Francis "Marion" LeBaron

Longtime Yreka resident, Francis “Marion” LeBaron, passed away peacefully following a short illness on May 18, 2016, in Jacksonville, Oregon, where she had resided for the last six months. Marion was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Jan. 24, 1923, to parents Lawrence Banta and Bessie Keese Banta. As a result of her father’s work, her family moved several times in her life, first to Texas, then to Long Beach, California, and finally to Bakersfield, California, where she lived until graduating from Kern County High School in 1940. She then went on to attend Bakersfield Junior College. In 1943, she moved to Los Angeles and went to work for North American Aviation joining the famous ranks of “Rosie the Riveters.” She began work there on the B-29 fuselage assembly line. Marion was promoted several times, first to inspector on that same line, then to flight line inspector on the P-51 “Mustang.” At the end of the war, Marion moved to Modesto, California, and while working at Gallo Wineries, met her future husband and love of her life, Oscar James “O.J.” LeBaron. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1946. In early 1947, they moved to Yreka to help O.J.’s father, Hank, in his restaurant business. They grew to love the small community and for the next 68 years, called it their home. They started their family there and together took a marginally successful credit bureau business and built it to be one of the largest in the nation. Marion will be remembered by all who knew her as having an indomitable fun loving spirit and a dignified sweetness. She was always up for a challenge; her children called her fearless. Her exploits ranged from learning how to surf, open ocean swimming and learning to fly, a passion she shared with O.J. She loved to fly, earning her pilot’s license at age 54. Marion owned several planes over the years. She was known for gathering up friends, kids or grandkids and flying to the Nut Tree and other locations for lunch or just for day adventures. Some of her granddaughters’ favorite memories are the trips they took to San Francisco for school clothes shopping. Marion loved to spoil her grandchildren. She called them her “sweet baboos,” and they were always made to feel like they were the most important people in the world. Marion was the consummate home maker. Her home was her domain, where friends were always welcome at the back door. An excellent cook, she loved to entertain and was known for her original recipes. Her prowess in the kitchen was another aspect of her have-no-fear approach to life. Her holiday baking was anxiously awaited, most notably, her divinity and oatmeal cakes. Her husband O.J. especially loved the divinity but often would have to stand in line until all of the other divinity lovers in town got their batch. A great and loyal friend to many over the years, Marion especially enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Cressa Bayuk. The two spent a great deal of time together over the years, often taking memorable trips. When that became too challenging, they filled in with frequent luncheon dates and tea get-togethers. She treasured Cressa’s insights and support to the end of her life. A great conversationalist, Marion could hold her own with anyone on almost any topic. Her love of the English language made her a formidable opponent at any word game, including Scrabble. You might challenge her words, if you dared, but never her spelling. Her children referred to her as their walking dictionary. Many hilarious stories can be told about Marion boldly correcting some sign maker or printer on their spelling or punctuation errors. The correct use of our language was very precious to her. Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Bessie; stepfather, Mac; brother, Duke; brother, Walter; sister, Patsy; and husband O.J. She is loved and missed by her survivors, son, Rand, and his wife, Cindi; daughter, Terri; grandchildren, Krista (Mike), Alyson (Jeff), Rand (Tasha) and Casey (Tina); and seven great grandchildren, (referred to as “her precious angels”) Spencer, Abby, Matson, Emily, C.J., Corbin and Meena. A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on July 2, at Preservation Hall, 304 Lane St. in Yreka. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Marion’s favorite charities, Rescue Ranch in Yreka.

Francis "Marion" LeBaron

January 24, 1923 - May 18, 2016