Elizabeth "Liz" Risley

Elizabeth "Liz" Risley, 84, of Baker City, Oregon, died Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family shortly after she asked to "open the window, so that the angels could come in".  A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City, Oregon.

Liz was born January 22, 1936 in Corning, Arkansas.  She was raised and educated in both Corning and Baker City.   

Liz married Johnnie Pierce October 27, 1951, together they had 5 children.  They later divorced. She then married Chuck Risley. Though they divorced she gained two amazing bonus children which she loved as her own.

Liz worked most of her life in the service industry holding restaurant and bar management positions.  She also worked for a time as an Oregon State Flagger and opened her heart as a foster parent.

Liz enjoyed fishing, shopping, playing cards and Yahtzee with family and friends. She loved red roses and was a baseball, hockey and demo derby fan.  She had a special sense of humor and was known to lovingly say , “I brought you into this world, I can take you out!” She especially loved her dog whom she spoiled unabashedly, Sassy.

Liz was a member of the American Vets Club #3048 where she served as an officer. 

A memorable moment in Liz’s life was when she received her driver’s license at the age of 38.  Another proud achievement was when, at the age of 46, through hard work and perseverance, she earned her GED. Liz was proudest of all to be a mother to her 5 wonderful children and 2 bonus children.

Liz was preceded in death by her Parents Edward and Mozell Bracken; brothers Stan and Edward (JR.) Bracken; sister Peggy Owens; son in law Roy Barnes.

She is survived by her daughters Sharon (John) Carlsen of Oregon City, OR., Tammy (Oscar) Smith and Mellicha Pierce both of Baker City, OR, Betty Barnes of Bingen, WA, and bonus daughter Kathleen Cavett; sons Duane (Jenny Steele) Pierce of Baker City, OR and bonus son Charles Risley III of Wyoming; brothers Roy and Paul Bracken; sisters Joyce McGaughey, Margaret Elliott and Kim Gonzales; 11 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Liz the family suggests either St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Heart n’ Home Hospice (Opal Foundation) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com