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News Obituaries Obituaries for the day of September 19, 2011
Obituaries for the day of September 19, 2011
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Kincade, Jensen, Lyon, Phifer
LOCAL FUNERALS AND VISITATIONS
Sept. 22 & 23 — Jackie L. Jensen, funeral, Sept. 23, 2 p.m., LDS Stake Center on Gekeler; viewings, Sept. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., Loveland, and Sept. 23, 1 to 1:45 p.m., Stake Center Sept. 24 — Hobert Nelson, funeral, 11 a.m., First Baptist Church, 1701 Sixth St., La Grande
La Grande
La Grande
A complete obituary will be published at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
Margaret F. Lyon Formerly of Elgin 1937-2011
Margaret was born July 19, 1918, in Elgin. She was the third child and only female in her family. The family lived on a farm about 10 miles northeast of Elgin. She spent many happy hours playing with kittens, running over the hills and riding the work horses. Margaret’s family divided their time between the Elgin farm and a fruit-growing location in Eagle Valley. She attended school in both places and graduated from Elgin High School in 1937. On Nov. 4, 1937, she married Wilfred J. “Johnny” Lyon and they purchased a small house in Elgin. They had a daughter and a son. Their son died of polio in 1949. She taught Sunday school, led vacation Bible school and wrote news items for the local newspaper while maintaining her home and nurturing and guiding her daughter. Her family says she was a good hunter and enjoyed seeking deer during hunting season with Johnny. After he retired, they spent hours sightseeing driving rural roads throughout Union, Wallowa and Baker counties. Margaret did restaurant work and worked at a sawmill and grocery store. She was a sales representative for several companies. She was hired as a postal clerk at the Elgin Post Office in 1950. She was promoted to postmaster when her boss retired and continued there until her retirement in 1983. Margaret remained in Elgin after Johnny died in 1987. She later moved to Kennewick to be closer to family. Travel was her favorite pasttime. She visited many mainland states as well as Hawaii. She took a trip to the Holy Land and also made trips to Canada and Australia. Survivors include her daughter; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Deborah Rae Phifer Formerly of La Grande 1949-2011
Known as Debbie, she was born July 24, 1949, in La Grande to Thelma and Raymond Baldwin. Playing the piano, ice skating and hiking Table Mountain were some of her childhood passions. Growing up in Union County, she spent many memorable moments with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Debbie married Roger Phifer on Jan. 25, 1969, in La Grande. Together they raised a daughter, and helped raise their grandchildren. Debbie moved to the northern Coast with her family in 1979. She worked for a local cable company for several years, eventually becoming general manager. In 1990 she left the cable company and went to work for Medix Ambulance. Debbie served as the CFO for Medix for several years, maintaining her position until her health forced her to retire in February 2011. Debbie enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading and spending time with her family. She and Roger enjoyed traveling together, which led them to some of their favorite places, such as Hawaii and New Mexico. Debbie’s most cherished vacations were the many family trips to Sun River and Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Those who knew her say she will be remembered most for her love and devotion to family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Roger; daughter, Trisha Phifer of Astoria; three grandchildren; and siblings, Shirley Lee Walker-Carver of Post Falls, Idaho, Joanne Hoskins of La Grande and Shirley Jean Reed of St. Helens. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be made to a local hospice.
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