Rosalie Stoaks

Rosalie Stoaks, 84, a longtime resident of Baker City, Oregon, died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family. A Celebration of her life will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. January 27, 2018. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception to follow at the church immediately after the service.

Rosalie May was born to Mack and Ila Bissonnett in Marsland, Nebraska on February 18, 1933. During her youth she moved many places including Caldwell, Moscow, and Apple Valley, Idaho; Ontario, Baker and  Athena, Oregon and  also Port Orchard, Washington.

Rosalie married Charles “Charlie” Stoaks on December 18, 1949 at the Baptist church in Athena, Oregon. They moved to Baker in 1950. Shortly after moving, Charlie broke his back and was out of commission for some time. It was also during this time, as Rosalie was expecting their first child that their house burnt down. Meanwhile, they moved in with Rosalie’s parents while their house was being rebuilt. On September 28, 1950 they had their first child, Robert Harrison. Sadly, he only lived for 12 hours. Rosalie and Charlie continued to be blessed by the additions of children Ila Jane who was born September 18, 1951, Ronald James July 10, 1953, David Charles, July 6, 1956, Stephen Ray, October 30, 1958, Gary Dean September 15, 1964, Alida Marie March 9, 1974, Amy Kathleen March 17, 1975 and they adopted Alida and Amy in 1975.

In 1956 Charlie was severely burned and was not expected to live. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital and much more time recovering at home. In 1967, they lost their son David to a brain tumor when he was only 11 years old.

Rosalie and Charlie began taking in foster children in 1951, while they themselves were still technically teenagers and didn’t stop until 1976. More than 100 foster children came through their home. At one time they had around 30 people living in their 3 bedroom house.

Rosalie worked as a cook for the Baker 5J School District. She also cooked at Camp Elkanah, a conservative Baptist Church Camp, for many summers.

Rosalie was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. She lived a life dedicated to Christ, which was evidenced by her selfless care of others, her kind and clean speech (she didn’t even use slang) and her loyalty to her church and family. She considered everyone family.

When asked what Rosalie enjoyed most during her life she replied, “Being a wife and mother”. The phrase she used most often was, "I love you." and she truly meant it. She loved showing hospitality and nobody ever went away hungry. In addition, she was also an avid reader.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents Mack and Ila Bissonnett; husband Charlie and sons Robert and David Stoaks.

She is survived by her children: sons Ronald James Stoaks and wife Rochelle, Stephen Ray Stoaks and wife Frances, Gary Dean Stoaks and wife Devin; daughters Ila Jane (Jani) Sakultarawattn and husband Chamrus (Mo), Alida Marie Saunders and husband Robert, Amy Kathleen Griffin and husband Griff; 33 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren;brother Ronald "Ron" William Bissonnett and his wife Rosemarie; sisters Beulah Jane Shumway and husband Duane, Ila Belle McGuire and husband Leon, Patricia Ann McReynolds and husband Roger; numerous nieces and nephews.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Rosalie the family suggests the Rachel Pregnancy Center through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online Condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

 Service Information