January 22, 2006Anna Fergen
Anna Fergen died Saturday, January 14, 2006 in her home. No service will be held per her wishes.
She was born on February 22, 1940 in Yankton, S.D. to Iver and Anna Hevle.
On October 5, 1957 she married Dennis Fergen in Yankton, S.D. They moved to Medford, Oregon in 1969. Preceded in death by Dennis in November 2003 and her newborn daughter in December of 1960.
Anna earned her nursing degree at Southern Oregon University in 1978. She was a registered nurse and worked as a Staff Development Director and taught CNA certification and has lived in Yuma, AZ for the past 23 years.
She had recently retired and moved back to the Rogue Valley to be near family. She was an active member of the ASPCA and Humane Society. She loved helping animals and donated to shelters throughout the United States. She just recently had a children's book published based on a story about a family pet that she told to her children when they were young.
Survivors include her children, Bruce of Glendale, AZ, Leanne of Medford, OR, Jeff of Republic, MO, Linda of Bend, OR, Trish of Medford, OR; and her grandchildren, Joshua, Paige, Hannah, Hailey, Ashlee, Courtney, and Taylor.
We are all very proud of her and will miss her dearly. She will always be remembered for her deep love and compassion for animals.
Barbara Marie Kahlev
Barbara Marie Kahlev passed away on January 18, 2006 in Santa Rosa, California.
She was born on July 24, 1933 in San Francisco, California.
Barbara enjoyed mostly loving and giving to her family and friends. Barbara loved the ocean, reading and doing hand crafts.
Her children included Vivian Kahlev, David Kahlev, Gregg Kahlev and Black Jack. She had 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Extended family includes 3 nephews, 2 nieces and a family of 13 children of grand-nieces and nephew in Denver, Pennsylvania.
Carla J. Kinney
Carla Jean Kinney, 59, of Tigard, OR, passed away January 13, 2006.
Carla was born April 15, 1946 in Medford. As a child of deaf parents, Carla grew up with sign as her first language. She worked as an interpreter for many years, including interpreting for Billy Graham in Dallas, TX. Carla owned Eagle Restaurant in Eagle Point and the Timber Inn in Rocky Point. For the past ten years, Carla has worked as a caregiver to many families providing home care for the sick, convalescent and disabled.
Carla was married to R.C. Kinney in 1979. He precedes her in death.
Survivors include: daughters, Terri Young of Tualatin, OR and Linda Archuletta of Medford; stepsons, Willie Fisher of Beavercreek, OR, Dan Fisher of New York, and George Kinney of Portland; stepdaughter Debbie Crutchfield of Washington; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.C. Kinney; her parents John and Jeanette Misenhimer; her daughter, Deborah Hibbard; and her brother, Johnny Misenhimer.
A public memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 26, 2006 at Conger Morris, 715 W. Main in Medford, OR.
Dr. Calvin H. Chen
Dr. Calvin H. Chen, 86, died peacefully on January 4th, 2006 in Ashland, Oregon.
Internationally renowned as a physician, psychiatrist, and scientist, the American Psychiatric Association honored him as a Distinguished Life Fellow in 2004. A naturalized U.S. citizen since 1954, his research with Dr. Pang L. Man on acupuncture anesthesia provided a more scientific basis for acupuncture that helped revolutionize the field.
He leaves behind three children from his first two marriages, Mary, John, and Elizabeth. His third wife, Joene McCoy, died on November 30, 2005. No services.
Janet Wright
Janet Wright, 91, of San Francisco, California died on Monday, January 9, 2006 in Medford, Oregon.
There will be no local services. Memorial contributions should be made to the donor's favorite charity in Janet's name.
Janet was born on September 26, 1914 in San Francisco, California to Frederick F. Wright and Rose Ella (McNulty) Wright.
Janet was a 4th generation San Franciscan, the great-granddaughter of Andrew and Julia McCormick, who came around the Horn from Ireland in the late 1840's. Julia washed clothes for the gold miners and Andrew, as a carpenter, worked on the first house built on Telegraph Hill.
Janet started work as a teller in 1935 at Wells Fargo Bank, which had only one office then, located in San Francisco. At her retirement after 44 years with the bank, she had become the first woman officer and then the first woman vice-president of a major San Francisco bank, in charge of the computer division. By then she oversaw operations in hundreds of bank branches in several states.
At the same time, she was an outstanding athlete. She became a top-flight amateur badminton competitor, being runner-up for the national championship singles title and, with her partner, national doubles champion, both from 1941 to 1948. She was also elected to the Helms Hall of Fame.
Janet was awarded the first Ken Davidson Award for Sportsmanship, having to be carried out onto the court on a stretcher at the national tournament to receive it, since she had torn her Achilles tendon in the game just before.
When that leg healed, she went back to tournament badminton until she ruptured her other Achilles tendon, whereupon she turned intensively to golf, spending 35 years following the big golf tournaments as a spectator all over California and playing for her own pleasure from Palm Desert to Silverado.
She was a Seals and Giants baseball fan since before Joe Dimaggio played for San Francisco, and naturally, the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 found her at Candlestick Park waiting for the first pitch. She held season tickets for both Stanford and 49er games through several generations of neighboring seatmates, and seldom missed a game.
Janet lived in the same apartment in San Francisco for 60 years, where she watched the construction of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, the flood of military in World War II, the gun flashes of the Barker brothers when they seized control of Alcatraz from prison authorities, and the protests of the '60's. She always saw life as an adventure, and faced with any new situation, she always said, "Oh boy!" After suffering a stroke while exploring the outback of Alaska at the age of 86, Janet moved to Medford to be near her nephew and niece, Fred and Norma Wright.
She is survived by a huge family. Many of them were not related to her, but she was still their favorite aunt. Her friends include anyone she ever met, especially children.
Surviving relatives include nephews, Fred (Norma) Wright of Talent, OR, and Robert (Jane) Hansen of Rocklin, CA; nieces, Nancy (Ted) Vian of Portola Valley, CA, Barbara Nagaoka of Merced, CA, Jan Hansen of Folsom, CA, and Mary (Ray McDowell) Maupin of Kingman, AZ. She is also survived by 13 grand-nieces and nephews, and 18 great grandnieces and nephews.
Janet's ashes will be inurned with her family at Woodlawn Cemetery in Colma, CA, later this year. About the same time, family and friends will celebrate her life with a huge gathering (perhaps in a stadium). Janet has touched the lives of each of us, and for the better. We try to pass it on.
Jessie R. Ashburn
Jessie R. Ashburn, 92, of Central Point passed away on January 12, 2006 at her home. Born in Watsonville, California on January 7, 1914, moved to Central Point, Oregon in 1971 where she worked as a CNA at Three Fountains and Hearthstone. She also worked for S.O.S. and Bear Creek Corporation.
Jessie loved the outdoors, gardening, fishing and the ocean. Many of her talents included being able to pick up a crochet hook, look at something, and make it - No pattern needed. She loved crafts, music and was very artistic. She participated in many of the grandkids' events. She was a past member of the Pocahontas and the Eagles.
Arrangements by Perl Funeral home. Her ashes will be put to rest in Monterey Bay, California.
She leaves two daughters Robin Ashburn of Central Point and Bernice Marci of Gold Hill; 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Great humor....Great smile...Great Mom!
John Bruce Anderson
He was born on July 5, 1934 in Elgin OR. Then he passed away on January 18, 2006 in Klamath Falls, OR. after a year battle with lung cancer. He was born to John "Fuzzy" Anderson and Sonia Anderson and grew up mainly in the Grants Pass area. He attended Grants Pass High School before serving in the Marines from 1951 to 1953. He married Joyce Taylor April 19, 1958 in Reno. Then he lived in Ashland, Eagle Point, and Klamath Falls. His occupations include Floor Coverings for 30 years, then went into logging for Hanscom and King and then motel maintenence until retiring in 1995.
Survivors include wife, Joyce of Klamath Falls, OR; son, Jim and wife Kathryn; and grandchildren, Caitlyn, Ryan of Kirkland, Wa; Jerry and wife Leah of Klamath Falls, OR; Jeff and wife Suzanne; grandchildren Sonja, Annie, and special little friend "Scout" of Klamath Falls, OR; daughter, Julie and partner Crunch of Eagle Point, OR; brothers, Chuck and Pat of Petaluma, CA; Bob and Joyce of Waldport, OR; Dave and Cleone of Vernonia, OR; sister, Barbara and Dean Towne of Klamath Falls, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by son Jon Scott Anderson and sister Dolly Anderson.
Graveside services will be Saturday, January 28, at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park Medford, OR. Memorial donations may be made to High Desert Hospice of Klamath Falls.
June Estelle Curfman
June Estelle Curfman, 94, of Ashland, Oregon died January 19 at the Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, Oregon.
Mrs. Curfman was born July 10, 1911 in Ellsworth, Nebraska and had lived in Cheyenne for 47 years before moving to Ashland in 1993 to be near her daughter. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was an avid reader. One of the greatest gifts June gave her daughters was the love of books. She had a huge arsenal of memorized poems. Her daughter, Nancy spent her youth trying to stump her by finding a poem she couldn't quote. Once her children were grown, June dedicated her life to volunteering in the Cheyenne hospitals and at the First United Methodist Church. She was also an avid gardener. Her flowers were the envy of the neighborhood.
Mrs. Curfman is survived by two daughters, Nancy Begnoche of Ashland and Carol Pitman of Dothan, Alabama; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard R. Curfman in 1987; a son, Robert W. Curfman, an air force pilot who was killed in 1960; her parents, Robert and Ethel Mae Marshall and her siblings.
Cremation has taken place.
Friends who wish may contribute to the First United Methodist Church 108 E. 18th St., Cheyenne, WY 82001.
Arrangements by Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.
Karen L. Reyes
The funeral service for Karen Lee Reyes will be on Monday at 2:30 pm in the Memory Gardens Mortuary Chapel with Bishop Gary Trapp of The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints, Medford Second Ward, officiating. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Memorial Park.
Mrs. Reyes, 51, of Weldon, CA, died while visiting her mother in Medford. She was born on April 22, 1954 in Ogden, UT.
Survivors include: her husband, Andrew Samuel Reyes, Weldon, CA; a son, Sammy Reyes, Lancaster, CA; two daughters, Sylvia Reyes, Weldon, CA and Frances Reyes, Oxnard, CA; her mother, Betty Jean Stalcup, Medford; two sisters, Diane Smith and Linda Knapp, both of Eagle Point; two brothers, Bruce and Keith Smith, both of Eagle Point; and ten grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard D. Smith and a brother, Robert Smith.
Arrangements by: Memory Gardens Mortuary.
Kenneth Brandon Potter
Kenneth Brandon Potter, son of Dr. Earl H. Potter III and Christine A. Marshall of Talent, passed away on January 14, 2006 in San Francisco where he had resided for the last 11 years. Brandon was born in Seattle on March 7, 1970. He grew up in Mystic, Connecticut where he graduated from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in 1988. Following his graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Army and graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California with honors in Russian. When his period of service was completed, he enrolled at Allegheny College where he graduated with a dual major in Russian and Economics in 1995. In San Francisco, Mr. Potter was Owner and CEO of Vanguard Associates, a firm that provides financial, administrative and HR solutions for start-up, hi-tech companies. Brandon was an Eagle Scout with a commitment to service and an indomitable spirit. He was proud of his Army service but he was not an organization man. He built his own business on his ability to win the trust of his clients in the same way he built a large web of friendships that sustained him. He spent his junior year in college in St. Petersburg, Russia where he came to be taken for a native. His love of languages extended to Chinese, Spanish, German and Italian. He read widely and seriously. He loved good wine and fine food shared with friends. One of his great joys was to hike with his friends on the coastal headlands of Marin County. Donations in his memory will be earmarked for preservation in that region.
Mr. Potter is survived by his parents, sisters and brothers, Margaret Potter of Groton, Connecticut, Christopher Potter of San Francisco, Binks (Earl H. Potter IV) of Burlington, Vermont, and Jamie Potter of Talent, as well as his maternal grandfather, Chris E. Marshall of Ellensburg, Washington and his birth-father, Dr. Kenneth Watkin of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 23rd at 2PM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Medford, Oregon. Gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to: The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 in memory of Brandon Potter (Ref # 111-465-15). Credit card donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy at 1-800-628-6860 (Ref # 111-465-15).
Marcus Elmo "Red" Norton
Marcus Elmo “Red' Norton of Phoenix passed away January 16th 2006 at Rogue Valley Medical Center.
Red was born on October 30th, 1910 in Flatrock Illinois to parents Flora Johnson Norton and Everett Elmo Norton.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Louise Norton; daughter Karen Avery, son-in-law Donald Avery and grandson Richard Avery; four brothers, Bill, Vance, Bob and Mayne Norton; one sister, Eloise Norton Reese Gross.
Red is survived by his beloved daughter Wanda Long; grandchildren Cathy Kane Prichard, Mark Kane, Brian Kane, Dan Long, Shyla Avery-Stahl, Darci Avery-Laws, 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Red and his family moved to Phoenix Oregon in 1946. He founded Norton Lumber Company in 1949 and the family business continues to this day. Red moved from Phoenix in 1965 and spent the next 25 years training and racing thoroughbred horses in Nebraska and Arizona. He then moved back to the Rogue Valley where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his property on the Rogue River. Red was a resident at Fountain Plaza in Medford where he very much enjoyed his time, surrounded by many friends and a wonderful staff.
Red and his wife Louise were active members of the Democratic Party and were delegates to the convention in 1959. Red was a devoted Democrat who believed strongly in the party ideals and followed politics all of his life. Red's legacy of community service, love of family and friends, and unique character will never be forgotten.
Red was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a lifelong member of the Ashland Elks Club and the Phoenix Grange. He was instrumental in establishing and building the first Community Club in Phoenix which currently serves as the City Hall.
A memorial service to honor Red will be held on Saturday, 3:00 pm January 28th, 2006 at Conger Morris Chapel, 715 W. Main in Medford.
Arrangements are being made by Hillcrest Memorial Park. (773-6162) Memorial Contributions may be made to either of the following organizations: Democratic Party of Jackson County PO Box 4474 Medford, Oregon 97501 Or Phoenix Museum PO Box 1466 Phoenix, Oregon 97535 The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Husom, Denise Workman and the wonderful nurses and staff at RVMC.
Nellie M. Milton
The graveside service for Nellie M. Milton will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2005, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Medford.
Mrs. Milton, 90, of White City, died Jan. 20, 2006, at her home.
She was born August 4, 1915 in Kansas and was raised in Colorado. She married Henry Milton on Sept. 1, 1937 in Las Animas, Colorado. They moved to Medford in 1953. She worked in packing houses for 25 years. She enjoyed gardening and helping others always and she lived a Christian life.
Survivors include two daughters, Joy Carroll Stevenson and Connie Knutson of White City; sister Olive Spaur of Central Point; six nieces; four nephews; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Truman Milton and her husband, Henry.
Arrangements by Conger-Morris Funeral Directors, Medford.
Sylvia M. Aurich
Sylvia M. Aurich, beloved wife, mother and sister was gone from our sight on January 15, 2006. She leaves behind her husband, Herman Aurich; children, Wesley D. Morgan, Ann Marie Diver, Sara Lee Aurich, Alan Aurich and Jonathan Pearlman, and Sandie Dee Aurich; grandchildren, Brian and Cathy Diehl, Greg and Christina Steinbrenner, and Leah Marie Diver; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Zackary, Tyler and Lucy Diehl, and newborn, Jackson Richard Steinbrenner; sister, Shirley Brown; and nephew and niece, John and Sue Lewis.
Born February 24, 1928 in Albion, Michigan, Sylvia lived in New York and California before she settled with her family in the Rogue Valley in 1972. She enjoyed her role as a one woman wonder, managing the office of McLaughlin Plumbing and Heating in Medford. Side-by-side with Herman, she helped create and build a mobile home park in White City: Cascade Village Mobile Estates. In 1980, she designed her dream home, where she and Herman retired. Socially, Herman and Sylvia enjoyed many years of dancing at the Eagles and playing bingo wherever the "stakes" were good. She spent years mastering Photoshop on the computer, launching her signature line of calendars and greeting cards under the pen names of "Cards by Sylvia" and "Cards by Mom." Staying connected to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy. Her dear sorority sisters were her extended family, where she enjoyed many years of community, whether it was a sisterhood event to benefit Easter Seals or celebrating a "secret sister" throughout the year.
Although gone from our sight, she resides in our heart and memories for eternity.
Memorial services by Conger-Morris of Medford. 772-7111
Bettye Joy Smith
Bettye Joy Smith passed away on Friday, January 13, 2006 at Jefferson Manor in Dallas, OR. Arrangements are by City View Funeral Home, Salem, OR.
Dorothy McDonough
Dorothy McDonough, age 53, of Ashland, Oregon passed away on January 20, 2006 at a local foster care. Arrangements handled by: Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives.
