Charles James Stine passed away in New Prague, Minn. on March 5, 2025 at the age of 92 while residing at the Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness.
He was born on Sept. 20, 1932 at the family home in La Grande to Virgil Allen and Katherine Owsley Stine. Weighing in at 4 pounds 4 ounces, Charles was kept warm and protected in the warming oven of the wood stove.
Charles attended Riveria Elementary School and La Grande High School, where his early years centered around playing sports. Charles excelled in football and after La Grande High School played for the state high school football championship, losing to Grant High School of Portland. He earned a football scholarship to Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. After his sophomore year at EOU, he was recognized as an all-conference player for both offense and defense. One highlight of Charles’ EOU football career was playing in British Columbia with Princess Elizabeth (future Queen Elizabeth) and Prince Phillip in attendance. Charles graduated from EOU with a degree in education and went on to teach for a year in The Dalles, then volunteered to join the Army in the summer of 1955. Charles was stationed in Korea as a radio operator, working with Turkish army officers during his tour.
Upon completing his military service, Charles returned to Eastern Oregon, rooming with Clarence Drtina, Mark Madigan, and Jack Chapman in Stanfield after accepting a teaching position at Sunset Elementary. In 1964 Charles completed his master’s degree from EOU and shortly thereafter assumed the principal position at Sunset Elementary. Charles met Andrea Westwood, a new high school teacher in Hermiston in August 1961. They married on Aug. 11, 1962. They welcomed their two daughters, Natalie in 1964 and Julie in 1966.
Charles served in many volunteer activities including chairman of the Umatilla County United Way, past exalted ruler of the Elks Club, president of St. John’s
Episcopal Church Vestry, Oregon Elementary Principal Association, 18 years including terms as president of the Good Shepherd Community Hospital Board of Trustees, and the American Hospital Association as Oregon representative. Charles was honored as the Hermiston Volunteer of the Year in 2002.
Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Andrea; daughters, Natalie Adams (John) and Julie Meyer (Doug); and grandchildren, Andrew Adams, Eric Adams (Bryce), Nathan Meyer (Haley), and Jake Meyer.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Katherine; sister, Dorothy Botting (Basil); and brother, Kermit Stine (Linda). Charles had many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who he enjoyed visiting and traveling with to Maui, Europe, and New Orleans. Charles loved his family and cherished seeing his own girls and grandchildren grow up while being an active participant in their lives.
Services will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the following charities: Eastern Oregon University Foundation, Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, or St. John’s Episcopal Church in care of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please share memories of Charles with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
