Pattie Vanderwiele Obituary (1948 - 2026)

Pattie was born on September 11, 1948, to Bud and Helen Miller. As the oldest of five children, she learned the values of responsibility, hard work, and family from an early age. She excelled in school, particularly in accounting, where her talent with numbers became apparent. After graduating, Pattie worked a variety of jobs in and around Athena while beginning the next chapter of her life. It was during this time that she met a handsome young college student from Pendleton named Cass Vanderwiele. Family members often smiled when recalling that Pattie initially thought Cass was Hawaiian because of his deep summer tan. The two were part of the same wedding party, and after the rehearsal Cass offered to drive her back to Athena, making a stop in Milton to pick up his suit. What began as a simple ride home soon became the beginning of a lifelong love story. After a brief courtship, Pattie and Cass were married, beginning a partnership built on love, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment. Together they shared nearly 55 wonderful years of marriage until Cass’s passing on July 11, 2022. Together they raised two sons who became the pride of their lives: Casey, born on December 26, 1969, and Corey, born on January 10, 1978. As Cass’s work in the excavation industry took the family throughout eastern Oregon, Pattie worked wherever opportunities arose in Baker, La Grande, and the surrounding communities. Family always came first, and wherever life led them, they built a home together. Following the passing of Cass’s father in 1977 and his mother in 1984, the family moved to what simply became known as “the ranch,” where Pattie and Cass would spend the rest of their lives together. In the spring of 1989, they opened Triple C Redi-Mix in the field behind their home. The family business became much more than a livelihood—it became a way of life. Casey worked alongside his parents from the beginning, and Corey joined the business in 2002. For the Vanderwiele family, work was another way of spending time together, building something lasting through dedication and hard work. Nothing brought Pattie greater joy than her family. She and Cass were honored to stand beside Casey as he married Tara in the backyard of their family home. Later, two more blessings entered her life with the births of her granddaughters, Dawson and Campbell. She treasured every moment spent with them, and nowhere was that love more evident than during Christmas, a season she delighted in celebrating with her family. Pattie also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. She loved visiting with friends, attending community banquets, and trying her luck whenever she found a slot machine or lottery game. Her family often joked that Pattie and Casey always seemed to be the lucky ones, while Cass and Corey preferred to keep hold of their money. Those lighthearted memories will forever bring smiles to those who knew and loved her. She and Cass were also known for their generosity. They quietly supported many organizations throughout the community and always had a special place in their hearts for helping children. Their kindness was rarely done for recognition—it simply reflected who they were. When Cass passed away in 2022, Pattie lost the love of her life. Yet even through profound grief, she found the strength to move forward. Last year she worked hard in physical therapy, regained her strength, lost weight, and enjoyed a level of independence she had not experienced in years. She proudly drove herself wherever she wanted in her beloved Suburban. Whenever someone questioned why she needed such a large vehicle, she would smile and say, “I need a big rig. What if I go shopping with all of you? We need that room!” In January of 2026, Pattie’s health began to decline. After months of doctor visits, hospital stays, and extensive testing, she was diagnosed with carcinoma that had spread to her liver. She approached her illness with quiet courage and dignity, choosing to pursue treatment while surrounded by the unwavering love of her family. On July 3, 2026, Pattie peacefully passed away. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cass, and her parents. While their passing left lasting sadness, her family finds comfort in believing they have now been joyfully reunited. Pattie leaves behind her sons, Casey (Tara), her treasured granddaughters, Dawson and Campbell, and youngest son, Corey; along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness. Pattie will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, steadfast work ethic, and unwavering devotion to her family. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, compassion, and quiet generosity. She taught by example that family always comes first, that hard work is worthwhile, and that kindness should never be withheld. In keeping with the values that Pattie and Cass shared throughout their lives, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Cass’s Coats, a charitable fund established in Cass’s memory nearly four years ago. The fund provides warm winter coats for local children in need, continuing the legacy of generosity and compassion that meant so much to them both. Contributions may be sent to Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. Although Pattie will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the family she cherished, the community she quietly served, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. May we remember her not for the illness that ended her life, but for the love that filled it, and may she rest in peace, reunited once again with the love of her life and their animals. A celebration of life will be planned in the coming weeks.