Vera Mackenzie Hotchkiss, 87, passed away March 1.

Vera was born Aug. 26, 1929, to Dorothy Holmes and William Mackenzie. She was raised as the third-generation on her family’s ranch in Ukiah.

Vera went to Oregon State College where she majored in home economics, with the goal of “obtaining her ‘MRS’ degree.” In 1949, she was asked if she would go on a blind date with Dick Hotchkiss. Having been raised on a ranch without electricity, she had made up her mind that she was not going to live that way the rest of her life. So she decided when she went to college she wouldn’t date anyone unless he had electricity. She told the friend who was arranging the date, to find out if he was wired for 220. He was. On April 22, 1950, they were married, for almost 52 years. To this union were born three daughters, Judy, Susan, and Nancy.

Dick was also the third-generation on his family ranch in Burns. They formed a partnership with his parents, Don Hotchkiss and Ethel Whiting. In 1960, the ranch was incorporated as Hotchkiss Corp. In 1992, they and daughter Susan and son-in-law Mark Doverspike purchased the Mayo Ranch at Riley. In 2004, they purchased part of the Culp Ranch.

Vera helped organize home extension work in Harney County, and was one of the first officers in the Harney County Cowbells. She was ordained as an elder in the Pioneer Presbyterian Church, served as Sunday school superintendent, and took communion to shut-ins.

She taught 4-H sewing clubs and led the 4-H Leaders Association. She was on the Harney County Planning Council, and  a charter member of the High Desert Recreation Area.

She served as chairman of the Burns Union High School board. In April 1973, she was chosen as the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Month, and in 1974, as Woman of the Year.

She spent a very large part of her life as a loving and devoted caregiver for the rest of her family through the numerous challenges of life. Her example taught the younger generations the how to and significance of doing this.

Dick and Vera always planned and sacrificed to enable future generations to continue on the ranch. Their great-grandchildren, Oliver, Lauren, and Elliott Doverspike are now the sixth generation on the ranch.

Vera is survived by her daughters, Judy and Susan; son-in-law, Mark Doverspike; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick; sisters, Jean Wise and Marge Barnes Fish; and daughter, Nancy.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at Pioneer Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center, designated for the food bank, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.