RECORDS
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021
THE OBSERVER — A3
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28
8:03 a.m. — La Grande police
responded to the 2000 block of Fourth
Street and arrested a 29-year-old man
who is a transient for theft of services.
10:53 a.m. — Emergency services
responded to Highway 203 near Medi-
cal Springs for a crash. A Union County
sheriff ’s offi ce arrested one subject on
a parole and probation detainer.
5:01 p.m. — La Grande police
received a complaint from a business
at La Grande Town Center, 2212 Island
Ave., regarding an ongoing problem
with people leaving garbage in the
parking lot and stealing from a com-
pany vehicle. An offi cer responded
and explained options.
5:08 p.m. — La Grande police
responded to a disturbance at a resi-
dence on the 600 block of 16th Street.
Offi cers arrived and requested medi-
cal assistance and took a report.
7 p.m. — La Grande police and fi re
responded to Second Street and Y
Avenue for a vehicle fi re.
10:14 p.m. — La Grande police
received a complaint about a person
at Fir Street and Washington Avenue
who urinated in public. An offi cer con-
tacted the subject.
11:16 p.m. — A Union County sher-
iff ’s deputy responded to Highway
204, Elgin, to assist with an illegal burn.
THURSDAY, JULY 29
8:12 a.m. — Local law enforce-
ment and fi re responded to the 58300
block of Foothill Road, La Grande, on
a report of subjects having a campfi re.
10 p.m. — La Grande police
received a report of a non-criminal
weapon law violation at Ace Hard-
ware, La Grande Town Center, 2212
Island Ave.
The emergency personnel warned the
subjects for having the fi re and put it
out.
12:46 p.m. — La Grande police
responded to La Grande Town Center,
2212 Island Ave., for a business where
a customer was disorderly and refus-
ing to leave. Offi cers trespassed the
person.
4:15 p.m. — A caller reported pos-
sible animal abuse on the 1500 block
of Monroe Avenue, La Grande. An ani-
mal enforcement offi cer will follow up.
FRIDAY, JULY 30
12:29 a.m. — The Union County
Sheriff ’s Offi ce arrested David Alan
Proffi tt, 35, on a Clackamas County
warrant for fi rst- and second-degree
rape, fi rst- and second-degree sod-
omy and three counts of fi rst-degree
sex abuse.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MEETINGS
• LA GRANDE — The Union County Democratic
Party August meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 4
has been canceled. Email rknop@eoni.com if you have any
questions.
• LA GRANDE — The Board of Directors of the La
Grande School District will have a special board meeting
and a superintendent and board retreat Friday, Aug. 6, from
12:30-2 p.m. in the library at Central Elementary School,
701 H Ave.
BRIEFS
An introduction to Excel is Tuesday, Aug. 17 for begin-
ning students to learn about spreadsheets, data, calcula-
tions and more.
Students are then eligible to take Intermediate Excel, a
fi ve-day course Aug. 19, 24-26 and 31. Participants in the
intermediate class will advance their skills on complex for-
mulas, creating graphs, and Pivot Tables.
All classes run from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required by
calling Lynn at 541-963-7111 ext. 233 prior to the fi rst day
of class.
Public welcome at
Family History Center
Learn ins and outs of Excel
at free computer classes
LA GRANDE — Training & Employment Consortium,
a part of WorkSource La Grande, 1901 Adams Ave., off ers
free computer instruction year-round. Current COVID-19
regulations allow the courses to again be taught in person.
LA GRANDE — The Family History Center, at
1802 Gekeler Lane in La Grande, is now open to the
public. Hours are Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to
noon, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and
Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. All are welcome.
— The Observer
OBITUARIES
Elaine D. (Makin) Voetberg
1936-2021
Formerly of La Grande
1948-2021
La Grande
founded the church’s Valen-
Phyllis Ellen Hart, 84, for-
merly of La Grande, died
tine’s Day Cookie-Grams.
June 28, 2021, in Snoqualmie,
Ongoing to this day, the fund-
Washington. A memorial ser-
raiser delivers home-baked
vice will be held Aug. 6 at
cookies with heartfelt wishes.
10 a.m. at the Dufur
During her time
Christian Church,
in Kennewick,
315 Harrison St.
Phyllis was a Mary
Phyllis was born
Kay consultant and
Oct. 28, 1936, in
also worked in the
Dufur, to Edra Ray
school district as the
Tidwell and Ada
“lunch lady” (head
Myrtle Tidwell. As
cashier). She took
a young girl on the
pride in her work
12-Mile Ranch, she
and enjoyed her
tended to the live-
daily interactions
Hart
stock, planned and
with the faculty,
prepared meals for
staff and students —
family and ranch hands, and
making sure to know each by
cared for her siblings. She was name.
active in the Dufur First Chris-
While working with youth
tian Church as well as in 4-H,
was a particular passion for
securing many ribbons for her
Phyllis, she supported and
livestock and cooking.
cared for all with whom she
Phyllis attended what was
came in contact. Her faith,
then known as Northwest
kindness and generosity radi-
Christian College, in Eugene.
ated from her and touched the
Following graduation she mar-
lives of many.
ried Jack Lee Hart in Dufur, on
Surviving relatives include
June 21, 1959. She then joined
her daughters, Lorri Aldridge
Jack in Enid, Oklahoma, as he
of Bend and Sherri Hart-King
completed his seminary and
and husband, Scott, of North
served at the Lookout Christian Bend, Washington; fi ve grand-
Church. Jack preceded her in
children; brothers and sis-
death in February 2009.
ters-in-law, Ted and Dolores
Following their time in
Tidwell of The Dalles, Dennis
Enid, Phyllis was active in the
and Deanna Tidwell of Her-
churches where Jack served
shey, Pennsylvania, and Bill
as pastor: the First Chris-
and Louise Tidwell of Kalis-
tian Church of Helena, Mon-
pell, Montana; and sister and
tana, 1962-1973; First Chris-
brother-in-law, Christine and
tian Church of La Grande,
Jim Angel of Winchester,
1973-1988; and First Christian
Idaho.
Church of Kennewick, Wash-
In lieu of fl owers, memo-
ington, 1988-1999. She lent her rial contributions may be
skills and time to the adult and made for scholarships or for
children’s choirs, conducted
work with youth via the La
fundraisers, organized and
Grande First Christian Church
cooked for church dinners and
(P.O. Box 953, La Grande
bazaars, and baked countless
97850) or to the St. Jude Chil-
numbers of cinnamon rolls and dren’s Research Hospital (go
doughnuts and/or prepared and to www.giftfunds.stjude.org
delivered meals.
and enter “Phyllis Hart” under
While in La Grande, Phyllis “Find a Fund”).
Elaine D. Voetberg, 72, of La Grande, died
July 24, 2021, at her home. A private family
service will be held at a later date.
Elaine was born Sept. 22, 1948, in Enter-
prise, to Kelsie Makin and Arlene Makin.
She was their fi rst child.
She grew up in Enter-
prise and graduated from
Enterprise High School in
1966.
Upon graduation,
Elaine moved to Spokane,
Washington, to attend
Kinman Business Uni-
versity. She then moved
to Grand Coulee, Wash-
Voetberg
ington, where she worked
in the school district.
Elaine became active in her commu-
nities by organizing fundraisers for the
schools and local fi re departments. In 1979
she moved to La Grande and went to work
for Skip Bradley and Harold Laurence in
the insurance business. Elaine stayed with
the business through several owners. She
was considered a mainstay of the fi eld for
her wealth of knowledge and humanity that
touched the lives of people in three counties
for nearly 40 years.
Elaine met her future husband, Don,
in 1984 at a J.I. Morgan company dinner.
She came to this dinner with her sister and
brother-in-law.
Elaine was an avid outdoors person,
camper, gardener and cook. She was famous
for her specialty cakes that were often baked
in unusual circumstances for her family, who
always came fi rst and foremost.
A loving wife, mother, auntie and sister,
Elaine had an infectious positive outlook on
life. Her gentleness and quiet strength touched
everyone she met.
She was never one to say “Goodbye” —
she always said “See ya later!”
Surviving relatives include her husband,
Don Voetberg; stepsons, Don Dee Voet-
berg and Dwayne Voetberg and wife, Carol;
sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Lynn
Clary; brother, Lynn Makin; nieces, Melissa
Keene and Jessica Nye; nephews, Tyrel and
Carson Makin; and eight grand-nieces and
grand-nephews.
Online condolences can be shared at www.
tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.
541-786-0038
glazep@eoni.com
$549,000
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open lvg/dining area, eat island, fp, 2 bdrms, 1.5
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level is oversized w/ interior upper access. Adjacent
TL 2403 is for sale. Rental income potential.
“When Only The Best Will Do”
Patricia A Glaze , Realtor
Broker Licensed in the State of Oregon
Member Oregon RMLS
Union County Senior Center takeout lunch
menu
Served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1504 N. Albany St.,
La Grande. For delivery, call 541-963-7532 before 10 a.m.
Age 60+, $3 suggested donation; all others, $5. Public is
welcome.
Aug. 2-6
Monday: almond chicken over rice pilaf, salad greens,
fresh fruit, dessert.
Tuesday: mac and cheese with ham, salad greens, fresh
fruit, cookie.
Wednesday: honey-glazed ham, scalloped potatoes,
Caesar salad, fresh fruit, cobbler.
Thursday: Swiss patty melt, grilled potatoes, salad
greens, fresh fruit.
Friday: cashew-chicken stir-fry over rice, tomato-cu-
cumber salad, fruit garnish, oatmeal-raisin cookie.
UPCOMING LOCAL SERVICES
Phyllis E. (Tidwell) Hart
102 Greenwood Street
La Grande OR 97850
MENU
life, Zion Lutheran Church,
La Grande.
Sept. 18 — JAMES
YOST: 2 p.m. celebration
of life, Cloverleaf Hall,
Enterprise.
Oct. 16 — MELVIN
ELDER: 10 a.m. memorial
service, La Grande First
Christian Church.
— calendar courtesy of
Loveland Funeral Chapel,
La Grande
July 31 — PAUL &
OZIE SMITH: 11 a.m.
joint memorial ser-
vice, Summerville Bap-
tist Church (casual dress
preferred).
Aug. 14 — ALVIN
MONTGOMERY:
12:30 p.m. celebration of
DEATH NOTICES
Verna M. Svaty
La Grande
Verna M. Svaty, 90, of La Grande, died July 30, 2021,
at her residence. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Ronald H. West
North Powder
Ronald H. West, 76, of North Powder, died July 30,
2021, at his home. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
BIRTHS
GRANDE RONDE
HOSPITAL
CHRUSOSKIE:
Bridger Wayne Chrusoskie,
July 18, 2021, son of Rayne
Lee Chrusoskie and Luke
Wayne Chrusoskie, of La
Grande.
LARGENT: Bailey
Rae Largent, July 18, 2021,
daughter of Kiley Redmen
and Evan Largent, of La
Grande.
STONE: Knoxxen Guy
Stone, July 19, 2021, son of
Makenna Teighlor Stone
and Seth Asher Stone, of La
Grande.
TURNER: Colette
Jean Turner, July 20, 2021,
daughter of Hannah Jean
Turner and Trenton David
Turner, of La Grande.
La GRANDE
AUTO REPAIR
975-2000
www.lagrandeautorepair.com
MOST
ADVANCED
TECHNOLOGY
AVAILABLE
Joe Horst
ACDelcoTSS
Rita Ann Lanman
Howard Ernest Castle
December 19, 1933 - July 26, 2021
January 23, 1939 - January 7, 2021
Rita Ann Lanman, 87,
of La Grande, passed
away on Monday, July
26, 2021 at her residence.
Rita was born on
December 19, 1933 in
Portland, Oregon, to Ar-
ley and Myrtle Hornish.
She grew up and went to
school in Gresham, Or-
egon. She moved to La
Grande in 1952, married
and had three children.
In 1979, she married Bil-
ly E. Lanman and gained
5 wonderful step-children and their families.
Rita was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church, a member of Hope Chapter 13, Order of East-
ern Star, Union County Daughters of the Nile, and an
active member of the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband and true
love, Billy E. Lanman, her mother and father.
Rita is survived by her wonderful shared family, Ken-
neth Nice, Stephen Nice, Linda Belock, Bob Lanman,
Cindy Webber, Mark Lanman, and Mike Lanman; 8
wonderful grandchildren and their families; many
nieces and nephews; extended family and many good
friends.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
Howard Ernest Castle - 81 of La Grande, Oregon,
passed away on Jan. 7th, 2021 of natural causes.
A military service was held on July 10th at the
VFW Complex in La Grande, Oregon.
Howard was born on Jan. 23rd, 1939 to Lloyd
Merle Castle and Hazel Riggs. Howard lived in Sher-
idan, WY, until he joined the United States Navy in
1956 after high school. Howard retired from the US
Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Howard was especially proud of his service on the nuclear
submarine USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN 635 of Submarine Squadrom
Eighteen), where he served on the Blue Crew as storekeeper. The
Sam Rayburn was a member of the 41 for Freedom --- a ballistic
missle submarine.
Howard is survived by his wife, Karla Sue Castle of La Grande,
OR; children, Teri Renee Pelesky of Chinook, MT, Lori Sue Miller
and Pamala Jean Castle of Billings, MT, Howard Ernest Castle II
of Falls Church, VA, Kerry Dawn Colvin and David Colvin of La
Grande, OR; grandchildren, Ken D. Pelesky II, Kathryn Mitch-
ell, Steven James Castle, Matthew Carl Schaefer, Charlie Ernest
Miller, Brianna Lynn Hutchinson, Susan Renee Ness, Henry James
Castle, Kristopher Michael Durnal and Kesha Dawn Durnal; 14
great-grandchildren; siblings, James Noland Cosco of Sheridan,
WY, Donald Lloyd Castle of Richmond, KY, Daniel Wayne Castle
of Campbellsville, KY, and Darla Jean Johnson of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Howard is preceeded in death by his parents and brother Richard
Allen Castle.
A BBQ was held after the service at the home of Kerry and Dave
Colvin.