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The latest obituaries and death notices for Malheur County

Margaret Zueger

January 9, 1931-March 2, 2020

Margaret Mary Zueger, 89, died Monday, March 2, 2020 at a local hospital surrounded by her children. Margaret was born on Jan. 9, 1931, in Portland, Oregon, to Phillip and Agnes (Pendergast) Galluzzo, the oldest three children. She attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Immaculata High School in Portland, graduating in 1949. After high school, Margaret attended Marylhurst College in Marylhurst, Oregon, and completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1953.

After graduation from college, Margaret accepted a teaching position at Vale Elementary School in Vale, Oregon. She met Albert M. Zueger, a local farmer in Vale. They married on June 16, 1956 at the Madeleine Catholic Church in Portland. After marriage, Margaret continued to work as a substitute teacher in the Vale School District and began a family. She was very active at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the local community in Vale. She taught in various teaching positions throughout Malheur County for over 30 years. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

After her husband Al’s death, Margaret moved to Boise. She became a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and volunteered in several parish ministries. In addition, she became a member of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church and volunteered in several parish ministries including ministry to the homebound and in the hospital, the Legion of Mary, the Lunch bunch, the coffee club and the list goes on. Margaret was an active member of several local organizations including the Retired Educator Association of Idaho and the Italian Club.

Margaret loved her family. She never forgot a birthday or special family occasion. She faithfully called all of her children and grandchildren every Saturday and Sunday evening. No matter the hardships Margaret faced, she instilled her love of music and the arts in her children.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Phil, her husband Albert, her son, Raymond, and her grandson, Ian. Margaret is survived by her sister, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. “Remember that Grandma loves you.”

The Zueger family would like to thank the very dear friends of Margaret for their unwavering love and support. And, the staff and medical team at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center for the care of Margaret and support to her family.

A Vigil Service with Rosary was held Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m., and Memorial Mass was Friday, March 6, at 10:30 AM. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 7960 W. Northview St., Boise. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice in the name of Margaret. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Margaret’s memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.

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Raymond “Ray” B. Barnes

May 12, 1934 ~ March 2, 2020

Ray Barnes, 85, of Vale, passed away resting in the arms of our Lord on March 2, 2020. He was surrounded by family members who deeply loved him.

Ray was born to Blair Barnes and Helen Keller-Barnes, on May 12, 1934, in Spokane, Washington. He was the youngest of five siblings. Following the birth of Ray, his family moved to Montana. They then relocated to Brogan, Oregon, and eventually moved to a country home outside of Vale. He grew up working hard on the family farm, while attending Vale schools from primary grades through high school. He was a very good athlete and lettered all four years in baseball and football. He lettered three years in basketball. He graduated in 1952. 

Ray joined the Army shortly after graduation. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was very proud of his service to his country. He was in the service for three years. One of his favorite activities was being a paratrooper. He loved the thrill, but his wife later told him jumping out of planes is a thing of the past!

Ray attended Boise Junior College to play football and then transferred to Oregon State to play baseball. After completing his bachelor’s degree he returned to school to complete two different master’s degrees, one in counseling and one in administration.

After he completed his degree in secondary education, his first year of teaching and coaching was in Adrian. The next year he taught at Vale High School, moving his family to Vale in 1961. He taught English, Math, Science and Physical Education. He also coached from 1961 to 1975. For him, nothing compared to being a Viking in his hometown of Vale. He loved Vale. He loved the people and it was a perfect fit for him to return to the town he loved as a teacher and a coach. He was assistant coach for football and basketball. One of his greatest memories was being the head varsity baseball coach and winning the district title, 13 out of 14 years. He worked 26 years in the Vale High School and then he transferred to Baker City High School, to become vice principal. He served a total of 30 years in the field of education, until his retirement in 1987. He continued to be connected to the field of education as a board member of the ESD for several years.

Another significant aspect in Ray’s lifetime achievements has been the devotion and loyalty to his family. Ray continued playing in a semi-pro baseball team during summers while he was getting his education. It was at one of those baseball games that Ray spotted his future bride, Nancy House, in the grandstands. He described her as “a pretty good-looking girl.” They dated for a month before he proposed. The couple was wed on Dec. 28, 1958. Ray referred to his wife Nancy as “one in a million!” They were married for nearly 53 years until the passing of Nancy in 2011. They raised four children, Todd, Kurt, Krissie and Laurie, and eight grandchildren. He was actively involved in whatever activity his children participated. His family was so important to him. Ray was a strong man who believed in being honest and loyal to family and friends. He has maintained good friendships through grade school, high school and the Army.

He loved to go to the family cabin in Unity, Oregon. He loved to fish “by what he called the big tree.” He kept that location a secret because he didn’t want other people to take “his spot.” Unity was his place to get away with his friends and, of course, his family. He was a devoted father and husband. He dedicated his life to his family and to making a difference in people’s lives. Numerous former students have reported back to him throughout his life that his influence was significant in theirs. One of his greatest hopes was to make a positive difference in many lives, just as students, coaches and community had done for him.

Ray had many fond memories of being a teacher, coach and principal. He was active up until this last year by attending school and community events. You could always spot him in the crowd, talking with friends or cheering on the team while wearing a Vale Vikings baseball cap with pride! Ray was also involved in the community by being a member of the Lions and Elks clubs. He was an active member at Vale St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for many years. He served as the Men’s Club President.

Ray was inducted into the Vale Hall of Fame in 2018. He was so happy to be recognized while he was still living and very humble about being honored for his lifetime of service to the community. It was one of his proudest moments.

Ray had an infectious smile that could turn anyone’s poor mood right around. He liked telling jokes and had one for every occasion. He liked good jokes and loved to laugh. He was still smiling and laughing up until the end.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, his wife, and his son, Todd Barnes. He is survived by oldest brother, Lee Barnes, two daughters, Krissie Munson and Laurie Suitter, and eight grandchildren, including, Parker and Lexi Barnes; Garrett Munson; Mathew, Morgan and Molly Erskine and Marlee and Maicin Albin.

He is described by his daughters as being their hero. His legacy will be kept alive in their hearts. He will be missed by many people. He is now joining “his beloved Nancy,” his son and many friends and family members in Heaven. Ray would want all of us to remember his message “keep on keepin’ on!” Until we see you again.

Rosary on March 12 at 7 p.m

Funeral services on March 13 at noon.

All services to be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Vale.

Memorials can be made to Vale Alumni Association at PO Box 274, Vale, Oregon 97918.

DEATHS:

• Raymond Heck, 96, of Ontario, died March 4. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.

• Virgil V. Battershell, 88, Midvale, died March 2 at home in California. Thomason Funeral Home, Weiser. 

• Bonnie Jean Brasseur, 79, of Ontario, died March 3 at home. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario. 

LEARN HOW TO PLACE AN OBITUARY: Contact Autumn Butler, Enterprise office manager, at [email protected] or call 514-473-3377.