April 30, 2004

Edna May Nelson
Edna May Nelson, 86, of Ashland, died Tuesday (April 27, 2004) at Ashland Community Hospital. Private inurnment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Tower, MN.

Mrs. Nelson was born May 5, 1917 in Biwabik, MN to Matt H. and Anna K. Mickelson. She graduated from Biwabik High School. On December 18, 1937 in Virginia, MN she married Arthur E. Nelson, who preceded her in death on October 5, 1994. Mrs. Nelson moved to Ashland in 1964 and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at both Ashland Community Hospital and Linda Vista Care Center.

Survivors include two sons, Rodney A. Nelson and Jon C. Nelson, both of Ashland; sister, Dorothy Gentile of Gilbert, MN; and ten grandchildren, Nicolle, Melissa, Kori, Andrew, Sarah, Mary, Michael, Joseph, Dale and Maureen.

Arrangements: Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Ashland.

Judith A. Ranney Spillman
Judith Alice Ranney Spillman died peacefully after a two-year illness with cancer on April 27, 2004. She was 65.

Judy was born March 11, 1939 in Rocky River, Ohio where she spent her childhood. Judy attended Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio where she met her husband Lynn. She graduated from Ohio State University with a B.A. in Home Economics. Her life's work emphasized helping and caring for others. She was a teacher, home maker, devoted wife and mother, as well as a very active volunteer with numerous community organizations. Most recently Judy worked with the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society thrift store in Solvang, CA. The American Red Cross has honored Judy for her generous, lifetime donations of blood.

Judy was a very skilled craftsperson in many media including her true passion of textile weaving in which she attained a high level of artistry. She lived with her family in numerous states. She enjoyed spending time at her second home in Ashland during the last five years and was a member of the Lithia Artists' Guild.

Her father, William Ranney, preceded Judy in death. She is survived by her mother, Charlotte Ranney of Santa Maria, CA; her husband, Lynn of Santa Ynez, CA, sons, John (Karin) of Ashland and Paul (Lisa) of San Pedro, CA; granddaughter, Ella (Paul & Lisa); and grandsons, Benjamin and Dieter (John & Karin.)

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either: Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, 111 Commerce Dr, Buelton, CA 93427 or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care-Serenity House, 222 E. Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Please note: "In Memory of Judy Spillman."

Memorial service will be held at Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang, CA on Saturday, May 1 at 9 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at the church.

Orace L. (Caulkins) Wolfe
Orace L. Wolfe, born April 14, 1916 in Airlie, Oregon of Polk County, passed away April 23rd at Waterford Three Fountains Nursing Home in Medford, Oregon.

Orace is the daughter of Oscar & Jessie Caulkins. Oscar Caulkins passed away prior to the birth of Orace. Orace's mother, Jessie married Cecil (Pete) Hollister on October 19, 1925 in Spokane, Washington. Orace graduated from Corvallis High School in June of 1933. She then attended Oregon State College until the birth of her son (Duane, in 1938) interrupted her education.

Orace married Harvey Loman Wolfe of Antelope, Oregon on September 5th, 1937. Harvey and Orace lived in Eugene since April of 1942. Harvey passed away in June of 2002. In July of 2003 Orace moved to Phoenix, Oregon to be near several members of her family. Orace served as Hot Lunch Supervisor of the Bethel School District, in Eugene, for 30 years. During that time she became a charter member of the Oregon School Food Service Association and served a period as their President.

Along with Harvey, Orace was an active member of the First Christian Church of Eugene. She loved working with the young people at the church and served as an associate advisor of the church youth groups. She was active in the Christian Women's Fellowship and served as one of their Presidents. Orace was a member of Helmetta Temple of Pythia Sisters. She was a constant companion to Harvey in his many activities. These included 4-H, Cub & Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Knights of Pythias and newspaper delivery for the Eugene Register Guard. Orace's hobbies over the years, were photography, reading, crossword puzzles and camping. She especially enjoyed being with a group called the "Has-Beens" which was made up of parents of the church youth groups and Boy Scout troop.

Surviving Orace, are her son; Duane Wolfe of Phoenix, Oregon, sisters; Dot Blanchard, of Olympia, Washington and Pat Blue of McMinnville, Oregon. Orace has 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Remembrances may be sent to: First Christian Church, 1166 Oak Street, Eugene Oregon 97401