Obituaries for the day of May 27, 2010

Elgin

A memorial graveside service for Clinton Shirley Clark, who died Jan. 26 in Walla Walla, will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Elgin Cemetery. To view the previously published obituary, visit www.danielsknopp.com.

Donald C. Scott

Formerly of La Grande

1917-2010

Donald Cobb Scott, 92, formerly of La Grande, died May 16 in Beaverton surrounded by his wife and three children. A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. June 19 at the Atkinson Memorial Church, 710 Sixth St., Oregon City.

Following the service, a reception will be held and food will be served.

Don was the high school band director in La Grande from 1951-1965.

Don was born June 16, 1917, to Ralph and Susan Scott, in Spring Valley near Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 1936 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree (1940) and a master’s degree (1949) in music education at the University of Oregon.

Don met his future bride, Pauline Ann Pengra, when he was brought in as the guest flute soloist for an operetta at Lebanon High School. Polly was the soprano soloist. They married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 20, 1941, in Eugene, and he shipped out to join the Army less than three months later.

After the war, they raised their three children (Sid, Cal and Ann) in Hood River, La Grande, West Linn and McMinnville. Wherever they lived, Don and Polly were members of the Methodist church, and church activities were a central part of the life of the family.

As a music educator, Don taught high school bands and supervised school music departments for more than 35 years. Those who knew him say Don will be remembered for his strong leadership and commitment to music during the years he taught in Hood River (1946 to 1951), La Grande (1951 to 1965) and McMinnville (1967 to 1982).

Don’s contributions to music education extended beyond the classroom, through participation in regional and national music education associations. In 1954, Don was elected state president of the Oregon Music Educators Association. In 1961, he was elected president of the Northwest Division of the Music Educators National Conference.

Don is survived by his wife, Polly, of Beaverton; son, Sidney, and his wife, Shirley, of Naperville, Ill.; son, Calvin, and his wife, Sue, of Tigard; daughter, Annie, and her husband, Mick Mortlock, of Lake Oswego; and eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Music Educators Association or the Oregon Alzheimer’s Association.

Tonya L. (Bennett) Wallace

Formerly of Wallowa

1966-2010

Tonya Lynn (Bennett) Wallace, 43, of Pendelton and formerly of Wallowa, died suddenly May 12. At the family’s request there will be a private celebration of life at a later date. Sign the guestbook at www.burnsmortuary.com.

She was born Nov. 17, 1966, to Alvin Richard Bennett and June Maria (Grover) Bennett in Ogden. The family soon moved to Union where Alvin was from. Tonya attended schools in Union and Wallowa counties, graduating from Wallowa High School. After graduation, Tonya entered the Peace Corps where she met her first husband, Fred Swartout. Together they had two children, Daniel and Andrew.

After divorcing, Tonya and the boys moved to Lewiston, Idaho. There she worked and went to school in the nursing field. She had a passion for helping others, which took her and the boys to

various locations. In early 2000s Tonya moved back to Oregon to be near family and friends. This is where she met her beloved soulmate, Ben Hoffman. They were to be married this summer.

Tonya was currently going to school and doing well. She would have graduated this year. 

She loved the outdoors, gardening, fishing, driving in the mountains, camping and mushrooming. Those who knew her say she could find a mushroom when no one else could. Tonya also liked to crochet. She made afghans and other items for friends and family.

Survivors include her boys; Daniel and Andrew; her soulmate, Ben Hoffman, and his daughters; father, Alvin; brother, Alvin Michael Bennett, his wife, Misty, and their children; uncles and aunts; two half-sisters; extended family by marriage; cousins; nieces; and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, June Maria; all grandparents; a nephew; and aunts, uncles and cousins.