Albert “Ray” Stoaks
January 19, 1938 ~ August 30, 2020
Albert “Ray” Stoaks of Vale, Oregon, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 30, surrounded by his loved ones. Ray was born January 19, 1938, in Los Angeles to Robert M. and Bessie J. (Shaw) Stoaks. He was the seventh of 10 children. In 1943 the family moved to Oregon and settled in Vale. Ray was a part of the first class to graduate from the new Vale High School in 1956. He joined the US Air Force in November 1956 and was discharged November 1960. Ray married Charline Hillsman in June 1961 in Vale.
Ray worked for the Malheur County Road District for 37 years, retiring in 2003. Together Ray and Charline raised four children and cared for 22 foster children. Ray bought the family farm in September 1961 and continued to live there until his passing. Ray and Charline milked cows, and raised beef cows, Suffolk sheep, and a large vegetable garden every year.
Ray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charline Stoaks; his daughter Joyce (Sam) Blackburn and children: Rachel (Nick) Grace and their children, Mariah (Jesse) Buthman and their children, Seth (Dionna) Blackburn and their children; Mary France and daughter Melissa Parnell and her children, Chris (Jennie) Stoaks and son, and son-in-law John Kays and sons; his siblings John Stoaks, Edward Stoaks, and Ruth Graybill. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bessie Stoaks, brothers Robert, Charles, and James; sisters, Louise, Orilla, and Mary and his daughter Rebecca Kays.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or proceeds can be sent to the family to sponsor a Memorial award at the Malheur County Fair.
Graveside Military Honors services were held Friday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. at Valley View Cemetery.
Funeral under the direction of Lienkaemper Chapel.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Connie Bradford Meyer
Oct. 29, 1946 – Aug. 28, 2020
On Friday, August 28, Connie Bradford Meyer, loving mother and sister, passed away at the age of 73 in Nampa, Idaho. She lived in Nampa, was formerly of Vale.
Connie was born October 29, 1946, in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Harry and Wilma Taylor. She received a doctorate in education from Boise State University and taught mainly in the Treasure Valley area throughout her career. Even into retirement, Connie continued teaching at university level. On August 26, 1966, she married Rodney Bradford. They raised two children, Robyn and Ryan.
Connie enjoyed traveling and visited many countries, including living in Thailand to teach. She enjoyed gardening and took pride in her flower gardens. Knitting and quilt-making became a favorite hobby and family and friends have enjoyed her creations. Connie was very active member in the Vale Seventh-day Adventist church for many years and enjoyed “intellectual scholarly discussions.” She enjoyed music and was an accomplished pianist. She was known for her kindness and ability to make anyone she met feel special.
Connie is survived by her children and spouse, Ryan Bradford (Judy) and Robyn (Ferdinand Mordeno); brother Kenneth Taylor; and two sisters Linda (Arnie Lyle) and Cheryl (Ron Borello); four grandchildren (Kayleigh, Riley, Justin and Dylan) and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Flowers are welcome, and other contributions can be sent to the “Worthy Student Fund” via Vale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1554 US-20, Vale, Oregon 97918.
DEATHS
• Jeanette C. Neese, 86, of Payette, died August 31 at a care facility in Emmett, Idaho. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
• Patsy Smith, 87, of Ontario, died August 31, at her home. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
• Esteban Jimenez, 81, of Nyssa, died in Boise. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
• Joyce Louise Elfering, 90, of Ontario, died Sept. 2 at a local hospital. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
• Wilhelmina “Babe” Yraguen, 92, of Vale, died Sept. 6. Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.
LEARN HOW TO PLACE AN OBITUARY: Contact Autumn Butler, Enterprise office manager, at [email protected] or call 514-473-3377.