D. Bernice Voelz

D. Bernice "Bernie" Voelz, age 87, of La Grande, died Saturday, December 27, 2003 at her home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at the La Grande First Christian Church. Private interment will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mrs. Voelz was born on August 27, 1916 in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of six children in the Barnett family. She was raised and graduated from high school in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1942 she met her future husband, James Voelz, while he was stationed with the United States Air Force in Las Vegas and on June 15, 1944 they were married in La Grande.

The Voelz's owned and operated Voelz Oil Company for 39 years. Mrs. Voelz was extremely active in the community. She was a member of the La Grande First Christian Church and taught Sunday school there for 30 years. She was a member and past president of the La Grande Soroptimist Club, a member of her bridge club for 50 years, a member of the La Grande Knife and Fork Club where she served as secretary/treasurer for over 20 years, a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Beta Sigma Phi and P.E.O. She and her husband were also members of the Grande Ronde Wheelers Good Sam Club and enjoyed weekend camping and friendship with this group of people. For 14 years she served as hostess for the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children when they held clinics in La Grande. Jim and Bernie traveled worldwide with the US Air Force Military Space Available. She was very much a people person and her friendliness brought to her many friendships from around the world. After her retirement she helped at the family miniature golf course and was often found handing out golf clubs and visiting with the golfers. She enjoyed gardening and yard work.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, James Voelz; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Connie Voelz, and grandson, Vernon Voelz, all of La Grande; nieces and nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To view the obituary, sign the guest book or leave a condolence on-line, visit www.danielschapel.com