Helen Marie Bower

Helen Marie Bower, 86, of Hilgard died November 19, 2005 at a local care center. A celebration of life will begin at 3pm Saturday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in La Grande.

Mrs. Bower was born October 8, 1919 to Paul and Elsie Rudger Marti in Joseph and graduated from high school in Cambridge, Idaho. She married Buck Bower on July 16, 1938 in Weiser, Idaho and moved to this area 33 years ago from the Huntington area. She worked in the cafe at Blue Mountain Lanes for about 20 years. She was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a past member of the Eagles, Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary and the Lime Sewing Club. She enjoyed playing the piano and making dolls, including ceramic work, assembly, painting and making the clothes.

Survivors include children and thier spouses, Joan and Tom Hosey of Hilgard, Jean Smith of La Grande and Karlee and Ivan Langley of Lime; 18 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren and 21 great great grandchildren. Her husband, a son, Ronald LeRoy Bower, three brother, Paul Jr. "Bud" Marti, Harry Marti and Eugene Marti and a great granddaughter, Shannyn Lee Miller, all died earlier.