Vivian Pauline Axness

Vivian Pauline Axness , 81 of Haines, Oregon died at her home on Friday, March 3, 2006. Funeral services for Mrs. Axness will be Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the Haines Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m.. Sally Wiens will officiate. Interment will follow at the Haines Cemetery. Visitation for Mrs. Axness will be Wednesday, March 8, 2006 from noon until 7:00 p.m. at the Coles Funeral Home.

She was born to Francis Benedict and Lena Johnson Benedict on May 26, 1924 in Taylor, Wisconsin. She grew up on her parent's farm in rural Taylor as the fourth of seven children: Levine, Basil, Freeman, Vivian, Marion, Ellsworth, and Vilas. She attended Whispering Pines Grade School and graduated with honors from Taylor High School in 1942. She married Aymaar Axness June 22,1942. While Aymaar served in the military during World War II, she remained on the farm helping her parents. When Aymaar returned, they settled in Arcadia, Wisconsin until moving to Oregon to be nearer family.

Vivian was involved in retail stores and marketing most of her life ending her career as co-owner of the Top Shop in La Grande, Oregon. Her store was known throughout Eastern Oregon for its beautiful merchandise and superior service. After retirement and the death of her husband, Vivian moved to the Haines ranch with her son and daughter in law. She enjoyed watching the changing of the seasons, the harvest, and particularly spring with its crop of newborn calves. Vivian was active in the Haines Mutual Improvement Club, PEO, CCI Investors, Crossroads Art Center, and the Haines Methodist Church. She treasured her family and friends spending countless hours doing needlepoint for all.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Lena Benedict, her brothers Levine, Basil, Ellsworth, and Vilas, her sister Marion, and her husband Aymaar Axness.

Vivian is survived by her brother Freeman of Blair, Wisconsin; son Dennis and daughter-in-law Terri of Haines, Oregon; and grandsons: Dan (Cheryl, David, Lauren) of Boise, Idaho; Scott (Janey, Amanda) of Tualatin, Oregon; David (Darci, Brett, Alyssa) of West Linn, Oregon; Mark (Sarah, Paige) of Portland, Oregon; Luke (Athena, Xanthia) of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Aaron (Nicole) of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Survived also by numerous sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Contributions or memorials may be made to Crossroads Endowment Fund where Vivian enjoyed volunteering to support the arts in Baker County. This may be done through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.