Obituaries: Helen Tonning, Francis Phillips

Helen Tonning

Helen M. Tonning, 88, of Baker City, died Aug. 26, 2006, at Ashley Manor Care Center.

Her graveside memorial will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Haines Cemetery. Disposition will be by cremation at Eastern Oregon Pioneer Crematory.

Born Helen Lyuta on April 15, 1918, Helen spent her childhood years in New York City. After graduating from Newtown High School at Jackson Heights, N.Y., she worked at the R.H. Macy Co. in New York City.

On Sept. 19, 1941, Helen married John Tonning. The newlyweds settled on Long Island, where they raised three daughters. In 1962 Helen and her family moved to Washington, where they lived for the next 44 years, first on Mercer Island and later at Bellevue. Helen and John were married for 64 years.

Longtime members of the Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club, Helen and John spent many summers cruising the San Juan Islands in their seagoing homes away from home, the "Curlew" and the "Legasea." Helen was a past president of the "Mates," the women's auxiliary of the Yacht Club. She also designed the costumes for and participated in the annual "Mates Follies."

A talented gardener, Helen was active in garden clubs. Over the years she won many prizes for her flower arrangements and designs. She was an avid cook and enjoyed handcrafts, including sewing, knitting and crocheting.

Friends and family were Helen's greatest joys in life. Her zest for living and her wonderful smile will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her three daughters, Lynn Keener of Beverly Hills, Fla., Gale Tonning of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Diane Florence of Baker City; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's research through Gray's West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.

Francis Phillips

Francis E. Phillips, 81, of North Powder, died Aug. 31, 2006, at Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande.

There will be a celebration of his life at 5 p.m. today at North Powder Grange. It will be preceded by a reception at 4 p.m. today at the Grange Hall.

His cremated remains will be scattered at Keating Bluff on Tuesday.

Francis was born April 14, 1925, in Stroud, Okla., to Bableum Alanzo and Ruth Fern Black Phillips. The family lived on a farm with cotton, corn and peanut crops. Family members also worked cattle, horses and mules.

They moved to Baker City in 1934 to a farm on Pocahontas Road. Francis cut his first tooth on a saddle horn while riding with his father, and he drove a team of mules at age 10.

At age 17, Francis joined the Navy, serving on the U.S.S. ROI, a 1944 carrier escort vessel in the Pacific. His military travels took him to Guam, New Guinea, Saipan and Pearl Harbor. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 at Shoemaker, Calif.

He married Dorothy M. Calloway on March 7, 1948, in Baker City.

Francis worked as a ranch hand on local ranches, and he dearly loved the Keating Valley. He retired from the Phillips Ranch after 17 years of service. Francis also worked as a meat cutter and delivery truck driver for Eastern Oregon Meat and Sweets Valley Sausage. He worked at La Grande Livestock, Baker Livestock and in Walla Walla, Wash., at the sale yard.

Francis loved the outdoors, mountains, hunting, fishing, camping and dancing. He floated on air around a dance floor, and anybody could follow his lead. His family all loved listening to him tell stories about his childhood shenanigans with friends, and his military adventures.

He was active in the community of North Powder, serving two years on City Council. He helped with the car shows by setting up the poker run. He was an avid supporter of school athletics. He was a big help on city cleanup day and with disbursement of the food bank every month in North Powder.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; his daughters, Marjorie Miller, Gloria Bailey, Shirley Rogers and Patty Phillips; two sons-in-law; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Floyd and Claude; and he also lost one sister and two brothers as infants.