Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services

08/19/2026

June Elinor Wood, affectionately known to her family as Grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on August 3, 2026, at the age of 94.

June was born in Wilbur, Washington on July 7, 1932, to Bessie Merytle Flanagan (Scheibner) and Aaron Bramlet Flanagan. She was their oldest child and was soon joined by brothers Keith and Larry, and her beloved younger sister Kate. The family moved to La Grande when June was young to a homestead on Mount Glen Road, where she and her siblings attended a nearby one room schoolhouse for elementary school. June attended high school at La Grande High School, graduating in 1950.

In 1951, June married Bernard Leeroy Swart. She and Bernard bought a home on Fourth Street in La Grande and went on to have 3 children, daughter Gayle and sons Kim and Kirk.
Bernard worked for Union Pacific Railroad and June was a homemaker. Bernard died in a tragic accident in 1976. After his passing, June held her first and only job outside the home at
Top Shop, a women’s clothing store, where she likely bought more clothes than she sold during her time working there.

In 1979, June married her second husband, James Earl Wood (Jim). She then moved to Jim’s farm on Hunter Road. Her grandsons have fond memories of spending time with her on Hunter Road; Jim also worked for Union Pacific, when he was working June frequently hosted them so she wouldn’t be at the farm alone. Jim passed away in 2002. June rented out her house on Fourth Street while living with Jim and later moved back there, where she remained for the rest of her life.

June loved her home and took pride in keeping a beautiful yard. She loved gardening, and spent many days of her life tending to her flowers and encouraging company to come look at
her backyard when in full bloom. The biggest gripe June had when old age decreased her mobility was not being able to tend to her yard herself. June was a spit fire. She lived by herself right up until the very end of her life. She was sharp as a whip and seemed to get a kick out of saying things that had shock value. She was a woman of many talents during her life, carving wood figurines, painting, embroidering, doing ceramics, and even participating in a bowling league at one time. She loved sweet treats and was not afraid to speak her mind, especially in a strongly worded letter. June’s mantra was “do unto others as you would want done unto you”.

June was preceded in death by her husbands, her sons, and her siblings. She is survived by her daughter Gayle Wheeler and daughter-in-law Jackie Swart; grandchildren Chad Sims
(Scottianne Rebmann), Ryan Wheeler (May Beltran), Bret Wheeler (Emily), Kayla Swart (Thomas Yukimaru), Casey Swart; great grandchildren Mariah Britton, Mason Muth, Aidan
Wheeler, Dominic Wheeler, Eliana Wheeler, Annabel Wheeler, Fox Yukimaru; and great-great grandchildren Andrew Rebmann, Caitlyn Britton, and Maliyah Muth.

08/19/2026

Luella “Susie” Michaels Marston, 75 of Haines, Oregon, died on August 15, 2026 at her home with her husband by her side.

Susie was born on August 16, 1950 in Valentine, Nebraska. She lived in Saint Maries, Idaho and then moved to Union, Oregon where she attended both grade school and High School.

Susie married Frank Michaels and together they had 3 children. They were married for 45 years when he passed away. She met George Marston at the North Powder Huckleberry Festival in 2015. They later married and have been together as a couple for exactly 11 years from their first date, to the day of her passing which was on the same day, in the same hour and within minutes from when she died. Their time spent together and married was wonderful and happy.

During her life, she was a housecleaner and worked odd jobs. She then attained her GED and CDL. She switched careers and drove semi-truck’s all the while being a mother and a wife.

She was involved in the Red Hats Club, the Methodist Church and enjoyed playing cards and Bunco.

Susie liked flower gardening, her favorite color was green and flower was the “Bleeding Heart”. She enjoyed gambling and adored her cats and Rottweiler dogs. She cherished going to the cabin, picking huckleberries, walking the forest trails, seeing deer and even bears. Susie especially loved traveling! Highlights of these trips included visiting many zoos in the Northwest and Canada. She drove on the loneliest Highway in the world to Ely, Nevada, traveled to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Crater Lake, Glacier National Parks, Bear World and explored up and down the Oregon Coast.

Susie had a handwritten post-it note that read, “Today is a good day, it is going to be a good day!” Which became her mantra. She was the first one at the church to open up the doors and helped at Senior meals, the food bank, Christmas Club and Tops. She will be remembered for always willing to help.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Frank Michaels; daughter Dee Dee Wise; grandson Jordan Wilson; parents Harold and Lois Luella Soles.

Susie is survived by her husband George Marston of Haines, OR; daughter Jessie Wilson and son Louie Michaels; brothers Jesse and Bill Soles; 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Susie the family suggests either the North Powder Community Church or the North Powder food bank through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

08/13/2026

Florence Higbie, of Baker City, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 at the age of 94 at Meadowbrook Place. A memorial service will be held on August 22, 2026 ~ 1:00pm at the Blue Mountain Baptist Church 2998 8th Street in Baker City. Friends are welcome to share their memories of Florence during the service

Florence was born in Flint, Michigan on March 1, 1932 to father Alfred Eggli and mother Nina Eggli. The younger of two, Florence graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1950.

After following her parents to Arizona in the 50s, she spent her life living in various places throughout the west making new friends along the way before settling in Baker City more than 20 years ago.

She is preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Nina Eggli, and her brother Fred.

Florence is survived by her son Ed (Diane) Higbie, grandson John D Higbie, and extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Heart n Home Hospice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 978343. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.

08/13/2026

Evelyn Lovelien, 83, of Baker City, passed away at her residence on August 5, 2026.

Evelyn was born on October 26, 1942 in Salem, Oregon. She moved to Lovelock, Nevada when she around 14 years old and attended school there until Jr. High.

She married Doug Saunders and together they had two daughters, Loretta & Carol. They later divorced. She then married Richard Lovelien and they had two daughters, Toni & Diana.

Evelyn worked as a waitress into her 40’s. She then began traveling working antique shows until she retired in her 60’s. During her working career she lived in Glide, Sutherlin, and Brookings, Oregon. She said she would have stayed in Brookings forever if she could have.

Evelyn enjoyed dealing in antiques, quilting, reading, listening to Elvis Presley, belly dancing and was very good at drawing and singing. She loved the color red, spider plants, her dogs and the San Fransico 49’s football team.

She was also a very spiritual person who embraced her Indian Roots. She wrote the Journal of Gospel of the Red man.

Evelyn was a devoted Elvis fan. She was fortunate enough to have seen Elvis Presley 3 times in the 70’s.

A memorable adventure she would do monthly with her girls was to take them to the ocean and a nice dinner. They would then spend a couple days enjoying and playing in the ocean.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Richard Lovelien; daughters Loretta and Carol; parents Vance and Nona Gordon.

She is survived by her daughters Toni Miller and Diana Lovelien; brothers Pat, Larry, Bruce, Kevin, Mike, and James Gordon; sisters Linda and Suzie Gordon; 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Evelyn the family suggests the “Shop with a Hero” program, through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

08/11/2026

08/07/2026

Sandra Louise Emery, 59, passed away at home surrounded by family on August 1, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A Memorial Service/Celebration of Sandra’s Life will be held on August 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Baker City Christian Church with John Roberts, pastor of Moses Lake Christian Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Following the interment friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception to be held at the Baker City Christian Church.

Sandra (Sandy) was born January 28, 1967 in Ontario, Oregon to Boyd and Francise Perry, the eldest of four children. She attended elementary school in Vale and Willowcreek, then graduated from Vale Union High School in 1985. After graduation she went to beauty school and got her beautician license. She also worked for Student Loan in Fruitland for a time, and had several part-time jobs as a waitress and in elder care.

On September 19, 1992 she married Michael E. Zeigler and they had a daughter, Makayla, before divorcing in 1995. She was living in Baker City when her daughter was born and after the divorce, she was able to purchase a home through the FHA low income program. She operated a day care in her home for several years while her daughter was small. Then she went to work for Blue Mountain Community College for nearly 20 years until health issues forced her into early retirement.

In 2002 she met Joseph H. Emery and they married on Christmas Eve of that year. With this marriage came Joe’s five children, two who were still at home. Sandy loved them all as she had always hoped for a large family. She officially adopted Joe’s two youngest boys (Luke and Austin) and Joe adopted her daughter, Makayla.

They sold her house in Baker City and moved to a larger home in North Powder with more room for their family. Sandy had grown up on a farm and loved animals, so this move gave them more room for animals too. Through the years she had rabbits, goats, chickens, cats and dogs.

When their children were young, Sandy and Joe would take them hiking and camping whenever they could. Many of these trips furnished them with memorable adventure stories. She enjoyed motorcycling with Joe when they could get away and these times also added to their collection of memorable adventures. As the kids grew and were more active in events outside the home, there was not time to go home to North Powder for supper. Sandy earned the title of “Crock Pot Queen” during these years, as she would prepare the evening meal in a crock pot to cook all day at work and their family could eat together every evening no matter where they were.

Sandra was a social person who loved and cared for people and was always willing to help anyone any way she could. She was always ready to share her faith with everyone. When raising their children, she did home Bible studies with them, took them to the church youth groups and Vacation Bible School. As grandchildren came along she encouraged their faith also. During her illness, she continued to encourage and share with those around her.

When they became empty nesters, Sandy and Joe decided to sell their home in North Powder and move closer to their jobs. In the spring of 2020 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery. Their house in North Powder unexpectedly sold while she was recovering and they had not found anything else to buy yet. So they moved into their camper at her parents house until they could purchase a new home. She enjoyed living in the country, pinochle games with Mom and Dad, and shared meals. While they were still there she learned that the cancer had metastasized.

She and Joe found a house in Baker City that needed some remodeling. With her Dad’s help they were able to move in and she began the long journey of treatments. Although she was unable to continue working, she stayed busy with her hobbies of knitting, crocheting, reading, genealogy, and pinochle games with family. Bible study was important to Sandy and she had a large library of Bibles and reference books.

Sandy loved all her grandchildren dearly and attended as many of their activities as she was able to. She crocheted or knitted afghans for all her grandchildren. She decided to learn to sew and reconnected with a special friend, Sylvia Bowers, and together they made many rag quilts for all her brothers, sister, parents, nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren. Her most cherished times were when she could spend time with her grandchildren and her dogs, R***r, Gage, Paxton and Payton.

She said that she preferred pastel colors, mostly green, but those of us who knew her noted that her wardrobe contained some pretty colorful items. She loved shoes and most new outfits required new shoes to match.

Family was especially important to her, and she loved the yearly holiday get-togethers with family and friends. She really enjoyed family reunions and recently attended a Perry reunion where she was able to visit with many of her cousins that she had grown up with.

Sandra will be greatly missed by all her friends and family but we look forward to the time when we will all be together again with our lord and savior in heaven.

The family is grateful to Dr. Morgan and his staff at the Fruitland Cancer Center for the excellent care and support they provided for Sandra these last five years. Thanks also to Heart n’ Home Hospice staff for great care and support during her last days.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Joe; sons Luke (Danika) Emery, Austin Emery (Desi); daughter Makayla (Jake) Hobbs; step-daughters Lisa Lish (Michael), Sherryce Emery; step-son Jamie Emery (Rachael); grandchildren Ginny and LJ Emery, Noah Lish, Calvin and Claire Hobbs, Olin and Noa Emery, Alina Emery-Koch, Tae Emery; her parents Boyd and Francise Perry; sister Teresa Widby (Joe);brothers Steve Perry (Shannon), Dave Perry (Jacqui); nieces Morgan Perry, Haley Perry, Mandi Widby; nephews Scott Perry, Chance Widby. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Cecil and Nellie Perry and Merle and Donna Cummings.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Sandra the family suggest the Baker Christian Church through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

08/06/2026

Gerald “Jerry” Rowan passed away at his home in Sumpter, Oregon on July 17, 2026. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, time and place to be announced.

Jerry was born on September 28th, 1958 to parents Jim and MaRee Rowan in Ontario, Oregon. He was raised there and eventually graduated from Ontario High school in the class of 1976.

Jerry then married Julie Pennington, they were married for 2 years and divorced. He then fell in love with Rhonda Meyer. They were together 10 years and lived in Sumpter. Though they parted ways, they have remained great friends for over 30 years.

Jerry’s working career was in logging/construction as a heavy equipment operator.

He enjoyed wood cutting, wood carving bears, going metal detecting, fishing and hunting. He loved the outdoors! There wasn’t a season he didn’t like in Sumpter. The Rowans had a rich 50-year history in Sumpter and he was proud of that.

His favorite color was blue, and he was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners, NASCAR, and his beloved Weiner dog Shaq. One of Jerry’s favorite things to say was, “Hey, Hey, Hey”. A memorable accomplishment in his life was the birth of his daughter whom he chose the name, Samantha Dawn. He will be remembered as being a wonderful, caring, helpful man.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Jim & MaRee Rowan; brothers Gordon and Johnny Rowan.

He is survived by his daughter Samantha Rowan; grandchildren Kyle & Hanna MaRee Cunming and Ryan Esposito.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Jerry, the family suggests Hunt of a Lifetime through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

08/06/2026

Tamra "Tami" Dolby Randall, 63, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, at the Baker City Elks Lodge, 1896 Second Street, Baker City, Oregon.The family warmly invites all who knew and loved "Nipper" to join them in celebrating her life, sharing memories, and honoring the love, laughter, and friendship she brought to so many.

Tami was born on April 22, 1963, in Eugene, Oregon, to James "Ron" Dolby and Lonna Moreland Dolby. She joined her older brother, Brian, who had been born just 14 months before her.

As a young child, Tami's family moved to Baker City, Ron's hometown, where she was raised and attended school. She graduated from Baker High School with the Class of 1981. Following graduation, she attended La Grande School of Beauty alongside her lifelong best friend, Karla Estes. The two graduated together in 1983 and began their cosmetology careers, with Tami first working at Shirley's Shop in Baker City. At Karla's encouragement, she later relocated to the Portland area, where the friends continued working together in the beauty industry.

Throughout her career, Tami wore many hats. She worked as a driver's education instructor, was employed by several janitorial companies, and most recently served in an administrative role with Patriot Building & Grounds Maintenance, working alongside Rob Cox.

While living in Portland, Tami met Eric Randall. They were married in Reno, Nevada, in 1986 with their immediate families by their sides. Together they built a family, welcoming their son Derek James in 1987, their daughter Dena Lee in 1990, and their youngest son, Dylan Ray, in 1999.

Nothing brought Tami greater joy than her family. She loved cheering from the sidelines as Derek raced motocross, Dena played soccer, and Dylan played football. In recent years, she found even greater happiness watching her grandchildren compete in soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, and baseball. When her oldest granddaughter, Maliyah, was very young, she affectionately gave Tami the nickname "Nipper." The name stuck, and to her grandchildren she was never "Grandma"—she was simply "Nipper."

Following the passing of her father in 2014, Tami returned home to Baker City, where she truly found her happiest years. She enjoyed spending time helping work cattle at her cousin's ranch, dog-sitting her favorite four-legged friends, and trying her luck with a $20 bill at the slot machines. She was also a member of the Main Event shuffleboard team and the Baker Elks Lodge, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Tami loved fiercely and unconditionally. She was genuine, loyal, and never one to pretend to be anything other than herself. A blue jeans and T-shirt kind of woman, she approached life with honesty, strength, and a no-nonsense spirit that endeared her to everyone who knew her. Her laughter, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tami was preceded in death by her parents, Ron and Lonna Dolby, and by her cherished best friend, Karla Estes Stone, who passed away exactly one year before Tami.

She is survived by her children, Derek Randall and his partner, Kari Raffety, of Baker City; Dena Randall and her partner, James Culp, of Washougal, Washington; and Dylan Randall and his partner, Olivia Bowers, of Scappoose, Oregon. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Maliyah, Gracie, and Blakley Culp, and Colbi and Hoyt Bachman; brothers, Brian Dolby of Wilder, Idaho, and Craig and Shiela Dolby of Baker City; her nieces and nephews, Brandon and Hannah Dolby, Amanda and Nate Humphries, Darren and Courtney Dolby, Kailey Dolby, Tyson Dolby, and Kayla Dolby; as well as her dear friend, Tammy Zemmer.

Online condolences can be shared to www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

08/01/2026

Jody Larkin, 55, of Baker City, died on July 7, 2026 at her home. A celebration of life & potluck will be held on August 8th, from 1-4pm at the Community Connections Center in Baker City, Oregon.

Jody Marie was born on November 7, 1970 in Marquette Township, Michigan to parents Delo and Estrella Simmons. She was raised in Baker and lived in Ontario, LaGrande, Pendelton and Boise during her adult life.

She was married a few times, but they each ended in divorce. Jody met her fiancé Jesse Whitmore 5 years ago, when he asked her out on a date for Tacos. She fell in love and they have been together ever since.

During her life, Jody worked at different places including McDonalds, Safeway and the St. Francis Hospital.

She cherished going for car rides in the mountains and being outdoors, especially during the spring and fall as it wasn't too hot. She also loved movie nights and her cats.

Jody’s proudest accomplishment was having her beautiful daughter Holly and spending quality time with her. She loved to spoil her as often as she could and loved to spend time visiting with her.

Memorable dates in her life included going to the Columbia River and Tri-Cities for the 4th of July, going to the Cookie Crumble store so she could “taste test” cookies that her daughter chose and taking her daughter shopping with Jesse.

Jody was preceded in death by her mom Estrella “Lisa” Simmons.

She is survived by her daughter Holly Larkin; Fiancé Jesse Whitmore; Father Delo Simmons; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Jody the family suggests Dreamhaven Ranch through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

08/01/2026

Tammy Urlacher-Burside, 62, of Baker City, Oregon died on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Memory Lane Assisted Living in Baker City. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Club, 2005 Valley Avenue, Baker City, Oregon.

Tammy Sue Profitt was born on July 31, 1963, in Kalispell, Montana, to John and Grace Profitt. She grew up in Baker City and was raised in the Pine Creek area as the youngest of the "Profitt Dozen." To her family, she was lovingly known as "Duchess," a nickname given to her by her father.

Tammy attended Baker High School, where she enjoyed cheerleading and made many lasting memories. She was the proud mother of three children: Michael Wilson, with her first husband, Walter "Curt" Wilson; Lindsay Hodgson, with her third husband, Tom Hodgson; and John Urlacher, with her fourth husband, Craig Urlacher. She was also married to Bill Stephens and Darryl Burnside.

A hardworking and devoted mother, Tammy spent much of her career working in construction to provide for her family. Young at heart and generous by nature, she found her greatest joy in her grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world. Her home was always open to those in need, and she never hesitated to share what she had with others.

Tammy is lovingly remembered by her children: Michael (Kelly) Wilson of Baker City, Oregon; Lindsay (Joe) Hodgson of Pasco, Washington; and John Urlacher of Baker City, Oregon. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Erin Conley, Jillian Billips, Caden Wilson, and Mabry Urlacher; and her great-grandchildren, Dillon and Clint Billips.

She is survived by her brothers, Dave, Loren, and Cecil Profitt; her sisters, Debbie McCray, Glenda Profitt, Ramona Cain, and Cindy Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Grace Profitt; her brothers, Larry and Calvin Profitt; and her sisters, Judy Johnson and Peggy Cunningham.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.