Longtime Harney and Malheur county resident, Lois May (Fancher) Stoddart, 91, passed away peacefully May 22 at home on the ranch in Burns.

Lois was born Aug. 8, 1925, to Earle C. and Maybelle Neumann Fancher. She grew up in the San Jose, Calif., area. She spent her formative years in San Jose and at the family ranch in Hollister.

After graduating from high school, she attended San Jose State University. On April 15, 1944, she married John (Jack) Stoddart and moved to the Call Ranch, Paicines, Calif., where they began their family of three daughters. In 1950, they moved to the Crooked Creek Ranch in Southeastern Oregon. They continued their passion for ranching throughout their lives and eventually ended up in Harney County.

Lois had many life achievements and talents. She was an extraordinary cattle and horsewoman. She was a contestant for Miss Rodeo California in 1943. She competed in the working cow horse and race horse events at Bolado Park in Hollister. At Salinas, she competed in the working cow horse event. In 1948, she qualified for the Grand National held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, Calif., a time when her middle daughter was not yet 8 months old. Years after her three daughters married and started families of their own, Jack and Lois moved to Harney County. There, she competed in the Harney County Women’s Team Branding where she was on the winning team in 1987 and 1988. Her final competition was at the age of 81. She and her partner took second place in the Senior Team Branding event. Her roots in the ranching industry were deep, and she remained actively involved in the management of her own herd until she passed away. Lois was determined to not let technology sideline her. She could use a computer, handle a cellphone and text, and entertain herself with books and games on her Kindle. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and accomplished knitter. Because of the remoteness, and necessity, she knew her way around a vegetable and flower garden. She was gracious to receive guests on a moment’s notice and was happy to provide refreshments or a meal as if she had expected the company.

She had the gift of making lasting friendships. She was very supportive of her friends and enjoyed her times with them, whether in person or by phone. For instance, a small part in the movie Rooster Cogburn and the Lady, which starred John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn, engendered a lasting friendship with Hepburn. Every year, until Hepburn died, they exchanged birthday and holiday greetings.

Lois was an involved community member wherever she was. She served on numerous committees and boards. Her last appointment was to the Harney County ESD board of directors. She was extremely proud and very honored to have served her community.

She was also very proud of her immediate and extended family. She easily shared the successes of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that brought great joy to her life. She loved being Gramma Great.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanette (Richard) Yturriondobeitia, Becky (Gary) Rose, and Lyn (Scott) Van Arsdale; grandchildren, Dan (Jen) Yturriondobeitia, Jaime (Bob) Yturriondobeitia, Charmarie (Chad) Bradach, J.W. (Kelli) Rose, Samantha (Roy) Dowell, Todd (Angie) Garrett, Christy (Matt) Reese, and Katie (Josh) Kay; great-grandchildren, Tommy Jack Rose, Emily Rose Dowell, Jackie Rae Dowell, Skye Garrett, Gavin Reese, Owen Reese, Christian Kay, and Caleb Kay; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Stoddart; brothers, Jack Fancher and Bud Fancher; sister, Pauline Siwek; her parents; and beloved great-grandson, John Barry Rose.

Lois was independent, but knew when it was time to have assistance. The family wishes to thank Karen Gibson, Malina Barlow, and June Maupin for providing care and kindness to her.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to John Barry Rose Memorial Fund at any US Bank, or a charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 16, at Burns Elks Lodge in Burns.

Longtime Harney and Malheur county resident, Lois May (Fancher) Stoddart, 91, passed away peacefully May 22 at home on the ranch in Burns.

Lois was born Aug. 8, 1925, to Earle C. and Maybelle Neumann Fancher. She grew up in the San Jose, Calif., area. She spent her formative years in San Jose and at the family ranch in Hollister.

After graduating from high school, she attended San Jose State University. On April 15, 1944, she married John (Jack) Stoddart and moved to the Call Ranch, Paicines, Calif., where they began their family of three daughters. In 1950, they moved to the Crooked Creek Ranch in Southeastern Oregon. They continued their passion for ranching throughout their lives and eventually ended up in Harney County.

Lois had many life achievements and talents. She was an extraordinary cattle and horsewoman. She was a contestant for Miss Rodeo California in 1943. She competed in the working cow horse and race horse events at Bolado Park in Hollister. At Salinas, she competed in the working cow horse event. In 1948, she qualified for the Grand National held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, Calif., a time when her middle daughter was not yet 8 months old. Years after her three daughters married and started families of their own, Jack and Lois moved to Harney County. There, she competed in the Harney County Women’s Team Branding where she was on the winning team in 1987 and 1988. Her final competition was at the age of 81. She and her partner took second place in the Senior Team Branding event. Her roots in the ranching industry were deep, and she remained actively involved in the management of her own herd until she passed away. Lois was determined to not let technology sideline her. She could use a computer, handle a cellphone and text, and entertain herself with books and games on her Kindle. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and accomplished knitter. Because of the remoteness, and necessity, she knew her way around a vegetable and flower garden. She was gracious to receive guests on a moment’s notice and was happy to provide refreshments or a meal as if she had expected the company.

She had the gift of making lasting friendships. She was very supportive of her friends and enjoyed her times with them, whether in person or by phone. For instance, a small part in the movie Rooster Cogburn and the Lady, which starred John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn, engendered a lasting friendship with Hepburn. Every year, until Hepburn died, they exchanged birthday and holiday greetings.

Lois was an involved community member wherever she was. She served on numerous committees and boards. Her last appointment was to the Harney County ESD board of directors. She was extremely proud and very honored to have served her community.

She was also very proud of her immediate and extended family. She easily shared the successes of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that brought great joy to her life. She loved being Gramma Great.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanette (Richard) Yturriondobeitia, Becky (Gary) Rose, and Lyn (Scott) Van Arsdale; grandchildren, Dan (Jen) Yturriondobeitia, Jaime (Bob) Yturriondobeitia, Charmarie (Chad) Bradach, J.W. (Kelli) Rose, Samantha (Roy) Dowell, Todd (Angie) Garrett, Christy (Matt) Reese, and Katie (Josh) Kay; great-grandchildren, Tommy Jack Rose, Emily Rose Dowell, Jackie Rae Dowell, Skye Garrett, Gavin Reese, Owen Reese, Christian Kay, and Caleb Kay; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Stoddart; brothers, Jack Fancher and Bud Fancher; sister, Pauline Siwek; her parents; and beloved great-grandson, John Barry Rose.

Lois was independent, but knew when it was time to have assistance. The family wishes to thank Karen Gibson, Malina Barlow, and June Maupin for providing care and kindness to her.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to John Barry Rose Memorial Fund at any US Bank, or a charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 16, at Burns Elks Lodge in Burns.