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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (April 23, 2020)
COMMUNITY THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 OBITUARIES COMMUNITY Briefs Elgin Neighborhood watch continues from home ELGIN — Before the quarantine in response to COVID-19, the city of Elgin established a community watch group to help build awareness among neighbors about concerning and sus- picious behavior. Even with a stay home order in effect, Elgin Mayor Allen Duffy said the watch is going strong. “I think reports are pretty much the same,” Duffy said. “There may be an uptick in phone calls, but I base that on the awareness since it started. We had an impact on preventing and curbing some crime. As we move forward and get to meet as a public group, there will be a lot more positive changes.” According to Duffy, there is no patrol established or ac- tive at this time. A Facebook group is in use for reporting with the most recent posts expressing concern about people speeding and loud noises. Warm weather brings bicycle thefts LA GRANDE — An uptick in bicycle thefts has occurred according, to the La Grande Police Department. With young people out of school due to the stay home order, riding bikes is a common way to keep them active. However, not properly locking and storing bikes has led to an increase in thefts. Bicycle thieves are oppor- tunistic and steal bicycles that are unlocked and left in front yards, driveways or porches, police Sgt. Jason Hays said. The best way to keep bikes safe is to use a quality lock if storing outside or to bring the bike inside and out of view when not riding it, Hays said. BIRTHS GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL BALES: To Krista Rose Bales and Christopher John Bales, of La Grande, a son, Isaac John Bales, 8 pounds, March 12 at 8:56 a.m. Grandparents are John and Angie Shurtleff and John and Tanna Bales. COLLINS: To Keri Reynolds and Ryan Collins, of Lostine, a daughter, Aubrey Lynn Collins, 6 pounds 14 ounces, March 31 at 7:54 a.m. Grandparents are Jon Reynolds, Tresi Reynolds, Terry Collins, Carolyn Harsh- fi eld, Michael Harshfi eld and Lillian Harshfi eld. COMPTON: To Ranelle Elise Compton and Kit Nathan Compton, of La Grande, a daughter, Juniper Asher Compton, 7 pounds 8 ounces, March 17 at 8:16 a.m. CROY: To Hannah Joelle Croy and Devin Matthew Mitts, of La Grande, a daugh- ter, Miah Tracy Mitts Croy, 6 pounds 2 ounces, March 18 at 7:48 p.m. DALTON: To Michele Alessia Dalton and Gauge Leonard Dalton, of La Grande, a son, Cedric Lee Dalton, 9 pounds .04 ounces, April 1 at 3:15 a.m. JENKS: To Jordan Jenks and Mike Jenks, of Summer- ville, a son, Robert Jenks, 6 pounds 7.7 ounces, March 23 at 8:06 a.m. MARTIN: To Sandra Lucille Martin and Dillon Mathew Martin, of La Grande, a son, Dash Angel Martin, 6 pounds 13 ounces, March 15 at 2:57 p.m. Grandparents are Robert and Cindy Kohler, Kevin Kunzler, and Renee and Raul Rios. PFINGSTEN: To Roberta G. Swanson and Skye J. Pfi ng- sten, of La Grande, a daugh- ter, Autumn Skye Pfi ngsten, 8 pounds 14 ounces, April 2 at 7:34 p.m. SANDERS: To Katelynn Mae Johnson and Justin David Sanders, of La Grande, a son, Owen James Lee Sanders, 7 pounds 0.8 ounces, March 24 at 5:56 p.m. Grandparents are T.L. and Pam Diggers and Julie and David Sanders. TANNER: To Britany Renea Tanner and Alexander William Tanner, of La Grande, a son, Isaac Alexander Tanner, 3 pounds 5 ounces, March 29 at 8:48 a.m. Grandparents are Jason Korom and Casi Korom. TODD: To KayLynne Todd and Anthony Todd, of La Grande, a son, Maverick Wayne Todd, 8 pounds 9 ounces, April 1 at 2:08 a.m. Grandparents are Larry and Judy Todd and Todd and Melissa Kuenzi. VANCE: To Janice Marie Vance and Jesse James Vance, of La Grande, a daughter, Serenity Ann Myrna Vance, 7 pounds, March 21 at 8:26 p.m. Lolita ‘Jean’ Isaacson Formerly of La Grande • 1942-2020 Lolita Jean Isaacson, 77, formerly of La Grande, died March 27 at her home in Orofi no, Idaho. Known as Jean, she was born May 28, 1942, in La Grande, the oldest of four children born to Ross “Dick” Oral Isaacson and Ivy Janet Schaeffer. She attended school in Lostine until the family moved to Kooskia, Idaho. Jean mar- ried Dale M. “Shorty” Hendren on Oct. 11, 1960. They divorced in October 1986. Upon retiring, Jean bought and renovated a home in Weippe, Idaho, with her longtime partner, Buck DeArmond. Jean had a passion for many things and did them all well. She was a cow- girl at heart and loved every minute she was on a horse. She broke them to ride as well as pack. Jean loved to camp, hunt and fi sh in the mountains, the Lapover Pack Station and North Minam Meadows in the Eagle Cap Mountains being her favorite places. Jean worked as a wait- ress, butcher, baker, care- taker, dental assistant and EMT. She enjoyed cake decorating and crafting. She was a kind, caring and loving individual. Surviving relatives include her children and their partners, Janet Hen- dren of Strunk, Kentucky, Julie Hendren and Rod Corder of Orofi no, Idaho, and Randy Hendren and Verna Frances of Kooskia, Idaho; stepson, David DeAr- mond and wife, Heidi, of Weippe, Idaho; siblings, Sharon Harris of Enter- prise and Robert Isaa- cson of Elgin; aunt, Dor- othea Stephen of Walla Walla, Washington; and 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Isaacson; son, Rex Lee Hendren; grandson, Kelly Joe Hen- dren; and granddaughter, Crissy Ann Hendren. Louise R. (Young) Van Schoonhoven Cove • 1937-2020 Louise Rae Van Schoonhoven, 82, of Cove, died April 14 at her resi- dence. A service will be held at a later time. Louise was born Sept. 11, 1937, in Baker City, along with her identical twin sister, Laura Kay, to Frederick and Laura Young. She lived her fi rst four years in Sumpter and then moved to Baker City, where she com- pleted her public education and graduated from Baker High School. She attended Oregon State University and graduated from what is now Eastern Oregon University with a bache- lor’s degree in elementary education. Louise taught at Red- wood Elementary School in Castro Valley, California, and at Goose Air Force Base in Labrador, where she had her own children’s TV show. She married John Van Schoonhoven on Aug. 22, 1964, in La Grande. They had two daughters: Heidi and Susan. Louise taught in Eugene while her husband worked on his doctorate at the University of Oregon. Louise and John lived in Maryland for 25 years during which time she received a master’s degree in communicative disorders from Johns Hopkins Uni- versity. She worked as tech- nical editor for the Naval Sea Systems Command developing specifi c docu- eomediagroup.com ments for surface ships and submarines of the Pacifi c and Atlantic fl eets. She also worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, where she devel- oped foreign language les- sons for the U.S. Special Forces at the Defense Lan- guage Institute. She held an early interest in computers and introduced colleagues to their capabilities. Louise moved to Cove in 1992 when her hus- band, John, retired. She enjoyed volunteering in the Cove community at the school and library (serving as president of the Cove Library Improvement Club) and held several offi ces for the Cove Community Asso- ciation. She was a member of PEO for more than 50 years, serving as presi- dent of Chapter L in Mary- land and Chapter DK in La Grande. Louise enjoyed music, playing golf, teaching piano and singing as a member of the Village Voices choral group in Columbia, Mary- land. She also enjoyed sewing and preparing social gatherings, espe- cially for her family and friends. Surviving relatives include her daughter, Heidi; nieces, Kathy Jensen, Debbie Fair and Sheri Gild- ersleeve of Spokane and Sandi Young of California; and numerous cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John; daughter, Susan Van Schoonhoven; mother and father; twin sister, Laura Kay Gildersleeve; brothers, Paul and Gordon Young, and nephew Chris Young. In lieu of fl owers, memorial contribu- tions may be made to the Chapter DK PEO Women’s Scholarship Fund in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St. La Grande PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT FRIDAY 6:18 a.m. — Oregon State Police cited Nicholas Dean Best, 33, for reckless driving and violating the basic rule (driving in excess of 100 mph). 10:59 a.m. — A caller report- ed the theft of a motorcycle from the 1100 block of Detroit Street, Elgin. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded. 2:23 p.m. — A La Grande caller reported the theft of a fi rearm from the 900 block of 21st Street. 4:46 p.m. — La Grande po- lice responded to the 300 block of Adams Avenue on a report of a domestic disturbance. Of- fi cers determined people were arguing and talked to them. 6 p.m. — La Grande police again responded to the 300 block of Adams Avenue on a domestic disturbance call. This time, the people involved agreed to stay apart for the night. 10:41 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 62100 block of Fruitdale Lane on a call about vandalism and took a report. animal enforcement offi cer responded and returned the dog to its owner. 6:02 p.m. — Oregon State Police cited Joseph Jacob Otero, 19, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, for reckless driving and speeding (in excess of 100 mph). 9:43 p.m. — Elgin residents on the 700 block of North Ninth Avenue reported a possible gunshot that shook windows. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and determined the explosion may have been fi reworks. SUNDAY 9:59 a.m. — An Elgin resi- dent on the 700 block of North 15th Avenue reported a bur- glary. A Union County sheriff’s deputy made contact and took a request for extra patrols. 8:21 p.m. — A La Grande caller reported telephonic harassment. 11:03 p.m. — La Grande po- lice responded to the 200 block of 20th Street for a person suffering mental issues. The person went to Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande, for help. SATURDAY MONDAY 10:37 a.m. — A caller com- plained about too much noise on the 1100 block of J Avenue, La Grande. The person respon- sible drove away before an offi cer arrived. 10:43 a.m. — Firefi ghters responded to report of a fi re on the 300 block of South Eighth Avenue, Elgin. 12:33 p.m. — A caller com- plained about an aggressive dog on the 10200 block of Leonard Lane, Island City. The 6:29 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of vandalism on the 300 block of Cedar Street. 9:29 a.m. — La Grande police received another report of vandalism, this one on the 1800 block of First Street. 10:59 a.m. — La Grande police found vandalism to a fence on the 700 block of Main Avenue. 2:07 p.m. — Someone damaged two campaign signs at M Avenue and Cedar Street, La Grande. 3:06 p.m. — La Grande police received a report of a possible sex crime. 3:25 p.m. — An Oregon State Police trooper stopped to assist a disabled vehicle near mile- post 270 on the eastbound side of Interstate 84 and noticed the driver appeared impaired. The trooper investigated and arrested Lola Inez James, 53, on accusations of driving under the infl uence of intoxicants. 3:40 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2700 block of Fir Street on a report of domestic violence. Nether victim wanted to pursue a case. 8:48 p.m. — A caller reported a domestic distur- bance that went on most of the day on the 10800 block of Walton Road, Island City. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded, but no one answered the door. 11:45 p.m. — The Union County sheriff’s offi ce respond- ed to the 40 block of South 11th Avenue, Elgin, for an assault. A deputy separated the people involved. 97850. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. Dempsey Voss Formerly of La Grande • 1948-2020 Dempsey Voss, 71, for- merly of La Grande, died April 10 after a two-year battle with cancer. He will be cremated and buried at a later date in a private cer- emony with his immediate family. Arrangements are under the direction of Life Tributes Cremation Center of Kennewick, Washington. Dempsey was born in 1948 in Arkansas. In the early 1950s, the family relo- cated to Tulare, California, and Dempsey graduated from Tulare Western High School in 1966. He married Rhonda in 1968, and they celebrated their 51st anni- versary this past year. In 1996, after selling his sporting goods store in Tulare, Dempsey and Rhonda moved to the La Grande area so he could live closer to the Eagle Cap Wilderness that he loved so much. In 2014 they relocated from Oregon to Washington to be closer to family. Dempsey loved being outdoors and most any day you would fi nd him outside whether it be working in the yard and garden, shooting his bow, going for drives to enjoy nature or preparing for his next hunting trip. Dempsey was a giving man who was always willing to help out his family, friends and neigh- bors. He loved sharing his outdoor experiences with others and then reliving those stories over and over with those close to him. With his playful nature, he was always up for a good game of cards. Surviving relatives include his wife, Rhonda; Upcoming local services are pending due to efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. daughters, Veronica Koch and Valerie Voss; son- in-law, David; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elsie Voss, and sib- lings, Jack Voss Jr. and Pam Canby. In lieu of fl owers or cards, the family asks you think of him next time you’re up in the mountains. To sign the online guest- book, go to www.lifetrib- utescenter.com. Ellis W. Mickey Summerville Ellis W. Mickey, 85, of Summerville, died April 21 at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Leo B. Wagoner La Grande Leo B. Wagoner, 69, of La Grande, died April 22 at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Bernice M. Webster La Grande Bernice M. Webster, 85, of La Grande, died April 21 at her residence. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Incident Management Team forms in response to COVID-19 Observer staff LA GRANDE — The Union County Incident Management Team lives- treamed a press confer- ence last Wednesday night to introduce those involved with responding to the COVID-19 pandemic on the local front. The team consists of smaller units. Each group — composed of local offi cials, government employees and volunteers — introduced team mem- bers, explained their fac- tion’s purpose and answered questions. The law enforcement unit relies on members of the the Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce, Oregon State Police and La Grande Police Department. The group works to maintain situational awareness and coordinate with the separate organizations. The logistics group is in charge of obtaining and tracking anything needed to respond to COVID-19. The planning group has been developing and refi ning the incident action plan and documents inci- dents during the crisis. And the operations unit is in charge of implementing the plan. A fi nance group is keeping track of money coming in and going out to aid the community. There also is a fi re and and emergency medical ser- vices unit made up of mem- bers of the La Grande Fire Department, La Grande Rural Fire Department and Life Flight. www.CountrysideSheds.com For New Years Start Growing Season early in your Greenhouse We are in this together, and no matter the situation we will be here for you. STORAGE BUILDINGS (541) 663-0246 Locally owned and operated for over 25 years 10505 N. McAlister Road (Corner of Hwy 82 & N. McAlister Rd.) RENT to OWN The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. THE OBSERVER — 3A Our Greenhouse is more than a shed starting at $ 68 Month We have received a dramatic increase in calls from families wanting to pre-arrange their funeral or final wishes, but who are uncertain how to proceed with the social distancing restrictions. At Loveland Funeral Chapel we have designed and implemented a new pro- gram so we can help everyone during these uncertain times. Your safety and privacy are important to us. If you are uncomfortable meeting with us in per- son at this time, we understand. You can prearrange all of your wishes and plans in the secruity of your own home, using the mail, phone, as well as electronic media. If you would like more information please call us and we will help you. 1508 4th St., La Grande 541.963.5022 www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com
