Marla Coalwell

Formerly of Baker City, 1953-2018

Marla Kay (Howland) Coalwell, a former Baker City resident, died Feb. 24, 2018, at her home in John Day after a long battle with health issues.

Marla will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but we all know she is now among the angels watching over us, her family said. Family and friends are encouraged to attend a celebration of Marla’s life and potluck on April 7 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Canyon City Community Center.

Marla Kay Howland was born on April 3, 1953, at Baker City to Lorene (Hall) Howland Spriet and James Clifford Howland. She joined 11 siblings: Bill, Clifford, John, Ed, Nelda, Nita, June, Tera, Mike, Vern and Lela, and a few years later her sister Wilma was born. Marla was raised in Baker City and Colorado Springs, Colorado, attending school in both places.

In 1972 she and Jerry Coalwell met in Bates — their first date was to John Day for pizza at midnight. He won her heart with his fast cars and his quiet personality. On Dec. 23, 1973, she married Jerry at Weiser, Idaho, and they brought to this union two children, Susan and Clinton. They made their home in Bates for a few years until Jerry transferred to the John Day mill in 1975 and they have resided in John Day ever since.

In August of 1976 they welcomed son Terry to the family. In December they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Marla focused on being a homemaker and mom, but she did work outside the home at different times. She was an employee at John Day Golf Course for a number of years, and at the John Day Elks Lodge.

Marla enjoyed painting and macraméing, watching TV and playing games on her kindle. Marla also loved to gamble and to travel. Much time was spent traveling and along the way she always complained about Jerry’s driving. Some of the favorite destinations were Wallowa Lake, California Redwoods and the Oregon Coast. Her favorite trip was an Alaska cruise with sister Tera and some friends. She also enjoyed a trip to Mexico and Arizona with special friend Barb Keiner and many trips to Winnemucca.

After the kids graduated and started families of their own, Marla and Jerry would accompany them to ball games, trips to the Coast, and family dinners. Marla enjoyed yard-saleing every weekend, especially in Tri-Cities with her favorite sister-in-law, Diane Bogart. Her search was for treasures for the grandkids and old cookie jars. She loved to spoil the grandkids and send them home with toys, clothes or whatever great buy she found at yard sales.

Marla is survived by her husband, Jerry, of John Day; her daughter, Susan Gregory (Todd) of Vale; her sons, Clinton (Tessa) Coalwell of Mount Vernon and Terry (Leann) Coalwell of John Day; her grandkids, Bailey, Austen and Brayden Gregory of Vale, Zach Mangione of Boise, Levi Coalwell, Walker, Kyle and Melissa Erickson of Mt. Vernon, and Myckee, Torie, Trevyn and Ryan Coalwell of John Day; 10 siblings, Bill, Clifford, John, Ed, Nelda, Nita, Tera, Mike, Vern, Lela and Wilma; her sister-in-law, Diane (Scott) Bogart of Kennewick, Washington; her pets, Toby and Squirt; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Marla was preceded in death by her parents, Lorene Spriet and James Howland; and two siblings, June and Bill.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Marla the family suggests either the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children’s Hospital through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. On line condolences may be made at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Vera Grace Southard

Formerly of Baker City, 1933-2018

Vera Grace Southard, 84, of La Grande and a former Baker City resident, died Feb. 16, 2018, at a local care facility.

Her graveside service took place Feb. 24 at the Union Cemetery.

Grace was born on Aug. 31, 1933, at Baker to William C. and Mildred L. (Rohner) Pennington. She resided in Medical Springs. Grace was homeschooled and later attended Baker High School. She married James L. Southard in Baker on June 20, 1954.

Grace was a devoted mother and loving wife. She loved her flowers and gardening, crocheting, bird watching, seeing wildlife, raising sheep, and spending time with her family. She loved to watch sports on TV, game shows and bull riding. She was a 4-H leader and was the sheep superintendent at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show for many years. She loved being a wife and mother, and enjoyed running the ranch after her husband passed away.

Grace is survived by her children: Jim Southard (Lori) of Medical Springs, Bill Southard (Sandy) of Island City, Dick Southard of Medical Springs, Jean Southard of La Grande, and Jane Ginther (Matthew) of Irrigon; two granddaughters; four step-grandchildren; numerous step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, William and Mildred Pennington; and her brother, Gordon Pennington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Blue Mountain 4-H Center, 10507 N. McAlister Road, Room 9, La Grande, OR 97850.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com

Nadine Winsor

Baker City, 1944-2018

Nadine Esther Winsor, 73, of Baker City died March 3, 2018, at her home with family members at her side.

A graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Nadine was born on April 10, 1944, at Sacramento, California, to Fred and Elaine Reynolds. She graduated from East Nicolaus High School in California.

Nadine was a charter member of Joy Assembly, Rainbow for Girls, and she was also a 56-year member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Nadine worked at Radford Trucking in Baker City until she retired. After retirement she loved to camp at Philips Reservoir, go boating and sightseeing.

She is survived by her husband, Rick Winsor; her sons: John, and his wife, Lora, and Tony and his wife, Heather; her daughter, Alisha, and her husband, Bill; her mother, Elaine Reynolds; and her brother, Bill Reynolds and his wife, Jane Reynolds.

Nadine was preceded in death by her father, Fred Reynolds.

Memorial contributions in honor of Nadine may be made to Mountain States Tumor Institute or to the charity of one’s choice through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.

To light a candle in memory of Nadine or to leave a condolence for her family, go to www.colestributecenter.com