Ukiah, Oregon;
ton, Oregon, to
and
Steven
parents, Forest
and Susan Hens-
Rhinehart, Pilot
ley Rhinehart.
Rock, Oregon;
He died on Dec.
si s t e r, Su s a n
10, 2021, in Las
Grieb, Hermis-
Vegas, Nevada,
ton, Oregon; as
well as numerous
at the age of 74
years.
nieces, nephews
Phil was
and cousins.
Phil
was
raised on the
preceded in death
fam ily ranch
Rhinehart
by his parents, a
and at tended
brother, William
school in Ukiah
before going to Pendleton “Bill” Rhinehart; and a
High School. After gradu- half-sister, Barbara Johnson.
ation, he served a two year
A graveside service will
mission in Sweden before be held on Monday, Dec.
attending college in Salt 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the
Lake City, Utah. Phil loved Ukiah Cemetery, Ukiah,
to travel and took several Oregon.
trips all around the world.
Please share memories
He spent 32 years working of Phil with his family at
for the U.S. Forest Service www.burnsmortuaryherm-
and the Bureau of Land iston.com. Burns Mortuary
Management. Phil always of Hermiston, Oregon, is in
enjoyed an adventure care of arrangements.
OBITUARY POLICY
The East Oregonian publishes paid obituaries; death
notices and information about services are published
at no charge. Obituaries can include small photos and,
for veterans, a fl ag symbol at no charge. Obituaries can
be submitted via the funeral home, by email to obits@
eastoregonian.com or in person at the East Oregonian
offi ce. For more information, call 541-966-0818.