Recent and Upcoming Obituaries

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   June 1932 - May 19, 2025

Marilyn Lou Edwards (née Mohr), age 92, passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving son, daughter, and grandson. Born in Kellogg, Idaho, Marilyn was the cherished daughter of Walter and Dora Mohr (Starr). Marilyn earned her master’s degree from Oregon College of Education in Monmouth in 1972

and dedicated over twenty years to teaching in Eugene’s 4J School District. Specializing in deaf education, she brought compassion, patience, and deep commitment to her work, touching countless young lives and their families. After retiring, Marilyn spent several joyful years in Florence, Oregon, where she loved the serenity of living on the coast. The ocean's rhythm and the beauty of the landscape brought her peace and happiness.

She is survived by her brother, her daughter and son, and two grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Marilyn will be remembered not only for her devotion to education and family, but also for her wonderful sense of humor. She was a great mom, a caring grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her wit, warmth, and wisdom will be deeply missed.

A private family gathering will be held in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be

made in her name to an organization supporting deaf education or a charity of your choice.

   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.

  Nov. 10, 2003 - July 16, 2025

 Christopher Lee Choate was born on November 10th, 2003 in Eugene, OR to parents Gregory and Patricia Choate. Chris was the youngest of three children.

As a child Chris was very artistic and was able to create amazing pieces of artwork. Chris drew hundreds of pictures and always amazed people with his drawing ability. Chris also liked to paint and was great at this as well. One of Chris’ favorite things to do was to take cardboard or other materials out of the recycle bin and create things from them.

Chris was also very interested and involved in sports as a child. Chris played soccer and basketball and was good at both. Chris was big for his age and was always the tallest person on the team. This allowed Chris to get rebounds and to shoot over others on the basketball court. Chris once scored a goal in soccer by kicking the ball from the far end of the field. Chris’ family enjoyed watching him play.

When Chris was nine years old the family moved to Bend. Chris made new friends and seemed to adapt quickly, but always missed being near his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Eugene. Chris also missed the climate in Eugene as he preferred dark and rainy over sunny and dry.

As Chris got older he developed a passion for music. Chris loved to listen to music and had an extensive music collection. Chris liked to have physical copies of his music and preferred to listen to cd’s, vinyl, and cassettes over digital. Chris was also an amazing musician. Chris got his first guitar at the age of 14. Chris seemed to have a natural ability and quickly taught himself to play. Later on Chris took up playing drums. Chris was great at this as well. Chris enjoyed playing music with his friends and had recorded multiple songs with the intent to release an album. Chris dreamed of being a professional musician and was talented enough that he likely could have made this happen.

Chris had a big heart and liked to help others. Chris had many friends who he cared deeply about. Chris was a loyal friend and would stick up for others and defend them if he felt they were slighted or mistreated. Chris worked as a line cook at McMenamin’s and had many good friends there. Chris had a girlfriend, Ash, who was the love of his life. Ash meant the world to Chris and he was most happy when with her.

Chris left this world on July 16th, 2025. Chris’ life was far too short and has left us all wishing we would have had more time. Chris is survived by his parents Greg and Patty Choate, siblings Alexa (Joey) Schlesinger and Sara Choate, grandparents Arthur Choate and Joyce Taylor, his girlfriend Ash, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chris is deeply loved and will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery located at 3900 Willamette Street, Eugene on Wednesday July 23rd with viewing beginning at 1:00 pm and services at 2:00 pm.