A former Baker County couple whose daughter was killed in action in Iraq in 2008 is working with the Baker City Rotary Club to raise $2,000 for a sign to be installed near Baker City along Highway 30, which has been designated the Gold Star Families Memorial Highway.

Steve and Linda Ellis, who now live in Clackamas County, have made a donation and are working to ensure the sign is ready for the official dedication set for Sept. 29.

Their daughter, Cpl. Jessica Ellis, was killed in Iraq on May 11, 2008, when the Ellises were living in Baker City.

Steve Ellis testified in April 2023 at the Oregon State Capitol on behalf of the bill that designated the 477-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 30, from near the Oregon Coast to the Idaho border, as the Oregon Gold Star Families Memorial Highway.

The legislature passed the bill, and Gov. Tina Kotek signed it into law in May 2023.

Dick Tobiason, a retired Army lieutenant colonel from Bend and chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation, spearheaded the effort to have Highway 30 designated to honor Oregon’s estimated 6,000 Gold Star Families — those who have lost a loved one serving in the military.

The Gold Star designation traces back to World War I, when families hung banners with embroidered blue stars for each immediate family member in the armed forces. If that service member died in combat, the family changed the stars from blue to gold.

Although Interstate 84 replaced Highway 30 over much of its former route, several sections of the original highway remain, including between North Powder and Baker City, and sections southeast of Baker City.

Tobiason said signs will be installed along the highway near Astoria, Scappoose, Biggs Junction, Arlington, Pendleton, Baker City and Ontario.

Ellis said potential sites for the local sign are between North Powder and Haines.

Steve Ellis said Tobiason told him earlier this summer that money hadn’t been raised for the sign near Baker City. The Ellises made a donation, and Steve, a former member of the Baker City Rotary Club, also contacted the club’s president, Ken Krohn, for help with fundraising.

Krohn said the Rotary Club is committed to raising $1,500, and is soliciting local donations. Krohn said the donations can be left at Umpqua Bank, 1990 Washington Ave., or D&J Taco Shop, 1705 Main St. People who want to donate can also call him at 541-519-5952. Donations are tax-deductible.

“The Baker City Rotary Club is fully supporting this effort and has agreed to match all future donations for this project up to a total of $750 so this project can be completed,” Krohn said.