Recent and Upcoming Obituaries

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   Oct. 31, 1969 - May 3, 2025

Paul John Higbee passed away peacefully at the age of 55. Born on October 31, 1969, in Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon, Paul was the beloved son of William W. Higbee and Rose Ann Higbee.

Paul is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his siblings: Linda Ann Boyle of Vista, California; Joan Christine Hillstead of Panama City Beach; and Brian William Higbee of Alpine, Utah. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who adored him.

Paul defied expectations throughout his life—those of doctors, educators, and even his family and friends. His resilience, determination, and boundless spirit were a constant source of inspiration. Paul was never short of a story and loved to laugh. He made friends wherever he went. His joyful nature and natural warmth brought people together, often introducing loved ones to strangers who quickly became friends.

Paul had an undeniable zest for life and an extraordinary gift for living in the present. He was not only a devoted brother but also a cherished uncle and great-uncle, teaching those around him the values of patience, love, and kindness. His presence brought joy to the lives of all who knew him.

Paul will be laid to rest alongside his beloved parents at Rest Haven Cemetery in Eugene, Oregon, in June 2025.

He will be missed beyond words and remembered forever with love.

   Dec. 18, 1943 - Apr. 13, 2025

Carolyn L. Kovac, born on December 18, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon, at the age of 81. Carolyn dedicated more than 50 years of her life to education, teaching at schools including St. Vincent–St. Mary High School and St. Paul School in Akron, Ohio; Notre Dame High School in Portsmouth, Ohio; and Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. After retiring, she continued her calling as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher with Williamson County Schools in Tennessee.

Widely recognized for her teaching excellence, Carolyn was named in Who’s Who Among American Teachers and honored as Teacher of the Year during her career. However, what gave her the most joy were her students, both current and past, who kept in touch with her throughout the years.

Beyond the classroom, Carolyn was deeply involved in her community. She served as President of the Oak Ridge, Tennessee chapter of the American Diabetes Association and secretary of various community councils. She and Francis loved to travel and volunteer. She enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, playing tennis, watching college basketball and football, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.

Carolyn is deeply missed by her son, Jerry (Bill) of Eugene, Oregon, and extended family and friends across the country. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis, and her parents, Cletus and Emma (Kanda) Buescher.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 2:30 pm at Solvang Independent Retirement Living, 1202 Jacobs Dr., Eugene, OR 97405. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice, 123 International Way, Springfield, OR 97477

Jerry and Bill extend heartfelt thanks to Solvang Independent Retirement Living and Sacred Heart Hospice staff for their compassionate care. Rest-Haven Memorial Gardens in Eugene, Oregon, is assisting with arrangements.

   Jul. 6, 1950 - Mar. 18, 2025

Douglas W. Powell "Doug" of Lowell, OR passed away peacefully March 18, 2025, in Eugene, OR. Doug was born in Springfield, CO. A son of Harold and Imogene Powell. He loved to hunt, fish, travel and garden. Doug enjoyed fixing things and doing projects around his home. He loved to watch western movies and football on tv. And spending time with family and friends. Over the years Doug volunteered his time and effort for the community with many projects and helped with little league and other sports programs. Doug believed in God and loved his country. Doug is survived by his daughter Rhonda, three grandchildren Skye, Chance, and Racquel, and his brother Quinton and sisters Donna and Vicki, and many more friends and family. Doug was loved very much and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held April 14, 2025, at 2pm at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene, OR.