Polk County News
6A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • October 26, 2016
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Continued from Page 4A
Ungricht serves
Falls City well
The citizens of Falls City
are so fortunate to have
Terry Ungricht in the posi-
tion of mayor.
When the city could not
afford to replace the city
manager, Terry stepped into
this role as well without pay.
I see his vehicle parked at
city hall each morning, and
it is still there many after-
noons on my way home.
This is an extraordinary ex-
ample of community serv-
ice. Terry is open to any
ideas that will benefit Falls
City, and he truly represents
all Falls City residents.
Thank you, Terry.
Gary Barnett
Falls City
Local offices
affect you more
The vote that is most im-
portant this election season
is for your city councilors,
mayors, school board mem-
bers, county commissioners
and state government.
Those people make deci-
sions that directly affect
your daily life: water and
sewer rates, electricity rates,
garbage rates, how much
your kids school will get in
funding, whether it will be a
bumpy road to work or not
because the roads are main-
tained, etc. So when you
vote on Nov. 8, don’t just
vote for the president and
think you’ve done your civic
duty. Read the whole ballot.
Pay attention to who your
local elected officials are.
Marc Miller
Monmouth
Gabliks, Wilson
deserve re-election
Dallas is blessed to have
great people willing to serve
on the Dallas City Council.
Solid leadership and pas-
sion for our city are in criti-
cal need. I am writing this
letter in support of two ex-
traordinary women, Kelly
Gabliks and LaVonne Wil-
son, who have these traits.
Give the city the leader-
ship tools it needs to move
into the future.
Vote for Gabliks and Wil-
son.
Bob Brannigan
Dallas
Thompson: a yes
vote for District 23
At the debate on Oct. 13,
we saw a clear difference
between the two candidates
for HD 23. Nearman would
like to represent our district
by being a “no” vote and
does not plan on working
with the majority. If our rep-
resentative refuses to work
with his peers, then our dis-
trict loses its advocate in
Salem. Thompson knows he
can disagree with the ma-
jority and still work with
them. He is able to build re-
lationships to ensure our
community wins. We need
Jim Thompson fighting for
us. Vote for Jim.
Lori Brannigan
Dallas
Thompson effective
representative
Jim Thompson was an
able and capable state rep-
resentative through several
sessions of the Oregon Leg-
islature. He was effective
because he could work with
all Legislators. He could sell
his common-sense conser-
vative ideas to Republicans
and Democrats alike. The
Legislature needs hard-
working, common-sense
representatives of the peo-
ple as its members. Jim
Thompson brings that to
the Legislature.
He deserves your vote.
Dave Weston
Dallas
Aquatic center
improves life
To everyone who objects
to the city helping to sup-
port the cost of running the
aquatic center, remember
that it is part of the Parks
and Recreation Depart-
ment. Parks do not generate
any funds, but add to the
livability of the town. The
aquatic center pays about
half of the cost of running it
by the income it generates.
The manager has greatly
expanded the use of the fa-
cility by adding times for
special populations, and
making the cost affordable
for out-of-towners as well
as local residents. I’ve spo-
ken to many from Salem
and other outlying towns
who greatly value what we
have to offer. I know that
the city has often used
grants to help improve the
parks in town, and they
continue to provide new
opportunities for recre-
ation. Thank you for con-
sidering my perspective.
Barbara (Barb) Chrisman
Dallas
Yes on Central
bond; yes for kids
A yes vote on 27-122 is a
yes vote for the future of ed-
ucation in Central School
District. The children are
our future. How do we show
our children we value their
education? How do we show
them we value them?
We invest in them. We
provide them with the best
environment we can to fos-
ter learning. A yes vote
means more classrooms. A
yes vote means adequate
lunch time. A yes vote
means space for physical
education requirements. A
yes vote means air condi-
tioning. No new taxes.
Please check out the facts
at http://central.k12.or.us/.
Jeannie Scott
Independence
Garton shows
dedication to Polk
I have been a resident of
Polk County for 68 years. I
recently retired from the
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
after 22 years of service as a
patrol deputy and detective.
I have had the privilege to
work with Sheriff Garton
when he was a Sheriff’s Of-
fice cadet, records clerk, re-
serve deputy, jail deputy,
patrol deputy, patrol ser-
geant and as my detective
sergeant. Sheriff Garton has
the experience and dedica-
tion to best serve the citi-
zens of Polk County.
Please join me and my
family in voting for Sheriff
Mark Garton.
Burney Krauger
Monmouth
See Letters, Page 7A
OBITUARIES
Maye Desire
Wiedeman
McAllaster
May 1, 1925 -- 2016
Maye Desire Wiedeman
McAllaster, 91, was born
May 1, 1925, in Hayter, Al-
bert, Canada, to Edgar
Henry Wiedeman and
Bessie Ellen Wiedeman
(Weaver). She was proud to
become a United State citi-
zen in her 20s
Maye is survived by her
children Charles McAllaster
(Shelley), John McAllaster
(Marilyn), Scott McAllaster
(Kristie), eight grandchil-
dren, and seven great-
grandchildren.
Maye was predeceased by
her husband of 72 years,
Fred A. McAllaster, her par-
ents, her brothers Henry
Wiedeman, Clarence Wiede-
man, and Charles Wiede-
man, and her sisters Mary
Niemela, Leona Betts, Alice
Lefever, Edna Mallendick,
and Verona Swearingen.
Three siblings, Joyce, Jerald,
and a brother died as in-
fants.
Maye was the youngest of
12 children. Unfortunately,
her mother passed away
when Maye was only 8 years
old. She spent her growing
up years being passed be-
tween her siblings.
Maye was married May 7,
1941, to Fred A. McAllaster.
She was 16 and he was 23.
They were married in Gold-
endale, Washington, by a
Justice of the Peace. They
started married life with $60.
They were married for 72
years until Fred passed away
Dec. 22, 2013.
M a y e a n d Fre d m e t
through Fred’s sister Aggie.
Aggie and Maye were best
friends.
In the early years, they
moved about on the coast.
Finally settling at the end of
Salt Creek Road in Dallas,
where they built their home
and raised their children.
Fred and Maye raised
their children on Salt Creek,
and the children appreciat-
ed living in an area that al-
lowed them to fish and hunt
on the property as well as
raise animals for FFA.
When they first got their
property on Salt Creek Road
they lived in a tent with a
dirt floor. They loved their
land and built their home
themselves with the help of
family members. Maye had
a greenhouse full of fuchsias
during those years. Her work
was in the home caring for
the children and their prop-
erty. Maye loved to hunt,
fish, and pick mushrooms.
She spent countless hours
canning fruits, vegetables,
and meats for their family.
They lived on Salt Creek
until 1995, when their health
forced them to move into
town. Although Maye always
said the house in town
wasn’t home, she was still
able to pursue her love of
gardening there. From early
spring to late fall, she was
outdoors with her flowers
and gardens. Theirs was the
prettiest yard in the neigh-
borhood. Working hard to
keep their yard and garden
beautiful was something
Fred and Maye enjoyed to-
gether. It was their pride and
joy. They donated bushels of
vegetables to the needy for
many years and loved put-
ting together Christmas food
boxes for Whitworth Ele-
mentary School families.
After Fred passed away,
,Maye sold her home in Dal-
las and moved into Assisted
Living at Dallas Retirement
Village. It was a really good
fit for her. She came to care
about the staff a great deal
and appreciated how kind
they were to her. She’ll forev-
er be remembered at DRV as
the special lady who loved
giving candy to everyone.
The family would like to
offer a special thank you to
all of the in-home caregivers
as well as the caregivers at
DRV for the wonderful care
and attention that they pro-
vided to Maye.
Memorial services will be
held Thursday, Oct. 27 at 1
p.m. in the Dallas Cemetery.
The Dallas Mortuary Tribute
Center is caring for the fam-
ily. To leave a message or a
memory please go to
www.dallastribute.com.
Kenneth Elwood
Larsen
June 13, 1928 – Oct. 21, 2016
Kenneth Larsen passed
away Friday, Oct. 21, at his
home. He was 88 years old.
Dad was
born in
Miller,
S o u t h
Dakota, to
Carrie and
Axel Larsen on Friday the
13th, June, 1928. He was the
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youngest of six children and
he had four older sisters;
Valeta, Elvena, Dorothy and
Eloise, and one brother
Arthur.
He married the love of his
life — Patricia Jean Fleener,
on August 11, 1948, in Inde-
pendence, Oregon, and they
lived a wonderful life togeth-
er for the next 52 years until
Mom passed away in Octo-
ber of 2000.
Mom and Dad lived their
entire life in Independence
— Dad owned Chevron gas
stations in Independence,
Lincoln City and Sisters,
Oregon — he was a self-
made, successful business-
man who worked hard his
entire life to provide for his
family and friends. As a
young boy he worked with
his whole family in the hop
fields, then at 15 he enlisted
in the Navy - graduating
from boot camp on his 16th
birthday. He was then sent
home because he was un-
derage. Later he rejoined the
Navy and served two years
in Okinawa. In addition to
the service stations, dad had
many different investment
business interests. He
worked very hard, and he in-
vested wisely.
He retired early to spend
time with Mom, and they
enjoyed many years at Black
Butte Ranch with their chil-
dren and grandchildren.
Mom and Dad enjoyed
being together, traveling and
visiting their family. Their
life was their family.
We will all miss Dad very
much, but his was a life
well-lived and he was ready
for the next adventure, and
he has many family and
friends waiting for him in
heaven.
Dad is survived by his lov-
ing family: Children:
Christopher (Dee) Larsen,
Kimberly (Jerry) Marr and
Carrie (Scott) Casebeer. Five
grandchildren; Peter Larsen
(LT/USN), Kate Larsen and
Andrew Larsen, Kristen
Salem
412 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem, OR 97301
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Caskets, Urns and
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Privately owned
cremation facility.
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Marr, and JD (Becky) Marr.
He is also survived by his
Great-Granddaughter June
Marr and another Great-
Granddaughter arriving in
December.
A private family graveside
service was held on Wednes-
day, Oct. 26, at Hilltop
Cemetery in Independence,
Oregon.
Remembrances in lieu of
flowers can be made to the
Heritage Museum Society,
c/o P.O. Box 7, Independ-
ence, Oregon 97351. Farn-
strom Mortuary is handling
arrangements. Memories
and condolences at Farn-
stromMortuary.com.
Steven Doyle
Dukes
Aug. 25, 1957 – Oct. 6, 2016
Steven Doyle Dukes, 59,
died in Dallas on Oct. 6.
He was born to Travis and
Laurena Dukes in Eureka,
Calif., on Aug. 25, 1957.
Steven is survived by his
mother; sisters, Mary Lock
and Carol DeRidder; wife of
over 20 years, Theresa
Dukes; and his children,
Justin and Brooke Dukes
and their mother, Laura Del
Ragno.
Services were held.
Betty V. Hague
March 6, 1923 – Oct. 21, 2016
Betty V. Hauge, of Dallas,
died Oct. 21. She was born
in Marion.
Survivors include son
R.W. Noah Hague, of Grants
Pass; sister, Mary Sutton, of
San Diego; four grandchil-
dren; and five great-grand-
children. She was preceded
in death by son Jimmy, died
March 17, 1947 and Merle,
May 21, 2016.
Viewing will be from 2 to
7 p.m. on Friday in the Dal-
las Mortuary Tribute Center.
A private interment will be
held in the Marion Friends
Cemetery on Saturday, fol-
lowed by a reception and
fellowship to begin at 11
a.m. in the Valley Life
Church, at 1795 SE Miller
Ave., Dallas. The Dallas Mor-
tuary Tribute Center han-
dled arrangements. To leave
an online tribute: www.dal-
lastribute.com.
Ronda K. Woodrum
Sept. 10, 1948 – Oct. 23, 2016
Ronda K. Woodrum died
on Sunday.
Private family services
were held. Dallas Mortuary
Tribute Center handled
arrangements. To leave an
online tribute: www.dallas-
tribute.com.