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News Obituaries Obituaries for the day of November 24, 2009
Obituaries for the day of November 24, 2009
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Obituaries for the day of November 24, 2009 Jack Ferguson Baker City Jack Ferguson, 77, of Baker City, died Nov. 15 at St. Elizabeth Health Services. A memorial open house will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the home of Jack and Dixie Ferguson in Baker City. Memorial contributions may be made to Baker High School Athletics in care of Gray’s West and Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City 97814.
La Grande Don N. Thinook, 62, of La Grande, died Nov. 22 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A full obituary will be available later. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Rebecca M. Smith Elgin 1947-2009 Rebecca Millholland Smith, 62, of Elgin, died suddenly Nov. 17. A celebration of Rebecca’s life will be held in late spring or early summer. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Rebecca was born Sept. 22, 1947, in Washington State. Much of her life was spent in Northern Nevada where she attended the University of Nevada, owned a travel business and received the honor of 1984 Woman of the Year in Carson City. She traveled widely and had a passionate interest in nature. She was an artist and a poet. Those who knew her say she shared her deepest sentiments through the handmade gifts she gave to loved ones. Rebecca moved to Northeast Oregon in 1996 after marrying Gary. Together they enjoyed rural life — a garden with abundant flowers; fruits and vegetables; sheep in the pasture; a pond; and a wide open sky. Her family especially remembers Rebecca’s lovingly supportive relationship with her mother. Characteristic of her generosity, several lives have been improved because Rebecca was a tissue donor. Rebecca is survived by husband, Gary; sons, Brad Harker and Matt Harker; daughters-in-law, Megumi and Carol; four grandchildren; siblings, Jeannette Kelley and Robin Keith; and four nieces. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association in La Grande. James G. Voelz La Grande 19-2009 James G. Voelz, 91, of La Grande, died Nov. 22 at his home. A graveside service will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hillcrest Cemetery. As the weather can be precarious this time of year, the family would like to remind those attending to dress warmly, or to feel free to wear military or hunting apparel as Jim would have liked that. Jim was born April 18, 1918, to Arno L. and Lela Voelz in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School and attended Eastern Oregon College before moving to Corvallis to attend Oregon State University. He graduated from OSU with a degree in agriculture and engineering. Just before the start of World War II he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served actively through the end of the war. He then spent the next 20 years in the Air Force Reserves. While he was in the Air Force and stationed in Las Vegas he met his future wife, Bernice Barnett, and they were married on June 15, 1944, in La Grande. They owned and operated Voelz Oil and Land Survey, while also farming, which he loved. He enjoyed hunting, liked to travel and was a photographer. He was a member of the Knife and Fork Club, Grande Ronde Wheelers Good Sam Club, the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Connie Voelz of La Grande; a grandson; and other relatives. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. in La Grande. Jake W. Marks Union 1981-2009 Jake William Marks, 28, of Union, died Nov. 21 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. in La Grande. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery. Viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Daniels-Knopp. Jake was born Oct. 20, 1981, to Phil and Carole (Ferguson) Marks in La Grande. He attended Union schools and worked for the nut factory in Union. The most important part of his life was his son and daughter and family. He was a private person who had many friends and a love of music. Survivors include his parents, Phil and Carole Marks of Union; children, Jordan Taylor Marks and Crystal Marie Marks, both of Union; grandmother, Connie Marks of Cove; numerous aunts and uncles; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his sister, Crystal Dawn Marks in 1993; and his grandparents, William Marks and Duane and Therese Ferguson. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Jake Marks fund in care of Daniels-Knopp.
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