Bernie Marie Briggs

Bernie Marie Briggs, age 97, of Union, died July 13, 2003 at a local care facility.

Bernie was born on October 12, 1905 in Manitou, Oklahoma Territory to Harlow and Bertha (Simmons) Hohstadt, the oldest of 9 children. Bernie married William Earnest Briggs on November 3, 1923 in Vineta, Oklahoma. They lived in Oklahoma, Kansas and Idaho before moving to Union in 1938.

Bernie and Earnest loved to camp, hunt and fish and always had a contest going on as to who would catch the most or biggest fish. Bernie was a very active lady until she suffered a stroke following surgery in September of 1999. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved to crochet, knit and quilt. She made many caps and lap ropes for the V.A. Hospital every year and helped deliver them.

Bernie was an avid gardener, her therapy was working in the vegetable and flower garden and was always trying to grow something different or new. She loved to travel and if there was a dance with country music, she would go! She also had a great time riding a mule in the Stock Show Parade in Union at the age of 83.

Bernie was a member of the Methodist Church, the Eagles, the Singles Club, Order of Eastern Star and the V.F.W. Auxiliary, of which she was a past-President.

Survivors include her children, Earnest "Lonnie" and Gloria Briggs of Roseburg, Dale and Rhoda Brigs of Bend; Reba Hamon of Prineville, Marie and Hugh Neville of Ojai, California and LaVerne and Jerry Scott of Kalispell, Montana; twenty seven grandchildren; thirty seven great grandchildren; eleven great great grandchildren; brothers, John of Needles, California and Harry of Corvallis, Montana; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, son, Loyd, daughter, Neta Winslow and one granddaughter, brothers, Gale, Cletus and Pat and sisters, Lola, Opal and Eva.

Mom, you will be missed by all your family and all the friends you have made over the many years.

Services will be held at the Methodist Church in Union at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2003. Committal and interment will follow at the Union Cemetery.

Donations can be made to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers.