Madeline Mae Hess

Madeline Mae Hess, age 92, of La Grande and formerly of Portland, died Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at her home. Public viewing will be held on Saturday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverview Abbey in Portland, Oregon.

Madeline was born on September 15, 1911 to Bart Owsley and Edna Mitchell Owsley in a home in Owsley canyon. She was one of four children. Madeline grew up in La Grande and attended Fruitdale School. On December 23, 1927 she married Thomas Vernon Sherwood and they had one child, Phyllis Mae Sherwood on June 2, 1929. They were later divorced.

Madeline was employed in La Grande with the telephone company. She later moved to Portland, Oregon where she was the chief telephone operator for the Heathman Hotel. In March of 1963 she married Henry L. Hess, Sr., who was an attorney in Portland. He also tried many cases in the Eastern Oregon area and was known as a great litigater and a friend to many.

Madeline always enjoyed coming back and visiting her home town. She often visited her friend, Iris Hughes Walker, and they enjoyed spending time and traveling together. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, working in her yard in the North West Hills of Portland and she was known for her beautiful rhododendrons and hydrangeas. She liked to sit for hours and watch the ocean at the beach. Madeline also enjoyed cooking and was known for her wonderful rolls, pies and, well, just about anything she made was wonderful.

Survivors include her daughter, Phyllis Mae Holderness of La Grande; step-son, Henry L. Hess, Jr. of Portland; grandchildren, Candace and Steve Mann of Gresham, Fredrick Lee Neilson of La Grande and William Otis and April Neilson of La Grande; five step-grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lanita Owsley of Orville, California; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Clifford and William Owsley, sister, Katharine Stine and step-son, Raymond Hess.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Madeline to the GRH Hospice or the charity of choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To view the obituary, sign the guest book or leave a condolence on-line, visit: www.danielschapel.com