RECORDS
Thursday, May 5, 2022
ThE OBsErVEr — A5
HONORS
Trust awards $36,000 to local students
The Observer
NORTHEASTERN
OREGON — In 1972 the
Dewuhs-Keckritz Educa-
tional Trust was created
by the wills of the late Joe
Dewuhs and Anton Keck-
ritz. The trust now provides
grants to students in Union
and Wallowa counties to
enable them to pursue edu-
cational goals.
A total of $36,000 was
awarded in 2022 to the fol-
lowing students:
UNION COUNTY
• Maggie Frisch, Cove
High School, $2,000
• Rachel Baird, Cove
High School, $2,000
• Nathan Bingaman,
Imbler High School, $5,000
• Allison Stirewalt,
Imbler High School, $2,000
• Carter Perry, La
Grande High School,
$2,000
• Audrey Hill, Union
High School, $5,000
• Kaylin Nowak, Union
High School, $2,000
• Audrey Wells, Union
High School, $2,000
WALLOWA COUNTY
• Maelen Movich-Fields,
Enterprise High School,
$2,000
• Alona Yost, Enterprise
High School, $5,000
• Bayden Menton,
Joseph High School, $5,000
• Catherine Zeigler,
Joseph High School, $2,000
The DeWuhs and Keck-
ritz families have left a
legacy that is changing
educational opportunities
in Northeastern Oregon.
According to https://
dewuhskeckritz.org, a dedi-
cated group of trustees who
serve without remunera-
tion have made the dream a
reality.
In 2000, the foundation
obtained tax exempt status
and may receive gifts or
bequests from other fami-
lies or organizations. Con-
tact any trustee or visit the
foundation’s website for
more information.
Students awarded BEO scholarships
The Observer
HEPPNER — The
Bank of Eastern Oregon
has announced high school
seniors selected to receive
its 2022 academic scholar-
ships. These scholarships
are awarded to students
planning to enroll in agri-
culture or business in col-
lege and judging is based
on scholarship, leadership
and citizenship.
Applications are
accepted from graduating
seniors in the areas where
Bank of Eastern Oregon
and Bank of Eastern Wash-
ington branches and loan
offices are located.
A total of 20 students
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Applicants interview next
week for Brog Foundation
scholarships
LA GRANDE — Interviews will
be held Wednesday, May 11, for
Edward W. and Marian C. Brog Foun-
dation scholarships. The interviews
will be conducted between 7 p.m.
and 9 p.m. Union County high school
students who applied for and were
invited to an interview will be con-
tacted by the Foundation with specific
interview times and instructions on
how the interviews will be conducted.
Interviews will be in a phone or
videoconference format.
Mother’s Day brunch served
May 8 at senior center
LA GRANDE — A Mother’s Day
brunch will be served Sunday, May
8, at the Union County Senior Center,
1504 N. Albany St., La Grande. The
beginning time of the event was incor-
rectly reported previously. The brunch
will be served from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tickets are $18, or $9 for ages 6-12;
those younger than 6 eat for free.
Proceeds will directly benefit the La
Grande Lions’ sight and hearing pres-
ervation efforts and the center’s senior
programs with a focus on Meals on
Wheels. Reservations are encouraged
by calling 541-605-5556.
Rummage sale proceeds
benefit Tamkaliks Celebration
WALLOWA — The Tamkaliks
Celebration will be hosting its annual
rummage sale Friday and Saturday,
May 13-14. In addition to rummage
treasures, there will be fry bread,
bison chili and baked goods for sale
to-go. The sale will be held from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Nez Perce
Wallowa Homeland Farmhouse,
71054 Whiskey Creek Road, Wallowa
(just past the Tamkaliks Celebration
grounds on the left).
This rummage sale is a fundraiser
for the Tamkaliks Celebration, an
annual cultural event to celebrate and
preserve Nez Perce culture and her-
itage. This year’s celebration will be
at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland
dance arbor on July 24-26.
To donate items to the rummage
sale, call 541-398-1112 to schedule a
drop-off. Monetary donations to the
Tamkaliks Celebration can be made by
mail to P.O. Box 15, Wallowa 97885,
online at www.wallowanezperce.org,
or in-person at the rummage sale.
MONDAY, MAY 2
TUESDAY, MAY 3
7:54 a.m. — A caller reported a donkey on the loose in the area
of 70700 Highway 82, Elgin. Law enforcement contacted its owner,
who took care of it.
9:16 a.m. — A caller on the 3200 block of Highway 30, La
Grande, reported a dog bit someone. An animal enforcement offi-
cer took a report.
9:29 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office received a com-
plaint about vandalism on the 1200 block of East Fulton Street,
Union. A deputy responded and took information.
Jack M. Watne Sr.
August 7, 1946 – April 25, 2022
Jack M. Watne Sr. passed away on April 25, 2022.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Maynard
and Sylvia Watne; brothers, Wayne and Howard; and
sister, Nancy. Jack leaves behind four sons, Jack Watne
Jr., Brad, Chris and David. He is survived by his loving
wife of 43 years, Diane; ex-wife and friend, Carol
Hunter; and an aunt, cousins and grandchildren.
Jack was a graduate of La Grande High School and
Eastern Oregon College. He enjoyed photography,
computers, history, genealogy and metal detecting. He
delighted in taking pictures of the outdoors, compiled
an extensive genealogy of his family, and could be
found wandering the state with his metal detector.
At his request there will not be a funeral or memorial
service. Donations in his name may be made to the
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2701 NW Vaughn St., Suite
203, Portland, OR 97210.
Christen Hart
February 1969 – December 2021
Christen Hart passed away
unexpectedly in December
2021. Christen leaves behind
three children whom she loved
dearly, and many other family
members who will miss her
terribly. Christen’s passions in
life were cooking, crafting and
making those she held close
happy.
Christen is greeted on the
other side by her mother, Lynn Gail Hart; grandmother,
Bernadine Curry; and grandfather, Gene A. Curry.
There will be a potluck-style celebration of her life
at the Riverside Park Pavilion on May 13 at 3 p.m.
Christen would want all of her friends and family to
get together, share good food and enjoy each other’s
company.
tinuing success in agricul-
ture or business,” said Jeff
Bailey, Bank of Eastern
Oregon president and CEO.
Based in Heppner, the
Bank of Eastern Oregon
operates in 11 Eastern
Oregon communities, as
well as having a presence
in eastern Washington and
western Idaho. For more
information, stop by a
local branch or visit www.
beobank.com.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
May 7 — TODD McCOY: 1 p.m. memorial service,
Grace Lutheran Church, Enterprise.
May 7 — CHRISTINA SHROUT: 1 p.m.
celebration of life, New Song Church, La Grande.
May 7 — JEFFERY HARDY: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Highland Cemetery, Elgin.
May 13 — CHRISTEN HART: 3 p.m. potluck-style
celebration of life, Riverside Park Pavilion, La Grande.
May 14 — VIRGINIA FLANERY-DREW: 1 p.m.
celebration of life, La Grande Country Club (casual dress
preferred).
May 16 — LEONARD SPEARS: 10 a.m.
celebration of life, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande.
May 19 — ORVA MURRILL: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Union Victorian Cemetery.
May 21 — MARY SCOTT: 11 a.m. celebration of
life potluck, Elgin Community Center.
May 28 — ANN PAYNE: 3 p.m. celebration of life,
Enterprise Community Church.
June 23 — DAN KRAMER: 2 p.m. memorial
service, Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande
— The Observer
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
6:47 a.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to
a residence in the area of 68000 Hunter Road, Summerville, on a
report of an out-of-control juvenile. The deputy responded coun-
seled the youth.
10:26 a.m. — A caller reported an injured deer on the 1700
block of Conklin Road, Cove. Law enforcement responded and dis-
patched the deer.
2 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office received a request
for a welfare check of a person at Walmart, 11619 Island Ave., Island
City. Deputies found the person was fine.
2:45 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office received a com-
plaint about a suspicious person in the area of 59900 Upper Perry
Lane, La Grande. Deputies responded and found the person was
fine.
5:51 p.m. — A La Grande resident on the 900 block of Lane Ave-
nue reported a burglary. An officer responded and took a report.
8:28 p.m. — A caller on the 900 block of Third Street, North
Powder, made a complaint about a homeless man. A Union County
sheriff’s deputy responded. The subject will leave in the morning.
8:57 p.m. — La Grande police responded to a report of a per-
son suffering a mental or emotional crisis. Police contacted men-
tal health services.
from Eastern Oregon com-
munities each received
$500 scholarships this
year. Students from Union
County who received the
awards are Cove High
School’s Kailee Mans-
veld and Maggie Jo Frisch
and Imbler High School’s
Kendra Counsell.
“We wish these seniors
the best of luck as they move
on to college and look for-
ward to hearing of their con-
11:01 a.m. — Police received a complaint about fraud at The La
Grande Inn, 2612 Island Ave., La Grande. An officer made contact
and took a report.
12:15 p.m. — A caller on the 1600 block of 26th Street, La
Grande, reported a large dog may have been injured. An animal
enforcement officer contacted the dog’s owner.
2:38 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy warned two peo-
ple for trespassing on the 300 block of Depot Street, Elgin.
7:51 p.m. — A caller reported a vehicle was causing a hazard
on the 1700 block of May Lane, La Grande. A Union County sher-
iff’s deputy responded. The vehicle was out of gas but going to be
moved.
10:01 p.m. — La Grande police arrested a 61-year-old La Grande
man on a misdemeanor for reckless endangering and cited him for
possession of methamphetamine.
11:17 p.m. — A caller reported a domestic disturbance on the
1000 block of Galveston Street, Elgin. A Union County sheriff’s dep-
uty responded and took a report.
11:44 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to
a residence in Union on a report of person suffering a mental or
emotional crisis. The person was OK, and the deputy gave informa-
tion about resources.
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Gloria “Ann” (Ratcliff) Payne
June 2, 1936 - April 11, 2022
Ann Payne died peacefully on
April 11, 2022, at her daughter
Jill’s home in Redmond, Oregon,
surrounded by her family. She was
85. A celebration of Ann’s life will
be held at 3 p.m. May 28 at the
Enterprise Community Church.
Ann was born June 2, 1936,
in Enterprise, Oregon, to Leland
and Erna Ratcliff. Ann spent her
childhood in Enterprise where she graduated from
Enterprise High School. She was an only child whose
father taught her to love the wilderness by taking her
hiking and fishing, while her mother shared her love
of shopping and travel. Ann went on to attend Oregon
State University, where she was active in her sorority and
graduated with her bachelor’s degree. After graduating,
Ann reconnected with her childhood friend Tom Payne
and they were married on Jan. 7, 1959, in California.
In 1961 Tom, Ann and their young son, Brad, moved
to La Grande, where their daughters, Jill and Karen,
were born. Ann stayed home to raise their children for
several years before returning to work as a librarian at
Island City Elementary School until her retirement. Ann
was always passionate about books and reading and was
especially excited to share this joy with her students.
With both Tom and Ann working on a school schedule,
their family was able to spend their summers at Wallowa
Lake playing on the water and enjoying time at their
family cabin.
During their years of retirement, Tom and Ann (and
dog Jiggs) traveled extensively with their Good Sam
group before settling into a snowbird lifestyle between
Gold Canyon, Arizona, and Wallowa Lake.
Ann was a driving force in continuing the tradition
of family summers at Wallowa Lake with her children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved
sharing the cabin with family and friends, frequently
inviting grandchildren to stay for weeks at a time. She
enjoyed spending her time playing on the lake, hunting
for mushrooms and huckleberries, reading to her
grandchildren, as well as having tiddly time with her
many friends. Ann gathered and maintained friendships
from childhood, college, Arizona and her travels with
Tom. She could hardly walk through town without seeing
a friend to chat with.
Ann had an unsurpassable love and kindness for her
family and friends. She shaped the lives of many and will
be dearly missed. Her enthusiasm and joy will be passed
on through her sister-in-law, Lora Lee Evans; children,
Brad (Janell) Payne, Jill (Brent) Goold and Karen Payne;
grandchildren, Laurel (Michael), Kyle (Samantha), Ryan
(Kayla), Steve (Collete), Jordon (Adrianna), Jillian,
Megan and Nick; and great-grandchildren, Launa,
Athena, Maya, Beckett and Amelia.
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Christina A. (Cates) Shrout
December 17, 1957 – March 14, 2022
Christina Ann (Cates) Shrout
got her wings on March 14, 2022,
with her son, Anthony, by her side.
A celebration of her life will be
held at New Song Church in La
Grande, Oregon, on May 7, 2022
at 1 pm.
Chris was born on Dec. 17,
1957, to Marilyn and Jack Cates in
Huntsville, Alabama. The sixth of
seven kids, she was raised in Portland, Oregon. Chris
was an excellent student. She attended Gregory Heights
and Madison High School. She enjoyed dancing,
Christmas music and was a good softball player.
She had good friends throughout her life, including
the Smyths (Erin), Carla Blanco and Athena.
In 1979 she married Michael Shrout, and they had
Amanda and Anthony. She worked at Owens Illinois
Glass. After divorcing, Chris moved to La Grande,
Oregon, with her partner, Scott. She raised three of her
11 grandkids there. The two oldest, Ty and Jazmen,
called her “Savage Granny,” as she was feisty. Her
grandkids were her pride and joy.
She liked to travel, and there were many yearly trips
to Reno, Silverwood and Short Sands. Her favorite was
Jamaica.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters,
Terry Lee and Linda; and beloved nephew, Jim Bales.
She is survived by her partner, Scott; daughter, Amanda,
and grandkids, Ty, Jazmen, Drew, Isaiah, Isabella and
Kalani; son, Anthony (Danna), and grandkids, Roston,
Christopher, Noah, Autumn and Zander; and siblings,
Patty Baggett of Pendleton, Richard of Sandy, and
Sandra of Portland. Chris will be dearly missed by all
who loved her.