Obituaries for February 18, 2009

Marjorie May Tiedemann Reagan, 90, of Halfway, died Feb. 14, 2009, at her home.

Her memorial service will be at noon Friday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1995 Fourth St. The Rev. Bill Shields of Pine Valley Presbyterian Church will officiate. After the service, friends are invited to join the family for food and fellowship in the Roger’s Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. Marjorie’s cremated remains will be interred later in a private ceremony.

Marjorie May was born on June 17, 1918, at Baker City to Dr. A.W. Tiedemann and May Denham Tiedemann. She graduated with honors from Baker High School in 1936 and went on to attend Willamette University at Salem.

After college, she worked one year for Leo Adler and then to contribute to the war effort, she went to Fort Lewis, Wash., to work.

After the war, she married Orville Reagan. Marjorie worked for the Oregon State Police for more than 20 years.

Marjorie was an active volunteer. She was president of the PTA and a dedicated member of the Red Cross and Ground Observers. She also volunteered at the Baker Museum, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Meals on Wheels and at St. Elizabeth Hospital. She served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church.

She painted with the Paint-About group, played bridge with many friends and enjoyed traveling.

In 1996, Marjorie moved to Halfway. In spite of her failing eyesight and lung disease, she was able to live independently because of the support of the community. Her friends, family, church and the Pine-Eagle Clinic helped her maintain a good quality life.

Marjorie truly enjoyed her 90th birthday party last June, her family members said. She talked about it often and cherished the stories and memories shared by family and friends. She loved animals, especially her cat, Little, who had been her companion for nearly 15 years.

She was preceded in death by her mother May Tiedemann; her father, Dr. Albert William Tiedemann; her husband, Orville Reagan; her brother, Dr. Albert Tiedemann; and infant son, Carl Louis Reagan.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Jim Howard of McKinnleyville, Calif., and Susan and Kelly Rowen of Halfway; five grandchildren and their families: Amy and Eric Houk and children, Dylan and Logan, Casey and Kim Rowen and children, Kerri and Kadie, Cammie and Chris deCastro, Katie Howard and Jake Rowen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine-Eagle Clinic, Pine Valley Presbyterian Church or the First Presbyterian Church in Baker City through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.