Lyla Lea (Hill) Eddy

On September 18, 2023, Lyla Lea Eddy passed away at the home of her daughter & son-in-law Susan & Brian Watt. Lyla had been living with them and enjoying being a part of their family household for the last few years.

Lyla was born June 30, 1930, to Lyle & Stella (Hughet) Hill in Harney County. She was raised at the “ 50 “ (50 Bar Ranch) located below the Malheur Refuge with her family, including older brother Harold and baby sister Shirley. Lyla attended and graduated from Crane High School in Crane, Oregon, and Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Oregon.

While attending college, Lyla met Robert “Buck” Eddy, who later became her husband. Buck and Lyla were married on August 16, 1950, and had five girls: Cheryl, Diana, Jo Ann, Julie, and Susan. She greatly loved her family and hoped to instill her caring ways in them. She valued a “Family First” approach and enjoyed the rewards of family gatherings.

While living in Baker City, Lyla was a 1st-grade teacher at Brooklyn School for 28 years. She became great friends with her co-workers, with many of those school friendships continuing to this day. In her spare time, Lyla enjoyed tending to her garden and yard and sharing with others.

Lyla was very active within the community and loved to help others when she could.  She embraced the idea of volunteering and was an active member in the United Methodist Church, AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma, Daughters of the Nile, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Calling on Moms. She also helped with 4th-grade readers and often volunteered at the library and school. Indeed, she helped with too many other opportunities to mention, but suffice to say she was always willing to help where she could. She recognized the great need for volunteers in the community and encouraged others to volunteer as well.

As one of Lyla’s last community “Do Good Deeds”, she proudly donated her family’s “50 Bar Ranch” bell to the City of Union in February 2018. The bell now sits in the City Hall tower for the community to enjoy.  She got to hear the bell ring and said the ring was as clear as she remembered growing up.

Lyla’s advice that she encouraged others to follow: 1) Be sure to say “Please” and “Thank You”; 2) Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do no harm. Do good; 3) Volunteer and help others where you can, it is a truly rewarding experience.

She is survived by her daughters and their families: Cheryl Eddy Moramarco (Doug), Diana Smith (Steve), Jo Ann Eddy, Julie Eddy, Susan Watt (Brian); Grandchildren and their families: Dezi Remington (Charlie), Sarah Smith (Josh), Allison Creason (Berlin); and Great Grandchildren: Dexter and Felix Creason.

The family members preceding her death were: Lyle & Stella Hill (parents), Harold Hill (brother), Shirley Toelle (sister), Robert “Buck” Eddy (husband) and his parents, Emily Smith (granddaughter), and Mathieu Gowdy (grandson).

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel.  A funeral service with Cynthia Abbey of the United Methodist Church officiating will be held at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel on Saturday, September 23, 2023, beginning at 1:00 PM.  She will be interred privately in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart 'n Home Hospice, United Methodist Church, Baker City, Best Friends of Baker, or Baker City Police K9 Unit (to support retired K-9 Capa), or to the Baker County Sherrif's K-9 Unit (in support of K-9 Daisy) through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR  97814.  

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