Category Obituaries & Tributes

Jim ‘James’ Rova: 1942 – Nov. 2, 2021

Jim (James) Rova, born in Minneapolis, Minn. in 1942 and passed away Nov. 2, 2021 in Eugene, Ore. Jim was very active in the community as a member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Independent Insurance Agent, and as a member of the local Valley…

Larry Eugene Mell: April 15, 1949 – Dec. 1, 2021

“There are no goodbyes, wherever you’ll be, you’ll be in my heart” Larry Eugene Mell, 72, of Yoncalla, Ore., passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 1, 2021.   Larry was born on April 15, 1949 in Rush City, Minn., to parents Wilfred C. Mell and Jean…

Lois McKee: Jan. 14, 1930 – Nov. 26, 2021

Lois McKee, 91, born Jan. 14, 1930, died Nov. 26, 2021 at Riverbend hospital in Springfield, Ore. Lois married James McKee on Sept. 4, 1948. Jim and Lois had four children: Ginger Mason, Linda McKee, Bill McKee and Sandra Stafford. She is survived by her…

James R. McGeehon: 1933 – Nov. 11, 2021

James R. “Jim” McGeehon, 88, a longtime resident of Drain, passed away peacefully on Nov. 11, 2021. Jim was born in 1933 in Odin, Ill., to Arthur and Mabel McGeehon.  Jim’s working career extended from longshoring in Seward, Ala., oil rigs in Indiana, dairies in…

Eric James Cox: Dec. 16, 1975 – Nov. 25, 2021

Eric James Cox, 45, of Cottage Grove passed away Nov. 25, 2021 peacefully at his residence. Eric was born December 16, 1975, in Medford, Ore. to parents Karen Jarrett and Dorman Cox. He graduated from Blue Mountain School in 1993.  He worked as a contractor…

Lowell ‘Faith’ Smith: Feb. 15, 1932 — Nov. 18, 2021

Lowell “Faith” Smith, 89, of Cottage Grove passed away Nov. 18, 2021.  Faith was born Feb. 15, 1932 in Downey, Calif. to parents Fred and Maude (Nicholes) Pearce. Faith worked as a legal secretary and as a hospital staff coordinator. Her interests included needlepoint, cooking,…

Charles Ledbetter: Jan. 2, 1945 – Nov. 10, 2021

Charles “Charlie” Arnold Ledbetter, 76, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, surrounded by family in Creswell. Charlie’s fight with melanoma began in 2004, with the cancer returning in 2020, which he fought with characteristic bravery, dignity and stoicism until his battle was lost. Charlie…