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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (March 14, 2018)
A2 Family Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, March 14, 2018 O BITUARIES Rosetta Marie Riley March 16, 1948 - Feb. 21, 2018 Jessie Bernice McPheeters, Burdick (known as Bernice) March 28, 1917-November 9, 2017 Memorial Service, March 24, 2018 3:00 at Living Word Christian Center, Mt. Vernon Dinner to follow service, welcome family and friends. Our beloved Mother, after 100 years, has gone home. Jessie survived by her children, Errol & Kathy McPheeters, Maureen & Gerald Mesecher, both of John Day, OR; Katheleen Hudson of Salem and her stepdaughter Patricia Matteri of Caldwell, Idaho; eight grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Born Jessie Bernice Ramsay, in Penticton BC Canada, she moved to Portland, Oregon with her parents and two sisters in 1929. She attended St. Vincent Hospital in Portland and was a nurse’s assistant. Here she met the love of her life August McPheeters (Mac) of Burns, Oregon. They married in April of 1938. They started their family in Burns, while working at Mac’s sister’s Mrythelene & Louis Hughet ranch, the Double 0, and the Cody Ranch. Mac also worked for the Hines Lumber Co. They were very active, working on the ranch, hunting, fishing and camping. They moved to Everett, Washington for a short time where the two daughters were born. Then back to Burns and Hines, Oregon. In 1948, they moved to Eugene, Oregon where Mac started his own business, McPheeters Electric. Mac passed away in 1970. Bernice married her longtime friend Alden Burdick in 1973 and they enjoyed 15 years of canoeing, hiking, hunting and traveling until Alden’s passing in 1988. In 2007 Bernice moved in with her daughter, Maureen, and Jerry Mesecher, in John Day, Oregon, her son, Errol, and Kathy following two years later. Bernice was known for her beautiful china painting winning several awards here and in Eugene. Bernice started teaching china painting to several women until her death in November. Bernice lived to 100 full years, leaving a legacy of grace, love and beauty. Paid for by the family of Bernice FacesOfTomorrow.org. Richard G. Findlay On March 6, 2018, Richard G. Findlay left this world for a better one. He is survived by his loving family and scores of friends. His family includes his wife, Suzanne; daughters Victoria, Paula and Rhonda; and sons Richard and Paul. He also has eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. We will all miss the old man and his words of wisdom, his crazy sense of humor and his loving care and serenity he gave us. He was born in 1937 in Spokane, Washington, to Pearl and Glenn Findlay. The family followed work taking them to Minnesota and Utah, finally coming to Oregon. He and his sister, Patricia, grew up in Mitchell. They finally settled in Seneca and established residency there. Richard graduated from Grant Union High School in 1955. From there, he spent four years in the Marines, where he earned the rank of sharp shooter. He earned a diploma for horseshoeing and showed horses, including the Morgan horses. Upon his return he helped his father, Glenn, with the family logging business, driving truck, logging and mining. He also drove long haul with his cousin Kerry Findlay. There was never a day a story did not come into play where he had been a lot of places and seen a lot of things. He then settled back in Seneca working for the city of Seneca. During this time, with the help of family and friends, he harvested native Lodgepole and built a home in Seneca. This is where he met his wife, Suzanne, and they were married in 1983, atop Starr Ridge in their Scottish kilts. He also worked with the U.S. Forest Service with fire crews, plotting the hills and replanting services. Richard was active in many groups. He was a part of the Scots Organization within the Farquarson Clan, traveling for events in traditional Scottish attire and enjoying his heritage. Richard volunteered his time with the Grant County Sherriff’s Posse and Search and Rescue. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association. Richard was a man with many talents and skills. He was a stranger to no one and would give you the shirt off his back. He will be greatly missed. Per his request, no services will be held in his honor. Richard chose to donate his body to OHSU for Alzheimer’s research. He will be laid to rest at sea, per Maritime Law. Paid for by the family of Richard Findlay Mary Ellen Hueckman Mary Ellen Hueckman, 93, of Canyon City went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 6. Recitation of the Rosary was held Sunday, March 11, funeral Mass was said Monday, March 12, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, followed by internment at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Canyon City. Mary was born August 31, 1924, to Leo Bagley and Teresa Murphy in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. In 1947, she and William “Bill” Hueckman, also from Wisconsin, became engaged. Bill left for Oregon to work for Hines Lumber Company, working out of the Simonsen Logging Camp on Deer Creek, near Seneca. Mary would soon follow and they were married on November 22, 1947 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in John Day. Bill and Mary were married for 56 years before Bill’s passing in 2003. Together, they had 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mary was a very active member of the Alter Society (now known as The Ladies of St. Elizabeth) at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, and with many other church affairs. She enjoyed bowling, competitive and recreational, as well as following her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Together, Bill and Mary were very active supporters and contributors to the Grant County community at large. Mary loved her family, her friends and her faith. Mary is survived by her daughter Carol Marshall of Portland, OR, sons Mike Hueckman of Long Creek, OR, Bill Hueckman of John Day, OR, Tim Hueckman of John Day, OR, and Todd Hueckman of Burns, OR; sisters Helen Hallberg of Prentice, WI, Joyce Marcell of Pewaukee, WI, and Phyllis Johnson, of Rockford, IL; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 4 siblings and 1 great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Ladies of St. Elizabeth. Masses in memory of Mary can be arranged through the Catholic Church. Paid for the family of Mary Hueckman D ONNIE J OE L ONG Donnie Joe Long, 77, died after a 7-year struggle with cancer on Saturday, March 03, 2018 at his Prairie City home surrounded by his loved ones as he wished to leave this life. He was born on February 26, 1941, in Thomas, OK to James Carl and Fanny Ellen (Yoder) Long (both preceding him in death). Don married first wife Phyllis Ann (Stinson) (Long) Hite, July 01, 1961, they had a daughter Donna Lee Long (Wissner) Linder, mother of Don’s oldest grandchildren Shane Wissner, who is the Father of Don’s first two great-grandchildren Schea’la and Bentley, and Granddaughter Shannel (Wissner) Shaefer mother to Don’s youngest Great-Grandchild 8-month-old Carson. Don married his 2nd. Wife of 52 years Paula Ann (Roder) Long, on October 30, 1966, together they raised their three sons: Dale Floyd Long, father of Don’s grandchildren Jessie Allen Long of LaGrande, Oregon, father of Great-grandsons Raiden and Mason, granddaughter Megan Helene Long of Prairie City, and granddaughter Ashley Nichole, of Prairie City, mother of great-grandchild Ryatt, Son Mitchel Dawain Long, of Prairie City, Father of Granddaughters Tomica Leigh Anne Long, Matika Marie Long and Johna Michel Long all of Prairie City. Son James Clark and wife Bobbie (Palmer) Long of Grants Pass, Oregon, their Children Don’s Grandson Shawn M. Long his daughters, Don’s Great-Granddaughters Baily and Iyana, Don’s Granddaughter Heather N. Long also of Grants Pass Don was raised on his family almond orchards where he learned a lot about trees he also spent his youth working in the Grape vineyards of the area and was taught that hard work never hurt anyone. Don worked in tire recapping for some 35 years and owned his own recapping Co. In Livingston, CA. Retiring to his favorite hunting area, Grant County in 1990, where Don and Paula purchased rental homes in Prairie City, Canyon City and John Day and established D AND P RENTALS. Don loved tending his vegetable gardens and working summers for the forest service on fires where he worked as a driver for ground support up until his diagnosis of cancer in 2011. Don was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, loving hunting, and fishing, where he enjoyed spending long days sharing this passion with his family and friends, if he was not doing it he delighted in talking about and sharing his experiences with all. Don fell just short of a lifelong goal of taking 100 deer with a tally of 90. Don also was willing to share his vast knowledge of firearms, ammunition, reloading, and tires with anyone who cared to listen. Don was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy P. Long, Grandparents John J. Yoder, wife Sarah Judith (Swarey) Yoder also Frank and Pearl (Sulser) Long. His Son Dale F. Long, Father James C. Long, and Mother Fanny E. Long. Daughter-in-law Christina L. Long. Don is survived by his wife Paula A Long, his Sister Linda M. (long) Smarr of Canyon City, OR, Brother Buddy & Sister-in-law Beth Long of Livingston CA & His daughter Donna & Son-in-law Mike Linder of Modesto CA, his son Mitchel Long of Prairie City and Son James and Daughter-in-law Bobby H. (Palmer) Long of Grants Pass, OR, his Niece Debbie Smarr, Grandniece La Tasha, Nephew James Smarr and his wife Corinna Smarr, Grandnieces Sahaylie, Sunshine and Shyanne Smarr. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 18th. 2018, at Driskill Memorial Chapel, with a private celebration of life being planned for the weekend of April 01, 2018 at the Snake River. Memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to the NRA foundation or the RNC through Driskill’s of John Day, OR To light a candle in Don’s memory or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.driskillmemorialchapel.com 24/7 F ORECAST A UTOMATED : 541-575-1122 R OAD CONDITIONS : 511; TRIPCHECK . COM NOAA W EATHER R ADIO FOR J OHN D AY 162.500 MHz Marla Kay (Howland) Coalwell April 3, 1953 - Feb. 24, 2018 Marla Kay (Howland) Coalwell, 64, passed away at home after a long battle with health issues on Feb. 24 in John Day. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A celebration of life and potluck will take place from 12-3 p.m. April 7 at the Canyon City Com- munity Center. She was born on April 3, 1953, to Lorene (Hall) Howland Spriet and James Clifford Howland in Baker City. She joined 11 siblings: Bill, Clifford, John, Ed, Nelda, Nita, June, Tera, Mike, Vern and Lela, and a few years later, sister Wilma was born. She was raised in Baker City and Colorado Springs, Colorado, attending school in both places. In 1972 she and Jerry Coalwell met in Bates — their first date was to John Day for pizza at midnight. He won her heart with his fast cars and his quiet personality. On Dec. 23, 1973, they married in Weiser, Idaho. They brought to this union two children, Susan and Clinton. They made their home in Bates for a few years until Jerry transferred to the John Day Mill in 1975, and they have re- sided in John Day ever since. In August of 1976, they welcomed son Terry to the family. In December, they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. She focused on being a homemaker and mom. She did work outside the home at different times. She was an employee at John Day Golf Course for a number of years, and at the John Day Elks Lodge. She enjoyed painting and macraméing, watching television and playing games on her Kindle. She also loved to gamble and to travel. Much time was spent traveling, and along the way she always complained about Jerry’s driving. Some of the favor- ite destinations were Wallowa Lake, California Redwoods and the Oregon Coast. Her favorite trip was an Alaska cruise with sister Tera and some friends. She also enjoyed a trip to Mexi- co and Arizona with special friend Barb Keiner and many trips to Winnemucca. After the kids graduated and started families of their own, the couple would accompany them to ball games, trips to the coast and family dinners. She enjoyed going to yard sales every weekend, especially in Tri-Cities with her favorite sister-in- law Diane Bogart. Her search was for treasures for the grandkids and old cookie jars. She loved to spoil the grandkids and send them home with toys, clothes or whatever great buy she found. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, of John Day; daughter Susan (Todd) Gregory of Vale; sons Clinton (Tessa) Coalwell of Mt. Vernon and Terry (Leann) Coalwell of John Day; 12 grand- children; 11 siblings; sister-in-law Diane (Scott) Bogart of Ken- newick, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two siblings, June and Bill. Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children’s Hospital through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at tamispineval- leyfuneralhome.com. James ‘Jim’ Kopp James “Jim” Kopp of Seneca died March 5 at his home. Per his request, there will be no funeral service. Memorial contri- butions may be made to Hope4Paws: Grant County, through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com. Leta Rhaye (Humphreys) Kersey Leta Rhaye (Humphreys) Kersey, 82, of Kimberly passed away March 1 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. A private cele- bration of life reception will be held at a date to be determined. Interment will follow at the Buckhorn Family Cemetery. To offer condolences to her family, visit driskillmemorialchapel.com. Paid for by the family of Don Long L AST W EEK ’ S T EMPS J OHN D AY ..................................................................... HI/LO T UESDAY ....................................................................... 55/25 W EDNESDAY ................................................................... 53/31 T HURSDAY ..................................................................... 54/38 F RIDAY .......................................................................... 55/35 S ATURDAY ...................................................................... 58/29 S UNDAY ......................................................................... 59/38 M ONDAY ........................................................................ 63/33 Rosetta Marie Riley, 69, of Prairie City, formerly of Haines, passed away Feb. 21 at Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day. At her request, no services will be held. Riley was born in Ontario March 16, 1948, to Margie May Gengler and Myles Pryse Riley. She was raised by her grandparents, Nick and Nettie Gen- gler, in Prairie City. On Sept. 14, 1963, she married James William Combs. Together they had two sons. They later divorced. On May 5, 1972, she married Danny Joe Hammond. Together they had one daughter. They later divorced. Riley was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She was also a talented cook, baker and cake decorator. She was a room mother and member of the PTA when her sons were in school. She loved the outdoors, especially in the fall, family picnics and animals. She loved spending time with her grand- children. Riley had an enormous heart for animals. Over the years she took in countless strays, both dogs and cats. She is survived by her significant other, Jerry Mitts, of Haines; daughter Danetta (Clayton) Lewis of Prairie City; sons Brian (Karen) Combs of Baker City and Jim (Cami) Combs of Baker City; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; sisters Vernetta Stewart of Seattle, Washington, Barbara Jones of Salem and Marly Ross of Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Loretta Casselman and one nephew. Memorial donations may be made to Hope4Paws: Grant County or Best Friends of Baker, through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at tamispineval- leyfuneralhome.com. More OBITUARIES on Page A3 W EATHER F ORECAST FOR THE WEEK OF M ARCH 14-20 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday A few showers Mostly cloudy Cloudy with showers Cloudy with showers Mostly cloudy Sun and clouds Some sun 47 48 46 45 46 48 52 30 32 29 29 29 26 25