Frances Yaggie

Frances Yaggie, 62, of Baker City, died Monday, December 20, 2021 at her home surrounded by loving friends after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. 

Frances was born in Reykjavik, Iceland on October 13, 1959. She was adopted as an infant by Naval Petty Officer Jack Yaggie and Jack then brought her to the United States. They remained as close father and daughter throughout his life.

Friends of Frances describe her as having been a very strong, resilient lady, capable of almost anything she set her mind to.  Her childhood was challenging and some experiences even hard to imagine, but she developed an awesome ability to take care of herself and enjoy life.  She seemed to be an unusual combination of someone with a strong will and self-discipline, and then also a sweet and gentle lover of people, animals and nature.  Frances loved to give to others and she constantly proved that with gifts of kindness and friendly visits to everyone knew.

Frances was best known locally as a self-employed and highly successful painting contractor, and she enjoyed the arts, drawing, painting and crafts.  In sharing how she felt about painting she said in her words of experience, “don’t be afraid of color”. She loved planting flowers and gardening.  Her favorite color was yellow and favorite plant Million Bells. She wanted to be remembered for her laugh, her smile and sense of humor.  Frances was a member of the Elks Club, and in the recent past she had purchased a motorcycle and was learning to ride.  Everything amazed Frances and she was always up for something new and fun.

She especially loved cats and they were always a part of her life-whether they were hers or belonged to someone else.  She was very knowledgeable about animals and their needs and friends found her very helpful when they had pet problems.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Jack Yaggie and Margaret McLaughlin; step-sister Debbie Summers and brother-in-law Gordon Summers.

She is survived by her brother Michael Yaggie; sister Dale Laskowitz and brother-in-law Gary Laskowitz; nephews Sean & Eric Laskowitz; she leaves three very special cats and many, many friends, some of whom cared for her tenderly in her last months and who will miss her deeply and never forget her.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Frances, she suggested Best Friends (animal shelter & rescue) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com  currently there are no services planned

"A poem remembering our friend, from Karen and Bart Murray"

I'm Free~

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.