Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services Funeral Service Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home - Provides all aspects of funeral service to families when death has occured.

Tim Rainey,72,  of Baker City, died on August 22, 2025 at his residence.Timothy Brian Rainey was born on August 4, 1953 ...
08/26/2025

Tim Rainey,72, of Baker City, died on August 22, 2025 at his residence.

Timothy Brian Rainey was born on August 4, 1953 in Torrance, CA to father George William Rainey and mother Bonnie Myrtle McGavran.

Tim grew up across the street from the ocean and always had a special love for it. His mother died when he was very young and that was very hard on him. Then he grew up in a large blended family with nine siblings and half-siblings. He had to learn to take care of a lot from an early age.

He worked as a machinist and maintenance mechanic until the 1990s, when he became a long-haul truck driver, until his retirement. Tim was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed collecting and target shooting. He rode motorcycles in his early days. He loved movies, especially spy thrillers. Tim was so proud of his two sons and loved his dogs very much. He was a handyman and was forever building things for the yard.

Tim is survived by sons Darrin Oliver Rainey and Jared Nicholas Rainey; brothers George and Tom Rainey; sisters Sylvia Jones and Vanita Turner, and half-sister Barbara Miller; step-brothers Dave Richardson, Bill Richardson, and step-sister Connie Perica; ex-wife Janet Rainey.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Nellie Ethel Forrester, 101, of Halfway, Oregon died on August 14, 2025 with her daughter at her side. Nellie was born o...
08/25/2025

Nellie Ethel Forrester, 101, of Halfway, Oregon died on August 14, 2025 with her daughter at her side.

Nellie was born on January 21, 1924 in Denver, Colorado to Merle and Hazel (Watson) Davis. She graduated from high school in 1942.

She met her husband James Paul Forrester at an Auto Show in Denver, Colorado. During her life she was a homemaker and also worked as a secretary at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Nellie enjoyed cake decorating, sewing, painting and fishing. Her favorite color being royal blue, spring was a favorite season and her favorite flowers included lavender and ge**er daisies.

She traveled to Germany, and also lived there during two tours of her husband’s service duty. She also traveled to Australia with her friend Florence and actually swam at the coral reefs. Nellie was a long time Pine Valley Fair Manager and worked to make the exhibit hall what we see today; she was also a member of the Library Board.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul.

Nellie is survived by her daughter Sue Forrester of Halfway; granddaughters Kristina Winnett and Tiffany Pulliam.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Nellie, she suggested Best Friends (animal rescue and care) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.coma

Donald RockOctober 28, 1931 - June 16, 2025     Donald J. "Donnie"  Rock, 93, of Hermiston, Oregon passed away at his ho...
08/25/2025

Donald Rock
October 28, 1931 - June 16, 2025
Donald J. "Donnie" Rock, 93, of Hermiston, Oregon passed away at his home on June 16, 2025. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway, Oregon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life is scheduled at Donnie’s home in Hermiston on October 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Donnie was born October 28, 1931 in Huntington, Oregon. He was the middle child of Joe and Mabel Rock. He was raised in Halfway, Oregon, and this is where his passion for horses and rodeo began. As a boy he grew up breaking and riding horses, fishing and backpacking with his good friend Bill Waldron in the hills around the valley and into the Imnaha. In 1949 he graduated from Pine Valley High School and joined the United States Navy where he traveled the world, later on being stationed in "Sunny San Diego" as he fondly referred to it. In 1954 he married his wife Donna Dene "DD" and went on to work for the FAA, eventually moving to Hermiston, Oregon, where he lived until his passing.
Donnie was actively involved with the Umatilla Sage Riders, Mustangers, Milton-Freewater Pioneer Posse and volunteered at the Umatilla County Fair and Rodeo, Western States Junior Rodeo and the Pendleton Round-Up for many years. Enjoying all things rodeo, he spent much of his time attending team ropings, rodeos and playdays watching many of his friends and family compete. However, Labor Day weekend in Halfway, Oregon for the Baker County Fair and Rodeo was always where his heart longed to be – where once he used to compete and then later had the honor of serving as Grand Marshal for the annual Labor Day parade. Of course, he always attended the famous class reunion and steak feed for a good catch-up visit with friends and family alike. He never knew a stranger.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Mabel Rock; brother Gordon Rock; sister Nellie Fitch, and his wife of 67 years Donna "DD" Rock.
His survivors include stepdaughters Joann (Dan) Rowland of Montana and Guetheoland Winebarger of Michigan; grandchildren LeLand (Shannon) Winebarger of Hermiston and Valoree (Gary) Thompson of Michigan, Emilo Leal of Hermiston and Abraham (Maggie) Rodriguez of Hermiston; brother-in-law and lifelong friend Paul Fitch. He had four great-grands Stephen, Elexus, Dakota and Layton and eight great-great-grands, two nieces and a nephew and many dear friends.
A very heartfelt thank you to the Maria Leal family for all the love and care they shared with Donnie and Donna over many years of friendship. To Layton and Abby Winebarger for being his loving and devoted caregivers so that he could remain at home until his passing. The Hospice nurses and chaplain for all the care and support we all needed during this time. To all the friends and neighbors that came by to visit and share their love and support for us all. Your friendships and kindness meant the world to Donnie and to all of his family. Thank you.
Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Ronald Rae Nelson, 89, longtime Baker City resident, passed June 4, 2025, at his home in Baker, with his wife and daught...
08/09/2025

Ronald Rae Nelson, 89, longtime Baker City resident, passed June 4, 2025, at his home in Baker, with his wife and daughters by his side. A Celebration of Life & Remembrance will be from 1 pm to 5 pm Saturday September 27 th at the Elks Lodge in Baker City.

Ron was born October 16, 1935, in Baker City Oregon to Glenn Clifford Nelson (“Banty”) and Pearl Augustus Castles. He was a 1953 Baker High School graduate. Ron then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1953-1957 as an Airman First Class of the 95th Bomb Wing Field Maintenance Squadron. He was an electrician for the B-36 bombers.

Ron returned to Baker after his honorable discharge from the service where he met and married Juanita J. Carnell in 1959. They had 3 children: Renee, Monty and Shelly. Ron graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 1963 with a teaching degree and taught at the Jr. High & High School level from 1963-1977, for a short time in Richland Oregon and then in Baker City. It was common to hear him addressed as Mr. Nelson by many former students even in his later years.

Ron retired from teaching and spent nearly 10 years working for Arco up in Prudhoe Bay Alaska starting in 1977 before he retired for good. Ron Married Edith A. Sprague Myers in 1987. They
had a long & happy life together from 1987-2025 (38 years). With this union, he gained another daughter, Michelle Renee (“Shelly”) Sprague.

Ron was a sports enthusiast his entire life, participating in high school baseball and basketball. He was a gifted athlete and played first base on a mans fast pitch softball team with family, good
friends and locals of Baker City. Ron coached little league and high school baseball. He enjoyed the outdoors with hunting and ice fishing in his later years.

Ron was a loyal member and Exalted Ruler of the Elks, a tradition of the Nelson family for years. He was a very social person, who always enjoyed his friends and being with his family,
always making them laugh with his sense of humor. Ron looked out for some of his family members and some of his older friends later in life as circumstances dictated.

Survivors include his wife- “Edie”; daughters- Renee Kress, Shelly Horn (SIL- Rocky), Shelly Wineinger (SIL- George); granddaughters- Megan and Kaylan Nelson; grandsons- Wesley and
Luke Wineinger; brother- Donald Nelson; sister-in-law- Donna Nelson and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents- Glenn & Pearl Nelson; son- Monty Nelson; brother-
Glenn Gordon Nelson.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

“Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed”

Bobbi (Neff) Phegley, 56, of Baker City, passed away on July 31, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise...
08/09/2025

Bobbi (Neff) Phegley, 56, of Baker City, passed away on July 31, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho with her family and friends at her side. A celebration of life will be held on September 6, 2025~ 11am at the Agape Church in Baker City, OR (650 State Hwy 7).

Bobbi Darlene Phegley was born on June 11, 1969, in Salinas California. She was raised in Salinas and graduated from high school on her birthday June 11, 1986.

Bobbi began her working career in high school at Albertsons making donuts with her best friends. Following high school, she primarily worked doing in home daycare and as a caregiver at St Alphonsus Medical Center. Later in life, she did ultimately go back to daycare as she loved helping struggling parents afford childcare and because she thoroughly enjoyed the company and laughs of her daycare kids. Through daycare she still was friends with a lot of the children she babysat, sometimes even babysitting their children. Her joy was infectious and will not be forgotten by those who knew her.

Bobbi’s hobbies included crafting, berry and mushroom picking, gardening, growing flower beds, and thrifting. Her biggest joy was always decorating the house inside and out for every holiday along with her fully lit year-round spinning indoor tree that was themed to the season or holiday and was decorated with her grandchildren each time it was done. Her favorite color was teal, the same teal that you see when the ocean waves go out. Her favorite time of year is and always has been the fall season and Halloween. Bobbi’s love for Halloween is endless! She loved the pumpkins, dressing up, music, parties, and then trick or treating all night with her children and grandchildren. Bobbi also loved flowers like Daisies and Salmon Rose. Her brother Dennis always brought her mother salmon-colored roses every weekend when he got paid on his way home from work until he passed away.

She cherished her four-legged fur babies Brutus and Ginger. Bobbi even had a pet rat for a long time, ferrets, fish tanks, a goose and many cats through the years.

Bobbi loved going to youth group at church and spending time with her friends and family on game night. Memorable dates in her life included the births of her children and grandchildren, her high school graduation, and celebrating her grandfather's citizenship when it was granted. For that she rode with her father to San Francisco which was special as she loved spending time with her father.

Bobbi lived her life through the lens of trying to make everyone happy. She made a difference by not judging people on the outside, but making them happy on the inside; she truly never has known a stranger. Bobbi’s life advice was to “never forget to stop and take it in”. She will be remembered for being a good person, a loving and devoted grandmother, mother, wife, sister, and friend. The best and most memorable of all is your favorite Aunt Bobbi.

She is preceded in death by her father Robert Neff; Stepdad Ernest Sheilds; Brother Dennis Neff; Grandparents Adolph and Babe Bonetti, and Ruby Pearson; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bobbi is survived by her husband Wesley Phegley; Ashley and Kyle Dixon; Johnny Waggoner Jr. and Erin Waggoner; Amber and Buddy Otnes; and Preston Waggoner and Emely Mejorado; Mother Betty Sheilds-Buttram; Brother Kenneth and Bridget Neff; Sister Sandi and Gary Larkin; and 12 grandchildren Racheal, Kaitlyn, and Abigayl Dixon, Sabreana, Lawrence, Owen, and Avery Otnes, Iris, Wren, Sage, Hazel, and Thomas Waggoner.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Bobbi the family asks that donations to help defray funeral expenses be made through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Dennis Littlefield, 70, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, while camping in the Wallowa-Whit...
08/09/2025

Dennis Littlefield, 70, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, while camping in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Oregon, surrounded by the beauty of nature he so greatly loved. Born on February 12, 1955, in Halfway, Oregon, Dennis led a life defined by service, dedication, and love for his family.

A proud veteran, Dennis served in the United States Air Force from February 1973 to September 1994, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career was marked by honor, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his country. After retiring from the Air Force, Dennis continued his life of service as an educator in the Clark County School District (CCSD), where he taught for 20 years and inspired countless students with his knowledge, patience, and guidance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David Earl Littlefield and Patricia Littlefield Carlson; his sister, Judy Kaesemeyer; and his brothers, James Littlefield and Steven Littlefield. Dennis and all his siblings were raised in Halfway, Oregon, where they shared a close-knit upbringing before life took them in different directions.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Littlefield, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and devotion. He also leaves behind his children, Michael (Michelle) Littlefield and January (Joseph) Grossi and his brother, David (Doris) Littlefield.

Dennis was a proud and loving grandfather to Brenden Littlefield, Everett Littlefield, Nathan Grossi, Gabriella Grossi, and Amelia Grossi. He also cherished his step-grandchildren, Kirstie Bywater, Dani Leath, and Xander Leath, and was overjoyed to witness the next generation through his step-great-grandchildren, Hazel and Beatrix Bywater.

Dennis’s life journey took him across the globe—from his humble beginnings in the small town of Halfway, Oregon, to various states across the U.S., and even to Asia during his military service—before he eventually settled in Nevada to enjoy family life, a well-earned retirement and a new career in teaching.

In his free time, Dennis enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, and watching sports. Whether casting a line in a quiet lake, knocking down pins at the bowling alley, or cheering on his favorite teams, he embraced life’s simple pleasures and shared them with those he loved.

The family will hold a memorial service on October 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Dennis’s memory be made to support Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) research at www.curepsp.org. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Thomas Eugene Calhoun passed away peacefully at his residence in Baker City, Oregon on July 23, 2025, at the age of 68.H...
08/09/2025

Thomas Eugene Calhoun passed away peacefully at his residence in Baker City, Oregon on July 23, 2025, at the age of 68.

He was born in San Jose, CA to parents Donald Lee and Donna Louise (Sanford) Calhoun on December 1, 1956. He was raised in Sunnyvale, CA where he learned the roofing trade, a family business, and worked in construction until he retired. Tom moved to Fresno when his family relocated there as a young man. He met and married Frances Louise McIntosh, they later divorced. He then moved to Mariposa, CA where he lived for over 30 years. While living there he met and married Shirley Smith. In 2022 he moved to Baker City, OR with companion Claire (Overstreet) McKean. After doing genealogy research on his estranged maternal Grandfather George Sanford it was discovered that he had lived in Baker City for 4 years prior to his death; where he died and is buried in the local cemetery.

Tom loved music and spent many weekends at concerts listening to his favorite bands, including his brother Rick's band Ginger Blue. He loved classic cars and trucks and going to car shows. He also loved Harley Davidsons. Tom spent a lot of time traveling and camping. Some of his favorite spots were Yosemite, Santa Cruz and any place on the coast from Mexico to Washington State.

Tom was passionate about gardening and landscaping. He was always creating and tending beautiful yards and gardens. He was also a member of the Mariposa chapter of E Clampus Vitus.Tom had a wicked sense of humor and was always quick with a joke or a one liner. He was definitely a presence even just walking thru the grocery store. He was so much fun!

Tom is preceded in death by his father Don, sister Barbara Jean and wives Fran and Shirley.

He is survived by his mother Donna Calhoun; brothers Rick (Joanne), and Donald Jr. (May); sister Patricia Schoelen (John) and companion Claire McKean; step children Adrian Perez (Kristen), Melissa Mooney (Joshua) and Garrick , along with many grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Tom the family suggests the American Cancer Society through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared to tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Walter T Simkus “Ted” 88 of Goldendale, WA., passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025.  Ted was born March 26, 1937 in Fow...
08/09/2025

Walter T Simkus “Ted” 88 of Goldendale, WA., passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Ted was born March 26, 1937 in Fowlerville, MI. Ted grew up on the farm in Michigan and has always enjoyed tractors. He participated in tractor pulls for many years. He loved his cats and he enjoyed taking care of his property.

Ted is survived by his sons Michael Simkus of Seattle, WA., Bruce (Donna) Simkus of Seattle, WA., Scott (Rita) Simkus of Port Ludlow, WA. daughter Julie (Eddie) Cordahl of Baker City, OR., brothers Andrew Simkus of Yakima, WA., and Jerry Simkus of Fowlerville, MI. and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Per his request, there will not be any services. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Roger Holden, 83, of Baker City, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Aug...
07/22/2025

Roger Holden, 83, of Baker City, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at the Baker City Nazarene Church at 1:00 p.m. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held immediately following.

Roger was born September 5, 1941, in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. He was the oldest of eight children. He married Naomi on June 13, 1960, and they lived in a logging camp at Sawbill Landing, Minnesota, where Roger hauled pulpwood and owned his own logging truck. Their three children were born during this time.

Roger answered a call to ministry in 1974 and moved his family to Nampa, Idaho, where he attended Northwest Nazarene College. In 1977, they moved to Vale, Oregon, where Roger served as pastor for 11 years. He then served New Bridge Nazarene Church for nine years before the family settled in Baker City, Oregon, in 1995.

An avid outdoorsman, Roger enjoyed mule packing, steelhead fishing, and hunting.

Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Naomi; three children: Rick, Mike, and Shelley; and two granddaughters, Emily and Ellen.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Roger the family suggests Northeastern Oregon Compassion Center (NOCC) through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Beloved Mother, Ardella Curtis was born as Florence Ardella Bryant, Friday September 13, 1940 in Baker City, Oregon to W...
07/22/2025

Beloved Mother, Ardella Curtis was born as Florence Ardella Bryant, Friday September 13, 1940 in Baker City, Oregon to William J. “Bill” and Lulu Beatrice (Schwarz) Bryant in the old St.
Elizabeth Hospital. Passed away while in hospice care at Grand Ronde Retirement Residence in La Grande, Oregon.

For a long time she was an only child, because two infant brother and sister preceded her shortly after their births. Ardella spent her first several years at the Bar J Ranch (formerly the pioneer David Littlefield Ranch near the ghost-town Auburn.

Her great accomplishment is being July 4th Rodeo Queen in July 1953 at age of 12. This is because she was already very skilled with the horses. (Photos can be seen online, link down
below). At age of 3 she already owned 9 horses. Loved to be in the parades several times. She worked a few years in the old diner café at corner of Geiser Grand Hotel, the one with entrance at
the corner - carousel doors.

Ardella married Theodore Craig “Ted C.” Samuelsen, 18 September 1955 at the home of her parents which was middle of the half block at 15th Street where horses and chicken were kept (at
the time her mother owned the whole half block). Divorced 1959. Married Alvin Eugene “Gene” Curtis 14 Apr il 1963 at the home of her mother (the pink house on the corner of 15th and
Auburn, practically next door!) Divorced 1971. Has been on her own since then.

Mom had 4 children, 2 living - David “Chris” Samuelsen, the only son, Salt Lake City and daughter, Donna Mae (Curtis) Clemence of Odyessey Lodge, Halbut Cove, Kenai Pen*sula, Alaska. 6 grandchildren (Heidi, Troy,Connor, Heather, Felicia and Charlene), 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving her are 1st cousins, Charlotte Bryant of Baker City and Dr. M. Roy
Schwarz of Wi******er, Virginia

Preceding her were her daughters Sherril Corning (2021), Connie Jean Curtis (2014) her parents (1972 and 1995), baby brother William Roy “Sonny” (1944), baby sister Donna Marie (1946), her big brother Carl Euener Magill (1982), her grandparents John J “JJ” (1965) and Arabella (Swain) Bryant (1951), and Frank Severe (1960) and Florence (Main) (1951) Schwarz, uncles and aunts, Floyd Euener (Annie & Ora) Bryant, Earl Henry (Beatrice) Bryant and Willetta Lou (George “Ted”) Bryant, Roy (Hulda) Schwarz, Fenton (Ruby) Schwarz, 1st cousins Dorothy McDaniel, Everett Bryant, Lorraine (Bob) Manning, Hazel (James) Steadman, Lemoine “Kay” Hatley and numerous more cousins including one 1st cousin she missed the most - Ralph Schwarz who shared same birth day but a year apart.

Thanks to the hospice workers for looking after our Mom and to Mary Armstrong for taking care of her prior to the hospice and staying with her through the year long hospice.
Inurnment graveside services will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Baker City July 30, 2025, 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Kidney Foundation or Autism Support of Alabama for behalf of her great grandson Camden through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

To see a lot of photos of Mom, over the years from 1940 to present, see https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/LN5H-K6P

Charles Leon Efird passed away at the age of 80 from natural causes on June 29, 2025 in Baker City, Oregon.  He had been...
07/22/2025

Charles Leon Efird passed away at the age of 80 from natural causes on June 29, 2025 in Baker City, Oregon. He had been a resident of Baker City for over thirty years.

Leon was the second son born to Joel and Elba Efird in Lakeview, Oregon on September 16, 1944. He was a member of the “Class of 1962” from Lakeview High School. Leon continued his education with a Bachelor of Science from Southern Oregon College (SOU) in 1967 and a Masters degree in Mathematics from Western Michigan University in 1971. He was a mathematics teacher at the junior high, high school, and college level. Leon excelled in making math concepts understandable for every student.

He also owned his own backhoe company, “I Can Dig It,” for several years. He enjoyed skiing in his younger years and fishing in his later years. He loved antiques and “finding a bargain!” Any stray dog would have a loving home with Leon. He had a kind heart and was the most giving person you would ever meet.

Leon is survived by his children: Michael (Janice), Duane, Debbie, and Jason; numerous grandchildren; sister Renee (David) Misso, brother Joel and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his loving partner, Chris Roullett. At Leon’s request, his ashes will be interred next to his father in Lakeview’s Sunset Cemetery. You are gone, but not far.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Miriam Omann, 97, of Halfway, Oregon died on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Meadowbrook Assisted Living in Baker City, Oregon....
07/22/2025

Miriam Omann, 97, of Halfway, Oregon died on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Meadowbrook Assisted Living in Baker City, Oregon.

Miriam was born to Harold and Agnes Moritz in 1927 in Flagstaff, Arizona. She was an only child and in the isolated area where she was raised, her dog was her close companion. Her father once gave her the option of having a bicycle or a horse. An easy choice for Miriam; she chose the horse. She never did learn to ride a bicycle! When she was in her mid teens, her parents moved to Grants Pass, Oregon where she attended high school. It was there she met her husband to be, Joe Omann. After Joe was discharged from the Army they married in April 1946.Their first child, Paul was born the following March followed by Julie, Tom, Steve, Dan, Mark and Brian. What a challenge to manage such a large family but manage she did. Times were lean and Joe used to say Miriam could squeeze a nickel (Indian head) until the Indian was riding the buffalo on the other side.

Miriam was diminutive in size only, there was a lot packed into that small frame topped with red hair. She liked to be doing things and loved to ride her horses to gather cattle or just ride with friends in the surrounding mountains and hills. She seemed happiest on the back of a horse or camping with family and friends. She and Joe went on many campouts and travels with close friends. She also enjoyed hiking and on one outing she hiked into McGraw Creek cabin in the rain with son, Steve who was on spring break. They spent the night and in the morning woke to find themselves surrounded by elk.

She had a subtle sense of humor and once told her son Mark, “don’t get married and tell your kids to do the same!”

When her youngest son Brian married, Dad and Mom attended, Mom with a broken arm and leg after an accident. She and Joe traveled from Oregon to Iowa, Miriam using a wheelchair to get through airports when that was not such common practice. She wanted to be there to welcome Brian’s new wife into the family.

Miriam was quietly resilient and had a toughness that kept her going. She had an adventurous spirit; whatever she did she had her mission and walked headlong into it. How else could she have managed seven children, some of whom were a bit rowdy in their younger years. She loved her children and supported them in her own quiet way.

She went quietly about life without complaint for the challenges, of which there were various. Hard work was her mainstay raising her children and beyond. She was a quiet listener whether the topic was of personal interest or not. She was the example many of the community admired and appreciated.

Miriam is survived by her seven children, seven grandchildren, several great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is at long last free and for this we celebrate her departure. Nevertheless, a hollow exists in each of our hearts…you are missed, Mom!

Miriam died on Sunday, June 15, 2025. A Graveside – Celebration of Miriam’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. at the Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway, Oregon. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to beheld immediately following at the Pine Valley Grange. For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Miriam, may do so to Jacob’s Dream through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Address

125 N Main Street/PO Box 543
Halfway, OR
97834

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+15417426435

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