Obituaries for the day of July 10, 2009

Obituaries for the day of July 10, 2009

Kenneth Kendall

La Grande

Kenneth C. Kendall, 62, of La Grande, died July 9 at the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Milton-Freewater. At his request, no public services will be held. Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater is in charge of the arrangements.

M. Jeannette Sims Baum

La Grande

1919-2009

Marie Jeannette Sims Baum, 89, of La Grande, died July 7. Funeral services will begin at

1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Gekeler Lane. Viewing will be at Loveland Funeral Chapel today from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Jeannette was born Sept. 18, 1919, to Clifford Marlow Sims and Marie Jeannette Hager Sims in Heppner. She attended elementary schools in Medford, Eugene, Portland and Milton-Freewater, graduating from Mac High School in 1937.

She received a degree in business from Oregon State University in 1943. In 1944, she married David Combs Baum Sr. and worked in San Francisco while he fought in WWII. They settled in La Grande in 1947 where David joined his father, Raymond Chester Baum, in his insurance agency. Three children were born of this union, twins Marie and David, and Raymond.

Jeannette served in the community as secretary for the Red Cross and Community Chest for three years each. She held various offices in the Central PTA including president. She was a Brownie leader. She was a 40-year member of Chapter DK, PEO and again served in all the offices. She was a 40-year charter member of the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary and served as secretary/treasurer for three years.

In 1962, Jeannette and David purchased the August and Priscilla Stange home and lived there for 15 years. They entertained many organizations at receptions and dinners — the State Board of Higher Education for five consecutive years; Associated Oregon Industries; Grande Ronde Symphony; Grande Ronde Hospital Board; the La Grande Industrial Development Committee; and Knife and Fork to name just a few.

In 1976, Jeannette joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She taught classes in Relief Society and served as First Counselor and later as President of the Stake Relief Society from 1984 to 1988. During this time she also worked in the newly constructed Boise Temple for 2 1/2 years.

She loved her 15 grandchildren and took an active part in their lives. She enjoyed scrapbooking, piano playing, reading, cooking, entertaining, traveling and bridge.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Marie Jeannette Baum Rampton and her husband, Dr. Wesley Frederick Rampton, David Combs Baum Jr. and his wife, Anna Witham Baum and Raymond Sims Baum and his wife, Kristine Wyatt Baum; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marjorie Helen Sims Mims and her husband, Dr. Matlock M. Mims of Pacific Palisades, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Alexander “Zan” William Sims in 1967, sister Florence Sims Otten Davidson in March of this year, husband David in 1977 and her parents earlier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grande Ronde Hospital, PEO Chapter DK, the Family History Library or the Union County Museum in Union in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850.

Clarke S. Hall

Formerly of La Grande

1924-2009

Clarke Scott Hall, 85, of Lubbock, Texas, and formerly of La Grande, died June 29 in Lubbock of natural causes. A service will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church in La Grande.

Clarke was born April 4, 1924, to Samuel and Edna Hall in St. Louis. He was a graduate of Harmony High School in Harmony, Minn., and served in the U.S. Navy. Clarke lived in

La Grande for the last 30 years before he moved to be closer to his daughter in Texas last year.

Clarke enjoyed woodworking and gunsmithing and was a member of the Elks Lodge in La Grande. He was also a member of First Christian Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Tye Borger; one granddaughter; and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother.

Binnie L. Kast

Summerville

1942-2009

Binnie Lee Kast, 67, of Summerville, died July 7 at her home.

A funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Summerville Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Summerville Cemetery.

Binnie was born June 30, 1942, to Leroy and Florence (Igo) Wilson.

She was one of the first three women to go into the Bunker Hill Coal Mine in Idaho. She worked for a time as a commercial fisherwoman and earned a secretarial degree.

She worked in food service for many years in various places. Her last position was with the ESD.

Binnie was a member of the Summerville Baptist Church. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and fishing. She loved being a grandmother.

Survivors include her children, Tony Kast of Lewiston, Idaho, Ricky Kast of Pendleton, Anyla Kast of Pendleton, Kiela Stellings of Summerville and Josh Kast of

La Grande; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Chuck.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. in La Grande.

Martha Lawton

La Grande

1914-2009

Martha Lawton, 95, of La Grande, died July 4 at her home. Services will be held at a later date in California. Friends and family may sign the on-line guest book or leave a condolence at www.danielsknopp.com.

Martha was born March 14, 1914, to Homer and Audrey (Say) Laughlin in Georgetown, Pa. In 1932 she married Norman Lawton.

They lived in Southern California for many years, then moved to the Salinas Valley in California. In 1997 they moved to Union County. She enjoyed restoring dolls for needy children, crocheting doilies and afghans.

She made numerous stocking caps that were sent to Iraq and Afghanistan and schools and organizations in Union County.

Survivors include her children, Juanita and Leonard Duckworth of San Ardo, Calif., Lois and Don Cattanach of Elgin and William Lawton and Margaret Hackett of Fort Smith, Ark.; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren.

Her husband preceded her in death in 2001.

Memorials may be made to the Oregon Cancer Society in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral,Cremation and Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande 97850.