RECORDS Wednesday, January 31, 2018 East Oregonian DEATH NOTICES OBITUARIES Elfreda Anna Vahl Tucker William L. ‘Bill’ Flatt Ralph William DeBoer Pendleton November 18, 1921 - January 28, 2018 Vancouver, Wash. April 26, 1929 - January 16, 2018 Karakol, Kyrgyzstan June 10, 1948 - Nov. 3, 2017 Elfreda Anna Vahl Tucker, 96, of Pendleton passed away peacefully at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon, on January 28, 2018, after a brief illness. She was born in Mocker- ling, Germany, on November 18, 1921. The family immi- grated to the United States in 1925 and settled in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, after a brief stay in the Bronx, New York, New York. She was the daughter of Johann Bernhardt Oskar Vahl and Anna Minna Murre Vahl, and the sister of Tucker John, Walter and Alfred, who all preceded her in death. Elfreda married Edwin Tucker of Moosic, Pennsyl- vania, in 1946 after World War II and the couple enrolled in the Nyack Missionary Training Institute in Nyack, New York. After Edwin’s ordination as a Christian and Missionary Alliance minister, Edwin and Elfreda pastored numerous churches in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern Illinois. Her life was lived in service to God and the people of His flock. Edwin died at age 55 in 1976 near Goreville, Illinois. Elfreda is survived by her three children and their spouses, seven grandchil- dren, and 10 great-grandchil- dren: Geraldine and husband Richard Verhoef (Grand- view, Wash.), Marilyn and husband Allan Jio (Pacific City, Ore.), and Patricia Perry (Pendleton, Ore.); grandson Nathan Verhoef (McMinn- ville, Ore.) and granddaugh- ters Karen Verhoef (Beaverton, Ore.) and Debra Wood- worth (Newberg, Ore.), grandson Jason Jio (Lake Forest Park, Wash.), granddaughter Callyn Casady-Bihr (Missoula, Mont.) and grandson Darren Jio (Philo- math, Ore.), and grandson Jacob Perry (Independence, Ore.); and great-grandchildren Maikol Casady and Gabriel Bihr (Missoula, Mont.), Carson, Russell and Colby Jio (Lake Forest Park, Wash.), Jackson Jio (Philo- math, Ore.), Ethan, Joshua and Andrew Woodworth (Newberg, Ore.), and Aaliyah Barba-Perry (Independence, Ore.). Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. pioneerchapel.com PUBLIC SAFETY LOG MONDAY 5:18 a.m. Hermiston police responded to a disturbance on the 300 block of West Orchard Avenue. 6:57 a.m. - Hermiston police stopped at Northeast Fourth Street and East Ridgeway Avenue to remove a dead animal. 7:59 a.m. - Callers on Northwest Overlook Drive, Hermiston, reported someone entered their vehicles. Hermiston police at 11:19 a.m. and 12:23 p.m. also received calls from Northwest Crestview Court about vehicle prowls. 8:12 a.m. - An Irrigon man on Southeast Utah Avenue complained about a pit bull dog that often gets out and tries to jump into his Jeep, which lacks doors. 11:06 a.m. - Umatilla police received a report about littering at Horseshoe Apartments on Sixth Street. 12:34 p.m. - Callers reported a cow at in the road at East Harding Avenue and North Wayne Street, Stanfield. 2:25 p.m. - A red-haired woman in a purple jacket and a male with a camouflage sweatshirt drew a complaint from staff at the United States Postal Service, 300 N. Main Ave., Irrigon, for taking mail from the garbage bins. The caller asked the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office to send a deputy to tell them to stop. They were gone by the time the deputy arrived. 3:33 p.m. - Aggressive dogs on Elizabeth Drive, Stanfield, drew a 911 call. 4:15 p.m. - Pilot Rock police took a report for a burglary on East Main Street. 6 p.m. - Another Irrigon resident on Southeast Utah Avenue reported someone threw eggs at his house. 11:38 p.m. - Hermiston police responded to a robbery on the 400 block of Northwest 11th Street. ARRESTS, CITATIONS •Hermiston police arrested Jesse Jay Focht, 24, of Hermiston, for violating parole and felony possession of methamphetamine. •Pendleton police arrested Shane Alan Shippentower, 28, of Pendleton, for first-degree theft, unlawful possession of a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm. •Oregon State Police arrested Roberto Jaime Graxiola, 47, of Hermiston, for felony possession and delivery of methamphet- amine and frequenting a place people use drugs. SUBMIT YOUR EO NEWS Submit Your EO News information and photos to: commu- nity@eastoregonian.com or drop off to the attention of Tammy Malgesini at 333 E. Main St., Hermiston, or Re- nee Struthers-Hogge at 211 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton. Call 541-564-4539 or 541-966-0818 with questions. Page 5A Bill Flatt, 88, of Condon died January 16 in Vancouver, Wash. A Celebration of Life is planned for March 3rd at 1:00 at Condon High School gym. A potluck reception will follow at the grade school. As Bill was a proud American, the family welcomes those honoring Bill with their attendance to also honor our flag by adorning any type of red, white and blue. Bill was born April 26, 1929, in Moro, Ore., to Vernon and Lillian Flatt. Bill was later joined by a brother Bob and sister Lois. Flatt After graduating from Moro High School and Eastern Oregon State College, he returned working for First National Bank Moro and helped his father with Flatt’s Truck Service. Bill met Peggie Cloe in The Dalles and married in 1950, moving to Condon and bringing Flatt’s Truck Service to the area. Soon after he purchased two school buses, agreeing to transport Condon school students. That agreement led to seven buses and a highway coach. So was born Mid Columbia Bus in 1956. Bill and Peggie learned to fly in 1960 and he remained a pilot for 40 years. Airplane travel became a valuable tool for his business, allowing him to see customers and employees face-to-face, always giving the “family touch” no matter the distance from home. In 1976 Bill purchased Schreiner’s Chevron, constructing a new facility for the growing bus business. In 1990 he purchased M&A Auto Parts, relocating it to the SB Barker Building after extensive remodel. Fifty-nine years after buying his first bus, growing MIDCO from two buses to over 900 in 52 school districts, Bill sold the busi- ness in 2015. Bill served on Condon City Council, was president of Chamber of Commerce, member of the fire depart- ment, was scoutmaster serving on Blue Mountain Council of Boy Scouts, served on board of directors for Meadowood Speech Camp, was master of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge, was on the E/W Shrine Football Game Committee, and was a lay reader in the Episcopal Church. He was a charter member of the Condon Elks Lodge, serving as exalted ruler 1959, District Deputy 1963, Oregon State Elks Association President 1974 and as chairman of the Elks National Americanism Committee carrying the flag in the opening ceremony of the National Convention in Chicago. Bill was inducted into Oregon State Elks Hall of Fame and stayed active as a past president. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, not missing many deer or elk hunting seasons over the years with his sons. Bill and Peggie planned motor coach trips to various locations and had a good following of people that trav- eled with them every year. Locations included Boston, Alaska, Miami, Sedona, Calgary and Germany. Bill developed macular degeneration in 2008, trading airplane and car keys in for an electric scooter. He soon adjusted to scooter travel, making room for co-pilot “Dewey,” not being stopped by ice/snow/fog. When he requested tire chains, we had to decline. Bill moved to The Quarry Senior Living in Vancouver when unable to live alone, enjoying being near family. Survivors include faithful companion Dewey; son Kevin and wife Sandy of Spokane; daughter Laurie Roberge of Vancouver; daughter-in-law Cindy of Joseph; son Bruce and wife Ellen of Cove; son Jeff and wife Mellia of Rainier; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggie, son Doug, son-in-law Gene and granddaughter Steffanie. Memorial contributions can be sent to OHSU Foun- dation, Elks Children’s Eye Clinic Building Fund, 1121 S.W. Salmon, Suite 100, Portland OR 97205-2020. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 No meetings scheduled Hall, 111 N. Main St., Heppner. (541-676-9618) M I LT O N - F R E E WAT E R PLANNING COMMISSION, 7 p.m., Milton-Freewater Public Li- brary Albee Room, 8 S.W. Eighth Ave., Milton-Freewater. 6:30 p.m. study session, 7 p.m. regular meeting. (541-938-5531) WESTON PLANNING COM- MISSION, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 210 E. Main St., Weston. (541- 566-3313) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Ralph William DeBoer, 69, died Nov. 3, 2017, at his retire- ment residence in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, and is buried there. He was born June 10, 1948, at Ephrata, Wash. A remembrance of life service and luncheon will be held Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Ione American Legion hall. Kevin L. Helzer Hermiston Sept. 27, 1960 - Jan. 28, 2018 Kevin L. Helzer, 57, of Hermiston died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Pendleton. He was born Sept. 27, 1960. A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at the Burns Mortuary chapel in Hermiston. A celebration of life gathering will follow at the Pheasant Bar & Grill banquet room, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements. Sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com James Jones Pendleton Oct. 1, 1925 - Jan. 30, 2018 James Jones, 92, of Pendleton died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at his home. He was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Ferry County, Wash. Arrangements are with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom- Bishop. Marilyn L. Pfnister Hermiston Sept. 19, 1931 - Jan. 17, 2018 Marilyn L. Pfnister, 86, of Hermiston died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, in Hermiston. She was born Sept. 19, 1931, in Laird, Colo. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hermiston. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements. Sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com Phyllis Ritz Pendleton June 18, 1929 - Jan. 27, 2018 Phyllis Ritz, 88, of Pendleton died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at her home. She was born June 18, 1929, in Indianapolis, Ind. Recitation of the rosary will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pendleton. A memorial mass will be held Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pendleton. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements. Charles R. ‘Dick’ Surber Sr. Umatilla Jan. 24, 1946 - Jan. 27, 2018 Charles R. “Dick” Surber Sr., 72, of Umatilla died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at his home. He was born Jan. 24, 1946, in Wichita Falls, Texas. A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14 Grant St., Umatilla. A graveside service will be held Monday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Enterprise Cemetery. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements. Sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com 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. MEETINGS No meetings scheduled THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 ADAMS PLANNING COM- MISSION, 6:30 p.m., Adams City Hall, 190 N. Main St., Adams. (541-566-9380) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 STOKES LANDING SENIOR CENTER BOARD, 6 p.m., Stokes Landing Senior Center, 195 N.W. Opal Place, Irrigon. (Karen 541- 922-3137) HEPPNER PLANNING COM- MISSION, 7 p.m., Heppner City UMATILLA COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DIS- TRICT LONG RANGE PLAN- NING SESSION, 10 a.m., Mac’s Bar & Grill, 1400 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (Kyle Waggoner 541-278-8049) UMATILLA MORROW RA- DIO & DATA DISTRICT, 1:30 p.m., Umatilla County Fire District Station 23, 78760 Westland Road, Hermiston. (Shawn Halsey 541- 966-3774) PENDLETON SCHOOL DIS- TRICT WORK SESSION, 3 p.m., Pendleton School District office, 107 N.W. 10th St., Pendleton. (541-276-6711) WESTON LIBRARY BOARD, 5:30 p.m., Weston Public Library, 108 E. Main St., Weston. (541- 566-2378) IRRIGON PLANNING COM- MISSION, 6 p.m., Irrigon City Hall, 500 N.E. Main St., Irrigon. (541- 922-3047) STANFIELD CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Stanfield City Hall council chambers, 160 S. Main St., Stan- field. (541-449-3831) PILOT ROCK CITY COUN- CIL, 7 p.m., Pilot Rock City Hall council chambers, 143 W. Main St., Pilot Rock. (541-443-2811) UMATILLA CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Umatilla City Hall council chambers, 700 Sixth St., Umatilla. (Nanci 541-922-3226 ext. 105) PENDLETON CITY COUN- CIL, 7 p.m., Pendleton City Hall council chambers, 501 S.W. Em- igrant Ave., Pendleton. (541-966- 0201) BOARDMAN CITY COUN- CIL, 7 p.m., Boardman City Hall, 200 City Center Circle, Boardman. (541-481-9252) Amazon, Buffett and JPMorgan join forces on health care NEW YORK (AP) — Three of corporate America’s heaviest hitters — Amazon, Warren Buffett and JPMorgan Chase — sent a shudder through the health industry Tuesday when they announced plans to jointly create a company to provide their employees with high- quality, affordable care. The announcement was short on details about precisely what the inde- pendent company will do. But given the three players’ outsize influence — and Amazon’s ability to trans- form just about everything it touches — the alliance has the potential to shake up how Americans shop for health care, and the stocks of insurance companies, drug distributors and others slumped in reaction. “One of the messages they are sending is they’ve given up on traditional ways in which employers have tried to reduce costs or manage costs better,” said Paul Fronstin, an economist with the nonprofit Employee Benefits Research Institute. Benefits experts specu- lated that this new company could create a virtual market- place that makes shopping AP Photos This combination of photos from left shows Warren Buffett on Sept. 19 in New York, Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, in 2013 in Seattle and JP Morgan Chase Chairman for health care as easy as buying a shirt on Amazon. Or it could move directly into buying prescription drugs. Or it could be a system that bypasses insurance compa- nies altogether and contracts directly with doctors and hospitals for better deals. Employers are up for trying almost anything to control rising health care costs, which have been consuming bigger portions of their budgets for years and burdening their employees. “The sky’s the limit on where they could possibly go with this,” said Brian Marcotte, CEO of the National Business Group on Health, another nonprofit that represents large employers. “We’re always supportive of disruptive innovation, and health care certainly is in need of it.” The venture was announced by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos; JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon; and Buffett, the investment wizard of Berk- shire Hathaway. The three companies have an estimated 1 million employees in the U.S. The three businesses said their new venture will be independent and “free from profit-making incentives and constraints.” It will have an initial focus on technology that provides “simplified, high-quality and transparent” care. Those involved said the idea is still in the early planning stages. It was not clear whether the ultimate intention is to move beyond the three companies. But Dimon said: “Our goal is to create solutions that benefit our U.S. employees, their families and, potentially, all Americans.” E m p l o y e r- s p o n s o r e d health insurance covers about 157 million people in the U.S., constituting the biggest piece of the nation’s patch- work health care market, and neither companies nor their employees are happy with the system. Health care costs — branded by Buffett “a hungry tapeworm on the American economy” — routinely rise faster than inflation. Employers have been reacting by asking their workers to pay more of the bill and to shop around for better deals, something many people find hard to do. Insurers and other compa- nies already offer applications or programs that help people wade through the health care system’s often baffling mix of prices for procedures or prescriptions. But Amazon appears well-positioned to create a more user-friendly way to shop, Marcotte said. “They have customer trust, they are already in people’s homes, and they’re already part of many people’s routines in how they shop,” he said. The potential disruption from three renowned inno- vators in technology and finance sent a shock wave through the health care sector on Wall Street, erasing billions in value in seconds. 1/31 Cineplex Show Times $5 Classic Movie 12:00 PM Prince of Tides Maze Runner: The Death Cure (PG13) 3:30* 6:30 9:30 Hostiles (R) 4:00 6:50 9:40 12 Strong (R) 4:10 7:00 9:50 Jumanji 2D (PG13) 4:40 7:20 10:00 The Greatest Showman (PG) 4:20 6:40 9:20 Credit & Debit Cards accepted Cineplex gift cards available * Matinee Pricing wildhorseresort.com 541-966-1850 Pendleton, OR I-84 - Exit 216