Susan Whicheloe Keitges

Our beloved Susan Whicheloe Keitges, 65, has found her “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” Susan was born in Langley, England on June 15, 1942 and passed of natural causes Dec. 3, 2007, at her home in Teacapan, Mexico.

Susan was born to Leslie & Molly Whicheloe, and had one sibling, a brother, Brian, who all passed before her. She graduated from a private college in England, then traveled the world uplifting lives wherever she went. As a child she longingly dreamt of sailing on the Queen Mary, and at age 17 her dream came true when she sailed aboard the Queen Mary from England to the United States, one of the many highlights of her life.

She met and married Tom Keitges in 1974 in Phoenix, Ariz. The young couples’ dream of raising a family and owning a beautiful ranch came true when they moved to Kerby, Ore. in 1979. They owned and operated several businesses throughout the years including the former Grapevine Restaurant in Cave Junction, and Krazy K Koncessions.

She volunteered, and organized many activities for the community of Cave Junction, especially activities involving children, such as the 4-H Horse Club. She also served a term as president of the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce in the 1990s.

Susan lived her dreams, and accomplished almost each and every one of them. Her love for life extended to her beautiful children and grandchildren, helping others, gardening, friendships, her artwork, animals, music, Nature, and reading.

The people of Teacapan, Mexico nick-named her “Saint Susan” for all the work she did for the poverty-stricken children and families of the area. There wasn’t anyone Susan met to whom she did not extend a “Hello,” “Hola” or lend a helping hand. She indeed was a Saint, and was loved and will be missed, the world over.

Survivors include her three children; Vanessa, of Portland, Ore., Natasha, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Dustin Keitges, of Rogue River, Ore.; her grandchildren, Aydan Keitges and Addison Keitges; and her husband, Tom Keitges.

A celebration of life was held on Dec. 8, and a Catholic Mass was celebrated on Dec. 12 in Teacapan, Mexico. Another Celebration of Life will be held in Josephine County, Oregon in the near future, time and date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s name to the “Children of Teacapan Fund” at any Home Valley Bank branch, so that her dedicated charity work in the small Mexican community will continue.

(Sponsored Memorial)

Two Feathers Mankiller

Two Feathers “Mountain Mama” Mankiller, 64, of Selma, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007 at her home.

A service will be held at a later date. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be made to SORCC 135 (Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinic), 8495 Crater Lake Hwy., White City OR 97503.

She was born on Dec. 14, 1943 in Oklahoma. In 1970 she moved from Oklahoma to Selma. She was a member of the Black Bear Indian Reservation, and served as chief for 30 years.

She was a member of the National Rifle Association and a lifetime member of the Good Sam Club. Her hobbies included collecting guns and gold mining.

Surviving are her husband, Thomas McClintoch, of White City; a stepdaughter, Tammy Tibbits, of Selma; a and grandson.

James F. Linfoot

James F. Linfoot, 89, of Cave Junction, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 at his home.

No service will be held at his request. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be made to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 S.E. Eighth St., Grants Pass OR 97526.

Mr. Linfoot was born on May 1, 1918 in Detroit, Mich. to Raymond & Bertha Linfoot. In 1945 in Seattle he married Marilyn Oberg, whom he met while both served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were married for 62 years and had five children.

In 1978 he retired from Southern Pacific Co. where he worked for 41 years. They lived in various California locations before moving to Cave Junction in 1984.

His interests included flying as a pilot in his younger years and later radio controlled model planes. He also played steel guitar in his spare time, and he liked to cut firewood.

Survivors are his wife, Marilyn Linfoot, of Cave Junction; two sons, James Linfoot Jr., of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Charles Linfoot, of Klamath River, Calif.; two daughters, Julie Hancock, of Cave Junction, and Debbie Shearer, of Canyon Country, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

A son, Gary Linfoot, died in 1999.

Margaret L. Boucher

Margaret Loretta Boucher, 93, of Cave Junction, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 at her home. Arrangements are pending at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors.