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
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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
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