Josephine County Obituaries

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Barbour, Edson Charles

Edson Charles Barbour died Friday, Oct 8, 1971 at Josephine General Hospital. he was born July 7, 1887, in Los Angeles and Had been a resident of Selma for seven months. Services are through Rose Hills Mortuary in Whittier Ca. Local arrangements were handled by Hull and Hull Mortuary.
Survivors include two sons, Raymond of Selma and Norman E of Valinda Ca.; two sisters , Mrs Edith Flder and Mrs Anita Moore, both of Parkerville W. Va; five grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.
Published Oct 14, 1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Beck, Com C.

Com C. Beck 76 died Thursday July 22, 1971 in Alturas Ca. while on vacation with relatives. Former valley resident for about 40 years, he lived the past six years with his daughter Norma Grant in Portland.
The Becks owned a ranch on Holland Loop Road near the old Holland store for 37 years. He was the husband of Violet Beck who preceded him in death in January, 1961.
He leave five children daughters Beulah Robinson of Alturas Ca. , Grace Young and Norma Grant of Portland; two sons Rick Beck of Grants Pass and Lile Beck of Chico Ca. 15 grandchildren and 10 great  grandchildren.
Burial was in Alturas Ca.
Published July 29, 1971 Illinois Valley News
Submitted by Sally

Britton, Charles G.

Charles G. Britton, 80, died Sunday July 8, 1973 at the home of his son 1127 North Deer Creek Road Selma. Born March 3, 1893 in Burbon Mo. he had lived in Illinois Valley since 1955. Services will be at 10 am Thursday in Montgomery Creek Chapel Montgomery Creek Ca. burial will follow at the cemetery there. Survivors are the widow Agatha and a son Worth both of Selma; two daughters Dorothy Miller Dallas Tex. and Aline Lohner of LaPine; a brother Roy of Orville Ca. five sisters Bessie Woods of Orland Ca. Goldie Gimas and Mildred Bertagana both of Montgomert Creek. Merle Powell of Lodi Ca.and Ester Williams of Oroville; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Published July 12, 1973 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Bruggerman, Mildred 

Hugo Mourns Mildred Bruggerman
Tuesday we laid to rest our beloved Mildred Bruggerman of Hugo Road. Her passing was an unexpected shock to the community. we are thankful that she did not have to suffer a long illness. Mildred was born in Dekalb Illinois in 1885. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was survived by the widower , Harold of Hugo. They had lived in Hugo about 20 years. Mildred was a quiet, efficient type. She had no children. She was happy in being able to do for those needing help. A member of Dorcas, she was always, mending donated clothes to give to those in need. She had a sewing room in her own home where she worked on these projects as well as in the Dorcas sewing room in Grants Pass. She was an unusually good cook. We will miss her yeast rolls at Hugo ladies Club and HEU dinners. She was an officer in Hugo ladies club and HEU for years. we are still asking ourselves why? why? why? there is no answer. She was interned in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Hugo Merlin Community.
Published Oct 7, 1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Burch, William Odus
William Odus Burch was born in New Mexico Territory on September 22, 1890 and died at Southern Oregon Hospital November 1, 1971. he was raised on his fathers cattle ranch near Farmington New Mexico and after graduating from Princeton University spent two years in the Texas Rangers with much of his time on borer patrol.
He joind the Army and helped map Mount McKinnley National Park in Alaska, was with General Pershing hunting Pancho Villa in Mexico and went in L.Co. 16 infantry of the first division(called Pershings Pets and participated in most of the major battles of WW1. He recieved eleven citations for bravery and was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds just a week before the Armistice was signed. Upon being released from the hospital he became a U.S. Deputy Marshall and traveled extensively in that position.
After his marriage in 1922 he and his wife lived in Florida, Wyoming, and Indiana before coming to Oregon in 1931. They lived in Springfield and Eugene, coming to the Illinois Valley in 1936. He was active in sawmilling, mining, and construction work in the valley with the exception of World War II years when he was doing steamfitting on defense jobs in various locations. He was a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America, First Commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a Boy Scout leader, at one time leading three Boys Scout troups, one of them Boys at the Boys Farm Home Group. Uncle Bill helped a lot of boys along the scouting trail. He is survived by his wife Enid, a daughter Wanda Burch Goines of British Columbia, a son Jim, now serving in the army with the second military police company of the second infantry division near Seoul, Korea, eight grandchildren, David and Lincoln Goines and Lisa Goines Hoffman of California, Libby Lawrence, Daniel and Sarah Goines and Debbie Goines Cloughly in British Columbia, and one great-granddaughter Nicole Michelle Cloughly. Private services were held by cremeation. Friends wishing may send contributions in Bill Burch's name for the Salvation Army care of Mrs. Ann Benjamin of Cave Junction or for the Mineral Room at the McCaleb Scout Ranch in care of Mrs. Betty McCaleb in Selma.
Published November 4, 1971 Illinois Valley News.
Submitted by Sally

Crorey, Mary Edna

Medford Mail Tribune, Oregon Tuesday, June 12, 1973, page A11
Mary Edna Crorey

Grants Pass-Mary Edna Crorey,79,of 542 Pearl St., Medford, died in a local nursing home June 9.She was a charter member of the Blue Star Mothers of Michigan,Oregon state president and national treasurer of the organization.  Suvivors include her husband,Oliver M.Crorey,Grants Pass; three sons, LaForest Crorey, Port Huron, ,Mich., Millen Crorey, Lexington, Mich., and
Theron A.Crorey, Grants Pass: two daughters, Mrs.Anna Dorman, San Dimas,Calis., Mrs.Latus Conger, Grants Pass; 14 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Submitted by Stewart J.A.Woolever Jr

Duncan, George A.

George Alton Duncan 60, of Kerby died Sunday Oct 10, 1971. Graveside services will be held today, Thursday at Laurel Cemetery at 10 A.M.
Born February 2,1911 in Kerby, Duncan had lived here all of his life with the exception of a short period of residence in Wenatchee Wa. where he joined Eagles Aerie 214.
Survivors include the widow Jean W. of Kerby; four daughters Charla Jean Duncan of Kerby; Christine Leppert of San Diego Ca. Sharon A. Miller of Kerby, K. Gay Shinkle of Maniton Springs Colo; two sons Gerald Earl of Klamath Falls and Russel Earl. Serving with the Navy seabees on the island of Kusaie in the Carolinas 10 grandchildren.
Published Oct 14, 1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Esterly, George Max

G. M. Esterly Mining Man Dies Tuesday Near Waldo

For Past 12 Years Was Manager Llano De Oro Placer Mines

George Max Esterly, one of the best known mining men of the west died December 2 at his home, Llano de Oro mines, Waldo, about 40 miles southwest of Grants Pass on the Redwood highway, after an illness of several weeks.  He was born at Whitewater, Wis., June 15, 1863 and at the time of his death was 63 years old.

Besides his immediate family left to mourn, he has two brothers, Burton Haines Esterly, Carthage, Mo.: Frank Curtis Esterly of Minneapolis, Minn., and one sister Mrs. Oscar J. Sorlie, of Burton, N. D.

Mr. Esterly was a member of the Masonic order, a mechanical and mining engineer, and a member of the National Engineering society, and has followed mining engineering the greater part of his life.

For the past 12 years he was manager and part owner of the Llano de Oro mine, which is one of the best equipped placer mines in the United States, and he formerly mined extensively in Alaska where he installed the first lighting system in Dawson and laid out the city of Cordova, and in addition to being one of the early day settlers of Alaska, and having large mining interests there, he spent considerable time in Washington, D. C., in behalf of early day Alaska mining legislation.

As a result of his activities in behalf of early Alaska mining affairs, and his charming personality, Mr. Esterly became favorably known, and made a host of close friends, especially along the Pacific coast.  Hew as called upon to assist in the organization of the Sourdough Association of Alaska, of which organization he was an active member.  He was also a member of the Arctic club of Seattle.

  Submitted by Jennifer Hollon

Franklin, Willard W.

Willard Walter Franklin ,59, of 27919 Redwood Hwy Cave Junction died Saturday April 24,1971, at Josephine General Hospital. Born April 15, 1912 in Nebo Illinois he had lived in Cave Junction since 1959. Services and burial will be in Ontario Ca. under the direction of J.B. Draper funeral home. Hull and Hull were in charge of the local arrangements.

Survivors include the widow Norma of Cave Junction; two brothers Herbert of Ontario Ca, and Kenneth of Cave Junction; three sisters Aylene Dorsett of Pomona Ca. Nina Slagle of Ontario Ca. and Wilma Smith of Cave Junction.

Published April 29, 1971 Illinois Vally News

Submitted by Sally

Freitas, Frank Perry

Frank Perry Freitas,80 died Monday Oct 4, 1971 at a local nursing home. he was born in Central Point July 6 1891 and had lived in Grants Pass for 75 years. His usual address was 949 S.W. Bridge st.
Services will be held today at Hull and Hull Chapel at 2;30 with the Kerby Masonic Lodge officiating. Burial will follow at Laurel Cemetery in Cave Junction.
Survivors include 4 sons; Clint of Grants Pass, Neal of Cave Junction Laddie of Medford, Loyal of Baltimore Maryland, two daughters Leone Jones of Medford, Barbara Crabteer of Medford 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren
Published Oct 7,1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Hefner, Harry Basil

word was received of the death of former valley resident Harry Basil Hefner 79, who died July 10, 1973 in Henet Ca. Mr Hefner operated a sawmill on Rockeydale road Cave Junction , during the 1940's.

Services were held in Hemet July 13 with internment at Mountian View Cemetery in Altadena Ca.

Published July 26, 1973 Illinois Vally News

Submitted by Sally

Hill, Carthel D.

Carthel Denman Hill ,77 of 4490 Caves Highway Cave Junction died Saturday April 24, 1971 at Southern Oregon Hospital. he was born Febuary 14, 1894 in Moscow Mills Mo.

Services were held at Hull and Hull Chapel with Rev Glen Hughes of the Immanuel United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery Luverne Minn. Survivors include four sons; Owen of El Segundo Ca.

Lawrence of Central Point, Charley of Las Vagas Nv. and Marvin of Anaheim Ca. one daughter Mary Ellen Ault of Cave Junction; two sisters Lucy Bradshaw of St. Louis Mo. and Dixie Dreyzehner of Moscow Mills; 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Published April 29, 1971 Illinois Vally News

Submitted by Sally

Krauss, Henry A.

Funeral services were held saturday in Lundburg's L. B. Hall chapel for Henry A. Krauss 77 who died thursday at his home in Grants Pass. The Rev William Gildehaus of Hope Presbyterian church in Rogue River offciated with burial in Granite Hill Cemetery.

Born June 3, 1903 in Selma Krauss lived there 63 years before moving to Grants Passin 1966. He was a cattle and Grain Rancher  and was in the lumber trucking business before retirement. He was a member of The Hope Prebysterian Church.

Surviving are his wife Roberta of Grants Pass, sons Henry Krass of Grants Pass and Dennis Krauss of Chiloquin, daughter Willi Krauss of Cupertino Ca. sister Pearl Snively of Grants Pass Six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

His brothers Lewis and Fritz Krauss and sister Rieka Morrison are deceased.

Published Nov. 13, 1980 Illinois Vally News

Submitted by Sally

Logan, James L.

James L. Logan, a well-known Southern Oregon miner, passed away Friday, August 29, after a lingering illness.  He was born in Ohio on May 5, 1872, being 69 at the time of his death.  Mr. Logan resided in O'Brien.  Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 2, in the chapel of the Hull and Hull Funeral home with the Grants Pass Elks lodge in charge.  Interment was at the Odd Fellows cemetery and the Medford Elks lodge officiated at the burial services. 

Submitted by Jennifer Hollon

Maurer, Kenneth C.

Private funeral services were held last Wednesday in Conger morris downtown chapel Medford for Kenneth Clyde Maurer 58, who died Tuesday July 17,1973. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial park in Medford. Born April 10, 1915 in Kerby, Kenneth Maurer was a son of the late George and Katherine Maurer and was a lifetime resident of oregon.

Survivors include two brothers Martin and Louis Maurer both of Cave Junction and a sister Catherine Caldwell  of Portland; many nieces and nephews.

Published July 26, 1973 Illinois Vally News

Submitted by Sally

Olsen, Maybelle E.

Maybelle Edith Olsen, 61 died Monday April 19, 1971 at her home  601 Caves Highway, Cave Junction. Born May 5,1909 in Los Angeles Ca. she had resided in the Illinois Valley area for about 20 years. Services were Thursday April 22, 1971 at Hull and Hull mortuary with Rev. H. William Flemming of Cave Junction Bible church officiating. Cremation followed at Hillcrest crematorium.

Survivors include the widower Leonard of Cave Junction; daughter Patricia A. Frost of Selma; a son Jack R. Barbour of Mesquite Texas; three brothers, Charles Hunt of Rosemead Ca. Clarence Hunt of Bow Wa. and Russel Hunt of Enid Ok. three sisters Inga Schomer of Venice Ca. Mary Blanke of Los Angeles Ca. and Minerva McCormick of Bellflower Ca.; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Published April 29, 1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Racknor, James Peter

Former Valley resident James Peter Racknor, 86 died at a Silverton Hospital Sept 16, 1971 following a short illness. He was born Sept. 18, 1885. Mr Racknor was the first custodian of the Josephine County Library in Cave Junction and Mr Racknor worked at the Bank of The Illinois Valley.
Services were held Sept. 18 in Unger Funeral Chapel and burial followed in Miller Cemetery in Silverton. He is survived by a wife Frances.
Published Oct 7,1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Squire, Bert J.

Bert J. Squire passed away September 26, 1971 A resident of 439 East street Trinidad Ca. Husband of Frances
A. Squire of Eureka, father of Mrs. Juanita Buell of Arcata, Mrs Virginia McGruder of Eureka, Bert E. and Edwin G. Squire both of Cave Junction Oregon. Brother of Jesse M. Squire of Earlimart Ca. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Having lived in Humboldt County for the past 14 years, Mr Squire homesteaded on property at Thompson Creek in
Illinois Valley after he was discharged from th US Army. He was a veteran of World war one aged 77. He was a native of Glendale Ca. Services were at Chapel of Ferns Cooper mortuary on Wednesday, September 29 at 10;30 a.m. with the reverand Wendell Ensor of the United First Methodist Church officiating. Private concluding services followed at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka Ca.
Published Oct 7,1971 Illinois Valley News

Submitted by Sally

Tycer, Jennie

Valley Pioneer Jennie Tycer Dies Monday at 86
Josephine County lost a pioneer Monday October 26, 1970 when Jennie Gibbs Tycer, 86, died at Mariola Nursing Home in Grants Pass.
Born December 13, 1883 in Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs Tycer moved to Oregon with her parents in 1889 at the age of six. Losing her mother shortly after the family's arrival, Mrs Tycer stayed with an aunt in Grants Pass for three years. At the age of nine, she moved with her father, who had now remarried to Illinois Valley where the family purchased a farm on Bridgeview Road where Mrs Tycer lived until 1903 when she married Edward F. Tycer in Kerby November 22, 1903. Edward Tycer's father and mother, James and Margaret Tycer, were pioneers from the state of Missouri and were members of the wagon train of 1853, settling first in Linn County where the first six children were born. The family moved to the Illinois Valley 1867 where they took up a new homestead in Kerby and three more children were born, Edward being the eighth child. Edward and Jennie Tycer farmed on the Tycer homestead and raised their five children there. In 19?7 the Tycer's moved from the old homestead to 3421 Caves Highway in Cave Junction where Edward Tycer passed away in 1950.
Jennie Tycer is survived by a son Ronald Tycer, four daughters, Lena Payne, Lorna Byrne, Kate Turner, all of Cave Junction, Verda Nealy of Grants Pass, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2pm today, Thursday at the Immanuel Methodist Church in Cave Junction, with the Reverend Glen Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at Laurel Cemetary. L.B. Hall Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Published October 29, 1970 Illinois Valley News
 

Submitted by Sally

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