| When Etta and Chess'L Harper were married it was war time, and after Pearl Harbor was attacked (12-7-42), Chess'L joined the Army-Air Force. Following Basic Training, he was sent to Italy where his squardron was stationed for the duration. Chess'L was a gunner on a B-17 Bomber, and participated in 32 bombing missions over Germany. When Germany surrendered, the men were returned home. The plane first used in the missions was shot down over Germany, killing all the crew with the exception of the radio man and the waist gunner (Chess'L Harper). They were missing in action for 15 days. Chess'L went home to his family June 30, 1945. He re-inlisted in 1946 and was sent to a station in Alaska for several months. Although he had received many metals and did very well in the service, he never got over the mentle anguish he suffered durring the war. He applied for and received a hardship discharge and was home within six months. He began to wonder and found no piece of mind. His family suffered greatly, and in 1951 he went to town and never returned. Etta and Chess'L were devorced. Etta and ChessL Harper had six children: 1. Michael Vance Harper, b. 19 June1945 at Sacto., Ca. 2. Laura Gale Harper, b. 28 Sept. 1946 at Pendleton, Or. 3. Randy Neal Harper, b. 25 March 1948 at Vallejo, Ca. 4. Teresa Lynne Harper, b. 30 August 1949 at Portland, Or. 5. Kathryn Fae Harper, b. 2 Nov. 1951 at Sacto., Ca. 6. Cynda Lee (Sue) Harper, b.17 Nov. 1951 at Sacrto, Ca. |
| Etta May Roberts: written by Etta M. Roberts-Lisifka |
| *Second marriage: William Theadore Russell on 8-4-54 Reno, Nev. (he was born 8-30-12 Fort Smith, Ark. d. 3-15-80) his parents were George and Mary Murtle (Thomas) Russell |
| William Russell was a farm laborer when he met Etta in 1951. She was 7 months pregnant (with ChessL's child) and had five children out in the field picking tomatoes with her. After he finished some previous obligations, Russ then returned to the family and he and Etta were married in 1954 (until his death in 1980). Etta, Russ and the children followed the harvest and picked (tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, cotton, apples, cherries and many more) along the west coast. Sometimes the family would live in an apple orchard (or cherries, or plums, etc) and be the only ones picking the fields. There were times that Russ had a job driving the farm equiptment, or repairing things that would break down. He also had a few jobs driving truck and working as a truck machanic. Although he was a helpmate and longtime companion for Etta, Russ had many serious problems, one was alcohalism. The children left home as soon as they finished school and some before. Etta traveled on with her son David to Arizona and Las Vegas, Nev. She went to a health retreat and was involved in some very important research for women's health. She lived in Sacramento, Cailfornia for a short time, in her mom's old house (that her son Greg "Alan" was buying for her). The old house needed just too much, and Etta and John moved back to Oregon. Her daughter Teresa ("Teri")shares her love for the outdoors and plant life. Randy stayed in the Sacramento area where he found old friends, family and his love for "cars". All her daughters share her love of arts and creativity; Teri (plants and planter boxes), Kathy (indian beading and leather),Linda (sewing, drawing), Mary (plants and art), Suzie (caregiver and creative), Penny (quilting) and Laura (writing and computers) share her love of art and crafts (all in different ways). She shares with her children and grandchildren in all their adventures and accomplishments. Etta continues to be a caregiver and carry on with her art (oil painting, charcoals, etc.) and her writing and has learned to surf the net (with the help of her son Mike). Etta met a wondful man, John Lisifka (in 1987) who shares in the love and interests of her life, and that of her children. Etta and Russ had five children: |
| 7. Gregory Alan Russell, b.13 August 1955 at Alturas,Ca. 8. David William Russell, b. 3 July 1956 at Lancaster, Ca. 9. Linda Carol Russell, b. 3 October 1957 at French Camp, Ca. 10. Mary Etta Russell, b. 8 December 1958 at Placerville, Ca. 11. Penny Deanne Russell, b. 3 March 1960 at French Camp, Ca To see mom's web site click on button..................... |
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