RECORDS
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022
THE OBSERVER — A5
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MEETINGS
BRIEFS
• ISLAND CITY — The Grande
Ronde Hospital Auxiliary meeting for
May will be at the Island City City
Hall on Monday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m.
The meeting includes a celebration of
volunteers. All members are encour-
aged to attend as this will be the last
meeting until September.
• IMBLER — The Imbler School
District Budget Committee will meet
for a regular session on Tuesday, May
17, at 6:45 p.m. in Room 1 of the high
school. The committee will discuss
and review the 2022-23 proposed
budget. A regular board meeting will
immediately follow. The public is wel-
come to attend.
• UNION — The Union Rural
Fire Protection District Board will
meet Tuesday, May 17, at the fi re
hall. The Budget Committee will
meet at 7 p.m., followed by the reg-
ular monthly board meeting. For more
information, call 541-910-3114 or
email union.rfpd@outlook.com.
Fiddle show happens tonight
in La Grande
LA GRANDE — The Blue Moun-
tain Old Time Fiddlers will put on
a show Saturday, May 14, at the
Union County Senior Center, 1504 N.
Albany St., La Grande.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with food
for sale, followed by music at 6 p.m.
Admission is $5.
Chess club meets weekly at
the Josephy Center
JOSEPH — The Wallowa County
Chess Club meets on Mondays from
3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Josephy Center,
403 N. Main St., Joseph. Players of all
ages and levels are welcome.
La Grande Swim Club summer
registration set for May 18
LA GRANDE — Summer regis-
tration for the La Grande Swim Club
will be on Wednesday, May 18, from
Newman named
interim dean of the
College of Education
The Observer
LA GRANDE —
Eastern Oregon Univer-
sity has named Rae Ette
Newman as interim dean of
the College of Education.
Newman
will serve in
the interim
position
during the
2022-23
academic
year while
Newman
the univer-
sity conducts a nationwide
search for its next provost.
Matt Seimears appointed
Newman as interim dean
after assuming his new role
as interim provost. She will
offi cially assume her new
role on July 1.
“I am excited and
thankful for this opportu-
nity to step into this leader-
ship role at EOU,” Newman
said. “The College of Edu-
cation is an amazing team
who will be invaluable to
me as we work together to
help students achieve their
educational goals.”
Newman has been with
EOU since 2013 where she
has worked as an associate
professor of education.
While at EOU, Newman
has also served as chair
of the College of Educa-
tion, director of accredi-
tation, co-director of edu-
cator preparation, early
childhood program coordi-
nator and Master of Arts in
Teaching program coordi-
nator. Newman received her
doctorate in special educa-
tion from the University of
Nevada, Las Vegas.
“Dr. Newman will be
leading the College of Edu-
cation regarding her new
appointment and next steps
in identifying an interim
chair for the college,”
Seimears said.
DEATH & SERVICE NOTICES
4-6 p.m. in the Veterans’ Memorial
Pool’s lobby. The pool is on Palmer
Avenue adjacent to Pioneer Park. For
swimmers not currently swimming
and not currently registered with USA
Swimming, summer swimming will
begin June 13.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
TROY — On Thursday, May 19,
the Wallowa Valley Center for Well-
ness and Wallowa County Veterans
Services are hosting a Veterans Appre-
ciation Dinner at the Troy School.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m.
and features a free meal for vets and
a goodie bag of resources. The dinner
will be catered by Chuckwagon
Sisters.
The event is free but please RSVP
by calling 541-426-0539 to ensure
there’s enough food and goodies for
everyone who attends.
— The Observer
UNION COUNTY SENIOR
CENTER LUNCH MENU
LA GRANDE — Lunch
is served at the Union
County Senior Center, 1504
N. Albany St., La Grande,
on weekdays. The meal
is open to the public, and
both sit-down and grab-
and-go options are available.
For information on having
lunches delivered by Meals on
Wheels, call 541-605-5556.
Dine-in meals: Served
from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;
use front entrance. Suggested
donation is $4 for age 60+, $7
for all others.
Takeout meals: Pick up
from noon to 1 p.m. at kitch-
en’s back door. Cost is $7
for all.
MAY 16-20
Monday: almond
chicken over rice pilaf,
broiled tomatoes, Caesar
salad, fresh fruit, lemon
bar.
Tuesday: hand-crafted
pizza, salad greens, fresh
fruit, cookie.
Wednesday: tender beef
with brown gravy, red pota-
toes, steamed asparagus,
salad greens, cake.
Thursday: chicken mar-
sala over noodles, Italian
bread, steamed zucchini,
salad greens, fresh fruit.
Friday: quiche, country
potatoes, sausages, fresh
fruit, cinnamon roll.
BIRTHS
GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL, LA GRANDE
BURBANK: Keppler Myles Burbank, born May 1, 2022, to Jamey
Kimberly Olson and Owen Jonathan Burbank, of La Grande.
CRADER: Clark Everett Ross Crader, born April 29, 2022, to Julie
Ann Crader and Brian Crader, of Union. Grandparents are Vernon
and Kathy Crader, Grandma and Grandpa Thompson and Grandpa
Bud.
ROSALEZ-PARKINSON: Marley Rosalez-Parkinson, born April
27, 2022, to Maria Rosalez and Andrew Parkinson, of La Grande.
Grandparents are Mike and Karen Parkinson and Laura and Gabriel
Alegria.
Avenue on a report of a disturbance. Offi cers warned the parties
for disorderly conduct.
7:45 a.m. — A caller reported a burglary at a residence on the
61300 block of Highway 203, Union. A Union County sheriff ’s dep-
uty made contact.
11:07 a.m. — A caller reported a transient camp on the 400
block of 20th Street, La Grande. An offi cer checked and found the
camp was empty.
12:16 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about
child neglect and started an investigation.
1:44 p.m. — A caller reported fi nding kittens on Foothill Road,
La Grande. A Union County sheriff ’s deputy responded and took
information.
3:38 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff ’s Offi ce received a report
of a burglary at a residence on the 800 block of South Fourth Street,
Union. A deputy made contact.
9:25 p.m. — A caller reported suspicious circumstances in the
area of 66400 Highway 203, Union. Dispatch advised local law
enforcement.
11:17 p.m. — Emergency services responded to the 800 block
of South Main Street, Union. Union County sheriff ’s deputies then
arrested Nathan Daniel Prouty, 38, for driving under the infl uence
of intoxicants, reckless driving, eluding and resisting arrest.
THURSDAY, MAY 12
12:10 a.m. — La Grande police responded to Fir Street and T
Gerald “Gerry” K. Keffer
July 25, 1945 – October 23, 2021
Robert Isaac Watson Jr.
March 22, 1934 - April 27, 2022
Robert Isaac Watson Jr., 88,
died April 27, 2022, at his home in
La Grande, Oregon. He was born
March 22, 1934, to Robert Isaac
Watson Sr. and Irene May (Goff)
Watson.
Robert graduated from Baker
High School in Baker, Oregon. He
served 4 years in the United States
Navy aboard the USS Vaughan and
Richard aircraft carrier.
After the United States Navy, he worked for and
retired from the United Pacific Railroad. He worked
various truck driving jobs. He worked for Community
Connection and retired there.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time at his
ranch in Keating, and loved visits from his grandkids
and great-grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Lea Wat-
son, and son, Daniel Scott Watson, his parents, 1 broth-
er, and 2 sisters.
Survivors are son Douglas A Watson (Michelle),
grandkids Stephanie Barnett (Kirk), DJ Watson (Mor-
gan), David Watson (Kellie), three step-granddaugh-
ters and 12 great-grandkids, his siblings: two brothers
Mike Watson (Debbie), Larry Watson (Myrna), three
sisters Helen Lefever, Sharon Brainard (Jerry), MaryJo
Zimmer (Allan) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at a later date at Mount Hope
Cemetery in Baker City, Oregon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ameri-
can Cancer Society through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer
Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
To leave an online condolence for the family of
Robert, please visit: www.grayswestco.com.
Joseph
Mary “Lorraine” Crawford, 85, of Joseph, died May
12, 2022, at her home. A graveside service will be held
May 21 at 10 a.m. at Prairie Creek Cemetery, followed
by a gathering with light refreshments for close friends
and family at the Enterprise Community Church.
Appreciation dinner salutes
Wallowa County vets
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
7:25 a.m. — A caller reported a burglary on Cemetery Road,
Elgin.
7:50 a.m. — La Grande police during a traffi c stop on the 3000
block of Island Avenue arrested Michael Patrick Piggott, 24, on a
Union County Jail detainer and for four counts of felon in posses-
sion of a weapon.
12:37 p.m. — A caller reported a transient camp in the area of
10200 North E Street, La Grande.
2:54 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the city public
works department, 800 X Ave., on a report of harassment. Police
cited three teen males, ages 14, 15 and 17, for fourth-degree
assault, unlawful use of a weapon and reckless endangering.
3:53 p.m. — Local law enforcement responded to Adams and
Island avenues, La Grande, for a vehicle crash and took reports.
4:23 p.m. — A caller made a complaint about theft of services
on the 1900 block of Cedar Street, La Grande. An offi cer made con-
tact and determined there was a violation of city law.
6:03 p.m. — La Grande police received a report of a transient
camp at Pioneer Park.
8:36 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff ’s Offi ce received a com-
plaint about harassment in the area of 62000 Blackhawk Trail Lane,
La Grande. A deputy made contact and explained options.
Mary ‘Lorraine’ (Christman) Crawford
Gerry Keffer’s celebration of
life will be held on Saturday, June
18, 2022, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
until family and friends are through
visiting. Lunch will be served. The
event will be at the Island City City
Hall, at 10605 Island Ave., Island
City, Oregon.
Gerald Kay Keffer was born
on July 25, 1945, to Verlin and
Margaret Keffer. On March 19, 1945, Verlin was killed in
World War II, leaving Margaret a widow with two boys,
Gail and Roland, and Gerald being born four months
later. Margaret met and married Vernon Breshears.
Then the family moved to Island City, Oregon.
Gerry attended Island City School and after
graduating from La Grande High School, he joined
the United States Navy. He became a torpedo-man’s
mate and served on the USS Sea Poacher SS 406.
Gerry proudly served his country and was honorably
discharged in August 1966 as a third-class petty officer.
Gerry returned home and married Sharon Lemons.
They had two sons, Daniel and Phillip. Gerry was
employed as a computer punch operator in Oregon City.
Gerry later married Anita, on July 4. After retirement,
Gerry began a new career as an 18-wheeler truck driver,
delivering goods throughout Oregon. After retiring the
second time, Gerry and Anita moved to McMinnville,
Oregon. Gerry said he wanted to enjoy his retirement in
front of the TV, and he did just that.
Gerry enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers,
Gail and Ron.
Gerry was preceded in death by his father, Verlin
Keffer; his mother, Margaret Keffer Breshears; stepdad,
Vernon Breshears; son, Daniel Keffer; and grandson,
Cody Keffer. He is survived by his wife, Anita; son,
Phillip (Christina); brothers, Gail (Janice) and Ron
(Kathy); five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
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. celebra-
tion of life, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande.
May 19 — ORVA MURRILL: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Union Victorian Cemetery.
May 21 — LORRAINE CRAWFORD: 10 a.m.
graveside service, Prairie Creek Cemetery; followed by
gathering with light refreshments at Enterprise Com-
munity Church.
May 21 — MARY SCOTT: 11 a.m. celebration of
life and potluck, Elgin Community Center.
May 21 — RON JENKINS: 1-3 p.m. celebration of
life, Union County Senior Center, La Grande.
May 28 — DORIS TSIATSOS: 11 a.m. memo-
rial service, family cemetery, Starkey; potluck follows
at home of Bill and Donna Tsiatsos, 53540 Baseline
Road, Starkey.
May 28 — ANN PAYNE: 3 p.m. celebration of life,
Enterprise Community Church.
June 4 — JOSEPH BRESHEARS: 1 p.m. grave-
side service, Wallowa Cemetery.
June 4 — DENNY LEWIS: 2 p.m. celebration
of life, Mount Emily Building, Union County Fair-
grounds, La Grande.
June 18 — GERRY KEFFER: 11:30 a.m. celebra-
tion of life and lunch, Island City City Hall.
June 23 — DAN KRAMER: 2 p.m. memorial ser-
vice, Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande
OBITUARY AND DEATH NOTICE POLICY
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• CONTACT: Devi Mathson, dmathson@lagrandeobserver.com • 541-624-6007
Theodore (Ted) Keith Freels
August 25, 1949 - April 21, 2022
Theodore (Ted) Keith Freels, of
Enterprise, Oregon, passed away
in Enterprise April 21, 2022, sur-
rounded by family.
Ted was born August 25, 1949,
in Enterprise, to John and Rena
Freels. He grew up with two broth-
ers on Hurricane Creek Road on
the family farm where he learned
the trade, and he continued to farm
and ranch for the rest of his life. He attended school in
Enterprise where he was an excellent basketball play-
er, an engaged member of FFA, and was the state and
school record holder in track for the 440-yard dash. In
high school Ted met the love of his life, Kathy Stan-
gel, and after graduation the couple married on July 11,
1970.
Ted eventually took over the Freels family farm, and
he also rode horses for local ranchers including Wayne
Cook, Doug McDaniel, Wayne and Gordon Wolfe, and
the McClaran family. Ted also worked for Vemco in En-
terprise and at the Enterprise and La Grande stock sale
yards.
Ted was a gifted horseshoer and often built sharp
shoes. Frequently working with close friend Tip Proc-
tor, Ted wore many hats and worked various other jobs.
For entertainment Ted enjoyed team roping and wild
cow milking at rodeos, an event which he won many
times.
In 1975 Ted and Kathy had their first child, Brian
Keith, followed by Clay William in 1985, and Sara
Elizabeth in 1988. Ted was a proud father showing his
love by teaching his kids horsemanship, farm and ranch
skills, welding, and the value of hard work. Making
time for his family, he attended nearly every sporting
event, helped with every 4H and FFA animal, and many
times he drove kids to Tygh Valley and Union so the
kids could participate in the livestock shows. He spent
uncountable hours volunteering for the 4H program,
cooked breakfast at livestock shows and helped out
in various roles at the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. Ted
will always be remembered for starting water fights and
teasing the kids at the fair.
In later years Ted continued to attend fair and 4H
events with his twin granddaughters, Cara and Paige,
and he taught them the same values and skills as his
own children. He had a soft spot for his grand-dog Ace
Freels, the King Charles Spaniel, and as his health be-
gan to decline his new grandson, Cavanaugh, brought
him great happiness.
Ted will be missed by many and is preceded in death
by his parents John and Rena, and survived by wife
Kathy (Stangel), children Brian (Shelli), Clay (Erin),
and Sara Tippet (Dusty). The joy of his later years were
his grandkids Khai Robertson (21), Cara Freels (15),
Paige Freels (15), Atlas Robertson (2), and Cavanaugh
Freels (9 months).
“There was always love in Daddy’s Hands” - Holly
Dunn