>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Brasch, Miller

Viola May Brasch, 89, of Cove, died Sept. 22 at home. A graveside service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the Cove Cemetery. Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center in La Grande is in charge of arrangements.

Viola was born Feb. 24, 1919, to Burton E. and Lillie Doretta (Shubert) Waggoner in Fowler, Colo. On May 3, 1941, she married John Brasch in Weiser, Idaho. They moved around often in their early years while John obtained his education. They managed a youth camp at Spirit Lake, Wash., and later lived in Texas.

In 1953 they moved to Parkdale where John was the minister for the Church of the Nazarene. Viola loved being a minister’s wife and helping her husband with all aspects of the church. She took pride in the outstanding Christmas programs that the church put on. They lived there until 1983 when they moved to Cove. Her husband preceded her in death in January 2004.

Viola was an avid gardener, landscaper and spent many hours reading. She did in-depth study on the Book of Revelation. Family was very important to her and she always kept in contact with her many siblings over the years.

Survivors include her children, Judy Mack of Grants Pass, John Brasch of Nampa and Jim Brasch of Cove; one grandson; sister, Irene Ovind of Palm Springs, Calif.; brothers, Don Waggoner of Seattle and Hal Waggoner of San Jose, Calif.; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by seven siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Best Friends of Baker City, P.O. Box 183, Baker City 97814.

Sharon “Shari” Elizabeth (Morris) Miller, 63, of Portland and formerly of Cove, died peacefully Sept. 14 at her home following multiple health and heart problems. A celebration of life begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 N.E. 14th Ave., in Portland. Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Shari was born Dec. 12, 1944, the oldest daughter of Manford J. Morris and Wilma M. Burch in La Grande. She graduated from Cove High School in 1962. In 1963, she married Dale L. Miller. He preceded her in death in 2007. The couple had two sons. They divorced in 1971.

Shari worked for many years in the La Grande area as a waitress, bartender and tavern manager of Cass’ Tavern. She opened and ran The Righteous Rat boutique store in La Grande before moving to the Oregon Coast. There she lived and worked in the Tillamook and Newport area as a bartender for many years.

Shari loved the ocean and seafood but especially loved the people who lived in the small towns where she worked and lived. Those who knew her say she made friends with nearly everyone she met and never failed to help anyone who needed a hand, a meal, some mending or a friend.

Shari moved to Portland in 1987 and in 1989 she met a man she considered her soul mate and best buddy, Daryl Wakefield. They spent the rest of her life together living in Northeast Portland. They were inseparable — devoted to one another and to family.

Survivors include longtime companion, Daryl Wakefield; sons, Russ and Jeff Miller; sisters, Mina Ouellette, Carolyn Jeffers and Joy Shea; three grandchildren; and nieces and  nephews.