RECORDS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021
HERMISTONHERALD.COM • A5
OBITUARIES
Ted James ‘Teddy’ Baker
Philip Richard ‘Phil’ Rhinehart
Sept. 1, 1994 — Dec. 7, 2021
June 4, 1947 — Dec. 10, 2021
Stanfi eld
Las Vegas
Ted James “Teddy” Baker was born in
Teddy never had any fear from the time
Pendleton, Oregon, on Sept. 1, 1994, to he was small. Well, except for the dentist.
Richard D. Baker Jr. and Jamie D. (Har- His lack of fear explains how he ended up
vey) Oldenburg. Teddy was full of smiles working in the wind energy industry with
and laughter. His fun and endear-
his oldest brother, CJ. CJ stays
ing personality earned him sev-
on the ground, but not Teddy.
eral nicknames throughout his
His job required climbing up to
life: Teddy Bear, Tedward, Ted-
400 feet inside of the turbines
ster, Special Ted, Teddles, etc.
(windmills) to fi nish the interior
From early on, Teddy loved
assembly. He would send us pic-
spending his time with others. He
tures of him standing on top of
never wanted to be alone, even if
the windmills. He loved the feel-
that meant grocery shopping with
ing of freedom! Working on the
mom every week. Thanks to our
road gave Teddy many oppor-
beloved family pet, Mitzi Doodle,
tunities for adventure, which he
Teddy always had an available
Baker
was eager to take advantage of.
He and CJ would attend games
companion. Without question, a
dog was never loved more. Mitzi’s
and events, wherever they were
role was later fi lled by a dutiful, hyperactive working. But most of their down time was
Corgi named Snickers, who had an insatia- spent watching movies, working out, play-
ble need to be with others and was constantly ing catch and cooking together. When Ted
busy. She and Teddy were a good match.
was on a job without CJ, he would convince
For his fi rst seven years, Teddy lived in work buddies to join in his next adventure.
Echo, Oregon, where he met his lifelong He was so excited when he and his friends
friend, Connor Bettencourt, at the age of 2. were able to attend both a Ducks vs. Auburn
Connor was exactly three weeks younger game and a Dallas Cowboys playoff game,
than Teddy and much slower at mastering while on a job in Texas. Traveling together
the fi ne art of potty training. This meant provided good times and good memories for
that Teddy received more rewards, which both Teddy and CJ. For that, we are forever
quickly revealed his competitive nature.
grateful.
Everything became a competition from
Everyone knew that Teddy was fi ercely
then on. His older brothers, CJ and Dannon, competitive, but those who knew him well also
were his idols and his main reason to compete. knew that he had a very soft and caring side.
He would do anything to keep up, including He was generous beyond belief. He would
learning to rollerblade at the age of 3. There often donate to local causes, while working
was never a dull moment at our house. Teddy on the road. He helped his friends, when-
and his brothers were either playing sports ever they needed him. He found joy in buy-
or competing at sports video games. His fi rst ing gifts for others, which, to be completely
game controller wasn’t ever plugged in, since honest, occasionally included some unique
there were only two ports, but you can bet items. But that was Ted — unique. He was
truly one-of-a-kind. He had a variety of inter-
that didn’t keep Teddy from winning!
The family moved to Pendleton in 2001, ests and dreamed of one day writing a book
where Teddy met his fi rst love, Mrs. Liz of poetry. Surely, there’s poetry in heaven.
Teddy loved dogs, he loved kids, he loved
Nirschl. First grade was a breeze, thanks to
her! After much reassurance that she would people of all shapes and colors, he just loved
still be nearby, Teddy eventually gave in and love. And he wasn’t afraid to say it out loud.
agreed to move on to second grade. This was We will miss that.
the year that he found out his middle name
Teddy made many friends along his short
was not Bear. It was devastating. Once he journey and befriended many of their fami-
recovered from the shock and contemplated lies, as well. A special thank you to the Bet-
his options, he announced that he would tencourt’s and O’Rourke’s. You showed Teddy
much love and many happy times. From our
“keep it anyways.”
Thanks to youth sports, awesome coaches hearts to yours, thank you to every single per-
(you rocked his world, LeRoy VanCleave), son who loved him, cared about him and con-
and new friendships, Teddy found his stride tributed to his life in some way. He loved and
in Pendleton. Every year he played base- appreciated you, and so do we.
Teddy was a very special young man who
ball, basketball and football. He was for-
tunate to play on many all-star teams and lost his way and was struggling to fi nd his way
traveling teams. When his 10-year-old All- back. Sadly, he chose to leave this diffi cult
Star team won the state championship, you’d and complicated world on Dec. 7, 2021. We
never seen a happier kid, EVER!! He loved are completely heartbroken, but we are con-
sports! Once he discovered college football, fi dent that our Teddy is smiling again.
Teddy became a huge Oregon Ducks fan.
Family members Ted has reunited with:
To his great dismay, brother Dannon is a great-grandparents, Wilburn (Bob) Pur-
Beaver fan. Ted’s room was green and gold. sel, Alice (Eva) Pursel and Lucille Baker;
Dannon’s was orange and black (thank God grandparents, John Dodds, James Harvey and
they no longer had to share). As expected, Richard Davie; aunts, Connie Baker, Denene
there were many Civil Wars in our house- (Baker) Davis and Dawn (Widner) Harvey;
hold, along with a half Ducks/half Beavers and his beloved dogs, Mitzi and Snickers.
Family members who will miss him
bath mat that stood the test of time, and two
opposing stocking caps that were proudly beyond measure: father, Richard D. Baker Jr.;
mother, Jamie D. (Harvey) Oldenburg; stepfa-
worn during several cold winters.
As Teddy and Dannon got older, they ther, Derek Oldenburg; brothers, Christopher
both found a love for music. They spent (CJ) Kunkle and Dannon Baker; stepsisters,
years sharing their favorite songs and Maggie Carter, Sydney and Gracie Oldenburg
bands with each other. When they were and their families; nephew, Taigen Kunkle;
younger, you could fi nd them sequestered grandparents, Richard Baker Sr., Suzie Davie,
in a bedroom or bathroom singing along to Lana Dodds-Jacobson, Rick Jacobson and
entire albums. Good memories are made Hallie Harvey; and many aunts, uncles and
cousins in Oregon and Alberta, Canada. And,
and remembered with music.
Teddy loved anything physically challeng- of course, his last beloved Corgi, Raley Jane.
ing, including skateboarding. Unfortunately,
A celebration of life will be held at the Roy
this sport caused a serious elbow injury and Raley Room on March 12, 2022, at 4 p.m.
two surgeries his freshman year. It was dev- We would love for you to join us and share
astating. Ironically, skateboarding was the your memories and stories. Photos of you and
only sport exciting enough for him that he Teddy would be greatly appreciated. Copies
was able to continue after the injury. Later, can be mailed to Jamie Oldenburg at 216 N.W.
after high school, Teddy took up golf, which Seventh St., Pendleton, OR 97801, brought
he enjoyed immensely. He shot a hole-in-one to the service or sent on Messenger.
in 2017! Again, happiest big kid, EVER!!
In lieu of fl owers, donations will be
Surprisingly, Teddy found an appreciation accepted at the service for local nonprofi t orga-
for professional soccer. Man, did he get into nizations in Teddy’s memory. He would want
those games! But over the years, one of his us to bless others. We hope to see you all there.
favorite things was watching ball games with
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care
his dad, especially football. Those two spent of arrangements. Please share memories of
countless hours together on a comfy couch, Teddy with his family at www.burnsmortu-
cheering on their teams.
aryhermiston.com.
Philip Richard “Phil” Rhinehart of Las the hills.
He is survived by his brothers, Forest
Vegas, Nevada, was born on June 4, 1947,
Rhinehart, Ukiah, Oregon; and
in Pendleton, Oregon, to parents,
Steven Rhinehart, Pilot Rock, Ore-
Forest and Susan Hensley Rhine-
gon; sister, Susan Grieb, Hermis-
hart. He died on Dec. 10, 2021, in
ton, Oregon; as well as numerous
Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of
nieces, nephews and cousins.
74 years.
Phil was preceded in death by
Phil was raised on the family
his parents, a brother, William
ranch and attended school in Ukiah
“Bill” Rhinehart; and a half-sister,
before going to Pendleton High
Barbara Johnson.
School. After graduation, he served
A graveside service was held on
a 2-year mission in Sweden before
Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, at 11 a.m.
attending college in Salt Lake City,
at the Ukiah Cemetery, Ukiah,
Utah. Phil loved to travel and took
Rhinehart
Oregon.
several trips all around the world.
Please share memories of Phil
He spent 32 years working for the
with his family at www.burns-
U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau
of Land Management. Phil always enjoyed an mortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of
adventure whether riding his bike or going to Hermiston, Oregon, is in care of arrangements.
Merry
Christmas &
Happy New
Year
Alice Lavina (Martin) Saunders
April 6, 1928 — Dec. 15, 2021
Hermiston
Alice Lavina (Martin) Saunders of Herm- move to Hermiston, Oregon, to be near their
iston, Oregon, passed away on Dec. 15, 2021, oldest daughter, Terrilyn Piquet.
in Hermiston, Oregon, at the age
Flower and vegetable garden-
of 93 years and 8 months. She was
ing was a hobby and a passion for
born in Richland, Oregon, on April
her entire life. She enjoyed sharing
6, 1928, to parents, Herman and
bouquets of fl owers with her fam-
ily and friends.
Laura Annavea (Haskins) Martin.
Her parents owned and operated
She is survived by her daugh-
the telephone company. Since their
ters, Terrilyn Piquet (Allen), Herm-
residence was connected to the back
iston, Oregon; and Judith Chapman
of the telephone offi ce, she claimed
(Charles), Abilene, Texas; grand-
to be born in a telephone offi ce.
daughters, Raquel Piquet (Craig),
Alice graduated from Richland
Monique Piquet, Bridget Hinrichs
Saunders
(Jon), Danielle Piquet, Tonya Weath-
High School along with her life-
erman (Brendan) and Amy Alice Bur-
long sweetheart, Raymond Saunders
son; great-grandchildren, Damian
Jr. Because World War II had already
begun, Ray was serving in the Navy when he Piquet, Devin Piquet, Brayden Hinrichs,
was granted a 10-day leave, to marry Alice Brooklyn Hinrichs, Jaelyn Hinrichs, Lirian
Martin on March 10, 1945. She later graduated Holden. Annika Holden, Holton Weatherman,
from Richland High School in May of 1945. Ellie Weatherman and Hudson Weatherman.
Alice and Ray began their life together in
Alice was preceded in death by her hus-
1946, living in Baker, Oregon, where they band, Ray, and her parents.
In lieu of fl owers, donations may be made
resided for most of their married life. They
soon completed their family with the addition to Vange John Memorial Hospice Education
of two daughters, Terrilyn and Judith. Alice Fund or Eagle Valley Cemetery.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday,
began working outside of the home when the
girls were in school. She was the manager of Dec. 21, 2021, at noon at the Eagle Valley
the S&H Green Stamps store until it closed. Cemetery, Richland, Oregon.
Please share memories of Alice with her
Then she served in the Baker County Clerk’s
offi ce for a few years before being elected family at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
to three terms as the Baker County treasurer. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in
In 2003, Ray and Alice made the decision to care of arrangements.
Nancy Kay Swaggart
Jan. 5, 1941 — Dec. 17, 2021
Hermiston
Nancy Kay Swaggart of Hermiston, Ore- Misty, Echo, Oregon; and Paul Blake Swag-
gon, was born on Jan. 5, 1941, in Missouri, to gart, Wickenburg, Arizona; 12 grandchildren,
parents, Earl and Irene Garrison Bonner. She Levi, Garrett. Logan, Ty, Chase, Jon Merle,
died on Dec. 17, 2021, in Kennewick,
J. Blake, Alyssa, Alaura, Shiyenne,
Washington, at the age of 80 years.
Sydney and Taylor; a great-grand-
She was raised in Eastern Ore-
son, Lonnie; a great-granddaughter,
gon and graduated from Long Creek
Laine; and numerous nieces, neph-
High School, Long Creek, Oregon.
ews and cousins.
Nancy was preceded in death by
Nancy was united in marriage to
her parents, her brother, Carl; and
Cecil Swaggart on June 24, 1957,
in Pendleton, Oregon. They lived in
her sister, Joyce.
Ritter, Oregon, and worked together
Recitation of the holy rosary
in the family logging and construc-
will be held on Wednesday, Dec.
tion business until retiring.
22, 2021, at 10 a.m., followed by
They moved to Hermiston, Oregon,
Swaggart
Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m.,
in 2006 where they have lived since.
at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church
in Hermiston, Oregon. Burial will be
Nancy was a member of Our Lady of
Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston and the held on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at 11 a.m.
John Day Elks Lodge, John Day, Oregon. She at Ritter Cemetery, Ritter, Oregon.
enjoyed music, church, fl owers and traveling.
Those who wish may make contributions
Nancy cherished spending time with her family. in Nancy’s memory to Our Lady of Angels
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Catholic Church, Hermiston, Oregon.
Cecil Swaggart, Hermiston, Oregon; sons,
Please share memories of Nancy with her
Benjamin Swaggart, and wife, Terri, Herm- family at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
iston, Oregon; Lincoln Swaggart, and wife, Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in
Julie, Eagle, Idaho; John Swaggart, and wife, care of arrangements.
BIRTHS
GOOD SHEPHERD
MEDICAL CENTER,
HERMISTON
Dec. 7, 2021
PENA — Brook Pena and
Anthony Pena Jr. of Hermiston:
a girl, Aliyah Pena.
Dec. 12, 2021
RETH — Alexis Rae Reth and
Samnang Reth of Hermiston: a
boy, Dayrany Samnang Reth.
Dec. 14, 2021
BOESCH — Karlee Boesch and
Justin Boesch of Umatilla: a
girl, Lily Marie Boesch.
ST. ANTHONY
HOSPITAL,
PENDLETON
Dec. 14, 2021
EZELL — Elizabeth Ezell and
Trent Ezell of Hermiston: a boy,
Emmett William Ezell.
Merry Christmas
from the Russell Law Group
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