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Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 125 N Main Street/PO Box 543, Halfway, OR (2026)

03/23/2026

Smoke Girt, 78, of Richland, Oregon died at her home on February 19, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Laura Smoke Girt was born on April 20, 1947 in Medford, Oregon. Most of her life she was raised by her aunt and uncle Buzz and Jean Wolf. Mother Jean introduced Smoke to John Girt, they later married.

During her life, she worked at the Silver King Mine, and also cooked for the Stockman’s and Wild Bill's Restaurants. Smoke loved the outdoors, and enjoyed fishing. Her favorite colors were red and blue, and flowers were sweet peas, four clocks and honeysuckle. She loved her German Shephard “Saint Nick.”

Smoke was a talented seamstress. She and her sister handmade Native American Regalia, which they would wear at Pow Wow’s, or in the parades at Haines, Baker and Halfway.

A favorite catch phrase smoke would share was “Don’t tell people your problems, because half don’t care and the other half are glad of it.”

She was preceded in death by her husband John Girt in 2000; mother Erma Shanklin; aunt and uncle Buzz and Jean Wolf; step-brother Johnny Shanklin; sisters Barbara Musser and Starr Wolf.

Smoke is survived by her daughters Angela and Jimmie Hyatt of Richland, Jamie Hyatt of Richland; son Skyler Girt of Sparta; grandchildren Matt and Nathen; great granddaughter Willow; brother Jack Shanklin; step-sister Scotty Shanklin; St. Nick and extended family.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Smoke, may do so to Heart n Home “Hospice Promise” through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

03/23/2026

Janet “Jan” Oliver, a longtime Halfway resident, died Thursday, March 12, 2026 at her home. At her request there will be no service.

Jan was born May 4, 1947 in Boise, Idaho, to Margaret and George Himes. She spent her early years in the Boise area but always said she loved the year she spent living with her grandparents on their dairy farm in Meridian, Idaho. She walked a mile down the country road with her cousins to the one-room school house.

Her mother then moved them to California and later to Oxbow,Oregon, working as an Idaho Power secretary. Jan attended Pine Valley High School and in 1963 married Bob Hank. They had two sons, Tim and Bill Hank. They later divorced. After getting her GED,

Jan worked as the Halfway Elementary School secretary from about 1973 to 1978. Jan then moved to Boise, Idaho with her sons in pursuit of a degree in elementary education from Boise State University. Moving back to Halfway in 1981, she married Denny Oliver, combining families, raising four teenagers.

Jan and Denny loved the outdoors. They spent summers clearing trails for the Forest Service, horseback riding and packing into all areas from the Elkhorns and Wallowa’s to the Snake River country. Jan loved to fish and hunt, but her passion was snowmobiling in the winter and spending time at the Cornucopia cabin. She was a longtime member of the Panhandle Snowmobile Club and served as grooming secretary for many years.

With pride, Jan finally realized her dream of becoming an elementary teacher, graduating from Eastern Oregon State College in 1987. She taught at both Richland and Halfway Elementary schools. Jan and Denny taught school and worked side by side, raising cattle on their ranch for many years.

Jan loved to garden, enjoyed sharing her produce with others and selling vegetables to Halfway Market. Jan was a Pine Valley Cemetery board member for 10 years, serving from 2009 to 2019. Jan also enjoyed being a volunteer and board member at Jacobs Dream.

Jan is survived by her sons, Tim (Kris) Hank, Bill (Karen) Hank, step-children, Shannon (Joe) Oliver Kennedy, Matt (Annette) Oliver; grandchildren, Jamie (Jordan) Finfrock, Timothy (Emma) Hank, Tabor (Maci) Hank and Charlotte Hank and three great-grandchildren.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Denny Oliver; brothers-in-law, Charlie and Bill Oliver, sister and brother- in-law, Kris and Bob Masterson.

Memorial contributions can be made to Pine Valley Cemetery or 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

03/23/2026

Phyllis Jean Taylor, April 10, 1932 - March 5, 2026

Phyllis Jean Taylor, 93, of La Grande, passed away peacefully on March 5th, surrounded by family. A Graveside service will be held on May 2, 2026 at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow at Island City Hall.

She was born in La Grande, OR to Asa and Lena (Campbell) Harmon, oldest of four children. Their father died young and Phyllis helped her mother take care of her brothers and sister while her mother started working to support the family. Part of that time they lived in the logging camp at Camp Elkana and she loved the mountains and going to school held in a boxcar.

Phyllis attended La Grande High School and married Richard Taylor on October 8, 1950. They had three children and lived on a farm in the idyllic Grand Ronde Valley along the Island City-Cove Highway. Phyllis not only worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph and Grand Ronde Hospitals in La Grande for many years but also had a very busy life being a wonderful mom to her three children.

Phyllis was active in the United Methodist Church, Wesleyan Circle, Mr. & Mrs. Club, Grande Ronde Auxiliary and enjoyed socializing at church functions, pinnacle parties and dining out with friends. But her first and foremost focus was to her family. She devoted many hours to her kids and their numerous activities, from 4-H to music lessons, scouts and sports. She especially loved reading and playing board and card games with her children and grandchildren, frequently at their family cabin at Wallowa Lake.

She was preceded in death by loving husband Richard, son Ricky, brothers Charles (Louise), Jack (Una Mae), and David (Paulette).

Phyllis is survived by daughter Kimberly Wilber (Phil), son Mark Taylor (Laura), grandsons Zachary, Jackson, Payton, Colin, Aidan, Nickolas, Christopher and Patrick; sister Dixie and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

03/23/2026

Janet Hatfield, 76, of Baker City, passed away on March 8, 2026 at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City.

Janet Eileen Hartsock was born on January 12, 1950 in Muscatine, Iowa to Lester and Iona (Kemper) Hartsock. She lived in Muscatine until she was 9 years old when the family moved to Davenport, Iowa. In 1978 the family moved to Oregon.

Janet was married to Mike Hatfield for 25 years and together they had three children. She worked at medical records at the hospital for 13 years. She then owned and operated "Janet’s Cook Shack. She also was a Farmer. Janet adored farming. She loved her animals so much! Her favorite pastime was gardening and canning. Food was her love language. She also enjoyed her flowers. She loved lilacs and tulips. She loved her little dog Max. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren so much. Family time was so important to her.

A philosophy of Janet's was to love and cherish family and stand up for what you believe.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; sister Joyce and brother Don.

Janet is survived by her partner Leo Fiala; daughter Lori (Jay) Fuzi, sons Mike Hatfield; Josh (Jessica) Hatfield; 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; brothers Jerry (Sue) Hartsock; Ted Hartsock; sisters Marlene (Joe) Brown; Peggy White, and Roxanne (Mark) Powell; and lots of extended family.

A celebration of life be held at a later date. (date,time, place to be announced)

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Janet, she suggested the Carrie Young Memorial (supports Seniors who may be in need, in Grant County) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

03/02/2026

Gail Marteney, 80, of Halfway, Oregon died on Sunday, February 22, 2026 in Baker City, with family and friends by his side. A Celebration of Marteney's Life will be held at a later date (date, time & place to be announced)

The Man, the Myth, The Legend - William Gail Marteney was born on May 19, 1945 in Eugene, Oregon. He was raised in the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon, graduating from Central Linn High School.

During his life he worked in logging as a choker setter and timber faller. He later became the owner/operator of his own trucking and excavation company; operating cranes and building bridges. He traveled and lived all over Oregon and Arizona, but always called Halfway his home.

Gail enjoyed hunting, fishing and exploring the dunes and mountains on his side-by-side with family and friends and little dog Sammy. One of his favorite euphenisms included “Never Hollar WOAH in a Mud Hole!!!”

Memorable times included; the birth and adventures with his son and family. Every day was memorable when Gail was around. He will be remembered most for always being kind and helping people in the community or in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ken and Lila Marteney; and older brother Ken Marteney Jr..

Gail is survived by his son Bill and wife Michelle Marteney of Terrebonne, Oregon; grandson Colton Marteney; brother John Marteney of Lebanon, Oregon; sister Marcia Marteney of Yuma, Arizona.

Be Like Marteney…Carpe Diem! (seize the day)

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Gail, the family suggests either the Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance Service or Pine Valley Fire Department through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

02/24/2026

Lance Wilson Obituary
Gilbert Lance Wilson, 83, of Elgin, Oregon, passed away on February 15, 2026. He was born on May 27, 1942 in Clarkston, Washington to parents Gilbert and Constance Wilson. He married Celestine Williamson and together they raised three daughters, Cecelia Rysdam, Robbyn Ludwig, and Sheila Moody, in Elgin, Oregon. He made his living as a logger and millworker. In his spare time, he loved camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his siblings Connie Rita Tucker, Terria Lee Tucker, Karole and Monte Stevens, and Kristi and Jeff Grubb; children Cecelia Rysdam and Robbyn and Bob Ludwig; nine grandchildren Joseph Rysdam, Sheri Rysdam, Kira Mudd, Mitchell Page, Mathew Page, Jimmy Ludwig, Kyle Ludwig, Valerie Nichols, and Michael Nichols; ten great grandchildren, Graysen, Levon, Alexis, Max, Mason, Bodhi, Boone, Colby, Owen, and Kaden; brothers-in-law Dallas Eckstein, Lewis Sayer, and Tom Tugaw; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert (and stepmother Minnie) Wilson and Constance (and stepfather Lenau) Tucker, his wife Celestine, daughter Sheila Moody, and siblings Sandra Eckstein, John Wilson, Debra Sayre, Katie Granger, and Peggy Tugaw.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

02/23/2026

Carol Joyce Taylor

1933-2026

Carol Joyce Taylor joined her heavenly father on February 9th 2026 in Meridian, Idaho. A graveside funeral service will be held at the Island City Cemetery 12:00PM February 27th. Celebration of life to follow; family invites all to attend to share fond memories of Joyce.

Most folks knew her as Joyce after her 1st grade teacher said there were too many Carols in her class, so she started going by her middle name. Joyce was born December 10th, 1933 in Baker City to Walter and Ida (Marsland) Peeples. She grew up in Baker with her little sister Janet and cousins Robert and Don Marsland. Carol graduated from Baker High School in 1953 and attended Pacific Lutheran University and Eastern Oregon College, graduating with an Education degree. She married Merton Dale Taylor in 1956 and taught school in Los Angeles for 2 years before returning to La Grande. She taught 2nd grade at the newly built Central Elementary until her own children came along in 1966. She had fond memories of her Central students and enjoyed seeing them around town.

Joyce loved her family and raising her and Mert’s 3 children (Lynne, David and Nicole) on the farm on the Cove highway. Joyce enjoyed spending time with the kids riding horses, swimming in Cove, attending 4H events, and teaching the kids how to cook, sew and all sorts of other hobbies. She was always ready to go on ski trips to Anthony Lakes and had endless hot chocolate ready for the gaggle of kids and cousins in the Motorhome at the bottom of the hill. She also enjoyed time spent with the Grandkids, often having a houseful and seeing them grow up. Mert and Joyce enjoyed collecting antiques, dining out, traveling around the US, Canada and Mexico, and savoring a good chocolate milkshake from Nell’s. They also enjoyed the time they spent at dog shows, showing off their Borzois and the Afghans that they bred. Merton passed in 2015 after 59 years of marriage.

Joyce was an avid antique collector and opened her first shop in Island City in 1960, was a partner in Village Antiques and later opened her own shop in Baker in 1982. She had a keen eye for collectibles, and much enjoyed a good yard sale with old stuff.

Joyce is survived by two of her children, Lynne Smith (Doug) of Sherwood, and Dave (Laurann) of Meridian, Idaho and 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grand- children. She was preceded in death by her daughter Nicole (Jonathan), husband Merton, sister Janet (John) and parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Breastfriends.org in support of ongoing breast cancer research and awareness. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

02/23/2026

George “Bill” Kolb Jr.,78, of Baker City, passed away at his home on January 20, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

He was born on August 30th 1947 in Coos Bay, Oregon to George and Juanita Kolb. He was raised and attended school in Baker City, Oregon.

Bill had three daughters, Vicki, Terri and Denise. During his lifetime he worked as a rancher, a truck driver and spent seventeen years as a superintendent on the North Slope of Prudhoe, Alaska. He loved hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Vicki Hunt; grandson Tyler Hunt; brother Louie Kolb and his infant sister Catherine.

He is survived by his daughters Terri and Denise and their children; siblings Becky, Debbie, and David; numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

02/23/2026

James L. Morris, 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Family, friends and others that Jim inspired and encouraged during his life are invited to the Calvary Baptist Church ( 2107 3rd Street, Baker City) for a Celebration of Jim’s Life on March 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Jim was born on July 14, 1959, in Baker City, Oregon to Norman and Margaret Morris. He graduated from Baker High and continued his education at Treasure Valley Community College. Jim worked as a counselor at New Directions for many years, giving hope to those wanting a better life. He had an uncanny way to reach people in a deep and positive way, which was a gift in his profession.

Jim truly lived life. He loved the outdoors, camping, roaming the mountains, and was an avid “rockhound”, along with geocaching.

He is survived by two brothers; Rick Morris and John Morris; sister Norma Haye; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Jim, the family suggests NW New Directions – Women’s Facility through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.

02/23/2026

Rose Fisher passed away peacefully, at home, in the arms of her high school sweetheart and husband of almost 67 years, Dwayne, on the 13th of February 2026.

Her last days were spent with Dwayne and their children, Debbie, Cathie, and David, reminiscing and laughing about her early childhood years growing up in Seneca, living as a family in Burns, and all the whimsical and funny things she did in her amazing life.

Fondly known as “Rosie” to her many friends and loved ones, she was dedicated to bringing joy and silliness to life and conjured smiles and laughs from everyone who knew her. Always a vision, and smelling of roses, she wore animal prints and sequined hats with a mischievous smile across her red lips and a twinkle in her eye. She loved teaching her grandchildren to be silly, sneaky, and maybe just a little bit naughty.

Always active in her community, Rose was a Brownie, Boy Scout and 4-H leader for her kids’ troops. Much to the horror of her children, but to the delight of the neighborhood kids, she would pile as many kids as possible into her Chevy Belair Station Wagon, and sing songs about everything she saw outside the car. Then, encouraged by a chorus of, “sing it again, Mrs Fisher!”, she would start all over again.

Rose was an accomplished artist, locally known for her whimsical “naked ladies” paintings, as well as beautiful birds and flowers. A lot of her artwork is currently hanging on the walls of many Baker City friends’ and acquaintances’ homes. You might have also seen her Sunflower Painted Barn on Pine Creek Road.

She took great delight in writing tributes in the form of silly poems to friends and family. This included a silly fashion show and song for her bowling league in Burns. Rose worked at Haines School as Secretary and wrote a silly poem based on “Yertle the Turtle” for Dr. Suess’s Read Across America, which included the names of every student and staff member in the school and she was proud to give that special gift to all of those children.

Rose loved to be silly and “stir the pot”. She loved to banter and could dish it out, as well as take it, with a smile on her face, especially with her favorite son in law.

Rose was a very special woman and those who knew her know how lucky they are. She will be missed by all of us: her loving and devoted husband, 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a whole lot of friends she collected along the way.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

02/23/2026

William “Bill” Andrade died at his home on October 8, 2025 surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at their home in Richland. (Date and time to be announced)

Bill and Sharie Kenyon (Purcell) met in high school at El Molino in Forestville, California. They married in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, on January 24, 1976 - they were married just shy of 50 years.

They moved several times making their first home in Santa Rosa, California until 1978, then moved back to California in 1980, living in Penngrove California before they moved back to Richland in 1995. During his life he was a Fire Fighter with Cal- Fire; EMT with Candle Mercy Ambulance; Volunteer with Cotati & Penngrove Fire Dept; San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department; And many others throughout out his life. He also worked with the Baker County Sheriff’s Department 1978-1980; Retired from Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department.

Bill had a passion for Fire departments and trains. With his late mother-in-law Betty Bennett and Jean Bennett, they put together the Eagle Valley Rural Fire Dept in the late 1990’s. The need to repair older fire trucks lead to starting his own Business “AA & L Emergency Fire Repair. He and Sharie did Foster Care for several kiddos for 20 plus years.

Riding a Train anywhere or talking trains with neighbor and Shari’s Uncle - George Allensworth was a great day.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Danielle Andrade 1976-1977 and brother Matthew.

Bill is survived by his wife Sharie; Children Margurite (Rita) and Stacy Luna, Shawn and Sarah Andrade, Joshua and Sarah Braun-Andrade; 9 Grandchildren; 2 great Granddaughters. All the Grandchildren were the love and Pride of his heart. He loved working in the yard, and taking the grandchildren riding on the lawnmower. He is also survived by his brothers Mike, Steve and Alvin Jr.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Bill, the family suggests Tunnel to Towers (monies help veterans and first responders. Never forget their sacrifices) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services Po Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

02/08/2026

Michael Lenz, 75, of John Day, OR. died on February 2, 2026 at his home. A celebration of life will be held March 28, 2026 at 1:00pm at The John Day Elks Lodge.

Mike was born on March 24, 1950 in Prairie City, OR. He was raised in Seneca and went to school there from 1st to 8th grade. He later attended Grant Union High School in John Day from 9th through 12th where he graduated in May of 1968.

Following graduation Mike was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the 19th Artillery, 1st Cav Division in Vietnam as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged on November 19, 1970.

Mike married his high school sweetheart Judy (Judith) Talbott on September 4, 1971. He worked for Hudspeth, Hines Lumber and John Day Lumber until it closed. For 51 years, Mike was a member of the John Day Elks Lodge.

He loved his dog Emma and “granddog” Jinks, taking them for numerous rides through the day which also involved lurking about town to see what was happening. He adored feeding the birds and watching them peck around the gravel. The hummingbirds were his favorite, with quail being a close second.

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. The garden was his favorite place to be in the summer. He loved to see what he could get to grow each year. The smiles were wide when he had a new blossom.

He was preceded in death by his parents Milton Lenz and Madeline Lach; sister Patty and her husband George Walker.

Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years Judy Lenz; daughter Ali (Brian) Lenz; son Corey Lenz and his partner Michele Upson; grandchildren Taylor, Alexis, Avery, Garrett, and Sheldon; great grandchildren Aspyn, Luka, and Gus; nieces and nephews Stan, Steve, Cassie, Stacie, Tim, Kristi, and Kimberly.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Michael the family suggests the John Day Elks veterans or youth activities or The Blue Mt. Hospital Foundation through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR. 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

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