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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2013)
JoAnn Rebecca (Downey-Kentta) Miller – 1932-2013 JoAnn Rebecca (Downey-Kentta) Miller, age 81, was born between Siletz and Logsden, Ore., on March 10, 1932, to Roy F. and Mae (Adams) Downey. She passed July 10, 2013, at 8:10 p.m. at her home on Logsden Road. She was a member of the Confed- erated Tribes of Siletz Indians and had served multiple terms as an elected member of the Siletz Tribal Council in the 1980s, 1990s and up to February 2006. She had worked as a cook at Toledo High School and Toledo and Newport hospitals before retiring. She married Henry Kentta in 1948 and they had four children before he passed in December 1966. She married George W. Miller in 1968 and they had one daughter. She was an accomplished quilter, gar- dener and weaver among other talents and dearly loved to joke, sing and tell stories. She enjoyed hosting family and friends to picnics at her river property on the Siletz. JoAnn is survived by three sons, Hank (Bonnie) Kentta of Siletz, Matt Kentta of Otis, Ore., and Robert Kentta of Siletz; daughters, Kathy Kentta-Robinson and Bonnie (Jim) Miller-Crawford, both of Siletz; nine grandchildren; sisters, Ila Mae Hoiness of Longview, Wash., Martha Lockhart, Jean Garrett, Deanna Howell, Blanche Downey-Tyler and Charlotte Noble all of Siletz; brothers, Peter Downey of Siletz and Tom Downey of Newport, Ore.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by brothers Melvin (Manny) Downey and Roy Downey Jr.; half-sister Genevieve (Mickey) Gavin; and half- brother Kenneth Blacketer. Services were held July 13 at the Siletz Tribal Community Center. A meal for friends and family followed intern- ment at the Paul Washington Cemetery. JoAnn Rebecca (Downey-Kentta) Miller Our Deepest Appreciation … Goes out from the children and grandchildren of JoAnn Downey- Kentta-Miller for the many kindnesses shown her and us during the last of Mom/Grandma’s life. It is because of your help that she was able to pass comfortably at home and her final arrangements were able to be made beautifully, serenely and in accordance with her wishes. Family/friends assisted in so many special ways. Debbie and Dan Dowell were the good buddies they’ve always been and we can never thank them enough. Dave Hatch, Aunt Jean and Cousin Amy were constantly there for her and us. The other family/friends who visited over the last few weeks have been a great comfort. All of our clinic staff, but espe- cially Lisa Taylor and Kathy Wilson, went far above and beyond the call of duty, showing not just compassion and excellent care, but also love and friend- ship. Lisa, through superhuman efforts, was able to get hospice response to our house in record time when the sudden turn in circumstances happened that Tuesday night. Betsy Morris, LCSW, and Nurse Cindy, God bless them, were awesome angels in a time of need. Cova St. Onge and Cousin Danise Barker in the Enrollment office helped us calmly and rationally make important decisions and were so compassionate and thoughtful through it all. Jayson, Celeste, Debby and Megan from ABC (Affordable Burial & Crema- tion) in Newport were so good to Mom/ Grandma and us. She looked beautiful the morning of the services, but she just did not want an open casket service and so we honored that wish. Carla Williams and her crew at Newport Florist were lovely to work with, even in the face of tight timelines and Carla’s son’s wedding needs hap- pening at the same time. Our best wishes to the new couple and to Carla and crew for their kindness while under (barely perceptible) stress. The kitchen/setup/cleanup crew was a wonderful team that put on an incred- ible meal after the services – we know and appreciate the effort that went into it. We’d like to thank Dee Navarro, Heather Butler and Healyah, Bonnie Petersen, Misty Hammett, Kelley Ellis, Robina Williams, Lisa Easter-Paul, Racheal Wil- son, Brenda and Felisha Howell, Teresa Ueland, Tony Molina, Stuart Whitehead, Jim Crawford, Bud Lane, Buddy Lane, Gary McCrary, Jack Strong, Jimmy Lane, Laura Bremner and Cheryl Lane. We know you also were mourners alongside us, so for you to pitch in and help with the many needs is precious to us. To all who brought flowers and food and others who helped and somehow we Melvin David Viles – 1946-2013 Melvin David Viles passed away July 18 at his home in Eugene, Ore. He was 67 years old. David was born March 4, 1946, in Toledo, Ore., to Melvin and Mary (Ser- vice) Viles but spent most of his childhood years in Prineville, Ore. He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam and Okinawa. Upon returning, he became active in the anti-Vietnam War movement. He also attended classes at Central Oregon Community College at that time, which is where he met Linda Dirickson. They were married in 1969 and had two daughters, Melanie in 1972 and Jessica in 1973. In 1978, David earned his bach- elor’s degree from the Oregon Institute of Technology in civil engineering and technology. He later became a licensed surveyor in the state of Oregon. He loved surveying and there are probably still yel- Most Often Requested Numbers 4 • Siletz News • low caps with his name on them in the Prineville area. He was forced to give up surveying when he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He fought against the disease and its effects for many years. In his later years, it gave him great pleasure to watch his grandson, Jae, grow up and mature into a fine young man. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Linda (Dirickson) Viles; his daughters, Melanie Viles and grandson Jae Viles- Erdelt, and Jessica (Viles) Talbot and her husband, Mitch. He is also survived by his mother, Mary (Service) Viles. Siblings include his sisters, Melissa Potter and Cynthia Viles and his brothers, Dan, Curt and Drew Viles and their families. He is preceded in death by his brother, Tim Viles, and his father, Melvin Viles. In lieu of flowers, please give money to the homeless; it is what David always did. Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians – 800-922-1399 Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494 Salem Finance Office – 888-870-9051 Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512 Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234 August 2013 failed to mention here – you have our unending gratitude. Sammy Bayya and Eugene “Poppa” Williams – you serve us well with tough, solemn tasks. Colin Park –your photography services gifted to Mom/ Grandma’s memory will not be forgot- ten. To each of the pall bearers, you carried out your duties so well and saw her to her final resting place honorably. To Alfred “Bud” Lane III and cousin (nephew to Mom/Grandma) William “Buster” Lane – your close- ness throughout your lives with her is so special and we can’t express how beautifully you showed your love for her in conducting her final services. You both are strong and gentle in your love for friends and family. We’ll never forget your making her memorial ser- vices so special. Hank (Bonnie), Matt, Kathy, Robert and Bonnie (Jim) Nesika Illahee Pow-wow Pow-wow Hiring Aug. 7 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Security, maintenance, kitchen and merchandise positions are available. Applicants will need their Social Security card and valid photo ID. For more information, contact Buddy Lane at 541-444-8230 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1230; or buddyl@ctsi.nsn.us. Melvin David Viles Contract Health Services (CHS) – 800-628-5720 Siletz Community Health Clinic – 800-648-0449 Siletz Behavioral Health – 800-600-5599 Chinook Winds Casino Resort – 888-244-6665 Chemawa Health Clinic – 800-452-7823 Bureau of Indian Affairs – 800-323-8517 Website – ctsi.nsn.us
