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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 8, 2020)
A2 FAMILY Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, January 8, 2020 OBITUARIES Rueben Weickum Vera J. (Roberts) Edmondson Royel Larry Allen June 29, 1926 — Dec. 15, 2019 Rueben Weickum was born in Leipzig, North Dakota, on June 29, 1926. He was the seventh of 10 children born to Edward and Olga Weickum. After completing eighth grade, he quit school to work on the family farm, digging wells and work- ing on neighboring farms. He married his high school sweetheart Doris Pekas on Sept. 6, 1948, and they moved to Oregon in 1949 where he started work- ing in the woods and hauling logs. He eventually had three trucks of his own. The family moved to John Day in 1969 where he continued to log until he retired. Rueben and Doris enjoyed their retirement fishing, gardening and a little gam- bling, playing cards and spending time with their family in Oregon and North Dakota. Rueben was proceeded in death by his parents, nine sib- lings and Doris, his wife of 63 years. He is survived by his sons Jerry Weickum of Roseburg, Oregon, Ricky Weickum of John Day, Oregon; daughter Gaylene Shaffer of John Day, Oregon; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Rueben was known for his contagious smile, laughter, kindness, fun loving, hard working and helpful attitude. His favorite saying was “You Betcha!” He passed away peace- fully at the age of 93 on Dec. 15 in Roseburg, Oregon. A cel- ebration of life is planned at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association (dementia). Rest in peace, Dad. July 26, 1934 — Jan. 3, 2020 Vera J. (Roberts) Edmondson died in Milwaukee, Ore- gon, Jan. 3, 2020, after a long illness. She was born in Cambridge, Idaho, in 1934. The family was transferred to John Day, Oregon, during World War II, and she attended Grant County schools, graduating from Grant Union High School in 1951. She married Richard Edmondson that fall, and they built a home in Canyon City, Oregon, and raised a growing family. In 1959 they purchased a business in Portland. Vera was a frequent visitor to Grant County over the years, visiting family and friends or attend- ing class reunions. She is survived by her children, Dixie Starr of Portland, Oregon, Linda Blubaum and her husband, Clyde, of Gresham, Oregon, and Mark Edmondson and his husband, Troy Meyers, of Westport, Washington. She is also survived by her niece, Yeteve Kenna of Portland and War- ren Oliver of Portland, as well as five grandchildren and many great- and great-great grandchildren. Vera was pre- ceded in death by her youngest child, Mike, her parentsb Clay and Florence Robertsb and her sister, LaVonne John- ston. Arrangements are pending. April 19, 1934 — Dec. 19, 2019 Royel Larry Allen, age 85, passed away on Dec. 19, 2019, at Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day. A private family burial was held on Dec.23, 2019, at Canyon City Cemetery. Royel was born on April 19, 1934, in Long Creek, Oregon, to Jesse and Sarah (Bates) Allen. On Aug. 1, 1953, he married Lorene Cole at the Methodist Church in John Day. Together they raised three children: Pete, Rod and Susie. He was self-employed as a wood worker. Survivors include his children, Susie (Jason) Snyder, Pete (Sally) Allen and Rod (Taya) Allen; and his nephew Garry Allen. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Allen; parents, Jesse and Sarah Allen; granddaughter, Kimberly Allen; brothers, Gerald, Elwood and Waldo; and sister, Idelle. Memorial contributions in memory of Royel can be made to the charity of one’s choice through Driskill Memo- rial Chapel at 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845. To offer online condolences to the family, visit driskill- memorialchapel.com. Norma Lea Lemberger Norma Lea Lemberger, 74, passed away on Dec. 25 at her residence in John Day. A memorial service will be planned during the spring or early summer of 2020 and will be announced in the Blue Mountain Eagle once dates are determined. To offer online condolences to her family, visit driskillmemorialchapel.com. Barbara Sueanne Buck April 15, 1948 — Dec. 28, 2019 On Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, Barbara Sueanne Buck, a loving wife and mother of two chil- dren, passed away at age 71. She fought a tough battle with lung can- cer but unfortunately succumbed to the disease. Barbara was born on April 15, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was raised in New Hampshire and attended col- lege at the University of New Hamp- shire. On August 22, 1968, she married David Buck, her best friend. They met in New Hampshire while David was in the U.S. Army Special Forces and Barbara was attending college and waitressing. They enjoyed 51 wonderful years of marriage together. They raised two children, daughter Donna Sharp and son David Buck Jr. She also had two grandsons, Michael Buck and Kameron Kelleher. In addition, she raised a very spoiled German shorthair pointer, Abigail, who was her second-most love. Barbara had a passion for sewing and quilting. Her quilt- ing skills were unmatched by anyone in the trade. When not quilting, she and David would travel with close friends and see the sights. She was known for her determination, quick wit, infectious smile and kind and compassionate spirit. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Alice, father, Guy, and her sister Norma. She is survived by her husband, David, their two children, grandsons and sisters, Faye, Janet, Colleen and Gloria. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in her name through Driskill Memorial Chapel at 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit driskillmemorialchapel.com. Lyla (Blume) Brooks Lyla (Blume) Brooks passed away Dec. 23 in Boise, Idaho. Services will be planned at a later date. David Fronapel Fern Newcomb Oct. 23, 1931 — Dec. 23, 2019 Fern Ardell Newcomb, 88, of John Day died Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at home with her fam- ily at her side. A family gathering will be held at a later date. Fern was born Oct. 23, 1931, to parents Jerry and Gladys Rowland in Amery, Wisconsin. She was raised in Springbrook, Oregon, and graduated from Springbrook High School. Fern married Alvin Brown in 1949. Together they had two children, Karen and Jerry. They later divorced. In 1978 Fern married James Newcomb. Between them they had five children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Fern worked at Pacific Reflex signs for several years. She then worked at First Federal Bank as a loan officer in McMinnville before retiring in 1995. Years later, she and Jim moved to John Day to escape from the big city life. Bowling was a big hobby for Fern. She also was involved in water ballet at the McMinnville swimming pool. She was preceded in death by her husband James of 41 years; brother Bob; sisters Essie Rowland and Marion Shires. Fern is survived by her son Jerry Brown of Dundee, Ore- gon; and daughter Karen Brown of John Day, Oregon. For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Fern, the family suggests Blue Mountain Hospice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online con- dolences can be shared at tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com. Veronica Jean (Greene) Flanary June 13, 1934 — Dec. 20, 2019 David Fronapel, a faithful man of great integrity, hon- esty and caring and enduring love, passed on to his reward Dec. 20 at home. Dave’s desire of having all of his children together at home was completed on Thanksgiving Day, a day of great joy that will never be forgotten. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Edna, and father, Fran- cis Fronapel, as well as his broth- ers Bob, Gene and Tom and one sis- ter Nan Buel and one nephew Greg Buel, all of whom he dearly loved. David is survived by his wife, Marlou; six children Don (Julie), Mark (Teresa), Wendy (Ray), LaDawn, Christina and Charley; seven grandchildren David, Brian, Daniel, Sarah, Danielle, Christopher and Elizabeth; and seven great-grandchildren. Dave lived his life rightly. Dave always stopped to help anyone in need. He loved being in God’s beautiful outdoors fishing and camping. Dave has a great sense of humor, and he loved people of all walks of life. He was a man endowed with gratefulness for all of God’s bless- ings on his life. David earned his undergrad degree at San Jose State College and post-graduate at USC after serving with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War. He completed his EMT 1 and served at the food bank, and as a hospice volunteer for many years. A memorial for this wonderful man is to be held at Living Word Christian Center in Mt. Vernon on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Living Word Christian Center or to Grant County Hospice. April 2, 1959 — Dec. 30, 2019 Veronica Jean (Greene) Flanary went to be with her Lord on Dec. 30, 2019, in Bend, Oregon. She was born April 2, 1959, the daughter of Ronald Freeman Greene (Dec) and Linda Gail (Roberts) Cook of Mt. Vernon, Oregon. She was a life- long resident of Oregon. She is survived by her husband of 38 years Vernon (Vern) Flanary of Mt. Vernon, Oregon; her mother Linda Cook of Mt. Vernon, Oregon; sister Linda Kinnaman and her hus- band, Gerald, of Prairie City, Ore- gon; brother Robert Greene and his wife, Susan, of Port- land, Oregon; her stepchildren Mike Flanary and Michelle Nagle both of Portland and Marcus Flanary of Long Beach, Washington; and many grandchildren and great-grandchil- dren, nieces and nephews. We know where she is today, and it’s a great place. She’s at the right hand of God. Alvia Jack Pickle (Jack) was born March 28, 1925 To Albert Ambrose a miner/Blacksmith and Minnie Roselee (Elmorris, Johnson) who made/designed hats and dresses. Jack passed on Sunday, Dec 22, 2019 at 0940 hours, at the VA Community Living Center in Boise, Idaho. He was the 3rd of seven children Elbert, Charles (Pete), Lydia Ann, Willard (Bobby), Elise Mae, and is survived by Orlando (Corky) of Pendleton. As a teenager he trapped and sold martin/mink with his friend Ford Peterson. During the summer he worked for the Forest Service as a Trail Boss building trails in the Wallowa Mountains Lake Basin (The ancestral lands of the Nez Perce tribe of Chief Joseph) some 8,000 ft. above sea level. Jack took his little brother (Corky) with him a lot. When the camp cook needed a break Jack would cook the crew’s meals on an open fire. Jack joined the Active Army June 1943, as a lineman. He was assigned to Co. B 431st Sig Bn/Heavy Construction, serving during World War II in Northern Africa, Rome-Arno, Northern Apennines, PO Valley, and Southern France where he saw 7 campaigns. Compa- ny B’s Captain Brown, a West Point Graduate was the reason Jack came home. As a TEC 5 he was promoted to a Field Grade Lieutenant. He received the Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. His Purple Heart for being injured at Monte Casino, Italy was lost in transition. Returning from the war Jack, attended Eastern Oregon College in LaGrande, to complete his High School Diploma and take Forestry Courses. There he met and Married Bonnie Lavonne Deardorff. They decided not to finish college and to settle in Prairie City Oregon. Jack worked in the sawmills becoming a Millwright at Hines Lumber in John Day, until his retirement at age 65. He was a VFW Lifetime member. He was the caretaker for the Deleau’s Cabin since the 1950’s in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. He orchestrated Cross-Cut Saw competitions for the 4th of July and 62 Days Celebrations throughout Grant County. Dr. Keith Thomas operated on him in 2004, saving Jacks life, giving him and his wife Bonnie the opportunity to be the 2009 Grant County 4th of July Parade Grand Marshalls. Jack is survived by his wife Bonnie, Daughter Marcia Paquel \Alexander Dabalos, Son - Lance wife Verona, Grandson - Shane wife Jennifer, Great Grand Children Bethany, Martha, AJ, and Lance William. Numerous Nieces and Nephews. A memorial Service will be announced in the spring to summer of 2020. Paid for by the family of Alvia Jack Pickle. S164634-1 Last Week’s Temps John Day ................................................HI/LO Tuesday ........................................................... 51/30 Wednesday ..................................................... 48/37 Thursday .......................................................... 39/34 Friday ............................................................... 51/33 Saturday .......................................................... 51/32 Sunday ............................................................ 38/28 Monday............................................................ 46/33 24/7 F ORECAST A UTOMATED : 541-575-1122 R OAD CONDITIONS : 511; TRIPCHECK . COM NOAA W EATHER R ADIO FOR J OHN D AY 162.500 MHz About Obituaries News obituaries of 300 words or less are a free service of the Blue Mountain Eagle. The paper accepts obituaries from the family or funeral home. Information submitted is subject to editing. Obituaries submitted to the Eagle with incorrect information may be corrected and republished as paid memorials. Obituaries longer than 300 words may be published as paid memorials. Send obituaries by email, office@bmeagle.com; fax, 541-575-1244; or mail, 195 N. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845. For more information, or to inquire about a paid memorial, call 541-575-0710. The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. eomediagroup.com Thank you to each and everyone who helped take care of Gramma Pearl those past two years. Your kindness and compassion will always be deeply appreciated. A special thanks to the Blue Mountain Care Center for making her life more comfortable and pleasant throughout the end of her journey. Sincerely, The Glenn Moodenbaugh Family and Nancy Morgan S163679-1 W EATHER F ORECAST FOR THE WEEK OF J AN . 8-14 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Cloudy Possible rain Partly sunny Possible snow Cloudy Cloudy Partly cloudy 51 39 36 38 38 31 27 36 30 23 32 26 16 12
