Corrine Ann Rodriguez, 69, also known as Connie or Chelo to family and friends, passed away from a brain hemorrhage on Nov. 13, 2015 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston.
Connie was born on September 29, 1946, in Richmond, California, the daughter of James Steen Tippett and Hazel Luciell Hammond. Her parents preceded her in death. Connie was raised in Cherry Creek and Butte Valley, Nevada, Richmond, California, and Twickenham, Oregon. She graduated from Mitchell High School, Mitchell, Oregon in 1964. She lived a short time in Portland, Oregon.
Connie married Roderick “Rod” Mabe in 1965 in Fossil, Oregon. The lived in Fossil and Condon and later Arlington, Oregon where they raised their children Julie and J.R. They later divorced. in 1980, Connie married Tony Guzman. He passed away in 1981. Connie married the love of her life, her husband Bulmaro Rodriguez, on January 6, 1982 in Irrigon, Oregon. They would have celebrated 34 years of marriage on their upcoming anniversary. Connie and Bulmaro living in Boardman, Oregon where he still resides.
Connie spent one summer on a fire lookout; cooked at restaurants, Boardman schools and Hermiston Head Start; and worked at Oregon Potato in Boardman where she met her husband.
Connie loved her family and friends and was full of life. She was loved by all who knew her. She never met anyone she didn’t like and saw the good in everyone. Connie was always there to help everyone. Connie enjoyed playing cards and games, camping and fishing. She organized the annual two-week family reunion camp out each year. The “glue” of the family will be deeply missed by all. She loved God and her church and church family.
Connie was in remission after a battle with lymphoma. She never let adversity get her down.
The family plans a family and friends “Celebration of Life” for Connie on July 3, 2016 during the annual family reunion at Morrow County’s Anson Wright Park. Her ashes will be placed with her mother’s. A local memorial is being held on November 21, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at Solid Rock Church, 140 SW 2nd St. Hermiston, Oregon. All are welcome to attend one or both.
Survivors include her husband, Bulmaro Rodriguez, Boardman, OR; Children: Julie (Joe) Steinbruck, Lakeview, OR, and James (Krickett) Mabe, Hermiston, OR; Sisters: Bobbi (Lloyd) Peck, Enterprise, OR; Bonnie (Paul) Perkins, Joseph, OR; Debbie Tippett, Monument, OR; and Pat (Doug) Towell, Bend, OR; Brothers: James (Terry) Tippett, Oak Harbor, WA; William (Claudette) Thompson, Wichita, KS; Curtis (Debbie) Whaley, Alaska; Lonnie (Dixie) Harris, Winchester, OR; Grandchildren: Nitosha Beaver, Kaili (Kevin) Lein, Nickey (Dustin) Van Doren, Noah Mabe, Karzin Mabe, Tamara Gallagher, Bryant Gallagher, and Kaiden Gallagher. Great-Grandchildren: Mason Van Doren, Kiana Lien, and Maria Hart; Aunt Thelma (Bill) McKenzie, Fort Mohave, AZ; Uncle: Art Ruggles, Cherry Creek, NV; Best friend: Marsha Steinbruck, Stanfield, OR; Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donations may be made to cancer research in Connie’s name.
Please sign the guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
