Lake County Examiner – Lakeview, Oregon – July 13, 2006 Vern L. Hill Vern L. Hill, 82, passed away Friday, June 30, 2006 in Bend eight days following the death of his wife, Lillian R. Hill in Lakeview. Vern was born Oct. 25, 1923 to Charlie and Hattie Hill in Cedarville, Calif. He was the youngest of six children. He was raised a cowboy in Surprise Valley and on the west side of Goose Lake near Lakeview. In January 1943 Vern entered the U.S. Army and served in Gen. Patton’s Fourth Army, Third Armored Division, as a tank driver during World War II. He was twice wounded, awarded the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and was honorably discharged from active duty in October of 1945. Vern married Phyllis Meyer of Alturas, Calif. in April of 1945, and the couple returned to Modoc County where they worked on the Ed Hill Ranch near Cedarville. They moved to Alturas in 1949 and their only child Becky was born in July. When they left Surprise Valley, Vern put away his saddle and began working for the Coppedge family at the Mountain Lilly Dairy (now where K & K Produce is located) and later he worked for Crater Lake Creamery out of Klamath Falls as Modoc County’s deliveryman. In 1960 Vern was hired by Modoc Sheriff E.R. (Buck ) Server as a deputy and he later served in the same capacity under Sheriff L.E. Harris. For most of Vern’s law enforcement career he was the resident deputy sheriff in Surprise Valley. He retired in 1978 but worked as a cowboy and carpenter when needed by various ranchers and friends in the valley. In 1995 Vern married Lillian R. Lape and the couple retired to Lakeview where they enjoyed 11 years together pursuing their love of hunting and fishing. Vern is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Becky L. and John Dederick of Alturas; stepson Ed Melroy and wife Mary of Visalia; stepson Gene Melroy and wife Lois of Bellevista, Ark.; stepson Chad Gooch of Jackpot Nev.; stepson Vance M. Gooch of Virginia Beach, Vir. Vern is remembered for being hard working, generous, and honest, always ready and willing to lend a hand. He was a good neighbor, a loyal friend and a fierce protector of those he loved. We miss him. At Vern’s request, no services will be held but a get together is planned for later this summer in Surprise Valley for friends and family. Contributions in Vern’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Kathleen Frances Ekstrom Kathleen Frances (Kathy-Kate) Morse Harris Ekstrom 85, died at the Lake District Hospital Thursday, June 22, 2006 following a lengthy illness. She was born Dec. 21, 1920 to Frank and Maude (Riley) Morse in Sacramento, Calif. As a young child due to the death of her mother, she and her brother Carl went to live with their aunt Blanch and uncle Buck Page. Kate grew up on the Page Ranch in Eagleville, Calif. She graduated from Surprise Valley High School. Following graduation she married Ross Harris and the couple moved to Willow Ranch. She was preceded in death by her husband Ross due to a motor vehicle accident. Kate then married Rudy Ekstrom. The couple continued to live at Willow Ranch. Following the death of her husband Rudy, Kate moved to Lakeview where she was living at the time of her death. Her hobbies included oil painting, gardening and reading. She was also preceded in death by her parents, adopted parents and brother Carl. Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law Riley and Dot Morse of Moraga, Calif; sons and daughters-in-law Riley and Sheron Harris of Bly, Martin and Lorna Harris of Bly, Tim and Lillian Harris of Lakeview and Rex and Janie Ekstrom of Fruitland, Idaho; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step grandchildren, five step great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Graveside services will be at the Willow Ranch Cemetery on Saturday, July 15 at 1 p.m. Contributions in the memory of Ekstrom may be made to the Willow Ranch Fire Dept. c/o Bill Carpenter, New Pine Creek 97635 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel has charge of the arrangements. Obituary Deceased: Kathleen Frances Morse Harris Ekstrom Date of Birth: Dec. 21, 1920 in Sacramento, Calif. Date of Death: Thursday June 22, 2006 in Lakeview Age: 85 Parents: Frank and Maude (Riley) Morse Married: Ross Harris Married: Rudy Ekstrom Survivors: Sons and daughters-in-law: Riley and Sheron Harris of Bly, Martin (Mick) and Lorna Harris of Bly, Tim and Lillian Harris of Lakeview and Rex and Janie Ekstrom of Fruitland, Idaho. Brother and sister-in-law: Riley and Dot Morse of Moraga, Calif. Nine grandchildren, Four great grandchildren, Two step grandchildren, Five Step greatgrandchildren, Numerous nephews, nieces and many friends Graveside services will be at the Willow Ranch Cemetery on Sat, July 15 at 1 p.m. Contributions in the memory of Mrs. Ekstrom may be made to the Willow Ranch Fire Dept., c/o Bill Carpenter, New Pine Creek 97635 or to a charity of the donor’s choice Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel has charge of the arrangements ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.