Margaret Frances (Hale) Bunten-Pieper of Hermiston passed peacefully on April 6, 2020 at her home in Hermiston at the age of 90.
She was born an identical twin on May 22, 1929 in Heppner to Vier and Mary Hale.
Margaret grew up in McDonald Canyon on a 3,500-acre ranch with her twin sister, Juanita Hale Proctor, her mother, Mary Hale, Uncle Charlie Hirl, and Irish grandparents, Phil and Mary Hirl. On the ranch, the family raised sheep and a few cows and pigs, and grew a huge garden that provided an abundance of food for canning. They also grew and harvested wheat with horse-drawn combines, which Margaret and her sister helped gather. Growing up in the canyon provided for a wonderful and fulfilled life.
Margaret attended her first seven years of school in a one-room school house near their home in McDonald Canyon and later moved into town (Heppner) where she graduated with the class of 1947. After graduation, Margaret moved to Hermiston with her family, where they opened and ran a small restaurant named The Bluebirds.
In 1951, Margaret met and married the love of her life, Bill Bunten while working at the Umatilla Army Depot. Together Margaret and Bill built a loving life in Hermiston raising their five children until Bill’s death in 1965. In 1968, Margaret married Arnie Pieper and bought a farm on Buttercreek, which today is Westwinds Nursery. When Arnie joined the family, an interest in dirt bikes began and many hours were spent around riding bikes. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon to see Margaret riding on the back of Arnie’s big motorcycle. The Piepers also raised watermelons and together worked the fields along with Margaret’s kids until Arnie’s death in 1982.
In Margaret’s pastime, she enjoyed traveling. One of her best times included going on two Alaskan cruises with her friend, Mary Ann. Margaret also enjoyed playing bingo. It wasn’t unusual to see her each week down at the parish hall with her friends looking for a bingo or blackout win.
Margaret was a devoted Catholic and always followed the Lord. In addition, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and sister and was especially proud of her six children, grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Her most precious moments were spent with her family. Margaret will be missed by so many family and friends, but her kindness towards others will be remembered always.
Margaret is survived by her five children, Sally (Jerry) Lange of Blaine, Wash., Bill Bunten of Lynnwood, Wash., John Bunten of Weiser, Idaho, Lori (Bill) Schnell of Irrigon and Pam Twitchell of Fairbanks, Alaska; her twin sister, Juanita Proctor; and her 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be announced and celebrated at a later date.
A private burial will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Margaret with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
