A2 — BAKER CITY HERALD
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2021
OBITUARIES
‘Pat’ Duff ey
nity. After graduating from
farm income. Over the years
Burnt River High School in she made many friends
1974, she attended Eastern working at Anderson’s
Patsy “Pat” Duffey, 77, of La
Oregon University in La
Corner Store, Limbaugh’s
Grande, happily passed away
Grande, earning her associ- Farm Market, the Fruitland
Oct. 15, 2021.
ate’s degree in Secretarial
Middle School kitchen, and
In her own
Science.
for the last 14 years in the
words, she
Sherri moved to Spokane, offi ce at Parma Company.
wants all of
Washington, where she met Every election season you
her acquain-
the love of her life, John Stel- could also fi nd her volunteer-
tances and
ljes. John and Sherri were
dear friends
ing at the polls of her local
married on June 4, 1978, at voting precinct. Sherri was
to know that
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church very civically minded, and
‘Pat’ Duffey
if you are
in Unity.
reading this,
never took for granted the
They began their married privilege and duty to vote, no
she no longer poses a threat.
life in Elk, Washington. In
There will not be an after-
matter how big or small the
1982, with a daughter and
life celebration because she
election.
son in tow, John and Sherri
wanted to attend her own
Sherri was a woman of
moved to Idaho to begin
party. She had that party on
deep faith who loved the
the adventure of starting a
June 16, 2019, and invited
simple things in life. Be-
small dairy farm, which they sides baking and sewing,
over 400 friends and family.
appropriately named Udder she took great delight in
Many attended and she hopes
Chaos Dairy. They settled in growing plants of all kinds
you were one of them.
the small farming commu-
Pat was born in Baker
and sharing starts of plants
nity known as “Nu Acres,”
City on June 17, 1944. After
with family and friends. She
located between Parma and prayed unceasingly for oth-
attending and graduating
Fruitland, Idaho. There they ers and saw God in the little
from Saint Francis De Sales
leased some dairy cows and moments of everyday life.
Academy, Pat commuted
slowly started acquiring
daily to Eastern Oregon Col-
She never sought wealth or
their own registered Jersey acknowledgement. She was
lege in La Grande, where she
cows. Dairy farming was a
completed a degree in Biology.
content living and work-
hard, seven days a week, 365 ing in the country with her
She then attended Arizona
days a year job. However, the beloved husband. Even after
State University in Tempe,
two made a perfect team and the kids were grown and the
Arizona, where she devoted
hard work is what they did
herself to studying, conduct-
cows were gone, the two of
best. They continued to grow them were forever working
ing research, and earning a
their dairy herd to a man-
doctorate degree in Zoology
on projects together. Sherri
ageable size of around 70
with an emphasis in Genetics.
was always elated when
cows, and their family grew John would build some-
In 1972, Pat returned to
by two more sons.
La Grande and became a
thing for her, especially her
The demands of a dairy
highly esteemed and re-
chicken house and cherished
farm and caring for a family greenhouse.
spected professor and Dean of
did not stop Sherri from
Sciences at Eastern Oregon
Those who knew her will
jumping in and helping any- always remember her as
State College. Pat conducted
where she could. She often
additional research on genetic
a devoted daughter, wife,
visited elderly neighbors and mother, grandmother, sister,
infl uences on cataracts of
held the hands of friends
the eyes with Oregon Health
aunt, and friend. To Sherri,
and neighbors during their
Sciences University. As a
every life was precious
dying days. She considered
professor she had the unique
whether expected or unex-
it a great honor to help with pected. She was overjoyed to
Sherri Stelljes
ability to make complex
Sherri Lynn Hardy Stel- church funeral dinners,
things easily understood.
tears with the birth of each
celebrating the lives of oth-
ljes, 65, formerly of Unity,
If you didn’t know Pat
grandchild and all her great-
ers. If there was a fundraiser nieces and great-nephews.
left this earth
Duffey, it is certainly too bad
for Fruitland Schools, 4-H,
for you and those around you. peacefully
She had a warm heart full
church, Catholic Women’s
to be with
Generous to a fault, always
of love and kindness, and a
League or any worthy cause, mind fi rm in what was right
sharing with others, organiz- her Lord on
Sherri was always there in
Oct. 23, 2021,
ing “orphan dinners” for col-
and wrong, never afraid to
the midst of the event. Her
lege students during holidays, with family
speak up against the wrong.
beautiful sewing skills were Sherri Lynn — a strong,
by her side.
delivering meals to remote
often put to work creating
A funeral
senior citizens, organizing
bold, and brave woman
Sherri
quilts for raffl e fundrais-
Mass will
benefi t “soup suppers” and
who also knew the power of
Stelljes
ers, fashioning vests for the silence, prayer, and a simple,
concerts with local artists, are take place
very fi rst elementary school supportive hug.
just some of the ways Pat gave Saturday,
honor choir, altering band
Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. PDT at
back to the community.
She leaves behind John
uniforms, making drill team Stelljes, her husband of 43
Corpus Christi Catholic
Pat will be very much
missed by family, friends, and Church in Fruitland, Idaho. fl ags, or altering bridesmaid years; her four children,
dresses.
the countless number of folks A rosary with meditations
Erika (Jeff) Cowman,
She especially had a
she has helped and positively will be prayed at 9 a.m. in
David (Angie) Stelljes,
preparation for the funeral. heart for teaching and help- Karl (Cassie) Stelljes, and
affected during her lifetime.
ing children. She became
Family and friends are
Survivors are many and
Michael (Erin) Stelljes; fi ve
invited to a luncheon in the a 4-H leader, a Cub Scout
they know exactly who they
granddaughters and four
leader, helped facilitate Vaca- grandsons; her sisters The-
parish hall following the
are.
tion Bible School, and taught resa (Ed) Schumacher and
Mass. Interment will take
Pat wanted you to know
place at a later date in Unity. weekly catechism classes at Alicia Mena; her brothers
that at least you got a hope-
her parish of St. Aloysius in Rob (Kelly) Hardy, Bryan
Sherri was born on Nov.
fully interesting story about
New Plymouth, even serving (Jeanette) Hardy and Dan
her by taking the time to read 18, 1955, the fi rst of six
as the director of Religious
children born to George
this.
(Kristen) Hardy; and many
Education for a short while. nieces and nephews.
If you’re inclined to donate and JoAnne Hardy. Sherri
When her own children
on her behalf, there are a cou- loved being a big sister and
Sherri was preceded in
were grown, she continued
ple of organizations that were growing up in the small
death by her parents, George
to help with the children’s
always worthy of Pat’s atten- ranching community of
and JoAnne Hardy.
liturgy of the word at her
tion: The Humane Association, Unity. Life in Unity was
Donations may be made
3212 Hwy 30, La Grande, OR fi lled with closeknit families, parish of Corpus Christi in
in Sherri’s memory to Cor-
Fruitland. She loved teach-
97850, and Shelter From the working hard and support-
pus Christi Catholic Church,
Storm, 10901 Island Avenue, ing one another. Throughout ing anyone who wanted to
or to Treasure Valley Teens
learn — it didn’t matter if it 4 Life, in care of Shaffer-
her teen years, Sherri was
Island City, OR 97850.
was cooking, canning, sew-
Online condolences can be a natural born leader. She
Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O.
never wanted the spotlight, ing, gardening, or truths of
made to the family at www.
Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
the faith.
but her natural kindness,
lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
Services are under the direc-
From time to time, when tion of Shaffer-Jensen Mem-
genuine friendship, and
willingness to help found her the opportunity would arise, ory Chapel. Condolences can
Ritha Wilcox
forever leading and serving Sherri would take a part-
Baker City
be made to Sherri’s family at
time job to supplement the
Ritha Mae Wilcox, 66, died in her school and commu-
www.shafferjensen.com.
Oct. 28, 2021, of COVID-relat-
ed complications.
A celebration of her life will
take place at a later date.
Ritha, a longtime resident
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of Baker City and alumnus
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of Baker High School, was
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known and loved by many.
Ritha’s life was not about her
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passion though were for her
friends and family.
Mon-Thurs 7:00
Ritha met and married the
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love of her life, Carl Wilcox,
Friday
4:20, 7:30
in high school. She and Carl
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Following Carl’s death,
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Ritha met her longtime
partner, Tom Eaton. The birth
of her granddaughter, Morgan,
was one of the greatest joys
of Ritha’s life, and Morgan
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La Grande, 1944-2021
BAKER COUNTY CALENDAR
TUESDAY, NOV. 9
Baker County Economic Development Council:
3 p.m. at the Courthouse, 1995 Third St.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17
Baker City Planning Commission: 6 p.m. at Baker City
Hall, 1655 First St., Public hearing on a requested variance
to allow construction of a single-family dwelling on a parcel
smaller than the minimum size in the residential-medium
density zone at 804 Auburn Ave.
TURNING BACK THE PAGES
50 YEARS AGO
from the Democrat-Herald
November 4, 1971
In what is described as “rapid and uncontrolled
development in Sumpter Valley,” the Sumpter planning
commission asked the county planning commission in a
letter to adopt an emergency ordinance to hold the lid on
expansion.
25 YEARS AGO
from the Baker City Herald
November 4, 1996
The Oregon Department of Corrections and the vast
majority of the 500 or so people who attended a public
hearing Friday at Baker High School agreed on one impor-
tant point: the state should not build a 1,500-bed medium-
security prison in Baker County.
That was expected to be the opinion of most county
residents in the audience Friday.
But the corrections department’s opposition caused a
mild tumult in the audience, a tumult that ended in sus-
tained applause.
10 YEARS AGO
from the Baker City Herald
November 4, 2011
In the midst of a persistent bad spell for whitebark pine
populations in Northeastern Oregon, 2011 stands out as a
pretty good year.
Whitebarks, which grow at higher elevations than other
conifers in the Elkhorn and Wallowa mountains, are suffer-
ing from a two-pronged attack: white pine blister rust and
mountain pine beetles.
ONE YEAR AGO
from the Baker City Herald
November 5, 2020
Newly elected councilors will occupy at least four, and
likely fi ve, of the seven seats on the Baker City Council
when it convenes in early January.
Baker City voters could pick up to six candidates Tues-
day and only one among the top six — Jason Spriet — is
an incumbent councilor.
The two other incumbents on the ballot — Arvid An-
dersen and Doni Bruland — were not among the top six
fi nishers out of the 13 candidates on the ballot.
The gap between Andersen, in seventh place, and
Heather Sells at sixth was 29 votes, based on unoffi cial
results from the Baker County Clerk’s offi ce. County Clerk
Stefanie Kirby said it’s not clear how many ballots could
still be counted.
A total of 46 ballots from residents eligible to vote in the
City Council race were not accepted because they hadn’t
been signed or otherwise were challenged, Kirby said.
OREGON LOTTERY
MEGABUCKS, Nov. 1
MEGA MILLIONS, Nov. 2
WIN FOR LIFE, Nov. 1
57 — 58 — 60 — 64
PICK 4, Nov. 2
• 1 p.m.: 6 — 8 — 1 — 1
• 4 p.m.: 8 — 8 — 8 — 8
• 7 p.m.: 8 — 8 — 5 — 6
• 10 p.m.: 3 — 7 — 8 — 8
LUCKY LINES, Nov. 2
5 — 10 — 26 — 58 — 65
3-6-9-14-17-21-27-30
10 — 11 — 29 — 37 — 46 — 47
Next jackpot: $5.2 million
POWERBALL, Nov. 1
9 — 25 — 34 — 44 — 45 PB 8
Next jackpot: $132 million
Mega
9
Next jackpot: $36 million
Next jackpot: $30,000
SENIOR MENUS
FRIDAY: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots,
rolls, green salad, cookies
MONDAY (Nov. 8): Chicken with homestyle noodles in
gravy, rolls, broccoli, three-bean salad, cheesecake
TUESDAY (Nov. 9): Ground beef steak with onions,
mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots, rolls,
ambrosia
WEDNESDAY (Nov. 10): Chicken fried chicken, mashed
potatoes with gravy, rolls, mixed vegetables, Jell-O with
fruit, sherbet
THURSDAY (Nov. 11): Sweet-and-sour chicken, rice,
Oriental vegetables, rolls, Asian slaw salad, cinnamon rolls
Public luncheon at the Senior Center, 2810 Cedar St., from
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $5 donation (60 and older), $7.50
for those under 60.
CONTACT THE HERALD
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Open Monday through Friday
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Telephone: 541-523-3673
Fax: 541-833-6414
Publisher
Karrine Brogoitti
kbrogoitti@lagrandeobserver.
com
Jayson Jacoby, editor
jjacoby@bakercityherald.com
Advertising email
ads@bakercityherald.com
Classifi ed email
classified@bakercityherald.com
Circulation email
circ@bakercityherald.com
ISSN-8756-6419
Serving Baker County since 1870
Published Tuesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays except Christmas Day by the
Baker Publishing Co., a part of EO Media
Group, at 2005 Washington Ave., Suite
101 (P.O. Box 807), Baker City, OR 97814.
Subscription rates per month are
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Copyright © 2021
shared that love for her grand-
mother, remaining by her side
to the end.
Ritha was a central factor
in her birth family of fi ve
sisters and a brother, as well
as their children. She and her
sisters were known for being
close, for their laughter, and
their love. They were bound
inextricably, and as an older
sister, Ritha was a beautiful,
fun, important part of their
childhood and adulthood, and
her presence will be greatly
missed every day.
Ritha is survived by her
daughter, Sasha Gazley,
and her son-in-law, Leonard
Gazley; her granddaughters,
Morgan Gazley and Ash-
lyn Reynolds, and Ashlyn’s
four children, Wyatt, Ol-
ivia, Damien and Darrell; her
mother, Irene Estabrooks;
her sisters, Winnie Dodge,
Stella Estabrooks, Elizabeth
Estabrooks, Theresa Johnson
and Kelly Finch; her brother,
Michael Estabrooks; as well
as 22 nieces and nephews and
43 great-nieces and great-
nephews.
Ritha was preceded in
death by her father, Paul
Estabrooks; her husband, Carl
Wilcox; her longtime partner,
Tom Eaton; and her nephew,
Richard Finch.
Memorial contributions
can be made to Susan G.
Komen through Gray’s West
& Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500
Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR
97814. To light a candle in
Ritha’s memory or to offer on-
line condolences to her family,
go to www.grayswestco.com.
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