RECORDS
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
DEATH NOTICES
POLICE LOG
TUESDAY, JAN. 25
SUNDAY, JAN. 30
12 p.m. — A man came into the
Hermiston Police Department
lobby to speak with an officer
about a nice dog he found at
Field of Dreams at the corner
of Diagonal Boulevard and East
Hooker Road.
12:12 p.m. — A person asked to
speak to a Hermiston police of-
ficer about any consequences
for someone taking a dead per-
son’s phone, accessing it and
changing the pin and using the
social media accounts on the
phone to make posts.
12:33 p.m. — A mother report-
ed her son at Sandstone Middle
School, Hermiston, took the
bus home and a girl on the bus
spat in this face and smeared
lipstick on his jacket. She said
she reported this to the bus
company, which is doing
nothing about it, and told the
school principal, who told her
to speak to police.
1:29 p.m. — A 911 caller on
Northeast 10th Street, Hermis-
ton, reported her landlord was
there, causing a disturbance.
She said that he was pounding
on her door and threatening
her. Police responded.
12:33 a.m. — A caller reported
his grandson on Northeast
Seventh Street, Irrigon, was
involved in a domestic distur-
bance in which his girlfriend as-
saulted him and locked herself
in a trailer next to the house.
1:18 p.m. — A caller reported
a doe that was injured and suf-
fering in the area of Northeast
Second Street and Washington
Avenue, Irrigon, and may need
to be dispatched. A Mor-
row County sheriff’s deputy
checked the area but did not
find the deer.
4:25 p.m. — An Ione resident
reported her neighbor had a
fire in a field and was con-
cerned it could burn her barn
and house.
8:52 p.m. — Umatilla police
responded to the Crossroads
Truck Stop, 2020 Highway 730,
on a call about gunshots. Police
did not find anyone shooting.
10:24 p.m. — A 911 caller
reported a domestic distur-
bance at West Sunland Avenue,
Hermiston.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26
4:28 a.m. — A Hermiston officer
responded to a possible assault
at West Dogwood Avenue and
Northwest Spruce Street.
7:06 a.m. — Local law enforce-
ment responded to South First
Street, Irrigon, on a report of
a vehicle theft and recovered
two stolen vehicles.
9:49 a.m. — Police took a
report of a burglary that oc-
curred on South Highway 395,
Hermiston.
10:22 p.m. — Police responded
to a 911 call reporting some-
one was in violation of their
restraining order on Reservoir
Road in Stanfield. Police took a
report.
THURSDAY, JAN. 27
8:12 a.m. — Hermiston police
responded to a report of a bur-
glary on the 500 block of West
Division Avenue.
9:27 a.m. — Umatilla County
Sheriff’s Office received a
report of a dog bite which
occurred on East Diagonal Bou-
levard, Hermiston.
12:19 p.m. — Stanfield police
received a complaint from a
man stating there were goats
and chickens in his backyard
on West Roosevelt Avenue,
Stanfield.
9:18 p.m. — A resident at Wil-
son Road Mobile Home Park,
600 Wilson Road S.W., Board-
man, reported a car crashed
into her house, and there was a
male passed out in the vehicle.
Local emergencies services
responded. An ambulance took
the person to Good Shepherd
Medical Center, Hermiston.
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
9:54 a.m. — A resident on Lin-
den Way, Heppner, asked about
getting a restraining order for
telephonic harassment. A Mor-
row County sheriff’s deputy
contacted her and explained
options.
10:28 a.m. — A caller asked for
a welfare check on a Boardman
resident on Anthony Drive
who has not been in contact
with anyone since Jan. 23, was
in poor health, at high risk for
COVID-19 and did not answer
their door.
1:59 p.m. — Stanfield police
responded to the Pilot Travel
Center, 2115 S. Highway 395,
Stanfield, on a report of a
disturbance.
3:47 p.m. — A caller reported
the theft of a vehicle on Cun-
ningham Road in Echo.
5:59 p.m. — Hermiston police
responded to West Highland
Avenue and West Cedar Drive
on a report of an assault.
7:12 p.m. — A 911 caller re-
ported gunshots from a home
on Cherry Street, Umatilla.
7:41 p.m. — Umatilla police
responded to a report of
approximately 12 gunshots on
Sixth Street in downtown but
did not find any shooter.
9:41 p.m. — A 911 caller
reported a vehicle crashed at
Stanfield Meadows Road and
Highway 207, Stanfield, and
someone was injured. Emer-
gency services responded.
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
7:29 a.m. — A resident on West
Fourth Road, Irrigon, reported
a deer was stuck in the fence in
her backyard and was injuring
its back legs. The Morrow
County Sheriff’s Office referred
the call to Oregon State Police,
which handles calls about
game.
4:08 p.m. — A caller reported a
burglary at G & G Rentals, 2644
Bluejay St., Umatilla.
HerMIsTOnHeraLd.COM • A5
John Thomas Conforth
MONDAY, JAN. 31
8:08 a.m. — A caller reported
a burglary on East Feedville
Road, Hermiston. Law enforce-
ment responded and took a
report.
12:10 p.m. — A Umatilla police
officer initiated activity at
Umatilla High School on a com-
plaint about a fight and took a
report.
ARRESTS, CITATIONS
Jan. 27
• Hermiston police arrested
Johnny Lee Peterson Jr., 35, for
hit-and-run involving proper-
ty, driving while suspended,
reckless driving and resisting
arrest.
Jan. 28
• Boardman police arrested
Justin D. Connell, 29, for four
counts of first-degree crimi-
nal trespass, one count each
of second- and third-degree
criminal trespass and on a
probation violation.
Jan. 29
• Morrow County Sheriff’s
Office at 5:57 a.m. responded
to a caller on Northwest Center
Street, Heppner, who said
her boyfriend assaulted her
and she had to wait until he
fell asleep to leave. Deputies re-
sponded and arrested Antonio
Rafael Ortz for fourth-degree
domestic violence assault.
Orpha M. ‘Senie’ Reed
Hermiston
Hermiston
Aug. 1, 1950 — Jan. 26, 2022
May 11, 1942 — Jan. 19, 2022
John Thomas Conforth, 71, of Hermiston, died Jan. 26,
2022, at his home. He was born Aug. 1, 1950, in Weiser,
Idaho. A family gathering will be held. Arrangements are
with Burns Mortuary of Hermiston. Share memories at
www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Orpha M. “Senie” Reed, 79, of Hermiston, died Jan. 19,
2022, at her home. She was born May 11, 1942, in Robinette.
A celebration of life will be at a later date. Arrangements are
with Burns Mortuary of Hermiston. Share memories at www.
burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Jerry Lee Dyer
George Robert Wedding
Hermiston
Irrigon
May 30, 1935 — Jan. 28, 2022
July 10, 1953 — Jan. 23, 2022
Jerry Lee Dyer, 86, of Hermiston, died Jan. 28, 2022,
in Richland, Washington. He was born May 30, 1935, in
Hermiston. A graveside service will be Thursday, Feb. 3,
1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery. Arrangements are with
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston. Share memories at www.
burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
George Robert Wedding, 68, of Irrigon, died Jan. 23,
2022, in Richland, Washington. He was born July 10, 1953,
in Hot Springs, Montana, the son of Charles and Mari-
margaret (Marshall) Wedding. A celebration of life will be
Feb. 12, 1 p.m. at Stokes Landing Senior Center, Irrigon. A
graveside service and burial will be planned for the spring
in Pierce, Idaho. Arrangements are with Burns Mortuary of
Hermiston. Share memories at www.burnsmortuaryherm-
iston.com.
Ryan D. Neal
Boardman
Sept. 30, 1981 — Jan. 18, 2022
Ryan D. Neal, 40, of Boardman, died Jan. 18, 2022,
at a Portland medical center. He was born Sept. 30,
1981, in Clarkston, Washington, the son of Gary and
Kathy Neal. A celebration of life will be announced at
a later date. Arrangements are with Sweeney Mortuary
of Heppner.
Robert Salazar
Hermiston
Aug. 27, 1965 — Jan. 27, 2022
Robert Salazar, 56, of Hermiston, died Jan. 27, 2022,
in Springfield. He was born Aug. 27, 1965, in Port-
land. Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 3,
4-8 p.m. with recitation of the holy rosary at 6 p.m. at
Smith Funeral Home, Grandview, Washington. Mass of
Christian burial will be Friday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. at Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church, Grandview, Washington.
Arrangements are with Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside,
Washington. Sign the online memorial book at www.
funeralhomesmith.com.
Carole Jean Pellant
Umatilla
May 22, 1942 — Jan. 29, 2022
Carole Jean Pellant, 79, of Umatilla, died Jan. 29,
2022, in Hermiston. She was born May 22, 1942, in
Fayetteville, Arkansas. At her request, no service will
be held. A private burial will be at the Hermiston Cem-
etery. Arrangements are with Burns Mortuary of Herm-
iston. Share memories at www.burnsmortuaryhermis-
ton.com.
Edward J. ‘Ed’ Sander
Boardman
Nov. 28, 1960 — Jan. 28, 2022
Edward J. “Ed” Sander, 61, of Boardman, died Jan.
28, 2022, at his home. He was born Nov. 28, 1960, in
Tillamook. Services are pending. Arrangements are with
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston. Share memories at www.
burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
William “Bill” Fordyce Myers
August 21, 1934 - January 16, 2022
William was born on Aug. 21, 1934,
to Carl R. Myers and Epha M. (South-
ward) Myers in Hermiston, Oregon, and
passed away on Jan. 16, 2022, at home,
surrounded by his family on
the homesteaded property
where he grew up.
On Aug. 21, 1952, at the
young age of 18 he mar-
ried Sylvia S. Tramel (16).
In August of this year they
would have celebrated their
70th wedding anniversary.
They welcomed their first
child, Teresa, in December
of 1953 and their son, Mitch,
in 1957.
He traveled Oregon and
California extensively work-
ing on many jobs in the construction in-
dustry. He followed his employer, moving
about every two years and while in Los
Angeles in 1967 he decided the family
would return to Hermiston. Upon his re-
turn home in 1967 he worked for a short
time with Ray Kalal Construction until
his love for jeeps and cars led him to open
his own repair shop on Diagonal Road. In
1972 a chance Jeep Club trip to Meacham,
Oregon, hunting for Christmas trees led
him and his wife, Sylvia, to buy the Blue
Mountain Lodge, which they ran success-
fully for six years. He bought a tow truck
and worked many long hours in the winter
months pulling cars out of the snowbanks.
While there his father, Carl, passed
away in 1974 and he decided to return
home to take care of his mother, Epha.
Upon returning from Meacham he started
his own construction company with his
son, Mitch. He did many jobs in Umatil-
la County with his Caterpillar, dump truck
and water truck. Always thinking for a bet-
ter way and during his years of owning and
repairing his own equipment he, his wife
and son developed a product that is now
manufactured on the family property, sold
and distributed worldwide.
He was the sweetest and kindest man
who knew no strangers. He would visit
with anyone and make a new friend, often
dropping off little mementos whether it be
a flower, leaf, pinecone or rock. In later
years after retiring, he cherished his twice-
a-day visits to town for coffee at the local
restaurants to visit his buddies and wait-
resses who all loved him. He had two Har-
leys and rode until he was in his 80s when
failing health made it so he could no longer
ride. He made many trips to Sturgis, and
loving the challenge of the ride more than
the destination, he would turn right around
and head home the next day.
He was a patriot who loved his country
and although unable to serve
due to a heart murmur, he
rode thousands of miles on
his Harley as a member of
the Patriot Guard, escorting
fallen soldiers to their home-
towns. He will be honored
with a Patriot Guard service.
He was a very proud 32nd
Degree Master Mason and
also a member of the Desert
Shrine. He could be seen for
many years at fundraisers,
parades, football games and
food drives, always giving.
A master mechanic and innovator, he
taught his love for cars and racing to his
son, Mitch. While competing as a family
race team and crew member, they togeth-
er won two National Sand Drag Cham-
pionships. In 2004 at the highest level of
motorsports they won the NHRA drag rac-
ing World Championship, also setting the
World Record. He drove the transporter
truck all over the U.S. until winning the
National Championship. They then retired
from racing for many years. The racing
bug started again in 2019 and even though
he was unable to drive the transporter
again, he was able to travel to a few races.
He tried to figure out a way to go to the
last race of the 2021 season but just wasn’t
strong enough to make the trip.
He was a wonderful husband, father and
grandfather. He would always listen and be
present to help with whatever life issues
might need discussed. He will be missed
by so many relatives and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his
daughter, Teresa Clark and son-in-law
Gary; his son, Mitch Myers and daughter-
in-law Tina; and his many grandchildren,
Leigh Ann, Jaimi, Heather, William and
Nicole. He has six great-grandchildren
and two great-great-grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Carl and
Epha Myers; brother, Carl “Dick” Myers;
and sister, Donna Jean Ragsdale. He was
also preceded in death by many pioneer
relatives who settled the area in the 1800s
and early 1900s.
There will be a celebration of his life
later in the spring, to be announced. In lieu
of flowers, donations can be made in his
name to the Patriot Guard or the Shriners
Hospitals for Children.
BIRTHS
Good Shepherd Medical Center, Hermiston
Jan. 13, 2022
BALDWIN — Lacie Baldwin of Hermiston: a girl, Tae-
lynn Baldwin.
LEADER-BOWLES — Kateri Leader-Bowles of Herm-
iston: a girl, Zaylia Skye Leader-Bowles.
Jan. 14, 2022
GRANT — Sheyanne Rose Hollevoet of Hermiston: a boy,
Julius Oliver Grant.
Jan. 16, 2022
KNIGHT — Amber Dawn Weems and Joseph Anthony
Knight of Hermiston: a girl, Everlee Dawn Knight.
Marvin Dean Way
November 30, 1929 - January 20, 2022
Marvin Dean Way passed away
peacefully at his home in Stanfield,
Oregon, on Jan. 20, 2022, at the age
of 92. He was born Nov. 30, 1929,
in Heppner, Oregon. He was the
ninth of 10 children born to Daniel
and Iva Vinson Way of Lexington.
Marvin enlisted in the Army af-
ter high school and was an MP in
the Korean Conflict. He took over
the Way family farm in Lexington
after returning from active duty, where he grew hay and
raised cattle. He married Norma Ann Robinson on Sept.
1, 1961, and their family grew. They raised their three
children on the farm in Lexington: a daughter, Lou Ann,
and two sons, Bruce and Mark. Marvin worked at the
Kinzua Corporation lumber mill in Heppner and for
ODOT until his retirement. He was a member of the
Oddfellows IOOF Lodge and the VFW.
Marvin enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life
and many a family member has a wooden clock that he
skillfully crafted just for them. He was an avid fan of
youth sports and could, more often than not, be found
attending a local high school sporting event. He excit-
edly looked forward to the yearly Vinson/Way family
reunion, where one could hear his boisterous laugh and
many a reminiscent tale about some member of the
family’s exploits. He never met a stranger he didn’t al-
ready know.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his
wife, and his brothers and sisters: June, Stanley, Max-
ine, Zelma, Joseph, Claude, Bertin, Kenneth and Asa.
He is survived by his daughter, Lou Ann Way of
Vancouver, Washington, and her son, James; son, Bruce
and his wife Charlene of Boise, Idaho, and their daugh-
ters, McKenzie and Morgan; and son, Mark and his
wife Robin of Stanfield, Oregon.tttt
As per Marvin’s wishes no funeral services will be
held and any gathering in his memory will be withheld
until COVID restrictions are relaxed. Because of his
love of the outdoors his family suggests that you plant a
tree in his memory.
George Robert Wedding
July 10, 1953 - January 23, 2022
George Robert Wedding, of Ir-
rigon, was born July 10, 1953, in
Hot Springs, Montana, the son of
Charles and Marimargaret (Mar-
shall) Wedding. He passed away
in Richland, Washington, on Sun-
day, Jan. 23, 2022, at the age of 68
years.
George lived in many areas and
attended several schools during his
childhood but spent most of his
school-age years in Craigmont, Idaho. As a young adult
he resided in the Lewiston, Idaho, and Clarkston, Wash-
ington, area where he worked for Twin City Foods as a
mechanic for many years. In the late 1980s, he moved
to Enterprise, Oregon, where he worked in steel fabri-
cation. He lived in Monument, Oregon, from 1991 un-
til 1996 where he worked in road construction. He has
been a resident of Irrigon since 1996. While living in
Irrigon, he owned and operated Comfort Time Heating
and Cooling for many years.
George enjoyed fishing, camping, playing pool,
singing and playing his guitar, and playing cards. He
was a member of the Irrigon Moose Lodge. He enjoyed
going to family gatherings and loved his time with his
grandchildren.
George married Jennie Poulson on Feb. 17, 1989, in
Enterprise, Oregon.
He is survived by his wife, Jennie; five children,
Crystal Wedding, Brandon Wedding, Andrew Wedding,
Joseph Wedding and Lacie Wedding; six grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren; siblings, Dale Marshall,
Jeannie Alford, Donneva Kiele, Henry Wedding and
Leanne Wedding; and many nieces and nephews and
extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a broth-
er, Frank “LeRoy” Wedding.
There will be a celebration of George’s life at the
Stokes Landing Senior Center in Irrigon, Oregon, at 1
p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. A graveside service
and burial will be planned for the spring in Pierce, Ida-
ho. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrange-
ments.
The family suggests donations in George’s memory
be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Or-
chard Ave. #300, Hermiston, OR 97838.
To leave an online condolence for the family please
go to www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.