Frieda Louise Stauffer

Frieda Louise Staugger, age 90, of Union, died August 11, 2004 at her home in Union. A celebration of her life will be held on August 20, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union United Methodist Church with Pastor Jerry Peters officiating. All are welcome.

Mrs. Stauffer was born April 22, 1914 to Fred Brown and Olice Skiff Brown in Union, Oregon. She attended the Union schools and graduated from business college in Spokane, Washington in 1934. Returning to Union she became Assistant Postmaster under Lee Chenault from 1934-1942.

On October 2, 1942 she married Roy Stauffer of Stauffer, Oregon in Lincoln, Nebraska where he was stationed during World War II. After the war they lived in Portland, then Eugene, where their daughter, Anne, was born. The family returned to Union in 1957 to Frieda's parents' farm. Frieda was acting Postmaster from 1966 to 1968.

Mrs. Stauffer was descended from Oregon pioneers. The Skiff branch came around the Horn from Boston landing in San Francisco, then traveling north to homestead in the La Grande vacinity in 1863 with the MOes and McAlisters. The Haynes branch traveled the Oregon Trail in 1875, settling in Union, which became home to the suceeding generations, of which Frieda represents the 5th generation. Back in the 1920's it was said she was related to almost every family in town: Baird, Brasher, Brown, Courtright, Dotson, Haynes, Hess, Lilje, McAlister, Moe, Moss, Nodine, Phillips, Seamans, Skiff, Spray, Taylor and Titus, among others.

She was an active member and church organist for the Union United Methodist Church, a member of the Union County Museum Association, the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) and several environmental groups. Her main joys in life were her church family and her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She also delighted in trips she took with her daughter to several states as well as Great Britain and a boat trip down the Rhine.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Larry Mitchell of Portland; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given to the Union United Methodist Church in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.