Alvin C. Dockweiler Sr.

La Grande 1945-2019

Alvin Carl Dockweiler Sr., 73, of La Grande, died July 24 at his residence. At his request, there will not be a service. A small gathering of friends and family to celebrate his life will take place at 10 a.m. Aug. 10 at Riverside Park.

Alvin, also known as “Al,” “Big Al” and “Poppie,” was born Sept. 11, 1945, in La Grande, to Johnnie and Jane (Hallgarth) Dockweiler. He lived most of his life in the Grande Ronde Valley but also spent some of his younger years in Dallas. As a child, Al lived near the lake in the watershed up Ladd Canyon while his father served as the local caretaker. This spot remained one of his favorite places throughout his life.

Al attended Greenwood Elementary School and La Grande Middle School. He married Sandi Harrison, and they had several children together. They later divorced. In 1986, Al married Jessica Willis, and they were married for 32 years.

Al worked as a body fender technician at numerous auto body shops around La Grande. He can be credited for teaching many relatives their skill and trade in auto body work. One of the highlights of Al’s week was taking care of Carson and Colten. They would joke, talk and dream about how Carson would fix up an old truck he bought.

Al also enjoyed archery hunting, fishing, camping, taking long drives in the mountains and wildlife sightseeing. He cherished his grandchildren and loved to tease them with jokes and pranks. These memories, along with times spent with family and friends at elk camp, were his favorite things to reminisce about.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Jessica; children and their spouses, Jody Dockweiler of Salem, Alvin Dockweiler II of La Grande, John Dockweiler of La Grande, Jennifer and Kevin Gentleman of La Grande, Cody and Keisha Anderson of La Grande, Ken and Cynthia Chrusoskie of La Grande, Pamela and Jeff Scott of La Grande, Stephanie Neaves of La Grande, Michael and Sara Neaves of Omaha, Nebraska, and Sally Neaves of La Grande; sister, Sharen Levinsen of White Rock, B.C.; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Bob Crader of La Grande; brothers and sisters-in-law, Linn and Rhonda Dockweiler of La Grande and Van and Pauline Dockweiler of Central Point; 35 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and aunt, Reta Hallgarth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Jane; former wife, Sandi Harrison-Spence; sister, Shannon Sloan; and sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Nick Bradley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850, to help with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Jeremy Thomas

Formerly of La Grande 1991-2019

Jeremy Thomas, 28, formerly of La Grande, died May 29 in San Diego, California. A celebration of his life will begin at 10 a.m. Aug. 3 in the Northeast Oregon Public Transit Center’s conference room. At 11 a.m., a short graveside service will be held in the veterans’ circle at Grandview Cemetery, followed by memorial activities and fellowship time at the Transit Center.

Jeremy was born Feb. 23, 1991, in La Grande, to Frank and Michelle (Clark) Thomas. Following his graduation from La Grande High School in 2009, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jeremy served a tour of duty with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan. He was awarded the Purple Heart (among other military honors) for his service.

Surviving relatives include his parents, Frank and Dana; daughter, Carly; former wife Jesica; siblings, Shay, Trinity, and Mike; grandparents, Trent and Jan Clark of La Grande, Ron and Dea Williams of Salem and Ed Thrasher of La Grande; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Michelle, and several honored brothers and sisters in arms.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans and Family Support Fund at American Legion Post #43, PO Box 55, La Grande 97850.

Betty J. (Colonna) Murasky

La Grande 1933-2019

Betty Jean Murasky, 85, of La Grande, died July 26 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

Betty was born Oct. 27, 1933, in Baker City, to Vitangelo and Luna (Hall) Colonna. She resided in Baker, City, Portland, Bend, San Diego, California, and La Grande. Betty graduated from Baker High School in 1951. She later attended Providence Hospital Nursing School.

Betty married Dale Lund in 1959, and they divorced in 1969. She then married Francis F. Murasky in 1970.

Betty was employed with St. Charles Hospital in Bend from 1954 to 1959, Mercy Hospital in San Diego from 1959 to 1963, Smith Hanna Medical Group from 1968 to 1989 and St. Augustine High School, San Diego, from 1989 to 2004. She enjoyed spending time with her family and reading. She also was a long-time season ticket holder for the San Diego Chargers.

Surviving relatives include her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Lynnette Murasky of La Grande; stepdaughter, Virginia (Murasky) Goodson of El Cajon, California; and two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vitangelo and Luna, and husband, Francis F. Murasky.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Randy Williams

Union 1955-2019

Randy Williams, 63, of Union, died July 22. At his request, there will not be a service.

Randy was born Nov. 25, 1955, in Fort Lewis, Washington, to Gail and Leopoldine “Poldi” Williams. He was the oldest of three children and grew up in Wallowa and Union, where he graduated from high school in 1974. Randy started working in the logging industry after high school.

In 1985, Randy married Tommie Brown. He and Tommie had three children — Randa, now 31, Brittany, 29, and Cody, 27 — and made their home in Union.

In 1977, Randy began working for his father’s business, Gail Williams Trucking. When his father retired in 1987, he and his brother, Greg, took over the business. In 2001, they started Williams Brothers Trucking, and Randy operated the businesses with his brother, his son and his nephew Shane until his passing.

Randy loved his family, his businesses and all the many friends he made through his work. He loved hunting, fishing, being in the mountains and spending time with his family. He loved animals, especially his two dogs, Harley and Andy. He was known for his sense of humor and giving spirit and for always being there for his family and friends. Randy had a special relationship with his mom and lived near her his entire life.

Some of Randy’s favorite times were spent hunting with family and friends in the mountains of Northeast Oregon, as well as deer and elk hunting trips to Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. He especially enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friend, Rod Beverage of Union, and he cherished his memories of time spent in the Minam. Randy requested that his ashes be spread in the mountains he loved so much.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 31 years, Tommie; children, Randa of Boise, Idaho, Brittany of La Grande, and Cody of Union; brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Rhonda of Union; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Rick Ewing of La Grande; mother, Poldi of Union; nephews, Shane Williams of Union and Matt Mitchell of Hermiston; and nieces, Shelbi Brown of Milton-Freewater and Mindi Mitchell of Eugene.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gail, in 2006.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

William E. Free

La Grande 1927-2019

William Everett Free, 92, of La Grande, died July 19 at a local care facility. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at the La Grande Church of the Nazarene.

Nicknamed Willie, he was born July 19, 1927, in Knowles, Oklahoma, to Charles and Birdella (Brubaker) Free. He resided in Oklahoma, Colorado and Arkansas and in Vale, Union, Ontario, North Powder and La Grande. He attended schools in Vale and Ontario.

William worked on the family farm in the North Powder area and also worked part-time for Floyd Dudek and Don Dodson. Church membership, attendance and involvement were the top priority during William’s adult life. He had an intense love for God and his holy word. When others were in need, especially financially, William was one of the first to help. He was very active in the Union Nazarene Church as a board member, delegate and usher. He received the Distinguished Service Award NWMS, from the Union Church of the Nazarene, as well as a Certificate of Appreciation for his service in the church. He was also a Delegate to the District Assembly for the La Grande Nazarene Church.

Surviving relatives include his brother, Delmer Ed Free of North Powder; 16 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Birdella; brothers, Elson Free and Charles Free; sister, Donna Dee Mann; one brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law; and two nieces and one nephew.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Mabel ‘Lenore’ (Eaton) Denny

Elgin 1926-2019

Mabel “Lenore” Denny, 92, of Elgin, died July 2. A private family memorial is planned.

Known as Lenore, she was born July 4, 1926, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Jesse and Iona Eaton. She was the fifth of eight children. Lenore spent her early years in Norman, Oklahoma, on her family’s farm and attended Red Rock Elementary School. When she was 12 years old, the family sold their farm and moved to Clovis, California, in the San Joaquin Valley. Lenore’s family continued to farm cotton and also began curing olives from the olive trees on their new property.

Lenore graduated from Clovis High School and shortly after graduation was hired by Pacific Telephone as a local and long distance operator. She was well known for her efficiency, and she broke several standing records with her speed in completed calls.

Lenore met Lawson Ray Denny at a community dance in December 1947. They were married on Feb. 27, 1949, and made their first home in Fresno, California, where she continued her work as an operator until the birth of her first child in 1952. Lenore and Lawson had four children, Linda Rae, Janice Louise, Pamela (who died shortly after birth) and Lawson “Ray” Jr.

In 1965, Lawson and Lenore pulled up stakes in California and moved to their forever farm in Elgin. Together they built the working farm that is still operating today. Lenore raised many kinds of flowers and a beautiful garden year after year.

Lenore enjoyed sewing and made many clothes for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, crocheting, embroidery and cross-stitch. Lenore was a Cub Scout Den Mother and loved the beach, rock hunting and traveling the back roads of the U.S. She enjoyed the abundant deer and birds that were regular visitors to her home, and she always kept several hummingbird feeders and birdhouses.

Lenore was a member of the Church of Christ and, as a member, participated in programs in which she made bandages for missionaries in Africa and other projects for the needy. Lenore was a dedicated member of the Wallowa Church of Christ at the time of her passing.

Surviving relatives include her husband of 70 years, Lawson; children, Linda, Janice and Lawson “Ray” Jr.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two younger brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Dorsie J. Terrell

La Grande

Dorsie J. Terrell, 76, of La Grande, died July 29 at her residence. An obituary is forthcoming. Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory will be handling the arrangements.

Raymond F. Owen

Union

Raymond F. Owen, 73, of Union, died July 27 at his residence. An obituary is forthcoming. Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory will be handling the arrangements.