Anna Belle Conner

Anna was born in Baker City, Oregon, to Carl and Erma Ness. She grew up in eastern Oregon with her 12 siblings. When she was 15, she left home and married Melford Conner. The couple moved many times all over the country as Melford served in the military. Once he left the service, Melford worked as a painter at both residential and commercial jobs. Because painting was sporadic work, Anna would work when times were tough as a caregiver, and the Tober Home was one of the places she often worked. But her true love was her family. She was the ultimate caregiver and glue for her family and did everything she could for the ones she loved. Anna and Melford were known as Grandpa and Grandma to everyone. Grandma was always in the kitchen and was an incredible cook and baker. She even made Grandma’s Cookbook for her kids that contained all of her best recipes. Anna was also quite a gardener of both vegetables and flowers. When she was younger she did a lot of canning of the bounty she grew. She also enjoyed sewing and bowling. Anna loved fishing and camping with family and together they did a lot of fishing on the Columbia River. On Grandma and Grandpa’s 50th wedding anniversary, the family rented the Sternwheeler river boat and had a dinner party as they traveled the Columbia. Grandpa especially loved the event, remembering all of their fun times as a family on the river. Anna and Melford were married over 55 years at the time of his passing in 2016. Anna was a warm and loving woman and will be deeply missed by those that were blessed enough to be loved by her. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Melford, son Christopher Conner, daughter Pamela Adams, brothers Carl and Matt, and sister Pat. She is survived by her children Anna Mann, Doreen Emerick, Steven Conner, and Earl Conner; 8 siblings; numerous grand- and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The family is planning a combined service for both Melford and Anna at Willamette National Cemetery where a memorial marker will be placed in their honor. Service information is pending and will be updated accordingly.