Vonita Lee Hinkle-Nelson, 86, of Pilot Rock died at her home with family by her side on Feb. 1.

Vonita was born in George, Ark., on April 7, 1926, to Carl and Jessie (Davidson) Ward.

Vonita married Elmer Norris in Kingsburg, Colo., on July 3, 1945.  They later divorced.  On Dec. 6, 1952, she married William Hinkle.  He died on Sept. 28, 1996.  On April 16, 2005, she married John Nelson at the Historical Church in John Day.

Vonita worked several different jobs.  In 1951 she worked at St. Anthony Hospital.  She also did day care at her home.  In 1959 she went to work at the Pendleton Woolen Mills, and in 1967 she was employed by Kerns Furniture Factory.  Following that job, she worked at Eastern Oregon State Hospital, from which she retired in 1988.  Not being one to sit around, she did home care until she was 75.

She loved being with her family and friends, camping, fishing, Bingo and watching wrestling.  She also loved crocheting and giving it away.

She was a member of the Pilot Rock Assembly of God Church,  Pilot Rock Senior Center,  Eagles and the Lions.

Vonita is survived by her husband, John Nelson of Pilot Rock; daughter, Katherine Johnson of Pendleton; daughter-in-law, Martha Wensenk of Burns; sons, Bill Hinkle of Pilot Rock and Jay Hinkle of Ukiah; daughters, Bonnie Zick of John Day, Rhonda Henshaw of Pendleton and Sue Hinkle of Union; son, Jim Hinkle of Pilot Rock; step-children, Teresa Brown of Milton-Freewater, Barbara Ward of Goldendale, Wash., Patty Simons of Milton-Freewater, Richard Nelson of Irrigon and Mike Nelson of Pilot Rock; brother, J. C. Ward of Arkansas; 36 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Hinkle; infant daughter, Linda Jean; son, Larry Norris; grandson, Dylon Johnson; great-granddaughter, Mabry Zick; two sisters; and two brothers.

Visitation will be from noon until 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 14, and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop.  Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the funeral home.  Interment will immediately follow the service at Pilot Rock Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the Pilot Rock Community Center.

Condolences may be sent to Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop, 131 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801 or online at: www.pioneerchapel.com

Rev. Titus J. Duncan, 86, of Sutherlin died Jan. 16. He was born Nov. 7, 1926, in Shelby County, Texas.

He honorably served in the U.S. Military for 11 years before becoming a “soldier in God’s Army” for the remainder of his life.

He was a minister of the United Pentecostal Church International for more than 50 years.

He was minister of the First Pentecostal Church in Burns from 1972 until 2001.

His wife, Rose Anne Gard Duncan, worked for Burns High School and Harney County School District 3 for 25 years.

Titus is survived by his wife, Rose Anne; daughters, Ileen Duncan Hardage and husband Bill and Patricia Duncan; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Iva Duncan; first wife, Eunice Priest Duncan; and two grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Jan. 26 at The Church on the Rise in Roseburg. Arrangements were under the direction of Taylor’s Family Chapel.

Hilda Schuh-Tice, 90, of Albany died Feb. 2.

Hilda was born April 9, 1922, to immigrant parents Christ and Sophia Schuh of Hazen, N.D., and was the third youngest of 16 children.

She married Lester A. Tice in January 1951. Together, they raised their family in Albany and later moved to Burns to retire, travel and work their 300-acre farm. Hilda loved to work the land and always had a flower and vegetable garden. She was creative with her hands and enjoyed cooking, canning, decorating cakes, sewing, crocheting and quilting.

Hilda is survived by her sister, Frieda, of Bismarck, N.D.; daughters, Wanda Grindel of Jefferson, Pamela Moulton of Caldwell, Idaho, and Donna Riley of Albany; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, and 14 of her siblings.

A service was held Feb. 7 at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).

Geraldine Hollis, 81, of Hines died surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Private family services will be held.

LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

David Archibald Hughes, 87, died of natural causes on Jan. 21 at Harney District Hospital.

Dave was born Feb. 28, 1925, in Cascade, Idaho, the son of Rufus Archibald and Zadie Allen Hughes.

Dave spent a carefree, active childhood in Yellowpine and Warren, Idaho, and Dyke, Nev., camping, swimming and practicing Indian lore.

While he was a good student in school, what Dave really enjoyed was reading. An avid fan of authors such as Zane Grey, Edgar Rice Burroughs and Gene Stratton Porter, Dave’s collection grew to a library of nearly 1,000 books. This love of reading continued throughout his life.

On Aug. 24, 1943, during World War II, 18-year-old Dave was sworn in to the U.S. Army, said good-bye to his family and traveled on the Queen Mary to Europe. He wrote a memoir of his service in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Returning home in May 1946, he attended several semesters at Boise Junior College and did work for the railroad, a mining company and a lumber company. In 1951, Dave began his career with the Army Corps of Engineers, first as a clerk-typist in Walla Walla, Wash., and Boise, Idaho, then working his way up to the title of industrial property administrator at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Wash. and Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif.

Dave married Neva Jean Romriell in September 1951 in Winnemucca, Nev. Their daughter, Vicki Lee, was born in Walla Walla in 1952, and their son, David Jay, in Boise in 1955. The family moved to California in 1962.

In December 1977, now retired from the civil service, Dave bought acreage in Burns and began building his dream. First living in a tipi, and cooking on a sheepherder’s stove in a 9-foot by 15-foot tent, he dug out an access road and installed a culvert; planted hay, a garden and fruit trees; dug a well; and built a bridge, a thatched privy and eventually a cabin, outbuildings and a greenhouse. With his son, Jay, the property was continually developed over the last 35 years. Dave got to use everything he ever learned about building and survival — and if he didn’t know how to do something, he’d read about it until he did. He loved his life out there on the ranch with the deer, coyotes, porcupines and jackrabbits. It’s been said that he did everything he wanted to do — and nothing he didn’t.

Dave became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in July 1954, and he loved studying the scriptures and doing family history (tracing some of his family lines back to the 12th century).

He taught survival skills to the young men and genealogy classes and served for many years as “the best financial clerk (the congregation) ever had.”

Dave loved children, fishing, his family, putting in his wood supply, his guns and candy. He also loved Christmas, visiting the old homesteads, Western music and joking with his daughter-in-law, Sue. He was good at building things, keeping records and making taffy and cornbread.

He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Pruett of Burns; daughter, Vicki (and Jay) Parry of Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Jay (and Sue) Hughes of Burns; 11 grandchildren; and 17 (soon-to-be 19) great-grandchildren.

Dave  was preceded in death by his sister, Edith Peterson, of McCall, Idaho, and his parents.

A memorial service was held on Feb. 2 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hines.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harney County Dollars for Scholars and/or Harney County Historical Society in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.

LaFollette’s Chapel was in charge of funeral arrangements.

David W. Rossberg, 48, of Crane died Jan. 2 after a long battle with diabetes.

David was born in Burns on May 13, 1964. He graduated from Wyoming Technical Institute with a degree in diesel engine repair.

David loved all types of machines. He drove a dump truck when he was 3 and was hooked on driving and vehicles ever since. A realized ambition of his was to have his own trucks and drive for a living. He was able to do this until his health became too poor. David was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed being outdoors.

David is survived by his daughters, Angelia, Lilly and Charity Rossberg; parents, Kenneth and Beulah Rossberg; sister, Tammi (Alex) Lockard; and nephews Gavin and Colby Lockard.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jay and Zelda Rossberg and Ulysses and Kitty Smith.

A memorial in David’s honor will be held on May 25 at 1 p.m. at the Crane Fellowship Church.

Evelyn Maxine McDannel, 85, died Jan. 22 at Ashley Manor Care Center in Burns.

Evelyn Baltazor was born May 13, 1927, in Sheaville to “Bud” and Edith Baltazor. She grew up in Nampa, Idaho, along with her siblings Raymond and Lorraine. Evelyn attended Riverside Grade School and Nampa High School, where she met her husband, LJ (Bob) McDannel. During her high school years, she excelled in sports and was voted Nampa High School’s All Around Girl Athlete of 1945.

Evelyn was married to LJ (Bob) McDannel in Winnemucca, Nev., on June 30, 1946. They had three children.

She worked for Montgomery Ward Store in Nampa, Idaho, as a bookkeeper from 1945-48 and bookkeeper for the family business, Burns One Stop, from 1960-1990.

Evelyn belonged to Jaycettes, ParTee at Valley Golf Club and American Contract Bridge League. Her hobbies were golfing and bowling, and she received many awards in both sports.

Evelyn had a passion and love for golf, cards, partying and dancing. She looked forward to traveling south to Desert Center for the winter. Evelyn loved her family and friends very much. Bob and Evelyn were married for 66 years. It was very hard on her when the love of her life died in September.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Cynda Hensley and husband Rick of Lake Oswego, RJ McDannel and wife Sonja of Burns and Lee McDannel and wife Bonita of Ontario; sister, Lorraine Purdum and husband Col. Richard Purdum of Omaha, Neb.; sister-in-law, Lucille Baltazor; seven granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents, Bud and Edith Baltazor; brother, Raymond Baltazor; and nephew, Jerry Baltazor.

A memorial service was held at Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Jan. 26. Contributions in Evelyn McDannel’s memory can be made to the Valley Golf Club or the Pioneer Presbyterian Church, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, PO Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.

Pat “Sage” Dillinger, 77, died Jan. 11.

Her love for the sun, water and sand made Seal Beach, Calif., the perfect place to raise her children. She then followed her late husband, Bud Dillinger, to Burns where they lived for 28 years.

She joined in many activities, did volunteer work and became a member of the Garden Club because of her love of flowers and gardening. She met many dear friends along the way. Her love of people and wonderful personality made the opening of her bed and breakfast house, “The Horton House,” a successful dream of hers come true for many years.

Never caring for the cold, she was able to spend her final days in Parker, Ariz., with her friend Mischa, where they shopped, laughed, went boating and laid in the sand at the beach.

Pat is survived by her children, Steve Thompson, Karen Jones, Larry Thompson, Renee Scott; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m. at the Burns Elks Lodge.

Jeremy Eugene Kellogg, 27, died suddenly on Jan. 17 in Ontario.

Jeremy was born on Jan. 2, 1986, in Baker City to Elvin “Woody” Kellogg and Vickie Rogers Kellogg. He was the Baker County New Year’s Baby.

Jeremy moved to Burns from Baker City in 1992 with his mother and older brother Ryan.

He attended school in Burns until 2000. He graduated from Baker High School in 2004.

He moved to Couer d’Alene, Idaho, in 2007 to work for Les Schwab Tire Center, then returned to the Ontario / Vale area in January 2013 to work for Owyhee water district as a ditch rider.

Jeremy was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved anything outdoors. He was always happy with a big smile on his face, and he loved spending time with family and friends.

Jeremy is survived by his fiancé, Julia Wallace of Ontario, and their unborn child due in July; mother, Vickie Kellogg of Burns; father, Elvin “Woody” Kellog, and stepmother, Debbie Kellogg, of Baker City; brother, Ryan Kellogg and wife Shannon of Baker City; brother, Brandon Kellogg and wife Lindsey of Baker City; stepsister, Christy Close of Payette, Idaho; sister-in-law, Shakira Close of Baker City; grandparents, Martin and Shirley Andre of Crowley and Lee Rogers of Boring; uncle, Vineto Andre of Crowley; nieces, Ashlie Hull and Caylie Kellogg; and nephews, Darren Elliott, Eric Collins, Weston Chastain, Luke Chastain and Hudson Zednik.

Jeremy was preceded in death by his grandfather, Eugene Kellogg; grandmother, Louise Briggs; brother, Daniel Close; and uncle, Bill Rogers.

A memorial service was held Jan. 26 at the Christian Church in Baker City. Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

A celebration of life is scheduled for July 4 in Arock at his uncle Bill Rogers’, who preceded him in death in 2006.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Baby Kellogg Trust Fund through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.

Condolences can be sent via LaFollette’s Chapel in Burns.

Grover Heinz died at his home in Burns on Jan. 22 surrounded by his family.

Grover was the youngest of eight children born to John W. Heinz and Olive Parker Heinz. He was born in Crane May 27, 1919.

He attended school in Crane, graduating in 1940. While in school, he developed his love of football.

Grover enlisted in the Army during World War II. He served his country honorably, earning several medals including two bronze stars.

He met and married Mary Louise Wilhelm in 1947. The couple had two children, Barbara and George.

Grover was an avid sportsman, loving the outdoors. He had a great love of hunting, fishing and camping. He loved just about all outdoor activities, including gardening. He took great pride in his garden and working in his yard.

Grover worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company for about 35 years. Most of that time was spent working on the “Green Chain” and many other jobs.

After Grover’s wife died, he married Pearl Perry of Burns. The coupled lived in Burns; however, that marriage ended in divorce in April 2012.

Grover had a great love for his family and friends. He spent many hours playing cards or bingo or just plain visiting with his many friends from the senior citizen center.

Grover is survived by his daughter, Barbara Heinz of La Grande; son, George Sr. and wife Jeanne of Burns; grandchildren, George Heinz Jr. of Prineville and Amanda Lewellen and husband Jerry of Hines; great-grandchildren, Maegan Carpenter, Leslie Corn, Jessica Jones, Justin Lewellen and Keana Heinz; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and foster children, Elizabeth Devitt Lane of Ontario and John Devitt of Vale.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Stella Heinz; brothers, Roy, Marion, Bill, Arthur, Percy and Leslie; his wife of almost 50 years, Mary Louise; and numerous aunts and uncles including Chester Heinz.