Marnie McConnell, 84, of Bates, died at her home on May 8. A graveside service will be held

11 p.m. Friday, May 11, at the Prairie City Cemetery, with Pastor Levi Manitsas officiating.

    Mrs. McConnell was born Feb. 1, 1928, in Baker City, to Frank and Neni Frey. When she was 3 years old, the family moved to the Austin Highway Department. She attended Bates-Austin School through eighth grade, and Baker City High School her freshman year. She then attended Prairie City High School, graduating in 1945, and was the first Bates student to graduate as valedictorian. After high school she went to work at the Bates Mercantile.

    On June 5, 1946, she married Cody McConnell at the Bates Community Church. They were the first couple to marry in the church. In 1963 they moved from Bates to Galena where she drove the school bus to Bates. She also worked in Long Creek at the OK Garage, and in 1971, managed the store in Long Creek for Lewis Stuber. She was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Eastern Star.

    In addition to their own two children, Terry Ray and Marnie Jo, they raised several foster children including Leonard John (Debbie) Carter of Athena; nephew, Bob (Dorothy) Watkins of St. Helens; Mary (Ernie) Loomis of Galena; and Bill Morris of John Day. Many others considered the McConnells as parents or grandparents.

    Survivors include sister, Barbara (Alton) Rush of Corvallis; grandchildren, Cody (Ann) McConnell, and their daughters Teri and Kayla of Burns; Bob (Dee) McConnell and their children Hailey and Garrett of Mt. Vernon; Caroline (Keith) Bobo and their sons Jake and Ronnie of Baker City; Dawnya (Dan) Kirkpatrick and their daughters Michah and Shawnee of Terry, Mont.; Billie (Kurt) Enze and their daughters Morgan and Taylor of Athena; Becky Hardy and son Ryan of Athena; and Chris (Kari) Loomis and their sons Brendan and Kaelan of Caldwell, Idaho. Special grandchildren also included Larry Nelson and family, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Cody; son Terry and his wife Jacque; daughter Marnie Jo; sister Pat Watkins; and grandson Chad Loomis.  

    Memorial contributions can be made to Grant County Parks and Recreation through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd, John Day, OR, 97845.