A2
Wallowa County Chieftain
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
OBITUARIES
Barbara Jae Breshears Asumendi
Gary Ellis
Marion Delmar “Mel” Prince
March 25, 1934–December 3, 2019
May 5,1938–December 7, 2019
1940–2019
Barbara Jae Breshears
Asumendi, 85, of Nyssa
died December 3, 2019,
at her home. Barbara was
born March 25, 1934,
at her parents’ home in
Evans, Oregon to Wil-
liam Donald Breshears
and Lillie Alice Hodge-
Breshears. She was deliv-
ered by her dad Bill and
named after her grandma
Barbara Hodge. She was
raised in Wallowa County,
graduated from Wallowa
High School in 1952.
ln 1966 Barbara was
married to Jess Asu-
mendi. They met on one
blind date. To this union
she brought her children
Curtis and Lillena, and
Jess brought Roberta,
Frank, Louie, Christine
and Tony.
They lived and worked
on their farm, as well as
each having other jobs.
Barbara always said, “the
best job I ever had was
working in the Adrian
School cafeteria for 24
years”. She loved to see
the children come through
the lunch line. She retired
in 1996.
In 1993 Jess and Bar-
bara moved to Nyssa,
selling the farm and buy-
ing a home on Locust
Avenue. Jess was having
health issues and passed
away July 30, 2000. Bar-
bara became very active
at the Nyssa Senior Citi-
zens, serving as the Trea-
surer for almost 9 years.
She was a member of
the Owyhee Commu-
nity Church and started
going there in 1966. She
truly enjoyed her family
with a grandson Morgan
and granddaughter Bri-
anna (Tinkerbell) holding
a very special place in her
heart.
Barbara is survived
by her children Curtis,
Lillena, Roberta, Louis,
Christine
and
Tony.
Grandchildren Nicholas,
Zachery, Amanda, Mat-
thew, Benjamin, Andrea,
Jessica, Anthony Jr., Mor-
gan, Rebecca, Jacob and
Brianna. Eleven great
grandkids and two great
great grandkids. Brother
Glenn, sisters Aleta, Betty
and Freida, and many
nieces and nephews.
Barbara was preceded
in death by her parents,
her second dad Elmer Earl
Trump, husband Jess of
34½ years, stepson Frank,
and as a young child her
dear brother Chuck. She
was his shadow. A sis-
ter Betty and a grandson
Robert.
Funeral Services will
be held Saturday, Decem-
ber 14, 2019, at 11:00 a.m.
at the Owyhee Commu-
nity Church under the
direction of Lienkaem-
per Chapel, Nyssa. Vault
Interment Owyhee Cem-
etery. Contributions in
Barbara’s memory may be
made to Heart and Home
Hospice or the Owyhee
Community Church.
Condolences to the
family at www.lienkaem-
per-thomason.com
Gary Ellis, 81, of Imnaha,
died at his home Saturday,
December 7, 2019.
Gary earned his Master’s
degree from the University
of Indianapolis and worked
as a Civilian employee at the
Corps of Engineers in Walla
Walla. He retired at age
67 and moved to Imnaha.
Gary was well loved by his
friends and family. He will
be missed by all that knew
him.
Gary is survived by his
wife of 62 years, Teresa
Ellis, and his children Noah,
Suzanne, Gabriella and
Miguel Ellis.
For those who would
like to make a memorial
donation in honor of Gary,
the family requests they be
made to a charity of your
choice in his name through
Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral
Home and Cremation Ser-
vices, PO Box 543 Halfway,
Oregon 97834. Online con-
dolences can be shared at
www.tamispinevalleyfuner-
alhome.com
Lois Ellen (Nelson) Thompson
November 27, 1927 – October 30, 2019
Born in Enterprise, Ore-
gon to John and Elmo Nel-
son, Lois graduated from
Enterprise High School in
1945. She moved to the
Tri-Cities in 1952 where
she worked for the food
service industry for sev-
eral years. She relocated
to Tonopah, Nev. in 1981
where she worked on
the Nevada Test Site for
Reynolds Electric. There,
she met the love of her life
and best friend, Jack. She
retired in 1989 and shortly
after moved back to the
Tri-Cities.
Lois was preceded
in death by her par-
ents, daughter Vicki, sis-
ter Barbara, and brother,
Bob. She is survived by
her husband Jack, daugh-
ters Sharon (Bill), Leslie
and Tracy, sons Bill (Deb-
bie) and Lary (Chris), 11
grandchildren, 16 great
grandchildren and 2 great
great grandchildren. Lois
loved to travel. Her sense
of humor was second to
none. Her love for her fam-
ily was foremost. She will
be greatly missed by those
whose hearts she touched.
January 18, 1958 - December 3 , 2019
Elizabeth Ann (Kiser) Grote
was born January 18, 1958 in
Marshalltown, IA to Walter W.
Kiser and Okal J (Kiser) Grote.
She was a bouncing beautiful
baby girl who joined 4 other
siblings. Her life was tragically
changed at 6 mo. old when on
a family trip to visit her grand-
parents in Joseph, Oregon. An
automobile accident happened
and killed her father and injured
all family members and the vehicle ran over Elizabeth.
Chances of her survival were slim to none per the doctors.
Little did the doctors know that she was a very strong
independent little person who had a will to live. And live
she did. Countless trips to Shriners Hospital in Portland and
many, many head, leg and arm surgeries helped her with
a boost in life. Body and leg braces, along with helmets to
protect her skull were the beginning of being able to learn
to walk and live.
After many emergency flights to Portland love happened.
The pilot Theo Grote fell in love with her mother and they
were married and all of the children were adopted by
Ted. Her new daddy protected and guarded Elizabeth and
helped her as she grew up. At 8 her stubborn independence
resulted in her throwing away her leg braces and challeng-
ing the world in “HER” own way.
As she grew up with her handicaps (arm, hand, leg and
head) she was able to play volleyball, some baseball and
loved to sew. She also loved swimming in Wallowa Lake and
even once swam the distance with friends in boats along-
side to assist if she got tired. Elizabeth graduated in 1976
from Joseph High School. She went on to have a profession
in being a tailor/seamstress in La Grande, OR. After many
years her body challenged her more and more and she
moved back to Joseph to be close to family. She found
small jobs in the valley and many friends.
She enjoyed playing pool and was quite good at it. She
loved her 4 legged friends throughout her life. Liz loved her
hair long and always said it was her strength so she never
cut it. No-one could tell Lizzy she couldn’t do something she
wanted. She laughed and had a great sense of humor. She
loved to sing and days before her passing sang Christmas
carols with her family at the hospital. Her final years were at
the Alpine House Care home in Joseph .
On Dec 3 rd , 2019 Elizabeth was welcomed into heaven
by her father(s) Walter W Kiser & Theo Grote, Mother Okal
Grote and her grandparents Elizabeth and Leland Parsons.
Remaining family siblings Dennis Grote(Julie), Kathy
Jenkins, Diana Stein of Joseph, Scott Grote(Sharon) of
Portland, OR and step sisters Lynn Grote(Don Bronson) of
Joseph and Lori Ingle (John) and many nieces and nephews.
A time of remembering will be held at Bollman Funeral
Home on Saturday December 14 th at 11:00 a.m. There will
be no gathering afterwards.
Donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital for
Children, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR
97239 or the WC Humane Society, 119 E Main St,
Enterprise, OR 97828.
stated desire was that his
ashes should be spread near
his old fi shing holes. Family
assumes that would mean
the Wallowa River.
Marion
had
retired from being
a union carpenter
on the high-rise
buildings of Las
Vegas. When he
died he was living
there with Carol,
his wife of twen-
ty-three
years.
She hopes to
eventually return his ashes
to Wallowa County as he
desired.
Three children were born
to his fi rst marriage. They
are Thomas, Ann, and Ken-
neth. He has a brother, Ash-
ley, who has a residence in
Wallowa County, and a sis-
ter, Arthene Martin who was
last known to be living in
Hawaii. His parents are both
deceased.
There will not be a memo-
rial service for him. If you
wish to send condolences,
cards may be sent to his
wife and his brother. (Ash-
ley Prince, 80976 Homan
Lane, Enterprise, Oregon
97828 or Carol Prince, 4455
East Twain Ave. Apt. 173,
Las Vegas, Nevada 89121.)
DEATH NOTICES
Mary Catherine (Kitty) Armon
Loretta Hoard
November 30, 1941–December 4, 2019
80 year old Loretta Hoard of Lostine died Dec. 3 at her
sister’s home in Sandy. Services will be announced with
the full obituary forthcoming. Bollman Funeral Home
entrusted with arrangements.
Maxine Shirley Parks
Elizabeth Ann (Kiser) Grote
Marion Prince resided in
Wallowa County, Oregon
for most of his childhood
years. He started school in
Wallowa for fi rst grade and
graduated in 1958
from
Wallowa
High School. His
parents were Art
and Mary Carper
Prince who had
roots in West Vir-
ginia. The Prince
family descended
from Oscar and
Marjaline Maxey
Prince who migrated from
Mercer Co., WV, in Aug
1902 and settled in Powatka.
Likewise the Carper fam-
ily came from West Virginia
and settled in Promise Land
, also north of Wallowa.
In his four years in the
Navy, Marion traveled to
distant places: Hawaii,
Japan, Philippines, Austra-
lia, Korea, and the list goes
on. His written philosophy
was, “The ‘Good Life’ is not
material things but travel
and real experiences.” His
life did show he lived that
belief.
His hobbies included
snorkeling, diving, hunt-
ing and fi shing. The latter
surely learned as a child in
Wallowa County. In fact his
94-year-old Maxine Shirley Parks was born in Joseph,
Oregon and passed away on Dec. 6, 2019 in Nampa,
Idaho. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Fri. Dec. 13 at
Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St., Enterprise.
Graveside services to follow.
Nils Kenneth Ames
June 20, 1930 - December 2 , 2019
Nils Kenneth Ames, a man of many
musical talents, went to join the
big band in the sky on December
2, 2019. He passed in the presence
of his wife and family in his home
in Joseph, Oregon. A memorial
service will be held at 2:00 PM on
December 14, 2019 at the Thunder
Room in Joseph, Oregon.
Nils was a man who lived his life to the fullest and had a
profound effect on the lives of those around him.
He was born on June 20, 1930 in Milwaukie, OR. He graduated
from Milwaukie High School in 1948. During high school he
found his love for skiing and music. After high school he spent
one year at the University of Oregon as a member of the Delta
Tau Delta fraternity. He served as a member of the Mt. Hood Ski
Patrol, as well as the ski team. He enlisted in the Air Force on
March 31st, 1949 and served in the Korean War. While in the
military he spent time stationed in Austin, Texas where he played
with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Once home from the war
he played music with many notable musicians such as;
BB King, Rose Maddox and the Maddox Brothers, and
The Drifters. He shared his love of music with all he
met and especially his family.
While he was a member of The Drifters, he met the love
of his life Shelia. They met and married in six weeks and
celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this July. Nils was
above all a man who loved his family. Nils moved to Joseph, OR
with his young family in 1980. While in Wallowa County he was a
member of many bands, including Psalms 150 his family gospel
band. He served as a member of the Shriners and VFW. He drove
school bus for the Joseph School Dist. and Moffit Bros.
Transportation. During his time as a bus driver he made an
impact on many of the students, teachers, and parents who
rode his bus. Nils was famous for his shenanigans at the school.
Whether it was short sheeting the beds while traveling to a state
tournament or making surprise announcements over the
loudspeaker, Nils infused fun into everything he did.
His smile, jokes, and kindness for everyone
will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife Shelia Ames; brother, Michael
Binns; his son, Robert Ames and wife Laurie; his daughters
Kimberly (Ames) McManus and husband Edward, and
Kjer (Ames) Kizer and husband Kristopher; and his grandchildren,
Emma McManus, Hollis, and AnnMarie Kizer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Loretta Elizabeth Kier
and Kenneth Ames.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the EMS crew,
the Volunteer Fire Department, Dr. G. Maly and
the many others who have assisted in his care. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the Joseph Fire
Department, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or the charity
of your choice through Gray’s West & Company at
1500 Dewey Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814.
To light a candle in memory of Nils, or to leave a
condolence for the family, visit:
www.grayswestco.com.
Mary Catharine (Kitty)
Armon passed peacefully
in her sleep early Wednes-
day morning December
4, 2019. She was born on
November 30, 1941, in
Stanfi eld Oregon to her
parents, William and Mary
Hayter.
She was proceeded in
death by her parents and
her younger sister Sheila
Larkin.
Mary is survived by her
two brothers Bill Hayter
and wife Phyllis, and Wal-
ley (Dale) Hayter and wife
Sue.
Mary is also survived
by her daughter Cindy Wil-
liams and husband Matt, her
sons Sam Armon and wife
Monica, and Doug Armon
and wife Tracy. Mary has
four grandchildren and 14
great grandchildren.
Mary was a wonder-
ful loving mother, grand-
mother, friend, and sis-
ter. Her loving arms, warm
heart, her beautiful smile,
and her sweet voice will
be forever remembered and
never forgotten. May her
beautiful soul live on in all
of us who loved her.
Funeral services will be
held at 11:00 a.m. Friday,
December 13, 2019, at the
Wallowa Christian Church,
104 N. Spruce St, Wallowa
Oregon. Services will be
followed by a procession
to her fi nal resting place.
A potluck will follow at
the church. All who knew
Mary and loved her please
come join us for food and
beverages and to celebrate
her life.
CIVIC MEETINGS
County Commission:
Meetings 9 a.m. fi rst and third
Mondays. Next meeting: Dec. 16
City Councils
• Joseph: 7 p.m. fi rst Thurs-
day, in the Joseph Community
Center. Next meeting Jan. 2.
• Enterprise: 7 p.m. sec-
ond Monday, in City Hall. Next
meeting: Jan 13
• Lostine: 7:30 p.m. fi rst
Wednesday, in City Hall. Next
meeting: Jan 2????
• Wallowa: 7 p.m. third Tues-
day. In City Hall. Next meeting:
Dec. 17
School boards
• Joseph: 5:30 p.m. second
Monday. Next meeting: Jan. 6
• Enterprise: 7:30 p.m. fi rst
Monday. Next meeting: Jan. 6.
• Wallowa: 7 p.m. usually
the second Monday. Next
meeting: Dec. 13
Planning commissions
• Wallowa County: 7 p.m.
last Tuesday. Next meeting:
Dec. 31 (?)
• Enterprise: (time unavail-
able at this printing) fi rst Tues-
day. Next meeting: Jan. 7,
2020
Weather Forecast
Courtesy of Weather Underground • wunderground.com
High Low
Conditions
Dec. 12
36
30
Rain/snow
Dec. 13
35
24
Snow showers
Dec. 14
31
18
PM Snow showers
Dec. 15
27
17
Partly cloudy
Dec. 16
29
20
Partly cloudy
Dec. 17
30
22
Cloudy
Dec. 18
30
20
Mostly cloudy
Phases of the moon
Dec. 11
Dec. 18
Dec. 25
Jan. 2
Full Moon
Last Quarter
New Moon
1st Quarter
WALLOWA COUNTY SUNRISE & SUNSET DEC. 12-18
(from the U.S. Naval Observatory)
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUES
WED
7:19
4:05
7:20
4:06
7:21
4:06
7:21
4:06
7:22
4:06
7:23
4:06
7:24
4:07