10
APRIL 15, 2024
Walking On...
Laura Lee Gleason
July 9, 1950 – April 2, 2024
Tribal Elder Laura Lee Gleason began her
eternal life in heaven on Tuesday, April 2,
2024, at her home in Grand Ronde at the
age of 73.
She was Kalapuya and a Grand Ronde
Tribal Elder from the Haller-Menard family,
descended from Chief Joseph Sangretta.
Laura was born on July 9, 1950, in Salem,
Oregon. She is now reunited with her par-
ents Clermon Cureton and Phyllis Haller
along with many family members who were
there to welcome her.
She is survived by her children, Tonya and
Michael Shepek, Tisha and Earl Pellett, and
Elsie Gleason; grandchildren, Kryshanne
and Dennis Searls, Braxton Tucker and
Laycie Pellett; and great-grandchildren, Reece Romans and Adeline Searls.
She lived a life of resiliency and faith with an abundance of generous
love. That love touched so many people during her 73 years here on earth
with us. We will miss our mom, grandma, nana, sister, cousin, auntie and
friend every day until it is our time to join her.
Many times Laura had said, “When I die, it’s OK to be sad for a little
bit. But don’t stay sad.” Then she would get a big smile and start clapping
when she thought about heaven and she would say, “Can you imagine?”
The most important thing in her life was family: Her Christian family,
birth family, Tribal family, Narcotics Anonymous family, canoe family and
community family. All of you gave her so much joy and purpose.
Let us honor her gift of connecting to people, understanding people and
her ability to refl ect back to them how special they are by going forward
and blessing others. She will continue to be that person in spirit through
the end of our lives and the lives that we touch. In her words, “Sounds
like a plan. I love you. But God loves you more.”
We pray that you may fi nd comfort in her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 91:
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my
fortress: My God; in him will I trust.”
The memorial service was held Friday, April 12, at the Confederated
Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal gymnasium. A graveside service followed at
the Tribal Cemetery with a meal at the Community Center.
Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas, Oregon, assisted the family.
Lyndel John Norwest
Oct. 18, 1956 – March 30, 2024
Tribal Elder Lyndel “Big John”
Norwest passed away peacefully on
Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the age
of 67 in Albany, Oregon.
He was born in Chiloquin, in Klam-
ath County, on Oct. 18, 1956, to Mar-
cellus Norwest and Pauline Barney.
Big John was a proud resident of
Grand Ronde as well as a member
of the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde.
Big John worked in construction
as a roofer. He loved hunting, fi shing
and spending time outdoors. He is
preceded in death by his father Marcellus and his mother Pauline. He is
survived by his brothers, “Little Johnny” and Melvin Norwest; and sisters,
Ladonna Hembree and Daniele Powley.
Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas, Oregon, is assisting the family and
a memorial service will be held at a later date. Contact the family for
additional information.
Lola Madeline Foster
Sept. 27, 1952 – March 29, 2024
Tribal Elder Lola Madeline Foster passed away on Friday, March 29,
2024, at the age of 71.
Funeral services were scheduled for Saturday, April 13, at the Tribal
Cemetery, followed by a meal at the Tribal Community Center.
West Valley Funeral Home in Sheridan is assisting the family.
Garry Arden Williams
Sept. 4, 1935 – April 3, 2024
Tribal Elder Garry Arden Williams passed away on Wednesday, April
3, 2024, at the age of 88.
Autumn Funerals in Redmond, Oregon, is assisting the family.
Funeral service details were not available at presstime.
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