May 12, 1917-Oct. 13, 2005
Mary Louisa James, 88, of Sweet Home died on Oct. 13.
She was born in Hershey, Neb., to Fredrick and Clara (Bussard) Bettis on May 12, 1917.
She married Charley James in Julesburg, Neb., on Dec. 14, 1934. They moved to Sweet Home in the early 1940s. They owned and operated the Sweet Home Garage until Mr. James’ death in 1978.
Mrs. James loved traveling, flowers, crossword puzzles and, most of all, people.
She was an accomplished seamstress and made many wedding dresses for local brides. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting.
She was a longtime member of the local VFW and served as poppy chairwoman.
Mrs. James is survived by her son, Jesse (Bill) James and his wife, Ann, of Sweet Home; daughter Edna (James) Siegel and her husband, Dan, of Prineville; daughter, Phyllis Fisher of Sweet Home; sister, Caroline Williams of Myrtle Creek; brother, Delbert Bettis of Aloha; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charley, in 1978; son, Wesley Eugene “Gene,” in 1974; daughter, Verna Irene, in 1937; parents; five brothers; and one sister.
A service was held on Oct. 15 at the Workman & Steckly Funeral Chapel.