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

Braddie May Bruce, 79, of Island City, died Jan. 11 at a local care center. A service will be held later in Canyon City.

Braddie was born Jan. 26, 1928, to Clyde Willis and Grace Irene (Herburger) Laughlin in Prairie City. She was raised in Dayville and graduated from high school there.

On Jan. 12, 1947, she married Ralph Bruce in Canyon City. She worked as a school secretary in Canyon City, Ukiah and John Day. For several years they lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she worked for the Episcopal bishop and for a co-op drug company.

In her younger years she was a Rainbow girl and then a member of Eastern Star, of which she was a past worthy matron. She was an active member of the Canyon City Episcopal Church and a 4-H leader in the 1960s. In more recent years, Ralph and Braddie spent their winters in Arizona and visited family in San Diego. She loved to dance, square dance, sing in church and go on picnics. She enjoyed people, cooking and playing cards.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph of Island City; children, Sandra Rysdam of Elgin, Craig Bruce of Bend and Sheila Bruce of Bend; brother, Willis Laughlin of San Diego; two grandchildren in La Grande and Elgin; two step-grandchildren in Portland and Bend; two great-grandchildren; and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande.

Published Jan. 15, 2008

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Thelma Doris Driskell, 91, of La Grande, died Jan. 11 at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise. A celebration of life begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande.

Visitation will be allowed for family and friends for one hour prior to the services. Graveside services will follow at Grandview Cemetery. A reception will he held in the hall of the United Methodist Church, 1612 Fourth St., after the graveside service.

Doris was born March 15, 1916, to Leslie Duncan and Christine Weatley in Parma, Idaho. She was the oldest daughter. When Doris was 2, the family moved to La Grande where she spent the rest of her years. She graduated from La Grande High School in 1934.

Having lived in La Grande for almost 90 years, Doris enjoyed Eastern Oregon and loved going on camping trips in the surrounding area with her family and friends. One of her greatest pleasures was picking huckleberries and making huckleberry dumplings.

With her husband she had been an active member in the Good Sams. They gave up the camping trailer life only when they could no longer handle the rigors of getting the trailer to the campsite. She continued to get out into the area with the support of her son, Jim, and his wife, Connie. She also enjoyed day road trips to revisit many of her favorite local spots whenever her son Kenny and his family would visit from upstate New York.

Doris was a member of the United Methodist Church. She supported the church and attended services often. She had been an active member of Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors of America. She enjoyed playing board games and card games and always wanted to enjoy a good game after holiday dinners. She was a member of a local bridge club and a member of a birthday club — celebrating her friends' birthdays each month at a local restaurant.

She loved to work in her garden and flower beds and continued with help to grow vegetables and flowers. She loved to sew, crochet, to bake and make Christmas candy. In a recent thank you note, one of her sisters wrote how good her divinity was this year. She especially enjoyed her great-grandkids stopping by so that she could watch them play and play with them.

Doris married George William "Bill" Driskell Aug. 1, 1940, and spent the rest of her life with him as a homemaker. He preceded her in death in March 2002 after almost 62 years together.

Surviving family members include her sons, James Driskell and his wife, Connie, of La Grande, Kenneth Driskell and his wife, Jean, of Chadwicks, N.Y.; two younger sisters, Fern Mammon of Salinas, Calif., and Janis Shinn of Goleta, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren living in La Grande, other parts of Oregon, Nevada, and as far away as Boston, upstate New York, Virginia, North Carolina and Texas.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry, in 1993.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel by calling 963-5022.

Published Jan. 15, 2008

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Ina Mae Hamilton, 80, of Newberg and formerly of La Grande, died Jan. 5 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Beaverton. A memorial service begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at 307 S. College St. in Newberg.

Ina was born Nov. 29, 1927, to Mable and Melvin Walker in Ontario. She attended high school in La Grande and attended Oregon State College and San Jose State College in California.

She married William on Aug. 29, 1948, in La Grande. She was a homemaker, a cook-manager of a middle school cafeteria and a library aide at La Grande High School.

The couple traveled by RV for eight years through the United States and Canada after retiring in 1987. They had made their home at the Friendsview Retirement Community in Newberg since 1995.

Survivors include her husband; sons, William of Berkeley, Calif., Robert of Walla Walla and Charles of Klamath Falls; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her third son, Donald A. of Redmond, when he died suddenly in August 2007.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tilicum Retreat, 15321 N.E. North Valley Road, Newberg 97132-6525.

Published Jan. 15, 2008

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Carl Allen Pitcher, 70, of Nampa, Idaho, died Jan. 12 at home after a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kings Grace Church, 48 E. 18th St. in Junction City with the Rev. Gordon Johnson

officiating. Burial will follow in the Gates Cemetery in Crow.

A viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Kings Grace Church in Junction City. Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd. in Nampa is in charge of arrangements.

Carl A. Pitcher was born on April 2, 1937, to Paul Franklin and Viola Pearl Smith Pitcher in Burns. He was raised on a cattle ranch in Silver Lake. He met his "queen of the universe" Deanna Johnson in Silver Lake and the two married on Oct. 28, 1960, in Veneta. After marriage Carl and Deanna moved to Crow where he worked in well drilling.

After five years he started his own well drilling company.

In 1988 they moved to La Grande where he continued to drill. Carl and Deanna eventually opened a bed and breakfast that they both enjoyed immensely, especially meeting the people who came to stay with them. In 2000 they retired and moved to Nampa.

Those who knew him say his passion in life was to see marriages healed with God's help, and for many years he and Deanna taught marriage classes and provided counseling.

His love, other than family, was always having people over. Hospitality was huge on his list.

Those who knew him say his love of life was obvious, with a grin on his face and a hearty laugh. They said, "There is only one Carl."

He is survived by his wife, Deanna; his sons, Larry Pitcher of Prescott, Wash., and Chuck Pitcher of Nampa; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Published Jan. 16, 2008

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Mamie A. Carland Jones, 107, of Pendleton and formerly of La Grande, died Jan. 14 at the Juniper House in Pendleton. A celebration of life will be held at the Pendleton Senior Center at a later date.

Mamie was born on Aug. 28, 1900, in Broken Bow, Neb. She married LaVelle T. Jones on Dec. 22, 1920. They moved to Laramie, Wyo., where Mamie gave birth to a daughter, Gere, in 1924.

The couple moved to La Grande in 1932. They also lived in Union. She worked for First National Bank from 1942 to 1965. After she retired from family business in 1992, she moved to Pendleton.

Mamie loved to sew and garden and liked animals. She loved dancing at senior centers.

She is survived by her daughter, Gere Zacharias of Pendleton; and granddaughter, Kaye Killgore of Portland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any hospice or the Pendleton Senior Center.

Published Jan. 17, 2008

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Charles E. Carrel, 80, of La Grande, died Jan. 7. A memorial service took place at the Shangri La RV Resort in Yuma, Ariz. Johnsons Mortuary in Yuma was in charge of arrangements.

Charles was born Feb. 21, 1927, in Deweese, Neb., to Joseph and Anne Carrel. He grew up in Nebraska and married Norma Snyder on Dec. 3, 1951, in Faibury, Neb. The couple moved to La Grande in 1969 and had two children, Lance and Pamela .

Charlie owned and operated the Texaco Station at Greenwood and Adams in La Grande for 12 years and then was a courier for ESD. After retiring, he and his wife were work-campers in various RV parks across the country including at Dollywood in Pigeon Fork, Tenn. They spent their winters in Yuma at Shangri La RV Resort for 18 years. He loved his family, enjoyed visiting with people and playing cards. He also loved traveling and camping. His last wish was to spend his winter at Shangri La, which he was able to do until he died.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma; son, Lance and his wife, Kolleen Carrel of La Grande; daughter, Pamela Counsell of La Grande; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Rene Campbell of Yuma; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and a brother.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of Yuma.

Published Jan. 18, 2008

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Charles Francis Feathergill, 79, of La Grande, died Jan. 14 at his home. A viewing will run from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the Thomas Miller Mortuary in Corona, Calif. A graveside service will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Crestline Memorial Park in Riverside, Calif.

Charles was born on May 22, 1928, to Oscar and Lucy (Brewer) Feathergill in Champaign, Ill. He was raised and educated in Illinois and after graduating he married his high school sweetheart, Erin "Pat" Kenney. They had nine children together and were married for 26 years. He worked as a shipping clerk for IGA in Illinois for 21 years. He often took on side jobs to support his family.

He later moved to California where he worked as a machinist for various companies. He remarried in 1985 to Cozetta Rainwater. They enjoyed traveling together throughout Oregon and Utah and spent 29 happy years together. Both Pat and Cozetta preceded him in death in 2005.

Charles was a hard worker all of his life and will be remembered as a faithful employee who never missed a day on the job. He was an avid sports fan and an accomplished athlete while in high school. He was a proud grandfather to all his grandchildren and attended many their events over the years.

Survivors include his children, Charles Feathergill of Girdwood, Alaska, James Feathergill of Elgin, Patricia Prowse of Pendleton, Mary Calvin of Indian, Alaska, William Feathergill of South America, Theresa Mays of La Grande, John Feathergill of Champaign, Geralyn Chylewski of Boise and Judith Blinkinsop of Temecula, Calif.; five sons-in-law; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, James Feathergill of Champaign, Vera Gilroy of St. Louis and Bill Feathergill; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Theodore Feathergill; and a grandson, K.C. Calvin IV.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital to help with the yearly football games the group puts on all over the country, in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande 97850.

Published Jan. 19, 2008

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Gary David Hartsock, 45, of La Grande, died Jan. 13 at his home. A viewing runs from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Loveland Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at the La Grande Church of Christ, 2107 Gekeler. A graveside service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Gary was born in Yakima, Wash., on March 30, 1962. He attended elementary school through the third grade in Yakima. Gary's family moved to Joseph in 1971. There he attended school in Enterprise and later graduated from Joseph High School in 1980.

In grade school Gary developed problems with balance and coordination, which made it difficult to participate in many activities. In 1978 Gary was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease, Freidreich's Ataxia. He also became Type 1 diabetic in association with Freidreich's Ataxia.

Due to scoliosis he had a spinal fusion and from that point was confined to a wheelchair. But that did not dampen his desire to be employed. He worked for a day care center as a student aide and for the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce information booth for several summers.

Gary then moved to Beaverton at his mom's encouragement. He was nervous about going but later admitted that he was glad as he had so many wonderful experiences. He was proud that he got around in Portland wheeling himself downtown. He studied photography, taking many pictures. He was excited that the Burger King restaurant on Burnside in Portland allowed him to display some city scenes that he had taken.

As Gary's disease progressed it became too difficult for him to steady the camera and Gary returned home to Joseph.

Upon returning home, Gary became involved in physical fitness. People would see him in all types of inclement weather wheeling himself on a daily route.

He participated in many endurance runs, completing the the Bloomsday run in Spokane. There he challenged the famous Doomsday Hill without assistance.

Being unable to work, Gary became passionate about fundraising for two organizations. He diligently collected thousands of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Diabetes' Oregon Trail Ride. This gave him a purpose. He wanted to find a cure to help others with these devastating diseases. It made him happy to give back to the community and to those who helped him.

Though his health was declining, he never faltered in his efforts. His most recent fundraiser was the American Diabetes Oregon Trail Ride in June 2007. In talking with Mary Crowell, it was determined that Gary possibly could have collected $30,000 over the years for both organizations.

In his earlier days Gary enjoyed happy hours at Wallowa Lake riding the go-carts, playing pool and working at Chief Joseph Days every summer for many years. He loved collecting Batman and Nascar memorabilia. Those who knew him say Gary trained his family members and friends to keep their eye out for things he liked. Those who knew him say Gary had so much untouched talent. They say he wanted to accomplish so much and wanted the normal things — to be able to drive a car, have a girlfriend and have a family of his own.

Gary was a member of the La Grande Church of Christ. He faithfully attended church and Bible study every week for years.

Gary is survived by his parents, Gary Hartsock Sr. and Janice Byers; stepfather, Jerry Byers; adopted sister, Gloria Joralemon; stepsister, Jerri Shambaugh; stepbrothers, Brian and Darrel Byers; grandparents, William and Laura Wesselius; uncles and aunts, David and Edna Thysell, Art and Marge Thysell, Clyde and Merla Thysell, Rod and Mary Jane Thysell, Todd and Lisa Thysell, Joyce Hill, Molly Worthington and Bill Hartsock; many cousins; caregivers, Julie Comstock, Elysia Hudson, Peggy Lockwood, Gregg Williams, Tina Ramberg, Kit House, Tammy Casey and Ann Spurrier; his best friend, Jo Ellen Crawford; his wonderful church family; and many others too numerous to mention.

Gary was preceded in death by his grandfather, Carl David Thysell; grandfather, Arthur Garold Hartsock; grandmother, Hazel Stickney Hartsock; and his dogs, Princess and Patty.

Published Jan. 19, 2008

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John Wayne Kassahn, 58, of Enterprise, died Jan. 9. A memorial service begins at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise.

John was born Aug. 19, 1949, in Grants Pass. He graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1967. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, entering the U.S. Navy in 1968 and receiving an honorable discharge in 1972.

John moved to Enterprise where he served with the Enterprise City Police Department and continued his law enforcement career with the Oregon State Police in the executive security division in Salem. In 1983, John married Lynette and they were married for 20 years. At the time of his death, John was working for Bronson Lumber in Enterprise.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and camping. John was always ready with a story of past adventure or, just as often, of mischief. Those who knew him said he sometimes laughed so much when he shared his tales that it was difficult to know for sure who enjoyed the story more, the listener or John.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Kassahn; and sisters, Kristie Davis and Judy Kassahn.

Published Jan. 19, 2008