Jessica Eaton

C. Jessica Eaton formerly of Bend died Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in La Grande at the age of 87.

A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Clara Jessica was born on June 2, 1937 in Prairie City, born to William "Bill" and Lilace Eileen (Pierce) Nicely. She later attended the Catholic school in Baker City, then Crook County High School in Prineville where she graduated with the class of 1955. She attended Phagens College of Beauty in Salem and became a beautician and cosmetologist. She later became a beloved teacher at Phagans College of Beauty in Bend, until her retirement in 2011. She was married to Merrill Eaton on August 15, 1959 in Lovelock, Nevada. Together Jessica and Merrill raised four children, Merrill "Frank", Jr., Donald Ray, Claudia "Jill" and Gail Janine. Merrill preceded Jessica in death in 1998. On July 27, 2002 she married Roger Cusick at the St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church in Bend.

Jessica, as she was known, was a devout Catholic and was active in church wherever she lived, most recently being Our Lady of the Valley in La Grande. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed needlework. She loved dancing with her husband Roger and participated in the Elks Lodge activities.

Survivors include her children, Frank of Troutdale, Donald of Union, Jill Harling of Payette, Idaho and Gail Stevens of Tillamook; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Kathryn L. Cordes-Reynolds of Carson City, Nevada and Robert D. Cordes of Prineville. 

Her parents and first husband preceded her in death.

Contributions in memory of Jessica Eaton to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1002 "L" Avenue, La Grande, OR  97850.