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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 2021)
RECORDS AND MORE TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 THE OBSERVER — 3A OBITUARIES COMMUNITY Meetings Tamara K. Culver 1960-2020 • La Grande • LA GRANDE — A Union County Tourism Promotion Advisory meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 21. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. and will be held via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public. For log-in information, email Director@ VisitUnionCounty.org. Tamara “Tammy” Kathryn Culver, 60, of La Grande, died Dec. 29, 2020, at Vibra Hospital of Boise, Idaho. At her request, there will not be a service. Known also as Tammy, she was born Jan. 31, 1960, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Donald and Carol (Poskie) Culver. She resided in Appleton, Wis- consin; Santa Ana, San Clemente and San Diego, California; Henderson, Nevada; and Cove and La Grande. She had two sis- ters and three brothers. She attended Holy Family Ele- mentary School in Orange, California, and Mater Dei Briefs Strengthen your health with 4-week challenge LA GRANDE — A free four- week “Vibrant You” virtual health challenge will begin Jan. 28 with a livestreamed launch meeting at 6 p.m., announced Nature’s Pantry of La Grande. The challenge is based on health habits such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, exercise and supple- mentation. All meetings and classes will be streamed live. The program includes instruction, meal plans, cooking classes, discounts at Nature’s Pantry and prizes. The challenge will run Jan. 31 to Feb. 27. Register by Jan. 26 at www.naturespantry.life, 541-963-7955 or 1907 Fourth St., La Grande. High School in Santa Ana, California. She was on the drill team in seventh and eighth grade. Tamara was employed with Pacifi c Bell Phone Company as an infor- mation operator for 21 years, located in Orange, California. She loved baseball and had season tickets to the Angels games in Anaheim, California, and knew the stats of all the players. She also loved to keep scrap- books and made many padded photo albums. Tamara had three chil- dren: Ryan, Sierra and Hope. She loved taking them to the beach and spent many summer days at Disneyland with them. She also enjoyed watching WWE with her children and took them to many live shows. Tamara’s biggest love in life were her children. She would do anything for them, the true meaning of unconditional love. She also adored her two grandchildren. Tamara had a huge heart and would give a helping hand to anyone. Her smile and laugh will live on in our hearts forever. Surviving relatives include her partner, Mark Paslay of Oklahoma; daughter, Sierra Groover of La Grande; brothers, Steve Culver, Dirk Culver and Kyle Culver; sisters, Michele Culver and Julie Culver; two grandchildren; and 20 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her par- ents, Donald and Carol; son, Ryan Groover; and daughter, Hope Paslay. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. Sherill Estes must wear a mask and prac- tice social distancing to meet COVID-19 guidelines. Casual dress is preferred by the family. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. La Grande Lloyd E. Garinger Sherill Estes, 61, of La Grande, died Jan. 15 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. La Grande Susan M. Schmitt le Marcia ‘Sunny’ A. Greer La Grande La Grande Susan M. Schmittle, 74, of La Grande, died Jan. 17 at her home. A graveside service will be held Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Summer- ville Cemetery. Attendees Marcia “Sunny” A. Greer, 77, of La Grande, died Jan. 17 at her resi- dence. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. Lloyd E. Garinger, 94, of La Grande, died Jan. 16 at his home. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. Tai chi class goes virtual during pandemic LOTTERY Megabucks: $71 million 6-14-32-34-37-47 Mega Millions: $750 million 3-11-12-38-43 — 15 x4 Powerball: $640 million 14-20-39-65-67 — PB 2 x3 Win for Life: Jan. 16 13-42-56-63 Pick 4: Jan. 17 • 1 p.m.: 9-5-9-6 • 4 p.m.: 0-4-4-9 • 7 p.m.: 9-9-6-5 • 10 p.m.: 2-9-0-9 Pick 4: Jan. 16 • 1 p.m.: 4-4-6-5 • 4 p.m.: 9-4-9-3 • 7 p.m.: 3-2-4-6 • 10 p.m.: 6-4-8-3 Pick 4: Jan. 15 • 1 p.m.: 4-5-6-2 • 4 p.m.: 0-6-5-6 • 7 p.m.: 8-7-4-8 • 10 p.m.: 7-4-4-4 ——— By DICK MASON The Observer SUMMERVILLE — Digital technology is keeping the spirit of an ancient martial art alive in Northeast Oregon. Laura Zambrano was teaching a tai chi class out- doors at the Pleasant Grove Grange near Summerville until COVID-19 pandemic restrictions shut down the class. Zambrano is sailing over this hurdle by making her class available virtually. Students follow the lead of Zambrano, who guides them from her home near Summerville, via Zoom, an online video conference service, which allows her DELIVERY ISSUES? If you have any problems receiving your Observer, call 541-963-3161. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT FRIDAY, JAN. 15 6:57 a.m. — A caller reported a dog at large on the 1400 block of Jackson Avenue, La Grande. 9:06 a.m. — A caller reported the theft of a wallet at Riverside Park, La Grande. An offi cer responded and took a report. 1:51 p.m. — A resi- dent on the 10800 block of Walton Road, Island City, reported a theft that hap- pened in 2020. A Union County sheriff’s deputy made contact and explained options. 3:25 p.m. — A caller asked the Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce to conduct a welfare check on a person on the 10700 block of Island Avenue, Island City. A deputy responded, found the subject was fi ne and moving along. 8:40 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce responded to a panic alarm at Eagle Carriage & Machine Inc., 62500 Com- merce Road, La Grande. The response, however, was canceled while deputies were en route. SATURDAY, JAN. 16 9:38 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce booked Justin Sheline, 32, of La Grande, into the Union County Correc- tional Facility, La Grande, on charges of violating probation and second-de- gree burglary, mischief and trespassing. 11:59 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of a sex crime. An offi cer took down information. 2:58 p.m. — A home- owner on Rose Ridge Road, Cove, reported a burglary. The homeowner asked the Union County Sher- iff’s Offi ce to document the incident. 9:08 p.m. — A La Grande resident reported a restraining order violation. An offi cer responded and will follow up. 10:58 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about a loud party at a res- idence on the 1000 block of H Avenue. An offi cer responded, and the home- owner agreed to turn down the volume. SUNDAY, JAN. 17 8:05 a.m. — Law enforcement responded to the area of milepost 13 on Highway 82, Imbler, on a report of an intoxi- cated driver. The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrested Randall Lynn Faria, 64, of Sandpoint, Idaho, for reckless driving, reckless endangering and felony possession of methamphetamine. 12:19 p.m. — A caller reported a burglary at a residence on the 63100 block of Gekeler Lane, La Grande. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and took a report. 1:40 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to the 800 block of Cedar Street, Elgin, on a report of criminal mis- chief. The parties involved reached a civil compromise. 5:09 p.m. — A caller reported a disturbance on the 200 block of West Bryan Street, Union. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded, coun- seled and trespassed a person from this address. The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. www.eomediagroup.com to see her students while leading them. The class has between six and seven students. Most live in Northeast Oregon but two reside in Idaho and another lives in Arizona. Many of Zambra- no’s students are seniors who did not grow up in the digital age, but they are having few if any problems connecting to participate in the class. “They are dealing with it better than I am,” Zam- brano said. “Their grand- children are giving them a lot of help.” Zambrano said while her classes are in session she mutes the sound of the stu- dents to prevent distrac- Sabrina Thompson/The Observer, File Laura Zambrano dresses as a knight to lead her tai chi class, which also donned costumes for Halloween, on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at the Summerville Pleasant Grove Grange. Zambrano has since moved to teaching the class virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. tions. However, students can un-mute themselves and ask questions. They also are able to talk with their teacher and fellow students before and after each class. This is one of the students’ favorite parts of the class. “Everybody is together socializing,” she said, adding that personal inter- action is important because so many seniors are isolated during the pandemic. Zambrano began teaching the class virtually two months ago. Tai chi is a Chinese exercise that incorporates breathing, body movement and meditation. Zambrano incorporates qigong, an Asian form of yoga, into the course. One of the purposes of the class is to help her students develop balance and coordination, which she said is meant to be benefi - cial to people of all ages. Candy Kay Williams Mary-Jane Elizabeth Faria June 30, 1964 - December 29, 2020 October 30, 2006 - December 29, 2020 Candy Williams, 56, of Elgin died at her residence alongside her granddaughter during a senseless act of violence on December 29, 2020. A celebra- tion of life will be held at a later date (time and date TBA). Candy Kay was born in Hermiston, Oregon to parents Harold and Donna Harsin on June 30, 1964. The family moved several times and she attended many different schools during her childhood. Candy later received her GED in La Grande, OR. She lived in Oregon most of her life, spending time in Baker, Wallowa and Union Counties. Candy married Terry Francke in 1982 and raised their children Zane, Rosemary and Vera. They later divorced. July 15, 2001, Candy married Charles Williams. A favorite past time they shared was to sit at the table in the winter and watch the snowfall. They were married 17 years before he passed away in 2018. Candy spent her working career doing in-home care. She worked for New Day Enterprises. She had a genuine love and dedication for the people she took care of. Candy was family oriented and used any reason she could to have a get together. She especially loved Christmas and everything that went with it - the lights, the laughter, the food and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed crocheting and painting on her cell phone. Candy is forever loved and will be greatly missed. Candy’s 14 year old granddaughter, Mary Jane Elizabeth Faria was taken with her. She was just starting life. May both of you Rest in Peace. Candy was preceded in death by her husband Charles Williams and her father Harold Harsin. Survivors include her parents Donna Hallgarth and step-dad Jim Trump; son Zane (Sarah) Francke; daughters Rosemary (Jay) Issacson and Vera (Dennis Faria) Francke; brothers Kyle (Hally) Harsin, James (Marielle) Harsin; sister Danette (Allen) Varble; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grands; furbabies Buster and Smokey; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Candy, the family suggests the Crime Victim and Survi- vors Services (CVSS) through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543 Halfway, Ore- gon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com Mary-Jane Eliz- abeth Faria, 14, of Pendleton, Oregon, died alongside her grandmother during a senseless act of violence on December 29, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date (time and date TBA). Mary-Jane “MJ” was born October 30, 2006 at 9:36 p.m. to parents Vera Francke and Dennis Faria in La Grande, OR. She was raised throughout Eastern Oregon and spent time living in Milton-Freewater, Hermiston, Pilot Rock, Pendleton and Elgin. Her last year of school she attended Elgin High School. MJ was a 21st Century Scholar partici- pating in the Oregon GEAR UP program. MJ’s hobbies included coloring, Legos, ice skating, sled- ding, swimming and singing. Her favorite color was pink, she loved daisies and was a Raiders fan all the way! She was a unique soul and wasn’t afraid to learn or try something new. MJ was always caring and concerned and was always doing anything and everything to make her mom smile. An evening tradition MJ and her mom shared when fin- ishing a phone conversation was to end it in a competition of saying “Love you to the black and back, no returns, good night, sweet dreams, don’t let the bed bugs bite”. Then she would reply, “and if they do chew them like the monkeys do,” to where her mom respond, “mmm protein” and MJ would finish with “eeww gross...goodnight Mom”. MJ’s favorite poem, “What’s Mickey without Minnie, what’s Piglet without Pooh, What’s Donald without Daisy, that’s me without you. When Ariel doesn’t sing and Pooh Bear hates honey, where Tigger stops bouncing and Goofy isn’t funny, when Peter Pan can’t fly and Simba never roars, when Alice in Wonderland can’t fit through small doors, when Dumbo’s ears are small and happily ever after isn’t true, that’s when I’ll stop loving you”. MJ is survived by her mother Vera Francke and father Dennis Faria both of Pendleton, OR; grandparents Terry Franke, great-grandmothers Donna Hallgarth and Karen Faria, numerous aunts, uncles; cousins and furbaby Smokey. For those who would like to make a donation in memory of MJ, the family suggests the Crime Victim and Survivors Services (CVSS) through Tami’s Pine Valley Fu- neral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www. tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com
