June Marie Wyckoff

June-Marie Wyckoff, 90, of Wallowa died March 27 at Wallowa Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. While a student at University of Oregon, she was elected "Miss Smiles a Million," a title that described her attitude throughout life.

June-Marie will be remembered for her adventurous spirit and outrageous sense of humor. At age 82, dressed in street clothes, she jumped from a boat into Payette Lake because she could not stand watching everyone else having fun swimming and not participate herself. She enjoyed long rides in the countryside, exploring new places and taking the most unpromising road to the end. Turning back was not an option.

A talented musician, June-Marie shared her love of music as church organist, pianist, choir director and teacher and by playing anyplace people gathered where there was a piano or an organ. June-Marie considered her musical talent a gift from God and a way of expressing the joy of Christian faith. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for more than 75 years. June-Marie was also an elementary school and public librarian.

Born on June 1, 1922, in Nyssa, Oregon to Barney and Edith (Richey) Wilson, June-Marie graduated from Nyssa High School. She studied music at The University of Oregon and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Mu Phi Epsilon in the School of Music. In 1944, she married Dwight Wyckoff whom she'd met in high school. They spent 65 years together, including eleven years traveling the United States in their fifth-wheel trailer.

June-Marie was preceded in death by her husband Dwight, and three brothers: Houston Wilson, Richard Wilson and Phillip Wilson. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Christy and Laura Wyckoff of Portland, Barney Gerald Wyckoff and life partner Morri Stewart of Bend, Marcia and Dennis Sheehy of Wallowa, and five grandchildren and six great grandchildren, who all loved her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 1 at 10 am at the Wallowa Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Memorial Fund of the United Methodist Church in Wallowa, Oregon or to the Wallowa Public Library in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. in La Grande, Oregon.

Her joy and smile will be missed. It was a good life.

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