February 4, 2004

Grace A. Hassell
Grace Arlene Whetten Hassell died Sunday, February 1, 2004, at a Modesto, California hospital.

Mrs. Hassell was born April 8, 1923, in Colonia Chuichupa, Mexico to Warren Ernest Whetten and Adelaide Martineau Whetten. Her family moved to Bluewater, New Mexico when she was ten years old. She graduated from Grants Union High School in 1942, and went on to nurse's training in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In 1944, she married D. Ray Hassell, also from Bluewater, who was serving his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force. At the end of WWII, they moved to Ashland, Oregon, where they lived for 46 years before moving to Sonora, California 12 years ago. They were married for 58 years before Mr. Hassell died in 2002.

Mrs. Hassell was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served many years in the youth and women's organizations of the Church. She and her husband lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 1982 to 1985 while serving a mission for the Church. She treasured that experience, and the many friendships she made there. Mrs. Hassell loved music. She was happy to share her talent on the piano and organ, serving as church organist for many years, both in Ashland and in Sonora.

She was an avid quilter; her family has many examples of her craft to keep them warm. She loved to cook, and enjoyed trying out new recipes. Home baked bread was a staple in her home. She also liked to garden. She was very good at getting things to grow. She loved being a mother; it was the accomplishment that meant the most to her.

She is survived by a loving family consisting of a son, Alan Hassell of Ashland, three daughters, Joyce King of Walnut Creek, California, Arlene Craig of Sonora, and Paula Henderson of Raleigh, North Carolina, 24 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Mr. Hassell, and two daughters, Carolyn Ann Hassell and LaRee Hassell.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 7, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 111 Clay St. in Ashland. Private interment will be at Memory Gardens in Medford prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund, c/o Bishop Mark Skillman, 5597 Highway 66, Ashland, OR 97520.

James Stephen Ehlers
Mr. James Stephen Ehlers, 38, of Ashland, died January 31, 2004 in San Francisco, CA.

The Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 7 at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, 1181 Ashland St., Ashland. Lenny Parrish will officiate.

A scholarship fund has been set up for his children; contact family for more information.

He was born May 11, 1965 in Redwood City, CA to Steve Ehlers and Denise Abel (Ray Abel is step-dad). Mr. Ehlers lived in Ashland for several years. On April 26, 1997, he married Saira Robinson Ehlers, who survives him.

James was a contractor and owner of JSE Construction. He enjoyed scuba diving, treasure hunting and metal detecting.

Survivors include his wife, Saira Ehlers of Ashland; daughters, Anna Marie Ehlers and Julia Louise Ehlers; 7 nieces and nephews; a sister, Amy Ribeiro; brothers, Barry Ehlers and Steve Ehlers, Jr.; parents, Steve Ehlers, Ray Able and Denise Able; and grandparents, Gerald and Marie Shultz. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hans and Betty Ehlers.