A6
RECORDS
East Oregonian
Saturday, May 8, 2021
OBITUARIES
Viralma Rhoda ‘Rusty’ Black
Milton-Freewater
December 8, 1941 — May 1, 2021
Viralma (Rusty) Rhoda
Black was born on Decem-
ber 8, 1941, in Pendleton,
Oregon, to parents Ronald E.
Tawes and Helen E. (Walker)
Tawes. She passed away on
May 1, 2021, in Milton-Free-
water, Oregon, at the age of
79.
Rusty was an only child
and grew up and graduated
from Pendleton High School.
She spent a lot of her child-
hood traveling around with
her father who had polio. She
often spoke of the time when
they traveled to the Kentucky
Derby and the wooden race-
horse her father surprised her
with on their return home.
They also attended several
sporting events together.
She always said that he was
the reason for her love of
sports, her favorite being
horse racing, and pro football
and her beloved Philadelphia
Eagles.
She also had a love for
horses. Whenever they would
travel she would always
search out the nearest stables
so she could ride. Around
the age of 9 she talked her
parents into buying her a
horse, even though they
were not horse people. This
started her life of owning and
training horses. She loved
to spend time at the Bar M
Ranch, and this is where she
acquired her horse Duke,
which she trained to do all
kinds of tricks. In August
of 1959 she made headlines
when she rode him in the
Omak Suicide Race. She was
the first woman to ride in the
race, and several years after
that women were not allowed
to ride in the race.
She also came across her
famous horse Domino when
she was running horses from
the Round-Up Grounds to
the old Happy Canyon; a man
was trying to train Domino
to do the trail horse part but
was too fractious, but she
decided she wanted him and
could train him to do the part
and she did. This started her
long journey training horses
for the lead part in Happy
Canyon. She trained seven
horses over the next almost
70 years; five of them she
raised herself, one of those
being Chinook, whom she
said because of him she was
able to do things she would
of never done, one of those
being their trip to Las Vegas
to represent the Round-Up
and Happy Canyon when
Chinook and Bryson Bron-
son carried the flag at the
opening of the National
Finals Rodeo. Another horse
she loved dearly was Poco, a
mare she barrel raced on and
won several buckles.
In August of 1960 she
married Charles Black, and
they raised two daughters,
Lea and Dana, at Gibbon,
Oregon. They spent time on
their place at Gibbon raising
horses and cattle.
She drove a school bus
for the Pendleton School
District until they moved
in the summer of 1973 to
Orofino, Idaho. While living
in Orofino she drove a school
bus for the Orofino School
District and in the summers
she would drive bus trans-
ferring fire crews to differ-
ent fires until moving back
to Oregon. She continued
to drive a school bus for the
Pilot Rock School District
for several years before retir-
ing. She often talked about
her trips with the different
sporting teams from Pilot
Rock and how much she
enjoyed taking the kids and
how much she missed it.
Later she started driving for
Kayak; she worked for them
until October of 2020 when
she was diagnosed with
cancer.
Rusty’s greatest joy was
going and watching her
great-grandchildren, Carter,
Tucker, Mason and Rietta.
She loved going to all their
practices and games and
watching them work with
their 4-H animals. Anything
they did, she wanted to be
there. She was their biggest
fan.
She was preceded in death
by her husband in 2009, her
parents, and a brother. She
is survived by her children
Lea VanHouten (John) of
Pilot Rock and Dana Black
(Craig) of New Salem, North
Dakota; her grandchil-
dren JaDee VanHouten and
Corey VanHouten (Ali) of
Pilot Rock; four wonderful
great-grandchildren, Carter,
Tucker, Mason and Rietta,
all of Pilot Rock; and several
nieces and nephews.
Please join us for a cele-
bration of life service on
Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m.
at the Roy Raley Room at the
Round-Up Grounds in Pend-
leton, Oregon.
In lieu of f lowers the
family is asking that those
who wish may make memo-
rial donations to either the
Pilot Rock Little League or
the Black Sox baseball team.
Bu r ns Mor t uar y of
Pendleton is in charge of
the arrangements. Sign the
online guestbook at www.
burnmortuary.com.
UPCOMING SERVICES
SATURDAY, MAY 8
GERARD, BOB — Celebration of life at 1 p.m. at McNary Dam
Spillway Park, Umatilla.
MUNCK, DOREEN — Mass of Chrisitan Burial for family members
only at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fifth and College
streets, Athena. Burial will follow at the Athena Cemetery; friends
are welcome to attend.
SUNDAY, MAY 9
No services scheduled
MONDAY, MAY 10
WOODHALL, DICK — Visitation from 4-6 p.m. at Munselle-
Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater.
TUESDAY, MAY 11
WOODHALL, DICK — Graveside service at 1 p.m. at the
Milton-Freewater Cemetery. Lunch will follow at the family home,
56676 W. 7 Ranch Road, Milton-Freewater.
Eva Marie Singrey
Rocky Dean Thacker
Portland
March 6, 1929 — January 26, 2021
Milton-Freewater
September 14, 1955 — April 28, 2021
Eva Singrey, 91, formerly tising at all eight Import Plaza
of Pendleton, died Tuesday locations.
evening, January 26, 2021, at
Eva was preceded in death
her home in Portland.
by her husband, William
Eva Marie Vuksich was Singrey, in 1972; her parents;
born March 6, 1929,
and by her broth-
in Portland, the
ers, Rudolph and
daughter of the late
Stanley. Survi-
vors include her
Anthony Vuksich
sons and their
and Mattie Marie
(Waddell) Vuksich.
spouses: Michael
She was raised in
and Leslie Singrey
Portland and grad-
of Portland; David
uated from Jeffer-
Singrey of Port-
land; Ch r isto-
son High School in
pher and Michelle
1947.
She mar ried
Singrey
Singrey of Wilson-
ville; and Matthew
William Jackson
Singrey on July 21,
and Sharon Singrey
1951, in Portland. They resided of Tigard. She loved each of
in Northeast Portland where her eight grandchildren and
all four of their sons were born had a special connection with
prior to moving to Pendleton each of them. She loved her
for William’s job at Pacific three daughters-in-law deeply,
Northwest Bell in 1962.
reminding them how lucky
In Pendleton, Eva was they were to have such a great
very active in the commu- mother-in-law.
nity, serving on the boards for
She was selfless and gener-
St. Mary’s Catholic Church ous, always remarked on how
Altar Society, Allons Dance happy she was and how fortu-
Club, Petal Pushers Garden nate she felt to have such a
Club, Coffeetime Bowling good life. Every place felt
League, and the Sherwood warmer and richer when Eva
Heights PTA. She was also a entered the room.
Cub Scout den mother, Sher-
Private cremation rites
wood Heights room mother, were held at the Hoyt Crema-
and Order of DeMolay chap- tory in Forest Grove. A grave-
eron. She worked at Frazier side services is planned in
Bookstore, then at the Vintage Pendleton for later this year,
Shoppe in downtown Pendle- where she will be interned
next to her husband.
ton.
In late 1979 she moved
In lieu of flowers, the
back to Portland to be closer family suggests you sing or
to her sons, her mother, and hum your favorite tune and
her brothers and their fami- enter the room with a smile,
lies. Beginning in 1980 until happy just to be there, as she
her retirement in 1999, she always did, in remembrance
managed the Import Plaza of her.
Go to www.tualatinval-
store in the Galleria while
being responsible for adver- leyfa.com to share a memory.
Hello everyone …
I worked most of my years
I just wanted to say Hi in construction, as did two of
and tell you that I am doing my brothers.
great now. I love and miss all
I participated in a little
of you and look forward to rodeo time, rode motorcy-
cles, drove fast
the day when I get
to visit with you
ca r s a nd ju st
enjoyed life. I was
again. For some
a proud member of
of you that really
don’t know me … I
the Milton-Free-
will tell you a little
water Elks and a
about myself.
lifetime member
My name is
of the NRA.
Unfortunately
Rocky Dean
Thacker and I was
for me, I had some
born on September
health issues that
14, 1955, to Chet
Thacker
just wouldn’t go
and Beryl Thacker
away. But not
in Walla Walla,
before I accepted
Washington. I joined broth- Christ into my life and was
ers and sisters Jim, Sharon, baptized. My life on earth
Duane, Suzy and Alan in ended April 28, 2021,
as I was at home playing
a family full of love. Even
though I wasn’t a girl (I was my video games. My mom
supposed to be, according to passed away in 1992, my
my siblings) they accepted brother Jim in 2003, and my
me anyway.
dad in 2006. I am now getting
I grew up In Milton-Free- time with them and reminisc-
water and graduated from ing about the
times that we got to share
Mac-Hi in 1974. I had so
much fun growing up, even with all of you.
those times that I got in trou-
Because of current restric-
ble messing around at school. tions, there will only be a
It was tough having your dad small family gathering, to
as the bus driver, if you got in celebrate my life.
trouble at school … everyone
If I can give a little advice
told Dad and then you were to all of you, this is what
for sure in trouble when you I would say … DANCE
got home. I love my family like there’s nobody watch-
so very much and so enjoyed ing, LOVE like you’ll never
each and every time that we get hurt, SING like there’s
all got together … to camp, nobody listening, and LIVE
hunt, fish, holidays. God was like it’s heaven on earth.
so good to us.
Until I see you again,
Even though I was Don’t Worry and Be Happy!
married four times, I was not
A private gathering will
blessed with having my own be held.
children. But … I did get to
To leave a condolence
be that uncle that helped spoil online visit: www.munseller-
my nieces and nephews.
hodes.com.
Richard Grant ‘Dick’ Woodhall
Milton-Freewater
October 23, 1946 — May 5, 2021
Words associated with
Richard Grant Woodhall,
who passed away at home
on May 5, 2021, from heart
and kidney disease: husband,
father, grandfather, brother,
uncle and friend, storyteller,
hunter, a man not afraid to
tackle a project from broken
car to busted plumbing; he
gave it his all.
Richard (Dick) Grant
Woodhall was born October
23, 1946, to Berniece (Hurst)
and Jack A. Woodhall in
Vancouver, Washington. He is
the youngest brother of John,
Jayne, Janice and Mark.
Dick attended several
schools in M-F. He graduated
from McLoughlin Union HS
in 1965. He completed a year
of auto mechanics at WWCC
and also spent a half year at
BMCC in mechanics.
Dick had many jobs over
his life: an attendant at the Dick’s father also built a frame
Rainbow Gas Station; he was house. A family tradition
a fence builder and sprinkler consisted of providing Christ-
changer for Bob Frasier Cattle mas trees to Milton-Freewa-
Co., he worked as a hyster ter schools and selling them
at the lot at 139 S.
driver at Umatilla
Cannery; and was
Main St.
a parts runner for
Dick met Carol
( Boye r) wh ile
Tex Brotherton
working at the
Dodge Dealer. At
the Athena mill he
cannery in 1965.
worked on the log
He asked her out
pond. At Key Tech-
on a “dare” from
nology he began
his friends. They
as an assembler,
were married on
advanced to floor
August 11, 1966,
lead, and retired as
Woodhall
and have two chil-
assembly produc-
dren: son Kevin of
Milton-Freewater
tion supervisor in
1998.
and daughter Tami VanBu-
Besides having a full-time ren of Othello, Washington.
job he maintained a small
Dick is grandfather to
family farm raising cattle, six wonderful young men
grew alfalfa and beardless and women: Sarah (Efrain)
barley, and owned Woodhall Vi l la nueva , K at ela nd
Used Auto. Dick, Kevin, and and Wyatt Woodhall of
DEATH NOTICES
Susan Cook
Milton-Freewater
April 9, 1953 — May 7, 2021
Former La Grande resident Susan Cook, 68, of
Milton-Freewater, died Friday, May 7, 2021, in Walla Walla,
Washington. She was born April 9, 1953. Munselle-Rhodes
Funeral Home of Milton-Freewater is in care of arrange-
ments.
Ronald C. Esselstyn
Pendleton
Jan. 16, 1943 — May 6, 2021
Ronald C. Esselstyn, 78, of Pendleton, died Thursday, May
6, 2021, at his home. He was born Jan. 16, 1943, in Pendleton.
Arrangements are with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-
Bishop.
Walter Vern Ronish Sr.
Pendleton
Sept. 2, 1921 — May 5, 2021
Walter Vern Ronish Sr., 99, of Pendleton, died Wednesday,
May 5, 2021, at his home. He was born Sept. 2, 1921. Munselle-
Rhodes Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Byron Glenn Wendler
Pendleton
May 16, 1932 — Nov. 12, 2020
Byron Glenn Wendler, 88, of Pendleton, died Thursday,
Nov. 12, 2020, in Walla Walla, Washington. He was born
May 16, 1932. A celebration of life will be held Saturday,
May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pilot Rock Community
Center; all who knew him are welcome to attend. Arrange-
ments are with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop.
Online condolences may be sent to www.pioneerchapel.com.
PUBLIC SAFETY, COURTS, WARRANTS, BIRTHS AND LOTTERY CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB AT:
www.EastOregonian.com
Milton-Freewater; Lane,
Logan and Emilee Van Buren
of Kahlotus, Washington, all
who filled his heart with pride
and love.
Dick is survived by his
wife of 54 years; Kevin and
Tami and their children; his
brother John (Judy) and sister
Janyce (Myron); and numer-
ous aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, brother and sister-
in-law.
Visitation will be Monday,
May 10, 2021, from 4-6 p.m.
at Munselle-Rhodes Funeral
Home. A graveside service is
to be led by Rev. Duane Geyer
on Tuesday, May 11, at 1 p.m.
at the Milton-Freewater
Cemetery. Lunch will follow
at the family home, 56676 W.
7 Ranch Lane.
To leave online condo-
lence, visit www.munseller-
hodes.com.
Doreen Arlay Munck
Athena
August 18, 1931 — May 2, 2021
Doreen Bates was born with her children and grand-
August 18, 1931, to Lourine children. She was always ready
Schumacher Bates and Ralph to help and traveled many
Bates near Scio, Oregon, and miles on educational trips and
died in Pendleton on May 2, to sporting events. The grand-
children have many
2021.
Her father died
memories of camp-
ing trips with Pop
when Doreen was
and Grandma.
six months old.
Doreen moved from
Doreen and
Oregon to Califor-
Tom enjoyed many
nia with her mother
years traveling and
du r ing W W II.
socializing with
Lourine met Walter
Paradise Good
Squires in Napa;
Sam’s Club. Doreen
was a member
they married and
after the war moved
Munck
of Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in
to Orofino, Idaho.
Athena.
Doreen met Tom
Munck in high school and
Survivors include Gordon
married September 4, 1950, (Miriam) Munck of Pendleton,
in Orofino. They lived for two son-in-law Gary Munkers of
years in Culdesac, Idaho, then Lexington, Gayle (Cliff) Hoeft
moved to Athena, Oregon, of Pilot Rock, Gary Munck of
where Tom taught high school Pendleton, and daughter-in-
English and Doreen provided a law Debi Munck of Athena.
loving home. Tom died in 2012. Grandchildren are Dean,
Doreen and Tom raised Shane and Ryan Munkers,
their four children in Athena. Heather Munck Baune, Tom
She was a Cub Scout and Munck, Steven Munck, Alison
Girl Scout leader, and helped Hoeft Garcia, and Aaron
with 4-H sewing groups. Hoeft. Preceding Doreen were
If there was an activity at husband Thomas, daughter
Weston-McEwen High Martha Munkers, and grand-
School, Doreen was likely in son Christopher Munck.
attendance. During her career
Mass of Christian Burial
Doreen worked at the bank, the for family members only will
Athena Press, sold Avon, and be held Saturday, May 8, at
had an in-home fabric shop. 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart
Her favorite occupation was as Catholic Church in Athena.
a cook for the school district. Burial will be at the Athena
She enjoyed her coworkers and Cemetery following mass.
the students she served.
Friends are welcome to attend
Doreen was very involved at the cemetery.