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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 2020)
A2 FAMILY Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, June 10, 2020 OBITUARIES Hope 4 Paws hosting pet food giveaway By Rudy Diaz Blue Mountain Eagle Hope 4 Paws: Grant County is hosting a food giveaway to help pet own- ers facing financial difficul- ties due to the pandemic. Hope 4 Paws volunteers will be giving food from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 at the rear of the Pioneer Feed and Farm Supply lot on 831 West Highway 26 in John Day. Food will be given as long as supplies last. The food distribution was made possible thanks to the donations from local supporters and the Oregon Humane Society, accord- ing to a press release from Hope 4 Paws. A pallet of dog puppy, cat and kitten food was donated. This program is open to Grant County pet owners, and recipients will be asked to sign in with their name, city and pet information. “Hope 4 Paws offers its sincere appreciation to the Oregon Humane Society for its generous gift, our local donors and Pioneer Feed for allowing the event at their lot,” the press release stated. Mildred A. Greenwood Mildred A. Greenwood, 97, of Unity, Oregon, and recently of John Day, Oregon, passed away at Valley View Assisted Living Facility in John Day on Jan. 27, 2020. There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. on June 10, 2020, at the Unity Cemetery, with a reception at Unity Community Hall following the service. To offer online condolences to the family, visit grayswestco.com. Harley ‘Jack’ John Askew Contributed photo Hope 4 Paws volunteer Jim Spell, left, and Board Member Chris Labhart inspect a pallet of donated food. Scholarship winners announced County blood drive planned June 18-19 Blue Mountain Eagle Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative announced 26 local students have been selected to receive college scholarships. Twenty-two $5,000 scholarships have been awarded to graduating high school students and returning college students. This year, OTEC and EOU partnered to launch a new scholarship, The OTEC-EOU Rural Scholarship Program, which pays all tuition and fees at Eastern Ore- gon University if the student commits to graduating from EOU. Four students were awarded this scholarship. Andrew Lusco of Grant Union High School earned The OTEC-EOU Rural Scholarship. Grant County students receiving the OTEC $5,000 College Scholarship include graduating seniors Shae- lynn Bice, Prairie City High School, and Samantha Floyd, Grant Union High School; and returning college students, Maggie Justice, Walla Walla University, and Lindsey Webb, Montana State University. Recipients of the trade school and lineman school scholarships will be announced in June. Blue Mountain Eagle The Grant County Community Blood Drive was recog- nized for the outstanding participation in blood donation for its March 2020 drive. The assigned goal for the two-day drive was exceeded both days. The American Red Cross will be in John Day on from noon to 6 p.m. June 18 and from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. June 19 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a blood drive. In response to COVID-19, additional measures are in place to ensure donor/volunteer and staff safety, and therefore it is recommended that donors pre-schedule an appointment and come during that scheduled time only. Walk-in donations can- not be accepted. Sign up online at redcrossblood.org. Contact the Grant County ambassador at 801-656-8069 or an American Red Cross representative at 541-228-5667. Use the Rapid Pass online the day of your appointment, if possible. Bradford John Ward February 23, 1948 ~ May 31, 2020 SALEM - Brad was the middle child born to Averil and Darrell Ward, in Pendleton, Oregon, at the old St. Anthony’s Hospital, on February 23, 1948. He died on May 31, 2020 at age 72 at his home in Salem, Oregon. Growing up in Eastern Oregon, mostly in John Day during his public school years, he excelled in sports, mainly when playing basketball for Grant Union High School. He attended college in La Grande (EOC) and Ashland (SOC). Then he was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served his country bravely in Viet Nam combat, skilled in mortars. After his military service, he began learning drywall skills, T-bar ceiling systems and working with steel studs on com- mercial buildings. He watched how to bid these types of jobs which led to Brad taking the risk to start his own business in that field, Caslin, Inc. in Salem. He was a successful businessman in the Willamette Valley for many years. His em- ployees were loyal because of Brad’s fairness, work skills and work ethic. Branching off into constructing “clean rooms” for technicians who were making computer parts in sterile environments, proved to be a good choice for his business for many years. Brad’s company had a very good reputation for work quality so he was chosen as a construction subcontractor for many bigger companies over the years. Buford was his nickname given by his buddies. His sense of humor and generous spirit, excellent work ethic, and love of fun made for many great friend relationships. Brad could tell a good joke or two. (or ten) He always had an artistic talent and that was exhibited in his latest hobby, turning beautiful burls into bowls, using his lathe. There were other interests, too, like flying helicopter and stunt planes for fun. He was always active during his life, whether it be water skiing, jet-skiing, camping, or building. Brad was one of those people who could do just about anything. Then, in 2011, throat cancer struck him and for the last 9 years forced lifestyle changes. But he fought it and battled it into remission. However, the effects of the treatment, chemo and radiation, took their toll on him. He lived longer than most would have with these health issues because of his determination and desire to see his children and grandchildren flourish. He has two daughters, Lindsey Brown of Woodland Hills, CA, and Cassie Ward from Salem. His two granddaughters are Nia Brown and Kali Brown and these four girls were the “Apple of his Eye.” Brad is also survived by his sister Bev Ward of Dallas, OR., and his brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Kim Ward of John Day. Nieces Tara and Amanda and nephew JD and their families survive him also. Brad was predeceased by his parents and his niece, Kristi Ward. There will be a gathering of friends sometime in the future to toast Brad’s life. Dec. 22, 1959 – May 29, 2020 Harley “Jack” Askew, 60, of Mt. Vernon passed away on May 29, 2020, at his residence with his loved ones by his side. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Clyde Holliday State Park with a potluck to follow. Jack was born on Dec. 22, 1959, in Yreka, California, to Claud and Vera (Baker) Askew. He attended Mt. Vernon High School where he participated in foot- ball, basketball and track. He graduated in 1978. After high school Jack enlisted in the United States Army and went to Basic Combat Training in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He served four years and was stationed in Germany as an E-5 Sergeant when dis- charged out of Fort Hood, Texas. He worked for Tidewater Contractors Inc. as a heavy equip- ment operator for 16 years. Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, horn hunting, collecting marbles and looking for arrow heads. Jack is survived by his significant other, Kay Bond, of Mt Ver- non, Oregon; sons, Josh (Charissa) Moulton of Mt. Vernon, Ore- gon, Wade Keith of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Gary Moulton; sisters Niki Fisher of Payette, Idaho, and Helen (Dodie) Hunt of Mt. Ver- non, Oregon; brothers, Harvey and Jim Askew, both of Prairie City, Oregon; and three grandchildren: Ryder, Weston and Jaxson. He was preceded in death by his parents Claud “Joe” and Vera Askew. To leave an online condolence for the family, visit driskillme- morialchapel.com. Catherine Ann Gillihan April 12, 1944 – June 2, 2020 Catherine Ann Gillihan, 76, of Prairie City passed away June 2, 2020, at her residence with her loved ones by her side. A celebra- tion of life will be held at 1 p.m. on June 14, 2020, at the Unity State Park in Unity, Oregon. Catherine was born to Ernest and Janice (Collins) Eden on April 12, 1944, in Fay- etteville, Arkansas. She attended Del Norte High School. Catherine married Kenneth Gillihan on Aug. 4, 1960, in Crescent City, California, and welcomed four children: Toni, Kenny, Lisa and Lori. She worked as a cake decorator and baker for several years for a large food chain market. She was involved in the Rebekah Lodge and was a devoted housewife. Catherine was the best wife, mother, grandmother, great-grand- mother and was a blessing to all that knew her. She will be in her family’s hearts and minds forever. Survivors include her loving husband, Kenneth, of Prairie City, Oregon; children Kenny (Anna) Gillihan of Prairie City, Oregon, Toni Gillihan of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Lisa Krisman of Burns, Ore- gon, and Lori Gillihan of Lebanon, Oregon; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Janice Eden, and brother, Kenneth Eden. To offer an online condolence to the family, visit: driskillmemo- rialchapel.com. S192776-1 City View Cemetery and Mausoleum is in charge of burial arrangements. Paid for by the family of Brad Ward. CORRECTION Norma Viola Winebarger Rynearson September 9, 1929 – April 18, 2020 Norma Viola Winebarger Rynearson was born on September 9, 1929 in John Day, Oregon to Walter M. and Cora V. (Eads) Winebarger. She passed away on April 18, 2020 at Sun Terrace Assisted Living in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 90. Due to Covid-19 a private family burial was held April 24th, 2020 at the Prairie City Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends. In an article last week about the transient room tax, the Eagle cited an outdated version of the ordinance that was provided in agenda materials. The purpose of the tax in the new ordinance is “to raise revenues to be used for tourism promotion and tourism related facilities.” The Eagle regrets the error. When Norma was ten days old her parents took her home to Fox, Oregon where she spent her childhood years living at the lower end of Fox Valley. She started school at the age of 5 walking a half-mile to and from school with her older sister Verna until she got lost in a snowbank. Her mother then home schooled her until she was 8 years old when she began attending the Lofton District. The family built a house in the town of Fox to live in during the winter so she, her brother Walter (Earl) and sister Bessie could attend school. Many of her school years she was the only student in her class. In 1944 Norma moved to Prairie City, Oregon, as a sophomore in high school. She also began working at the Blue Mountain Hospital, earning 32 cents an hour. Norma married Floyd L. Rynearson on December 24, 1946 in Prairie City, Oregon. She graduated salutatorian of her class from Prairie City High School in 1947. Norma sold Baum Toys, Stanley Fuller Brush Products and Avon products. She worked at Prairie City School District as a classroom assistant and library assistant for many years. She retired as a clerk for the U.S. Forest Service, Long Creek District and Malheur National Forest. Norma was a 73-year member of the Prairie City American Legion Auxiliary serving as the girl state chairman.She was baptized in the Prairie City United Methodist Church December 5, 1957 where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Birthday Calendar Committee, Treasurer and Board Member. When the Prairie City church closed, she transferred to the John Day United Methodist Church. Norma was a volunteer at the church thrift shop and food bank. She was recognized as church member of the year in 2010. She also served on the Grant County Election Board. She was a member of the Grant County Home Extension Group. She was a 34-year 4-H Leader for knitting, crocheting, and cooking. She served as the Superintendent of the Needle Work Department for the Grant County Fair for many years. She was a member of the Prairie City Garden Club and Grand Marshall of the 1995 Prairie City 4th of July. Kenneth L. Speakman December 24, 1953 ~ March 11, 2020 A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away at his home in Canyon City. Ken courageously battled cancer for many months before moving home to heaven to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a firm believer that cancer was extremely limited. It could not cripple love, shatter hope, or corrode faith. It could not eat away peace or memories, nor silence courage or reduce eternal life. Ken was born in Mapleton, Oregon. He met his wife Shelly in Wenatchee, Washington and they were married January 2, 1982 in Lynnwood, Wash- ington. Together they made their home in John Day and raised their three children. Ken is survived by his wife of 38 years, his son Don (Julie), daugh- ters Christina and Makaela (Clayton), six grandchildren, sisters Linda, Cin- dy (Erich), and brother Gale. Ken graduated from Grant Union High School in 1972. He participated in sports and was on the Grant Union High School wrestling and football teams. He was a gifted artisan and well known for his beautiful juniper and antler furniture creations. Ken was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending much of his time in the woods. His passions were hunting and fishing and were always on his agenda. He also loved to fly. Ken was a private pilot and flew in the Alaskan bush country and for Living Word Christian Center, Mt. Vernon, and Pendleton for several years. Norma’s hobbies were knitting, crocheting, reading, and visiting with people. She was inspirational in starting the Thursday Morning Breakfast Club and the Saturday Night Dinner Club for ladies in Prairie City. She was the leader in the Red Hat Society that later became the Mad Hatters. She was a member of the Smart Reader Program for Prairie City School District. Spring was her favorite time of the year with drives to see the wildflowers in bloom. She loved to pick huckleberries and cook breakfast and supper over the campfire during the summertime. She is survived by her children: Marva Ransom, Margie and Carroll Walton, Marvin and Lisa Rynearson, Marnie and Gary Mediger and Marlene and Doug Freels; grandchildren: Floyd and Carla Ransom, Cassandra Wamego, Reggie Freels, Carson and Ashley Freels; eight great grandchildren; fourteen great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd, son-in-law’s Terry Newton, and Robert Ransom, siblings Vera Leiber, Walter (Earl) Winebarg- er, Bessie Rynearson, Fay and Fred Winebarger. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Prairie City Cemetery Irrigation Project, Prairie City American Legion Auxiliary or to a charity of your choice through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845. When remembering him, you cannot help but think of his grandchildren. He had a special love for them, and they will dearly miss their Papa. A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 27th, 11 am, at Living Word Christian Center, Mt. Vernon, Oregon. The service will be recorded and available for viewing June 30th on the Driskill Memorial Chapel website for those who are unable to be in attendance. Web: driskillmemorialchapel.com To offer an online condolence for the family, visit: www.driskillmemorialchapel.com. Paid for by the family of Norma Rynearson. Paid for by the family of Ken Speakman S192802-1 Last Week’s Temps John Day ...........................................................HI/LO Tuesday ........................................................... 81/45 Wednesday ..................................................... 78/47 Thursday .......................................................... 75/48 Friday ............................................................... 78/48 Saturday .......................................................... 62/42 Sunday ............................................................. 52/40 Monday............................................................ 64/44 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 S192956-1 W EATHER F ORECAST FOR THE WEEK OF J UNE 10 - 16 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Slight chance of thunderstorms Slight chance of thunderstorms Chance of thunderstorms Showers likely Slight chance of showers Slight chance of showers Sunny 78 82 79 60 67 73 71 51 53 47 44 47 39 44