LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the editor:
On behalf of myself (Cheryl Ben)
and daughters (Fawn Young and Brook
Larabee), I would like to express our
sincerest appreciation to so many
people for their loving support during
the passing of my husband, Rod Ben. I
feel so honored and proud to be part of
such a wonderful caring tribe.
I’ll begin with the first person I
contacted on July 22, when I knew it
was time for Rod to say good-bye to
all his family and loved ones.
Kathryn Dick was so gracious to
call family members (I’d run to the
hospital, of course, without phone
numbers). Kathy, not only for that first
response, but throughout the past few
weeks. The beautiful floral arrange
ments you made for our family - what
a talent God has blessed you with.
Before I could even request it, your
daughter, Jessica Werth, wanted to play
Taps for Rod. Jeanna Harrington also
stepped up and said she’d like to do The
Lord’s Prayer with Selene and Sam. (It
was beautiful as always, Selene.
Thanks.)
When the Ben Aunties (Shirley,
Vickie, and Maxine), Uncle Raymond
and Pam were reached, they started
calling all of Rod’s cousins, nieces, and
nephews to come in. What a great
example of a family pulling together for
Rod (everyone’s favorite cousin).
Thank you so much for the love and
support you’ve shown to me also.
Maxine, for requesting that we join
hands around Rod’s bed for prayer -
of course, “thank you’’ just does
not seem adequate.
Kent Kaiser, John Farrar, Martin
Wheeler, and Don Kennedy for coming
to the hospital.
The
“young
bucks” (the
two older
bucks also)
who carried
Rod
and
placed him
next to his
uncle,
Robert
R i 1 a t o s .
Thanks to
all the “hon-orary casket bearers.” Our
“church family” (Logsden church) for
bringing food, flowers, cards, support,
and love, and also assisting in the
kitchen Saturday night. Ron Hudson for
speaking -1 knew you could do it. You
were a great source of strength and
encouragement for Rod and myself
over the past 14 years.
The wonderful clinic staff - Erin
Hume, my sincerest appreciation, right
down to Sara Bell and Kristi Martin,
who are always so pleasant and
professional. Thanks for your care
of my husband. The Alcohol and Drug
staff (George, Janet, Sandy, Walt,
and Sue George) for all their
encouragement and support. Loraine
Butler, your kind and caring guidance
through the paperwork.
The Honor Guard (hand-picked) -
Heather Walker, it was so special to
have you rush up here from California.
Stan Werth and the cemetery crew for
such good care of the gravesite.
“Ben Family Drum,” for singing.
“Dancing Again Drum” for Rod’s
favorite song, Soldier Boy.
Juanita Whitebear, Molo, and
ShayMan for your songs and prayers
Saturday night. All of Rod’s work
buddies and hunting buddies for all the
wonderful words and memories you
shared with me. My family from Warm
Springs for coming over.
Eldon Tom for speaking on behalf
of my Great-Uncle Elmer Tom. For my
Grand Ronde cousins (Chips Tom and
daughters) for attending. Of course, the
beautiful song by Arlissa Rhoan - it was
so appropriate for Rod.
My two sons-in-law for their song,
Dawn Toomey for her song. Rod had
such a wonderful sendoff. The most
touching and humbling moment for me
out of all this was the kitchen help.
Chuvonne Metcalf, Liz John, Kitti
Hostler, Judy Imbler, probably more
people than just you helping out, but
Treaty Celebration
Sept. 10,2003 - Medford, Oregon
To celebrate the 15O'h anniversary of the Treaty of Table Rock.
Open to Siletz Tribal members and guests by invitation
To the editor:
I, along with the rest of my family,
would like to send a big thank you to
some tribal employees who have helped
make my father, Roy Downey’s,
struggle with cancer and recently a
fractured back easier to work through.
Rhonda Attridge, Judy Muschamp,
and Shannon Case in Contract Health
have been outstanding! Rhonda has
shown an outstanding amount of care
and concern and has been most helpful.
Cathy Rasmussen and Rose Kunkel
from Community Health have helped
us brainstorm ideas for assistance
and needed equipment, which was
a wonderful help to us and is
much appreciated!
4'
0
Siletz Néws
□
My father would also like to extend
a special thanks to the elders for their
monetary gift and card that he received
while convalescing. It really cheered
him up and made him feel good to see
so many names on the card.
My father’s medical reports have
come back with no signs of cancer and
he is healing from his back injury quickly.
We are very blessed to have him. To all
of our tribal member family, friends,
and caring employees, thank you for
helping, thinking of us, and sending
good wishes and prayers on his behalf.
May good health be returned to all
of you for your gifts of kindness to us!
Rebecca (Downey) Williams
Septèmber 2003
Charter, con’t from page 1
children in Siletz deserve to have a
school in their community. We’re
pleased to lead this community
wide effort to provide a school for
our children.”
The deadline for individuals
interested in applying for teaching and
other staff positions was Aug. 15.
Registration packets for students are
available at the Siletz Tribal admin
istration building, 201 S.E. Swan Ave.,
in Siletz. Contact Bev Youngman at
541-444-8290 or 1-800-922-1399,
ext. 290; or Craig Whitehead at
541-444-8230 or 1-800-922-1399,
ext. 230, for more information.
you ladies seemed to keep it moving
and so well organized, going from one
funeral right into another.
To see Dino Butler, Robert Kentta,
and others cleaning up after all of us,
and Rosalie Bremner (mopping the
floor) - it was just overwhelming. How
very, very, touching! All I could think
was how wonderful it is to be a member
of this tribe.
Everyone who attended and had
such fantastic words to share, cards, and
flowers. 1 hope I haven’t left anyone out.
There were so many people involved,
so many wonderful employees who
jumped right in and helped. My family,
“the Staggs-Tom family” - I really
needed you there for your support,
strength, and love.
Most of all, I’d like everyone to
know that it’s been a great honor and
privilege to walk with this “warrior
above warriors,” Rod Ben. Rod fought
many battles - physical, mental, and
spiritual - and conquered them all, even
his illness. His expectancy was two to
four-and-a-half years. Rod went five
years and four months.
These past 14 years have been a bles
sing to be there for Rod until the very end.
Thanks, sister Sue, for being there
through all my stressing.
God bless all of you!
Cheryl Ben and daughters Brook
and Fawn
Tribal Loans
Available for
Home
Improvements
The Siletz Tribe Revolving
Credit Program currently offers
loans to tribal members for home
improvements. Tribal members
can use these loans for such things
as a new roof, new siding, new
carpeting, room additions, a new
furnace, and new appliances.
For more information about
the Home Improvement Loan
Program, call Dave Litchy at the
Siletz Tribe Finance Office in
Salem, Ore., at 503-304-4064 or
1-888-870-9051 (toll-free).