Alta “Marie” Ishmael, 75, of Hermiston, a former Baker County resident, died Sept. 4, 2006, at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash., of complications after cardiac surgery.
Her memorial service was Sept. 9 at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston. Friends joined the family for a potluck afterward at her home.
She was born on Dec. 4, 1930, at Weiser, Idaho, to parents J.R. “Ted” and Orpha Knee Dyer. They lived at Robinette until dams were built on the Snake River and the town was flooded. She always missed her childhood home.
Marie moved to Hermiston in 1988 and had lived there since. She was a caregiver for the past 18 years and took great pride in helping people stay in their homes and remain independent. She enjoyed working in her yard growing flowers, vegetables, and fruit.
Her yard was her oasis. She walked early in the morning on Baxter Road with her two trekking sticks that her son had made for her.
Survivors include her ex-husband and friend, Bill Ishmael of Hillsboro; daughters, Twilla Berrett of Milwaukie, Teri Jacobs of Hermiston, Marline Byrne-Schnelling of Spray, Sonja Weems of Hermiston and Chris Byrne of Nyssa; son, Todd Thurston of Hermiston; sisters, Grace Fields of Glenns Ferry, Idaho, Donna Kanyid of Baker City and Senie Reed of Irrigon; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Lelaini Matzen in 2002; his brother, Willard Fields; and a grandson, Thad Weems.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice at 645 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, September 19, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
