Eva Truscott

Former Baker City resident, 1958-2017

Eva Adeline Truscott, 59, a former Baker City resident, died Nov. 20, 2017, at Spokane, Washington.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on Monday, Dec. 4, at the Strate Funeral Home in Davenport, Washington. Michelle Mitchell will officiate.

Eva was born on Sept. 26, 1958, to Bill “Pug”and Mary Robinson at Baker.

She enjoyed gardening, flowers, woodworking, decorating for Christmas, playing with her cats and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Russell “Rusty” Truscott; six children and their families: Dan (Kathlene) Shumway, Carlin, Maddie, Finn, and Emmett; Joe (Lola) Truscott, Lindsey (William) baby, Willie, Joe, Madison, and Baily; Jason “Turbo” (April) Shumway, and Chase; Jennifer (Nate) Kennicutt, Gracie and Emma; Tiffany (John) Rivera, Haley, Hudson, and Samantha; Tyrel (Krista) Truscott, and “baby on the way;” one sister, Mary (Martin) Neske; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln Hospital Foundation, 10 Nichols St., Davenport, WA 99122.

To sign the online guestbook, go to stratefuneralhome.com.

Gary Deardorff

Former Baker City resident, 1959-2017

Gary Charles Deardorff, 58, a former Baker City resident, died Nov. 14, 2017, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

At Gary’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

He was born on Oct. 10, 1959, in California and was raised at Baker City. Gary moved to the Tri-Cities 34 years ago where he began his career after marrying, Gail, the love of his life.

He was recently retired as the manager of Utility Services after 25 years with the City of Kennewick. Gary spent most of his free time on the golf course, maintaining a well-landscaped yard, or catching up on every sport imaginable on TV. He was always the first one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He continually gave back to the community by donating blood, being a part of the Kiwanis Club, and helping with Junior Achievement. He was known for making the best cinnamon rolls, strawberry rhubarb pie, and home brew to share with everyone.

“To the strongest and hardest working guy we know, we will miss you forever,” family members said.

To honor Gary, the family asks that donations be made to Northwest Cancer Clinic in Kennewick, Washington.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Gail; his daughter, Morgan; his parents and his brother.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online tribute wall at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com

Jay Landers

Former Baker City resident, 1947-2017

Jay Leon Landers, of Woodburn, a former Baker City resident, died in his sleep on Nov. 20, 2017, after battling cancer for several years.

Jay moved to Baker City in 1969 with Charlotte Landers from Gooding, Idaho. Jay was big in his community, working for Albertsons and later as a four-term councilman.

He served two years in this profession as they moved out of town to their Pleasant Valley ranch. Out at the ranch he started a business building horse and stock trailers known as Circle C Trailers. Family have several memories from time on the ranch and trail rides up the North Fork of the John Day River area. Jay loved being outdoors hunting, riding horses and camping. He then started a business venture of long-haul driving.

Later Jay moved to the Portland area and married his wife, Lynn, in 1993. He continued driving long-haul trucking for Walsh for many years until retirement. He took a break then started his own long-haul trucking company, Landers Trucking.

This was his dream after moving to the city. Jay was able to see the beautiful countrysides and cities around several states until he was unable to do so.

Jay was a loving dad, husband, brother, grandparent and friend. He truly will be missed by all, his family said.

Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Lynn Landers of Woodburn; his two daughters, Trena Cooper of Melba, Idaho, and Stephanie Woods of Kuna, Idaho; a son, Troy Landers of Damascus; his brothers, Gordan Landers of Emmett, Idaho, and Darrel Landers of Denver; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Leslie Lakings

Baker City, 1964-2017

Leslie Doneta Lakings, 53, of Baker City, died Nov. 24, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled later.

Leslie was born on April 13, 1964, at Baker to Donald and Bobbie Lakings. She was born in Baker but raised at Chiloquin. She was a free spirit who loved and lived life to the fullest.

Leslie loved to travel and was always up for a new adventure. She loved being outdoors, riding horses and four-wheelers, working in flower gardens, landscaping, and just creating beauty. These were all things she was passionate about.

She served for six years in the United States Army Reserves as a mechanic. She then moved on to Kodiak, Alaska, where she worked as a deli manager for a few years.

Upon returning to Oregon, Leslie achieved her greatest accomplishment — her son, Lance. He was her world and her greatest joy.

In 2007 Leslie relocated back to Baker City to be close to her family. She was a very talented artist who could draw, paint, carve, and work with wood. She left her work all over town for people to enjoy.

Leslie was friends with everyone and was always lending a helping hand to anyone who might need it. She always had a smile on her face even while battling cancer. Some would hear her say “heaven you better look out ’cause you have a beautiful lady coming.”

Survivors include her son, Lance Pierce of Gresham; her sisters, Gwendolyn Cullum of Baker City and Samantha “Sam” Lakings of Canyonville; her brothers, David Lakings of Chiniak, Alaska, and Donald Lakings of Washington; her significant other, Donnie Counts; her nieces, Andrea Garcia of Roseburg, Michelle Mousseau of Roseburg, Salena and Sarena Cullum of Baker City, Willow and Delilah Lakings of Chiniak, Alaska; her nephew, Waylon Lakings of Chiniak, Alaska; and numerous great- nieces and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Bobbie; and her nephew, Bobby.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814 to help the family with her final arrangements.

To light a candle in memory of Leslie or to leave a condolence for the family, go to www.grayswestco.com