"Fern" Culley

Donna "Fern" Culley, age 90, of La Grande and formerly of Wallowa County and Baker City, died April 1, 2006 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 14, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Life Center. Committal and interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2006. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Fern was born on September 15, 1915, to Arthur and Zella (Millard) Pearson in Enterprise. She was the great granddaughter of David Kooch who was an early pioneer to Wallowa County. She graduated from Enterprise High School in 1934 and on June 15, 1935 she married Floyd Culley. She met Floyd when he came to Enterprise with the 3-C's. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Baker City where Fern spent most of her life. She lost Floyd on her birthday September 15, 1972. Together they raised three daughters and over the years took in more than forty foster children, loving each and every one of them.

Fern had many interests, the most important of which was her children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed her church and her many friends. Her other interests were oil painting, sewing, gardening, canning and yard sales. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church. Friends and family remember her as a very loving Christian lady who always had the sweetest winning smile for everyone.

Fern worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital and later as a Senior Companion, taking many trips with them to Canada and the Rockies. Her most memorable trip was to Israel and to the City of Jerusalem. She relocated to La Grande in 1995 to be near her daughter, JoJean. The last two years she has lived at Wildflower Lodge where she loved the other residents and staff.

Three sisters, Mildred Shell, Elaine Crabill and Evelyn Wright preceded her in death. Her daughters and their husbands survive her, Cheryl and Keith Stubblefied of Salem, JoJean and Carl Nelson of La Grande and Jackie and Eddy Dixon of Poulsbo, Washington; grandchildren, Tami, Rick & Kimberly Stubblefield, Craig & Tony Nelson, Carla Wise, Kaye Sloman, Michelle Robbins and Amanda Dixon; seventeen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her oldest grandson, Brent Stubblefield of Vancouver, Washington preceded her in death by only 19 days.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Culley to the New Life Center in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.