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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1943-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 2016)
Wallowa County Chieftain News/Obituaries wallowa.com Wildlife refuge occupation part of ORQJUXQQLQJ¿JKW January 6, 2016 William K. Reece March 10, 1922 to Dec. 14, 2015 A3 Barbara McClure Weaver Baxter Oct. 11, 1944 to Dec. 31, 2015 William K Reece, 93, a former resident of Enterprise, passed away Dec. 14. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 25 years, Polly Reece, his three children William Reece, Rita Reece Law and Rick Reece of The father and son reported Florida, his brother Wade Reece REBECCA BOONE and to a federal prison Monday in of Terrebonne, Ore., along with BRIAN MELLEY California, said Harney County, his eight grandchildren and nine Associated Press Oregon, Sheriff David Ward. He great-grandchildren. He was pre- FHGHG LQ GHDWK E\ KLV ¿UVW ZLIH BURNS, Ore. — The small provided no other details. The Hammonds have dis- Ruth Reece and three children. group of armed anti-government Bill, as he was known, was born on a houseboat in Idaho and activists occupying a remote tanced themselves from the wildlife preserve in Oregon’s protest group and many locals, grew up in Enterprise with his four brothers and four sisters. He high desert gave visitors free ac- including people who want to graduated from Enterprise High School in 1940 and worked at cess to the snowy site Monday, see federal lands made more Safeway before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during WWII. allowing some local residents accessible, don’t want the activ- While proudly serving, he was stationed in Florida where he met and ranchers in to satisfy their ists here, fearing they may bring KLV¿UVWZLIH5XWKWRZKRPKHZDVKDSSLO\PDUULHGIRU\HDUV trouble. before she passed away in 1987. They raised their family in Flori- curiosity or show support. At the time of the Bundys’ da, but made numerous visits to the Wallowa Mountains, attending The group also appeared to be trying to keep the site tidy, 2014 Nevada standoff, there reunions at Wallowa Lake and making sure his children also expe- picking up cigarette butts from were $1.1 million in outstanding rienced the charm and beauty of the area. After retiring following a 30-year career at Mercy Hospital in the ground and keeping vehi- grazing fees, and no payments FOHDQGIRRWWUDI¿FSULPDULO\WR have been made since then. Miami, the mountains beckoned once again. He moved to a beau- roads and pathways. Federal The fees continue to accrue, tiful mountain home in North Carolina in the early 1980s and used authorities made no immediate although Bureau of Land Man- KLV ZRRGZRUNLQJ VNLOOV WR ¿QLVK WKH LQVLGH:KHQ WKDW ZDV ¿Q- attempt to retake the headquar- agement spokeswoman Bev ished, he used those talents to build steps and a deck at the church ters of the Malheur National :LQVWRQFRXOGQ¶WJLYHDVSHFL¿F where he and his wife Polly Reece were devoted members. Always willing to give of his time help others, he volunteered to help many Wildlife Refuge, which about XSGDWHG¿JXUHRQWKHGHEW The disputes harken back friends and neighbors build staircases, railings, decks and more. two dozen activists seized over His woodworking hobby wasn’t limited to structures. He had the weekend as part of a de- to a long-running struggle over FDGHVORQJ ¿JKW RYHU SXEOLF public lands between some a knack for looking at a piece of wood and envisioning a table, Westerners and the federal gov- a wine rack, Christmas ornaments or a bookshelf. His specialty, lands in the West. There appeared to be no ur- ernment, which owns nearly however, was crafting beautiful wooden bowls out of a single block of wood. He even taught all his children and grandchildren JHQWUHDVRQIRUIHGHUDORI¿FLDOV half the land in the West. In the 1970s, during the how to make their own bowl. to move in. No one has been A man with many talents, he leaves behind a legacy of respon- hurt. No one is being held hos- “Sagebrush Rebellion,” Nevada tage. And the refuge is a bleak and other states pushed for local sibility, perseverance, loyalty and love to his family. and forbidding stretch of wil- control over federal land. Sup- derness about 300 miles from porters of that idea want to open Josephine (Jo) Case Portland, and it’s the middle of more land available for cattle March 19, 1925 to Dec. 19, 2015 grazing, mining and timber har- winter. Some have complained that vesting. Josephine (Jo) Case passed ting, crocheting and playing Opponents say the federal away Dec. 19 at her home in the lottery. the government’s response to the situation in Oregon would government should administer Joseph, where she lived with Jo is survived by three chil- have been more severe had the lands for the widest possible her daughter Michele and her dren: Thomas Turner, Jr. and occupants been Muslim or other uses, including environmental family. Jo was born March 25, his wife Linda of Tibbie, Ala., and recreational. minorities. 1925 in Omaha, Neb., to Wil- Donna Johnson of Portland, Bundy said the group plans liam Hostetter and Margaret and Michele (Micki) Jarman But others said from a tacti- cal standpoint, the government’s to stay at the refuge as long as (Fox) Hostetter. She was raised and husband Greg of Joseph, cautious response would make it takes. in Omaha and graduated from as well as 13 grandchildren Keith Landon, a longtime North High School in 1942. sense no matter who was holed and seven great-grandchildren. up in the government building in resident of Burns who works at She was preceded in death Jo had many interesting the Reid Country Store, said he jobs after graduating high by her parents, husband Dave the reserve. Meanwhile, the group said sympathizes with the Bundys’ VFKRRO +HU ¿UVW MRE ZDV UXQ- Case and son Gary Turner of it wants an inquiry into whether frustrations. Landon was a log- ning the transmitters for a ra- Portland. the government is forcing ranch- ger until the federal government dio station in Hannibal, Mo. A celebration of life will be ers off their land after the father declared the spotted owl a pro- She later moved with her held at 11 a.m. Jan. 9 at Prairie and son who were ordered back tected species in the 1980s — a family to Portland, where she Creek Cemetery in Joseph. to prison for arson on feder- decision that hurt the local log- worked as a welder at the ship- al grazing lands reported to a ging industry. yard. The family moved to Jo- “It’s hard to discredit what seph in 1972. federal facility in California on they’re trying to do out there,” Monday. Jo retired from First Inter- The demanded a govern- he said. “But I don’t want any- state Bank in 1988. She en- PHQWUHVSRQVHZLWKLQ¿YHGD\V body hurt.” joyed gardening, crafts, knit- related to the ranchers’ extended The Van Doozer sentences. family would like Ammon Bundy — one of the sons of rancher Cliven to thank everyone Bundy, who was involved in a who participated 2014 Nevada standoff with the government over grazing rights in giving our — told reporters that Dwight children a great Hammond and his son, Steven Hammond, were treated unfair- Christmas. ly. The Hammonds were con- victed of arson three years ago Thank you! IRU¿UHVRQIHGHUDOODQGLQ and 2006, one of which was set to cover up deer poaching, according to prosecutors. They VDLG WKH\ OLW WKH ¿UHV WR UHGXFH the growth of invasive plants and protect their property from ZLOG¿UHV The men served their original sentences — three months for Dwight and one year for Steven. But an appeals court judge ruled the terms fell short of minimum sentences that require them to serve about four more years. Their sentences have been a rallying cry for the group, whose mostly male members said they want federal lands turned over to local authorities so people can use them free of U.S. oversight. Barbara Mary McClure was born in La Grande to James McClure and Mar- garet Ragsdale on Oct. 11, 1944. She grew up on the family ranch on Indian Creek near Elgin with her six siblings — Robert, Pa- tricia, Steve, Virginia, Bill and Kathleen. She was a skilled horse rider and was elected queen of the Elgin Stam- pede in 1963. She married Wendell Weaver later that same year and moved to Wallowa. Together they had three sons — Dirk, David and Darren. They divorced in 1980 and Barbara supported her boys by working at Boise Cas- cade Mill in Elgin until she retired in 2004 after 28 years. She married her second husband, David Baxter, in 2008. Da- vid retired soon after and they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. He supported and cared for her during her long battle with cancer. She loved camping on the Snake River with her family. She loved the water, swimming and soaking in hot springs, riding horses and spending time outdoors. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family, es- pecially her grandchildren Stephanie, Samantha, Aleck, Dan- ielle and Bryce. Besides her own children and grandchildren, she was a mother to many others who she cared for and loved as if they were her own. Barbara was well known for her beauty, and especially for the kindness and love that she shared with so many. And al- though she was not religious, she was a very spiritual person. She had a special quality of non-judgment and acceptance that made anyone who was around her feel comfortable and loved. She was the center of her family and her home was always open. She is survived by her husband David, her brothers and sisters, her sons and her grandchildren Samantha, Aleck, Dan- ielle and Bryce Weaver. She was preceded in death by her dear granddaughter Stephanie Weaver. Her absence will be deeply felt by many. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at the Elgin Com- munity center at 1 p.m. Jan. 9. Donations in her name may be made to Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care and Hospice Ser- vices. Thank You TERMINAL GRAVITY G BREWING O Open p n for o Lunch! c S Sunday d & Monday y 11am-9pm 1 a m m- W We n e d Satur rday 11am- Wednesday- am 10pm We would like to honor the founder of Bennett Insurance, Leroy Bennett, who would have celebrated his birthday January 10th. Not only was he an incredible husband, father and friend but he impacted the lives of so many in Wallowa County with his dedication, passion and love of helping others. Through mentoring and sharing his wisdom he earned the well deserved respect of not only his clients but everyone who crossed his path. Leroy is greatly missed and we will continue to honor him by providing the same legendary service he so passionately believed in. 4 4-6pm 6 p m Happy Hour EVERYDAY E V Y A $3 Select elect Pints n tst s What s New? What' Wh w S u d a ay y & Monday: Sunday n Rot tating Beer & Food Pairing a i Speci airing S ial l – Kathleen, Heather, Hailie & Jessica Please call or stop by for a free no obligation quote. We are here for you. Still locally owned and operated. 541-426-4208 616 W. North Street • Enterprise C Coming o n g Soon: So S o Sun nday n Brunch! F Fu u ul ll l Menu| Full e n u Mimos M m o sa's | Sunday n Brunch Special St S Starting January J a u y 3 3rd | 9am-7pm 9m
