Category Obituaries & Tributes

James Wildish: Sept. 30, 1931 – Jan. 24, 2021

James Wildish built communities, whether it was infrastructure, giving his time to countless projects, making sure young people had every chance for success or just listening. His passing on Jan. 24 at age 89 touches every part of our community. He left his mark as…

Roseanna Gayle Frieze: Aug. 21, 1952-Jan. 12, 2021

Roseanna Gayle Frieze, 68, of Cottage Grove passed away Jan. 12, 2021. Roseanna was born to Albert Burton and Seirretta (Rose) Cook on Aug. 21, 1952 in Eugene. Roseanna attended Umpqua Community College in 1971 and earned an associate degree. Roseanna married Harold A. Frieze…

Paula Lee: Nov. 22, 1930 – Dec. 16, 2020

Paula Marie Lee, 90, born Nov. 22, 1930 in Eugene, Ore. to Verna and Ralph Lyons passed away on Dec. 16, 2020. Paula grew up in Lowell, Ore. and graduated from Lowell High School in 1949.  On July 29, 1949 she married Edwin Albert Lee.…

Clifford Long Jr.: July 19, 1928 – Jan. 22, 2021

Clifford Long Jr., 92, of Fall Creek, Ore., passed peacefully from COVID-19 complications on Jan. 22, 2021.  Born in Durand, Mich. on July 19, 1928, Cliff served in the Merchant Marines during World War II before settling in Fall Creek with his wife of 70…

Traude Magdalina Ohler: March 15, 1931 – Jan. 17, 2021

Traude Magdalina Ohler, 89, of Cottage Grove, Ore. passed away Jan. 17, 2021. She was born to parents Paul and Magdalina Herring on March 15, 1931 in Frankenberg, Germany.  Traude graduated high school in Germany. She married Andy Johansson in 1955, they later divorced. She…

Carolyn Simpson: July 1, 1937 – Jan. 15, 2021

Carolyn Simpson, 83, of Drain, Ore. passed away on Jan. 15, 2021. Carolyn was born on July 1, 1937 in Compton, Calif. to Henry and Irma (Augustine) Clark.  Carolyn, known to all as “Mema,” enjoyed quilting, sewing and cooking. She was a devoted North Douglas…

Richard ‘Dick’ Ruf: Aug. 8, 1926 – Jan. 17, 2021

Richard “Dick” Ruf, of Springfield, Ore. died of natural causes on Jan. 17, 2021. He was 94. Dick was born on Aug. 8, 1926 to William and Augusta (Heller) Ruf in Brooklyn, N.Y., and had an older brother, Bill. Dick was raised in Livingston Manor, N.Y. He…

Harley Edward Lewis Jr.: Dec. 28, 1940 – Jan. 12, 2021

Harley Edward Lewis Jr., 80, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away Jan. 12, 2021. Harley was born to parents Harley and Millicent (Owen) Lewis on Dec. 28, 1940 in Roland, Okla.  After graduating from Sierra High School in Tollhouse, Calif., Harley attended Fresno State College…