Calesta Elane (Sly) Markgraf, age 62, passed away on Aug.14, 2026, in Ontario.

She was born on Oct. 9, 1963, in Springfield, Ore., to Richard and Delorse Sly.

Shortly after Calesta’s birth, the family moved to Halfway, Ore., where she was joined by her younger sister, Cindy, in 1965. The family later lived in Ontario before moving to Burns, where Calesta graduated from high school in 1982.

Throughout her childhood, Calesta often returned to Halfway to stay with her grandmother, Louise Sly, and her uncle on the family ranch. Her days there were filled with activity. She loved riding horses, helping in the hayfield, and preparing the noon meal for the hay crew. Her grandmother made sure Calesta learned how to put a good meal on the table and also set aside time each afternoon to teach her to sew and paint.

Those lessons became lifelong gifts. As an adult, Calesta became a gifted seamstress, creating beautiful quilts and clothing for her family. One of her most treasured creations was her daughter’s wedding dress.

Calesta attended Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, for two years. While there, she met William “Bill” Markgraf. They married in 1985 and had two children, Eugene and Nicole.

Over the years, Calesta lived in several Oregon communities, including Troutdale, Madras, Durkee, and Baker City. While raising her children, she held a variety of jobs and eagerly learned new skills wherever life took her. She drove tractors in the carrot fields near Madras and later mastered nearly every aspect of carpentry.

Creative and resourceful, Calesta had a remarkable talent for interior design, architectural planning, painting, and building furniture. Whether working in the fields, transforming a room, or crafting something by hand, she brought determination, imagination, and care to her work.

Calesta took great pride in watching Eugene and Nicole grow into adults and have families of their own. She and Nicole started a small herd of polled Hereford cattle that grew over the years, and Calesta especially enjoyed watching Nicole show the cattle at events throughout the area.

When Eugene joined the United States Air Force, Calesta naturally worried about her son but was immensely proud. One of her treasured memories was traveling to Texas to watch him graduate from basic training.

In October 2003, Calesta’s life changed dramatically when a horseback riding accident in the Eagle Cap Wilderness left her partially paralyzed from the waist down. With tremendous determination, she fought her way back and eventually learned to walk again with the aid of braces.

Even after the accident, Calesta continued helping on construction sites, where she became an exceptionally skilled tile setter. Much of the work had to be done on her hands and knees, but she persevered, and the quality of her craftsmanship was outstanding.

Calesta faced many health challenges throughout her life. In September 2024, she fell and broke her hip. Following surgery, she suffered a stroke. From then on, she spent periods of time in hospitals and assisted-living facilities until a final stroke took her from those who loved her.

Calesta is survived by her father, Richard Sly of Ontario; her son, Eugene Markgraf of Klamath Falls; her daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Joe Merchant of Baker City; six grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Don Sitz of Drewsey; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Calesta’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Golden Years Manor in Ontario and Horizon Hospice for the kindness and care they provided.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Halfway.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker High School FFA program, 2500 E Street, Baker City, Oregon 97814, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.