RECORDS
Thursday, March 31, 2022
ThE OBsErVEr — A5
‘You Are Here’ — Exhibits return to Tamastslikt
DEATH & SERVICE NOTICES
Hubert ‘Merle’ Comfort
By JOHN TILLMAN
La Grande
East Oregonian
MISSION — Tamastslikt
Cultural Institute in Feb-
ruary opened its first guest
art exhibit since 2019.
“You Are Here,” the
mixed-media exhibition,
curated by Sheehan Gallery
at Whitman College, was
created for a college course
on Indigenous aesthetics. It
explores themes related to
place and identity. Artists
exhibited are of Indigenous
ancestry, drawing on per-
sonal memories and collec-
tive histories.
The exhibit at Tamasts-
likt, east of Pendleton, runs
until May 14. Most of the
art works Sheehan collected
are on display. Some pieces
belong to Whitman College,
while others are on loan
from private collections or
the artists themselves.
Tamastslikt curator Ran-
dall Melton viewed “You
Are Here” at the Sheehan
Gallery last fall. He said he
asked then if the gallery had
plans for the exhibit after it
was over.
“They said, ‘Would you
like it?’” he recalled.
On the left wall as visi-
tors enter are eight dramatic
landscapes by internationally
renowned Pendleton native
James Lavadour, a member
of the Walla Walla Tribe.
Next are seven painted por-
traits by Ric Gendron, who
belongs to the Arrow Lakes
Band of the Colville Reser-
vation. He has exhibited at
Tamastslikt before.
Three lithographs by
Apsaalooke (Crow) artist
Wendy Red Star follow.
They merge historical
photos with traditional
Hubert “Merle” Comfort, 86, of La Grande, died
Nov. 12, 2021, at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebra-
tion of his life will be held April 9 at 2 p.m. at the La
Grande Nazarene Church. Arrangements are by Love-
land Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Cheryl K. Hafer
La Grande
Cheryl K. Hafer, 77, of La Grande, died March 29,
2022, at a local care facility. A viewing will be held April
1 from 5-7 p.m. at Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande.
A funeral service will follow on April 2 at 10 a.m., also at
Loveland Funeral Chapel. Casual dress is preferred by the
family. Interment will be at the Cove Cemetery.
John J. Hagan
La Grande
Kathy aney/East Oregonian
This blown and sand-carved glass piece by Marcus Amerman and Preston Singletary appears in the “You
Are Here” exhibit showing at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, Mission, through Saturday, May 14, 2022.
quilt patterns. Six bead-
work creations by Choctaw
artist Roger Amerman are
displayed in the corner,
including a prominent
horsehead blanket. The
Whitman-educated
geologist also goes by Abe-
cha-ha (“High Above”).
Nineteen paintings
by Melanie Yazzie of the
Navajo Nation adorn two
walls. More were installed
at the Sheehan. In the center
of the wall on the right are
impressive glass sculptures
by Roger’s younger brother,
Marcus Amerman, and his
Tlingit collaborator, Preston
Singletary.
“We always install
exhibits carefully, but took
extra care with the glass-
work,” Melton said.
Staff took the greatest
care with the heaviest piece
in the middle, a large red
circle with green designs
reminiscent of Mayan jade.
By the entrance are dis-
played fiber art pieces con-
structed from wool blan-
kets and embroidered by
Marie Watt, of the Seneca
Nation.
Seminole artist C. Maxx
Stevens created nine doll-
house exhibits, displayed
in three sets on different
sides of the room. Some
were inspired by his expe-
riences at what is now the
Haskell Indian Nations Uni-
versity, Lawrence, Kansas.
Others move nature inside
the houses.
“These appeal to me,”
Melton said. “In my youth,
I was attracted to dioramas.
With the dollhouses, you
can read into them what
most speaks to your own
experiences.”
The centerpiece of “You
Are Here” is a statue, “Cre-
ation with Her Children,”
by Mohawk-Blackfoot artist
Merritt Johnson, a mother
and stepmom of six, and
Tlingit-Unangax Nicholas
Galanin.
“Creation” is carving her
own face, letting the chips
fall at her feet, where golden
mannikin arms hold open
the jaws of two carnivo-
rous mammals. The artists
worked with plastic tarp,
fabric, cord, wood, horse
hair and other materials.
Melton said he looks for-
ward to returning to a reg-
ular program of visiting
exhibits.
“We are circling back to
some of the exhibits we had
lined up for 2020 and 2021
but couldn’t install due to the
pandemic. The exhibit from
the National Bison Founda-
tion was already here, but we
never took it out of its crates.
We just paid shipping to send
it back. We’d already paid
for it.”
The bison are returning
later this year.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MEETINGS
• COVE — The Cove Com-
munity Association will meet
Monday, April 4, from 6-7:30 p.m.
at Founders Hall on the Ascen-
sion School grounds, Church Street.
Everyone within the Cove School
District is welcome to join the
monthly CCA meetings.
• SUMMERVILLE — The Sum-
merville Cemetery Board of Direc-
tors will meet for a regular session
on Wednesday, April 6, at 9 a.m. in
the chapel at the Summerville Cem-
etery. The purpose of this meeting
is to discuss the potential pur-
chase of a columbarium, upgrades
to the sprinkler system and various
groundskeeping items. The public is
welcome to attend all open sessions
of the cemetery district.
• LA GRANDE — Members of
the Union County Democratic Party
will meet virtually via Zoom on
Wednesday, April 6, beginning at
7 p.m. To register for the meeting, call
541-562-6289 or email a request to
rknop@eoni.com.
BRIEFS
Cove Community Association
hosts game night
COVE — On Saturday, April 2,
the Cove Community Association is
throwing a Community Game Night
from 5-8 p.m. at the Ascension School
Founder’s Hall (brown building on
Church Street).
New neighbors, old neighbors, all
ages are invited to bring their favorite
games, their friends and their fami-
lies. The association aims to help new
and longtime Cove residents get to
know one another and reconnect with
their neighbors.
Give blood next week in
La Grande
LA GRANDE — According to
the Red Cross’ website, the organiza-
tion is experiencing the worst national
blood shortage in more than a decade.
The dangerously low blood supply
levels have forced some hospitals to
defer patients from major surgery,
including organ transplants.
An opportunity to give blood will
be available next week in La Grande. A
community drive will be held in the gym
at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 1802 Gekeler, on Tuesday, April 5,
from noon to 6 p.m., and on Wednesday,
April 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Schedule an appointment at red-
crossblood.org, or download the Blood
Donor app. Call Linda Strand at 541-
910-1973 for more information.
— The Observer
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
MONDAY, MARCH 28
11:12 a.m — A caller on the
110 block of North Main Street,
Union, reported harassment. A
Union County sheriff’s deputy
made contact and explained
options.
1:12 p.m — La Grande police
received a report of mail theft on
the 100 block of Polk Avenue. An
officer made contact and took a
report.
2:18 p.m — A caller reported
animal cruelty at Fifth Street
and K Avenue, La Grande. An
animal enforcement officer
responded and resolved the
situation.
2:59 p.m — La Grande police
received a report of a distur-
bance at Banner Bank, 2720
Island Ave. Officers responded
and took a report.
3:33 p.m — A caller reported
a person with mental illness on
the 63300 block of Gekeler Lane,
La Grande. A Union County
sheriff’s deputy responded and
warned a person for disorderly
conduct.
4:14 p.m — A caller reported
an ongoing problem with theft
on the 2400 block of Empire
Drive, La Grande. An offi-
cer made contact and took
information.
6:54 p.m — A caller reported
someone going through mail
boxes on the 62100 block of
Mount Glen Road, La Grande.
A Union County sheriff’s dep-
uty responded and arrested
Gracee Leonette Shelley, 22,
for attempted mail theft, sec-
ond-degree trespass and mail
theft.
8:44 p.m — The Moon Motel.
2116 Adams Ave., La Grande,
reported someone left behind
two dogs in a motel room.
9:05 p.m — A caller reported
someone was looking in mail
boxes near Fuller Automotive,
2301 Jefferson Ave., La Grande.
An officer checked the area but
found no one suspicious.
TUESDAY, MARCH 29
7:33 a.m. — A caller made a
complaint about barking dogs
on the 62900 block of Mon-
roe Lane, La Grande. An animal
enforcement officer warned
the dog owner.
8:28 a.m. — The Union County
Sheriffs Office received a com-
plaint about a sex crime in Union.
The sheriff’s office took a report
for sex abuse.
9:19 a.m. — A caller
reported the theft of a trailer on
the 10700 block of South Wal-
ton Road, Island City.
9:51 a.m. — La Grande police
received a complaint about a
transient camp in the area of
the 2200 block of Jefferson Ave-
nue. An officer responded and
would follow up.
11:10 a.m. — La Grande
police received a complaint
about vandalism at Racom,
301 Cherry St., La Grande. An
officer responded and logged
information.
12:43 p.m. — A caller com-
plained about aggressive dogs
on the 1300 block of Penn
Avenue, La Grande. An animal
enforcement office responded,
found the dogs were inside a
residence and left a card at the
property.
3:41 p.m. — La Grande
police arrested Kyle Everett Ban-
yard, 29, on a secret indictment
warrant charging third-degree
assault and first-degree crimi-
nal mistreatment.
6:21 p.m. — A caller
reported vandalism on the 2000
block of X Avenue, La Grande. A
Union County sheriff’s deputy
responded and took a report.
11:35 p.m. — A Union
County sheriff’s deputy and
medical emergency agencies
responded to the 73000 block
of Gordon Creek Road, Elgin,
on a report of an vehicle crash
with injuries. The deputy took a
report.
OBITUARY AND DEATH NOTICE POLICY
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• DEADLINES: Noon Friday for Tuesday publication; noon Tuesday for Thursday publication;
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• CONTACT: Devi Mathson, dmathson@lagrandeobserver.com • 541-624-6007
DEATH NOTICE • Free of charge • 150-word maximum in newspaper content style
• Includes name, age, town of residency and information about any funeral services or life
celebrations. • No add-ons available (photos, etc.).
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In Loving Remembrance of
Until We Meet Again
Michael Christopher Dunn
Those special memories of you
will always bring a smile.
If only we could have you back,
for just a little while.
Then we could sit and talk again,
just like we used to do.
You always meant so much and always will too.
The fact that you’re no longer here
will always cause us pain,
But you’re forever in our hearts
until we meet again.
Sunrise on July 15, 1999 in Hermiston, Oregon
Sunset on Febuary 20, 2021, La Grande, Oregon
Memorial Service - April 8, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
Catherine Creek Community Center, Union
Words of Comfort - Denny Langford
Cherished Memories of Mike,
shared by His Family and Friends
Video Tribute
Honorary Pallbearers - Adam Chandler, Trevor
Loftin, Seth Swartout, Derek Schmittle
Friends are invited to join the family
for a reception to be held here at the
Center, Following the Service.
John J. Hagan, 76, of La Grande, died March 30,
2022, at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love-
land Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Donald L. Hough
Joseph
Donald Leroy Hough, 89, of Joseph, died March 23,
2022. A graveside service will be held April 7 at 3 p.m.
at the Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements are by Bollman
Funeral Home, Enterprise.
Jo Anne (Garrison) Hunt
Enterprise
Jo Anne (Garrison) Hunt, 89, of Enterprise Oregon,
died March 20, 2022, at Wallowa Valley Senior Living.
A memorial service will be held April 8 at 3 p.m. at the
Enterprise First Baptist Church. Arrangements are by
Bollman Funeral Home, Enterprise.
Marcus J. McDowell
Joseph
Marcus J. McDowell, 48, of Joseph and formerly of
La Grande, died March 29, 2022. Arrangements are by
Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Laura McKinnis
Imbler
Laura McKinnis, 86, of Imbler, died March 21, 2022,
at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of her life will
be held April 8 at 2 p.m. at the Summerville Cemetery
Chapel. Arrangements are by Daniels-Knopp Funeral,
Cremation & Life Celebration Center, La Grande.
Richard L. Springer
La Grande
Richard L. Springer, 70, of La Grande, died Dec. 17,
2020, at a local care facility. A celebration of his life
will be held April 16 at 2 p.m. at the Elgin Community
Center. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel
& Crematory, La Grande.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
April 1 & April 2 — CHERYL HAFER: Friday,
5-7 p.m. viewing, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La
Grande; Saturday, 10 a.m. funeral, Loveland Funeral
Chapel (casual dress preferred).
April 2 — DIANNA BRAY: noon memorial ser-
vice, Calvary Baptist Church, Cove; followed by recep-
tion and meal.
April 2 — ROBERTA TRUAX: 1 p.m. celebration
of life, Island City Cemetery; followed by reception at
209 S. 18th St., La Grande.
April 7 — DON HOUGH: 2 p.m. graveside ser-
vice, Joseph Cemetery.
April 8 — LAURA McKINNIS: 2 p.m. celebra-
tion of life, Summerville Cemetery Chapel.
April 8 — MICHAEL DUNN: 3 p.m. memorial
service, Catherine Creek Community Center, Union;
followed by reception at the center.
April 8 — JO ANNE HUNT: 3 p.m. memorial ser-
vice, Enterprise First Baptist Church.
April 9 — JUDY & BILL ROSS: 11 a.m. joint
graveside service, Joseph Cemetery; followed by gath-
ering at the Stubborn Mule.
April 9 — MERLE COMFORT: 2 p.m. celebra-
tion of life, La Grande Nazarene Church.
April 16 — RICHARD SPRINGER: 2 p.m. cele-
bration of life, Elgin Community Center.
April 24 — MICHAEL ROBINSON: 2 p.m. celebra-
tion of life, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande; followed
by reception at Riverside Park Pavilion, La Grande.
May 7 — TODD McCOY: 1 p.m. graveside ser-
vice, Prairie Creek Cemetery, Joseph.
May 19 — ORVA MURRILL: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Union Victorian Cemetery.
June 23 — DAN KRAMER: 2 p.m. memorial ser-
vice, Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande
Linda L. Dudley
February 5, 1939 – March 22, 2022
Linda L. Dudley, of Union, Oregon, passed away on
March 22, 2022. She is survived by her three children,
Sherri Croft (Daniel Croft), JulieKay Dudley and Lee
Dudley; sisters, Kathleen Abbott and Colleen Rikard;
and seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years,
Gerald Dudley.
Linda was born Feb. 5, 1939. She was a proud and
loving wife and mother, with a generous heart. Her
greatest joy was being able to give to family and others
in need. She loved quilting and collecting quilts. She was
a lifelong LA Rams and California Angels fan and was
thrilled to see her Rams win the Super Bowl this year.
She will be deeply missed by her family and her best
friend of 50-plus years, Betsy Paxton, also of Union.
Linda chose not to have a service. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to Special Olympics Oregon
(www.soor.org) or Autism Society of Oregon (www.
autismsocietyoregon.org).