Carole Lee Marks

Carole Lee Marks, 68, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2005 in Elgin, Oregon at the home of her foster sister, Doreen Hightower and husband Bill.



She was born September 9, 1936 in La Grande, Oregon to Emma Augusta "Judy" Baum and Freddie Amos "Bud" Butterfield. Carole Lee and sister Nikki Rae used their step father, Douglas Holman's name in their growing-up years.



Early education commenced in San Francisco, where their mother was on the staff of Oakland Post Inquirer and San Francisco Chronicle.



Many opportunities were afforded them and Carole Lee chose to follow her pursuit of happiness with equestrian instruction at the San Francisco Riding Academy.



Upon her homecoming to La Grande. Carole was greeted excitedly by her horse "Chipper" and the good times roaming the surrounding hills and valley returned and joined the Mavericks.



She was gifted with many talents and found while enjoying piano lessons with a near relative, Leone Combs, that transposing music seemed very natural.



An artist of landscapes in oils, she presented many as gifts. A cross-cut saw painting of an early valley saw mill, for a friend, sadly remains unfinished in her "hobby lab". Tutored by her grandmother, Augusta Hiatt Baum, she learned the art of quilt block design. Each of her sons has memories of her artistry and agree, "she had a heart of gold".



Excepting for early times in San Francisco, Carole received her education in La Grande schools, graduating from La Grande high school in 1955. She was looking forward to the 50th class reunion September 10-11. A classmate, Alan Keffer, stated she will be missed, remembering her smile and friendly greeting.



Following her graduation she joined the U.S. Air Force. On February 28, 1957 in a Military Chapel service in Fort Worth, Texas, she married her neighbor, friend and sweetheart of many years, Larry Marks, who was also serving in the Air Force.



Following military service, Larry was proud to serve 32 years with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources. He was honored March 20, 1993 with a retirement ‘toast and roast', which was attended by many official from over the state and fellow workers in the various areas to which he was assigned.



In the John Day area, Carole learned the meat cutting trade which she continued for many years, the last five years she worked at Achilles Custom Cuts and Deli in La Grande.



Since the organization of the Baum Family Association in 1956, Carole filled her elective position as assistant historian-genealogist. Many relatives will miss her capable work.



As a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she recently reached a goal of attending the Columbia River and Boise Temples.



Surviving her are husband Larry Marks and son Kory Marks and wife Renae of La Pine, Oregon; Kurtis and family of Richland and Kyle and family of Medford and five grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Nikki Rae Hatfield and husband Gene; three nieces, Dentiny Dawn O'Haver, Kami Gene Smith and Jae Lyn Darr and families, all of California. Aunts are Laura Mae Marshall of La Grande and June Butterfield Stanley of Salem; and uncle Percy Hiatt Baum of Walla Walla, plus numerous cousins and countless friends.



Preceding her in death was her oldest son Kelly, in a fatal accident in 1976; Grandparents, Carl and August Baum, who served in a parental roll at times in her life.



At Carole's request a graveside service was held Wednesday at Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be to Grande Ronde Hospice or the American Cancer Society in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley or the Family History Center, PO Box 31, La Grande, Oregon 97850.