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
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NOAA W EATHER R ADIO FOR J OHN D AY
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S192956-1
W EATHER F ORECAST FOR THE WEEK OF J UNE 10 - 16
Wednesday
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Slight chance of
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