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

Nice, Frederick, Keene

Chester Dale Nice, 76, of La Grande, died Sept. 3 at his home. A full obituary will be available later. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Lucille Christine Frederick, 89, of La Grande, died Aug. 30. Viewing will begin at 4 p.m. with recitation of the holy rosary to follow at 6 today at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Private burial will be at Hillcrest East Cemetery.

Lucille was born Dec. 26, 1918, to Katherine Klundt and Leslie Mitchell in Pasco, Wash. Lucy was born in the jail building and placed in an apple crate when her mother went into labor while her parents were visiting their friends, the sheriff and his wife. She grew up in a boarding house owned by her grandparents and while living there she met her husband, Joe, who lived next door. They were both attending Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., at the time. They married Feb. 8, 1941.

All who knew Lucy were amazed with her spunk and youthful appearance. She loved wearing bright colors and lived each day to the fullest. Lucy loved traveling, most recently to Jamaica, and visiting her family in San Diego. She also looked forward to playing her favorite slots at the Wildhorse Casino and talking about her winnings. She was always lucky.

She loved music and dancing and enjoyed playing and listening to her grand piano. Her favorite songs included “Autumn Leaves and “Greensleeves.”

Lucy was a member of many organizations, where she made many lifelong friends, including the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, the Hospital Auxiliary, the Elks and the La Grande Country Club. She has been president of the Gold Diggers Investment Club for many years. She also loved playing bridge and celebrating birthday luncheons with her friends.

Lucy is survived by her sister, Marjorie Allert of Ritzville, Wash.; her beloved children, Kris Ann McDonald of La Grande, Steven Frederick of Salem, Koreen Hansell of La Grande, JoePat Frederick of San Diego, Calif., and Lucy Frederick of San Diego; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joe.

Ruth Marion (Fry) Keene, 62, of Clackamas and formerly of La Grande, died Aug. 26 of congestive heart failure. A memorial service begins at noon Oct. 4 at Barton Park, 19009 SE Barton Park Rd. in Boring. Cornerstone Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth was born Nov. 29, 1946,  in Carmel, Calif. She was married to Kenneth E. for 24 years. He died in 1996. Ruth was a retired office manager from Tidewater Barge Lines. She lived in many places including Columbus, Ind., Monterey, Calif., San Jose, Calif., Kennewick, Wash., and La Grande. She attended Eastern Oregon University from 2002-2004.

Survivors include daughter, Jennifer Keene; two grandchildren; siblings, Lucinda Elliot, Noel Ritter, Roberta Laue, Marshal Fry and Chris Fry; and stepmother, Susan Fry.