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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 3, 2016)
RECORDS Wednesday, August 3, 2016 East Oregonian Delton (Del, Coach) LaRue Darrell W. Bain Patricia ‘Pat’ Smith Ione March 26, 1938-July 23, 2016 Pendleton May 10, 1939-July 24, 2016 Hermiston July 29, 2016 Delton LaRue, 78, of Ione died Saturday, July 23, 2016, in Idaho Falls. A celebra- tion of life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Ione School gymnasium. He was born March 26, 1938, in Freewater, Oregon, to parents Ernest and Jennie Modlin LaRue. Del grew up in Freewater, graduating from McLoughlin High School in 1956. Siblings were brother Gilbert LaRue LaRue and sisters Irene Freeman and Evea Hoggatt. Following graduation from Mac High, Del attended Paci¿c University in Forest Grove, graduating in 1960. His long teaching career began at Lostine High School where he taught from 1960-1964. In 1961 Del married Linda Winters, and May 25th marked their 55th wedding anniversary. From 1964-1966 Mr. LaRue taught at Wallowa High, and then spent the next four years at Wheeler High in Fossil, from 1966-1970. Moving to Ione in the summer of 1971, Del spent the next 26 years in the classroom, the gym, the football ¿eld and the track of Ione High School until retiring in 1997. Following Del’s retire- ment, Del and Linda stayed in Ione, but headed for the warmer climate of Yuma, Arizona, during the winter for the past eight years. Coach LaRue always returned to Ione in plenty of time for the track season, as he continued to lead the track program until 2009, and earned the award for National Girls Track Coach of the Year in 2003. Mr. LaRue was dedicated to his students and athletes, whether in the classroom or on the playing ¿eld. He brought out the best in each of them, always encouraging young people to stretch to do their very best, and to always believe in themselves. Lessons taught went far beyond the skills of the game, with Coach always instilling teamwork, sports- manship, hard work and dedication in each of his athletes. Of course those same attributes were stressed with Del and Linda’s own three children, Robin (Melissa) LaRue of Ione, Shawn (Denise) LaRue of Oregon City and Michelle (Jerry) Buczynski of Sheridan. Bringing great joy to the family were grand- children Jacoby, Cayben, Zach, Kayla, Kevin, Joshua, Katie, Kyle and Gracie, and great-grandchildren Finley, Stella and Quin. Del’s family was his pride and joy, and the LaRues spent much time together. It seems only appropriate that at the time of his death Del and Linda were on holiday with Michelle and her family in Yellowstone. The community of Ione will miss seeing Del waving from his 1934 Ford coupe as he drove the town, stopping to chat with his many friends. The daily ritual of getting the mail often turned into a long visit with whoever he happened to meet. In lieu of Àowers, dona- tions may be made to the Coach LaRue Scholarship in care of the Bank of Eastern Oregon, Ione Branch, P.O. Box 106, Ione, OR 97843 Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements. Deborah RaNae Lankford Billings Pendleton December 11, 1954-July 29, 2016 Saturday, July 29th, 2016, Deborah RaNae Lankford Billings got her wings and joined our Lord in heaven. She passed away at her home in Pendleton surrounded by loving family and friends. Her valiant battle with liver cancer is done. Deborah was born in Pend- leton, Oregon, on December 11, 1954, to Dutch and Lavon Lankford. She was the little sister to six big brothers. Deborah attended school in Pilot Rock, graduating in 1974. She is survived Billings by her husband Tom Billings, step- sons Kelly and wife Shawna and Kevin and wife Janell, and three granddaughters, Karsyn, Emerson and Preslee Billings. She is also survived by her brothers Jim and wife Pat, Bill and wife Celia, Morris and wife Gloria, Mike and wife Nancy Lankford and sister-in-law Betty Lankford. Also nine nephews, four nieces and numerous great- nephews and -nieces who held a special place in her heart. It would be impossible to name all the others who knew her as “Aunt Deb.” She was preceded in death by her parents Dutch and Lavon, brothers Bob and Jack, and sister-in-law Janet Lankford. On November 27, 1999, she married Tom Billings in Pilot Rock. They lived in Pendleton and spent some time traveling to faraway places such as Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Their trip last year was to Dubai. Crafts were a specialty. She could make ama]ing Àoral arrangements. Debbie did Àowers and organized many weddings for family and friends. Many have one of her quilts made with loving hands. All her Christmas baskets had some of her wonderful tasty home- made jams, salsa and other delectable delights. She had a wonderful voice and loved to sing hymns. Deborah had a heart of gold and was known for her generosity. She never knew a stranger. A big smile and warm hug was her standard greeting for all. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She spent 11 months shopping for everyone. There were gifts for all and baskets full of goodies for special friends. The mountains were always calling her name. She was an avid hunter and loved spending time at their cabin with family and friends. Trap shooting was one of her favorite sports. She was the secre- tary/treasurer of the Pilot Rock Gun Club in the ’90s. While keeping books and ¿xing meals for the members she also managed to earn quite a few champi- on’s belt buckles. Throughout her years she had jobs in several ¿elds. One of her favorites was driving for Mid-Co- lumbia Bus. Each child was special to her and she did many things to help those who were in need. These last years she found a new passion: SCENTSY! Deborah started just like everyone else, but soon she was one of the top sellers. Many awards and trips were earned. She never missed a summer convention or the annual Spring Event. Debbie was eager to share her love of the Scentsy family and their products. It brought her great joy to bring in a new consultant and she did all she could to help them build their business. She was a great example of what hard work and dedication could do for an ambitious woman. “Aunt Deb” will be missed by many. Hearts are heavy but also glad she is free from pain and suffering. Services are at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Saturday, August 6th at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing Saturday morning prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in the family plot at the Pilot Rock Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at the Pilot Rock Community Center following the burial. In lieu of Àowers, dona- tions can be made in memory to the local Pendleton Cancer Clinic, St. Anthony Hospital, 2801 St. Anthony Way, Pend- leton, OR 97801. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.pioneerchapel.com Darrell Bain passed away Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Pendleton at the age of 77 after an extended illness. He was born at home in 1939 in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to Walter and Ellen (Mickelson) Bain. He came to Pend- leton in 1942 with his sister Donna and his parents. In his younger years he went to the Pendleton Adventist Church School. His high school years were Bain spend at Laurel- wood Academy in Gaston, Oregon. He married Margaret Pulse in 1961 and together they raised four children. After working at Harris Pine Mills for a number of years, he went to work for Whitey Schroth in 1966 in the coin-operated equipment business until Whitey’s death in 1988. In 1989 he started his own coin-op business with Bill Code and retired in 2015 due to health issues. Darrell was an avid car enthusiast, owning many collectible cars. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Donna Richardson. He is survived by his wife Maggie, his children Marty Grubaugh, Jeff Bain, Karol Thornton and Julie Smith, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At his request there will be no service. Disposition was by cremation. Sign the online condo- lence book at www. burnsmortuary.com. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton handled arrangements. Gary H. Grogan Pendleton April 8, 1950-July 31, 2016 Gary H. Grogan, a 43-year resident of Pend- leton, passed away on July 31, 2016, in his home surrounded by his immediate family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on April 8, 1950, in Hood River, Ore., and graduated from Sunset High in Beaverton, Ore. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is proceeded in death by his father Harold and is survived by his Grogan mother Alberta, brother Tom, and sister Linda; his wife Donna of 43 years; children Vanessa McAlvain (Paul), Tracy Star- liper (Dan) and Kyle Grogan. He worked for 43 years as a professional carpet and vinyl installer. His hobbies were ¿shing, mountains and the beach, music, and his newest adventure, riding in his son-in-law’s helicopter. Family and friends were a top priority. He loved to have reunions and everyone was welcome to his home. We want to thank his doctor and hospice for their care. Memorial service will be on August 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eagles, 428 S. Main St., Pendleton, OR 97801. Milford Clay (Mel, Buddy, Pete) Peterson Pendleton March 8, 1923-July 29, 2016 Milford Clay (Mel, retired in 1985. Many of the Buddy, Pete) Peterson, 93, brick buildings and ¿replaces of Pendleton, Ore., passed in Pendleton are the result of away on Friday, July 29, his craftsmanship. He loved 2016, at home of hunting and ¿shing natural causes. and all sports. He The Celebra- was active with the tion of Life will VFW providing be held at 10:00 door security a.m. on August 6, for basketball 2016, at the Epis- tournaments and copal Church in for more than 40 Pendleton, Oregon. years supported Rev Charlotte the Happy Canyon Wells of the Epis- during the Pend- copal Church will leton Round-Up by be of¿ciating. running a lot and Inurnment will be parking cars. held on August Mel is survived 8, 2016, at Olney by his children, Cemetery at 10:00 Stephen Peterson a.m. Sign the online Peterson (with Gloria Flint) condolence book and Tiah Peterson at www.burnsmortuary. (with Jeff Engelman); his com. Funeral arrangements siblings, Beverly Cameron are being handled by Burns (spouse Gary Cameron) Mortuary of Pendleton. and James Peterson; grand- Mel was born children Jody Reedy, Seth in Turtle Lake, North Peterson, Amanda Peterson, Dakota, on March 8, Desirae Peterson-Raffety, 1923. He graduated Kenton Peterson and Dylan from Santa Monica High Clemons; eight great-grand- School in Santa Monica, sons and one great-grand- California, in 1941. In daughter; and caregivers Traci high school he excelled at Hallos and Robin Lehneis, pole vaulting, track and without whom Mel could not basketball. Two days after have stayed at home. graduation he enlisted with Mel is preceded in death the Army Air Corps. He by his parents, Harry Peterson graduated from Àight school and Hazel Peterson-Berg; his at Luke Air Field in Arizona wife, Vera Lee Peterson; in 1942. Mel Àew the P47 sisters Thelma Robinson Thunderbolt in WWII. He and Dolores Bellas; brothers was stationed in the Euro- Clinton (Dick) Peterson and pean Theater and Àew 102 Ronald Peterson; and children missions over France and Milford Clay (Pete or Chief) Germany. He was a recipient Peterson Jr. and Sandra Dee of the Distinguished Flying (Sandy) Peterson. Cross. In lieu of Àowers memo- Mel was married to Vera rial donations may be given Lee Fortier on January 16, to The VFW Cowboy Break- 1943; they were married 68 fast. The family of Milford years when she passed away Clay Peterson wishes to in 2011. thank St. Anthony Hospice Mel worked as and Program, Department of became a skillful brick- Human Services Senior mason from just after his Services Program, Dr. return from WWII until he Harrison and his entire of¿ce. OBITUARY POLICY The East Oregonian publishes paid obituaries. The obituary can in- clude small photos and, for veterans, a flag symbol at no charge. Obituaries may be edited for spelling, proper punctuation and style. Expanded death notices will be published at no charge. These in- clude information about services. Obituaries and notices can be submitted online at www.eastorego- nian.com/obituaryform, by email to obits@eastoregonian.com, by fax to 541-276-8314, placed via the funeral home or in person at the East Oregonian office. For more information, call 541-966-0818 or 1-800-522-0255, ext. 221. Patricia “Pat” Smith passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016, at age 83, in Herm- iston, Ore. She passed away with her family by her side. Pat was born in Portland, Ore., to Stella Coffman and Wayne Arnold. She gradu- ated from Franklin High School in Portland, Ore. She married her husband, Charles Smith, in 1956. Pat and Chuck raised their six daughters and one son in Smith Imbler, Ore. They moved to Hermiston in 1983 where they managed the Butter Creek Apartments. In 1986 they moved to Umatilla to manage the Juniper Apartments. In 1990 they purchased their ¿nal home in Umatilla, where she lived until January 2016, before moving into an assisted living home. Pat was a member of the Emblem Club in Hermiston, Ore., where she served many of¿ces. In 1989 she was elected into the presidency for the Emblem Club where she served for three years. She enjoyed many picnics, bingo, and conventions. She won several awards for the newsletter she published. She loved belonging to the Emblem Club, and her family joined her many times for events, where she loved to show us off. She was part of the Grandparent Program in Page 5A 2000 at Sunset Elementary, where she loved helping the teachers and the kids. Pat always said her family was her life. She was an amazing daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and she always put her family ¿rst. It didn’t take much to make Grandma’s day, whether it be a phone call, a letter, a card or a visit. She enjoyed many road trips, camping trips, looking at Christmas lights and just visiting. She taught us that family meant everything. She had an undeniable love for all who entered her life; everyone she met would end up calling her Mom, sister, or Grandma Pat, whether she was related to them or not. She is predeceased by both her parents, her husband, her son Mark, her grandson Chris, and great-grandson Leo. She is survived by her six daughters, Bonnie Fraunfelder, Donna Townsend, Vickey Black, Jewell Robertson, Myrleen Storms and Barbara Green, as well as 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her family invites you to a “Celebration of Life for Pat Smith” at the Best Western in Hermiston, Ore., on Wednesday, August 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Welcome to bring a dish, and of course stories, photos, etc. DEATH NOTICES Bonnie Brannan Milton-Freewater Aug. 2, 2016 Bonnie Brannan, 69, of Milton-Freewater died Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, at her home. Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater is in charge of arrangements. Michele D. Lowary Pendleton July 31, 1956-July 31, 2016 Michele D. Lowary, 60, of Pendleton died Sunday, July 31, 2016, in Portland. She was born July 31, 1956, in Pendleton. A full obituary and a celebration of life will follow. UPCOMING SERVICES WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3 BURNS, RITA — Funeral service at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Burns Mortuary, 336 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Inter- ment will follow at Olney Cemetery, Pendleton. SMITH, PAT — Celebration of life at 2 p.m. at Best Western Hermiston Inn, 2255 S. Highway 395, Hermiston. Bring a dish to share. THURSDAY, AUG. 4 BADE, DOROTHY — Visitation from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla. MEETINGS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3 MORROW COUNTY COURT, 9 a.m., Bartholomew Building up- per conference room, 110 N. Court St., Heppner. UMATILLA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, 9 a.m., Umatilla County Courthouse room 130, 216 S.E. Fourth St., Pendle- ton. HERMISTON AIRPORT AD- VISORY COMMITTEE, 4 p.m., Hermiston Airport lounge, 1600 Airport Way. BLUE MOUNTAIN BOARD OF EDUCATION, 6:30 p.m., TBA PENDLETON FACADE COM- MITTEE, 3:30 p.m., Pendleton City Hall administrative council room, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave. CONDON CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Condon City Hall, 128 S. Main St. UMATILLA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, 7 p.m., 305 Willamette Ave., Umatilla (Mc- Nary). HELIX SCHOOL BOARD, 7:30, Helix School library, 120 Main St. THURSDAY, AUG. 4 PENDLETON DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION, 7 a.m., Pendle- ton City Hall community room, 501 S.W. Emigrant Ave. ADAMS PLANNING COM- MISSION, 6:30 p.m., Adams City Hall, 190 N. Main St. PENDLETON PLANNING COMMISSION, 7 p.m., Pendleton City Hall council chambers, 501 S.W. Emigrant Ave. Route work pays for my children’s activities. 8/3 Cineplex Show Times $5 Classic Movie 8/3 12:00 PM THE SANDLOT Jason Bourne (PG13) 4:10 7:00 9:50 Bad Moms (R) 5:00 7:20 9:40 Ice Age: Collision Course (PG) 4:50 7:10 9:30 Star Trek Beyond (PG13) 3D: 4:00 9:20 2D: 6:40 The Secret Life of Pets (PG) 4:40 6:50 9:10 Credit & Debit Cards accepted Cineplex gift cards available * Matinee Pricing wildhorseresort.com 541-966-1850 Pendleton, OR I-84 - Exit 216 Become an East Oregonian Carrier. 211 SE Byers Ave. Pendleton or call: 541-276-2211 1-800-522-0255
