Eleanor Helen Massey

Eleanor Helen Massey, 99, of La Grande, died Feb. 20 at Wildflower Lodge, two months short of her 100 birthday. There will be a memorial service at Wildflower Lodge in March. Loveland Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Eleanor was born April 27, 1911, to Maria (Kraus) and Josef Rudolph Necas in Essen, Germany. When she was one month old, her family came to the United States on the steamship SS Brennen, landing in Houston, Texas. Eleanor's father purchased land in Eagles Nest, N.M., where she grew up with her five siblings. Her mother died when she was an infant. Eleanor had many fond memories of being raised on the ranch and the wonderful care she received from her dad.

Eleanor especially appreciated the book "Alice in Wonderland," and had relatives and siblings read the story to her many times. The family fondly called her "Alice" for many years.

At the age of 19, Eleanor married and moved to California. She lived the rest of her life in California and Oregon. She liked being near the ocean and especially enjoyed the storms. The power and strength of the ocean was something that intrigued her and that she respected.

Eleanor moved to La Grande in 2004 and resided at Wildflower Lodge. She developed many friendships during her years in La Grande and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Laverne Van Ness of La Grande; son, Emil Torquato of Canby; and six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

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