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
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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
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