Marilyn Louise Ausmus Bamberry Watts, 94, passed away on Aug. 14, 2026, after a fall. She was born near Burns on Nov. 7, 1931, leaving a legacy of service to others, loyalty to family and friends and as a creative homemaker.

An avid historian of Harney County and the pioneers that preceded her, she wrote many accounts of incidents of family and other characters. She loved to recall the stories.

Louise was the oldest daughter of J.O (Ormond) and Gladys Denstedt Ausmus. She experienced a primitive childhood and how to handle it on the family ranch. Her great cooking abilities were well-known from the hired men she cooked for as a teenager to becoming the Burns Senior Center food director for years.

Her love of books, words and learning at Burns Elementary School laid the foundation for her to graduate as valedictorian from Gem State Academy in Caldwell, Idaho in 1949. 

Jim Bamberry enjoyed her cooking when he was her father’s hired man, and he convinced Louise to become Mrs. James Bamberry in 1951. They continued to live in the country. They moved to southeastern Idaho where they ran a gas station and store in Arco. It was there that her only child, Nola Jean Bamberry was born, who was the star of her life, accomplishing many academic goals in college and teaching at the University of Washington for many years, becoming what Louise had only dreamed about.

After returning to Burns, she worked in a tax position with Verna Pettyjohn. She delighted in making scrapbooks from pictures and poetry to cats and rancher jokes and many more as well as collecting cookbooks. Sewing her own clothes and quilts, she also did fine embroidery and crocheting. She enjoyed her houseplants, the quail and deer in her yards, bird watching near Malheur Lake area, and claiming residency in the old town that was once Lawen. Gardening in Harney County has always been a challenge, but she enjoyed trying.

Louise was a steadfast Christian and member of the local Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she was the treasurer, played the piano, and taught Bible classes for decades. Through much studying, she became a knowledgeable Biblical historian. Her servant heart and high energy level kept her motivated. Her hospitality to others was noteworthy as she lived and shared with others.

Louise leaves no direct descendants since her daughter’s passing. James Bamberry passed away after 49 years of marriage. His family members were dear friends to Louise.

Later, she met and married Elmer Watts in 2000. He passed away almost 20 years later. She was also blessed by his daughters, Donna (Earl) Burt and Marilyn (Carol) Watts and their children, Casey, Sam, and Scott. She was a true “grandma” to these dear ones, as well as to other nieces and nephews who she claimed as sons and daughters. Nephew, Wes and Lily Trainers and their children, Jo and Joanne have been the mainstay caregivers and support for Louise since she and Elmer lived on Dead End Lane east of Burns. Louise and Elmer moved to Hines to a house provided by her daughter, Nola Jean (Keonie) Smith. Niece, Jolene (Ivan) Juhl and children, Myles and Carmen have also been a great support. First cousin, Pauline and her family that live in Harney County and the addition of Elmer’s extended family was a special joy to Louise. Cousin, Eileen McVicker and daughter, Lora Kay Creswick of Portland were close to Louise her whole life. Dwight (Debbie) Ausmus and family of Burns are also cousins.

She is survived by two sisters and their families, Donna Avery Fincher of Summerville, Ore., and children, Bruce (Laura) Avery and Kathy (Shane Dresen and Arlene Harris of Fairfield, Mont., and sons, Derik (Sarah) Harris, Darin Harris, Dallas (Melisa) Harris and Denver (Elizabeth) Harris; a son-in-law, Keonie Smith from Washington; two step-sisters-in-law, Donna (Earl) Burt and Marilyn (Carol) both from Washington, who have helped Louise so much.

Many thanks to the staff of The Aspens, the EMS and hospital staff (including Barbara Rothgeb), for the excellent care she was given.

A memorial service will he held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the Harney Hub Senior Center. You are invited to come and share your memories of Louise with the local and traveling family relatives. A private family graveside service will occur earlier.