>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Richard Lewis Mitchell, 77, of Union died Jan. 22. At the request of his family there will be no public services. Arrangements are under the direction of Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mr. Mitchell, known as Dick, was born Feb. 17, 1929, to George and Catherine (Engell) Mitchell in Bellflower, Calif. He was born to a large family. He married and had two children, then later divorced.

He loved hunting and enjoyed going out shooting. He liked having coffee at the truck stop and the company he shared with the waitresses. He was a good grandfather and father and passed away the way he wanted to, at a friend's home in Union.

Survivors include his children, Bill Mitchell of Nevada and Tracy Mitchell-Cox of Georgia, and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

_______________________

Gertrude (Rogers) Kanyon, 85, of Joseph died Feb. 13. A funeral is planned for 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 6705 SE 14th Ave.

Mrs. Kanyon was born July 20, 1921, in Burbank, Calif. She married James Emery Kanyon in 1942. They moved from California to Portland in 1957 and to Joseph in 2004.

Survivors include her husband; children, Lynnette Baker, Julia Ramsour and Carol Sullivan; siblings, Anna McFadden and Charles Rogers; and five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Remembrances may be made to a charity of choice.

_______________________

Spencer Fredrick Mastrude, 84, of La Grande died Feb. 14 at a local care home. A funeral is planned for 11 a.m. Monday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mr. Mastrude was born April 29, 1922, to Fredrick and Agnes (Lozier) Mastrude in Joseph. He was educated in both Joseph and La Grande and graduated from Enterprise High School. He worked with his father, farming and ranching for a few years, then did some work in the logging industry. He later went to work in heavy construction, mostly as a cat skinner.

He married Nellie Hanby in 1941, and they later divorced. He met Guelda Lampman in La Grande, and they were married in 1956 in Douglas, Wyo. His work took them to New Mexico, Arizona, California, Washington and Oregon.

Mr. Mastrude was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed his family and playing cards of all kinds, especially pinochle. He will be remembered for his love of telling stories.

Survivors include his children, Peggy Johnson of La Grande, Joe Mastrude of Lake Stevens, Wash., Billie Mae Carpenter of Magalia, Calif., and Alvin Mastrude of Island City; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; brothers, Selwin Mastrude of Baker City and Gene Mastrude of Westport, Wash.; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2006; parents; a brother, Alan Mastrude; and a son, Michael Mastrude.

Memorials may be made to a charity of choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande 97850.

_______________________

Geraldine Nina Clark, 87, who has spent much time in La Grande, died Feb. 13 at her home at the Sun Terrace Assisted Living Facility in Hermiston. At her request, there will be no public services. The family will have a private service at a later date. Disposition was by cremation. Arrangements are under the direction of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston.

Mrs. Clark was born Feb. 28, 1919, to LaVerne W. and Mary Harriet (Floyd) Loomis in Kennewick, Wash. She was raised in Medford and attended Oregon State University.

On July 27, 1942, she married Edward Joel Clark in Portland. She lived most of her adult life in Pendleton and the last 10 years in Hermiston.

She enjoyed watercolor painting, sewing, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, gardening, crafts and playing bridge. Most of all she loved her family.

Survivors include her sons and their spouses, Chris and Marla Clark of Hermiston, Nick Clark of Santa Cruz, Calif, Jode and Brenda Clark of La Grande and Doug Clark of Spokane, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Betty Loomis of Seattle; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Edward Joel Clark, and her parents.

Memorials may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice, 1050 W. Elm Ave., Suite 220, Hermiston 97838.