Ronald R. Fischer

Elgin

1960-2012

Ronald Raymond Fischer, 52, of Elgin, died Sept. 10 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17 at Indian Creek Cemetery on the Fischer Ranch, off Dutton Road in Elgin.

A reception will follow at the home of Greg Fischer, 68879 Indian Creek Road, Elgin.

Ron was born July 24, 1960, in San Andreas, Calif., to Janet (Ives) and L.R. Wes Fischer.

He was raised and educated in Mokelumne Hill, Calif., and in Ione.

In 1978 he attended Delta Community College in Stockton, Calif., where he took classes in writing, communication and photography/videography.

Several of his photographs were published. He also wrote several wonderful letters to the editor.

In 1990 Ron moved to Elgin to be near his family. He won a pickup for one of his videos in 1995, and he won another award for a horse bucking video.

Ron was widely known for his videography. He videotaped the Elgin Stampede Rodeo and Parade for more than 20 years and also videotaped the Haines Rodeo.

He videotaped numerous weddings and events, but never charged for his services. He will be greatly missed.

Known by his family and friends as “Yogi” or “the Bear,” Ron was quick to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. He enjoyed horseback riding, spending time in the mountains and all aspects of ranching.

Survivors include his parents, L.R. Wes and Janet Fisher of Elgin; brother, Greg Fischer of Elgin; and two nephews, Caleb and Clinton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elgin Stampeders in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850.

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

Terry L. Mudd

High Valley

1952-2012

Terry Lee Mudd, 59, of High Valley, outside Union, died Sept. 9 at OHSU. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at Valley Fellowship in La Grande.

Terry was born Nov. 25, 1952, in Broken Bow, Neb., to Nellie A. (Anderson) and Robert L. Mudd.

He moved to western Oregon with his family in 1958 and attended grade school in Crawfordsville. He excelled at track for four years while attending Sweet Home High School, from which he graduated in 1971.

Throughout high school he worked on the family farm and for several neighbors, including Martin Charolais, who gave him a couple opportunities to show their registered bulls in Canada.

After completing a brakes mechanics course at Linn-Benton Community College, he worked for Zooms Logging as a mechanic.

In May 1976, he moved with his family to High Valley, between Union and Cove. He was in partnership with his parents and two brothers through 1980. He met Karen L. Free while attending the Nazarene Church in Union, where they were married June 2, 1978.

In 1981, Terry and Karen moved to Spray, where they owned and operated their own ranch until 1986. In the summer of 1984 their permanent foster son, Abel Burnett, joined them. In March 1985, their first child, Jeremy L. Mudd, was born. In September 1987, their daughter, Kariann K. Mudd, was born. Before leaving Spray in 1993, Terry worked for a short time on the 4-J beef and buffalo ranch and then co-managed former Oregon Governor Bob Straub’s Kahler Basin ranch for eight years.

Terry and his family moved back to High Valley, purchasing the family ranch from his parents in 1993.

In 1997, Terry and Karen adopted Jesse J. Mudd and Sandra M. Mudd.

In 2000, they adopted Kevin T. J. Mudd. In 2001, they adopted Victoria K. Mudd. They then completed their family by adopting Janessa E. Mudd in 2003.

In January 2001, Terry’s life was permanently changed by a serious auto accident that left him disabled and facing multiple medical challenges.

Family and friends helped him keep the ranch operating, and in 2006 Terry was chosen to be Union County Cattleman of the Year.

The pleasure he found in his cattle and horses continued even when his ability to care for them was limited.

Terry was diagnosed with acute leukemia August 13, and died less than a month later, surrounded by his wife and children, from complications during treatment at OHSU.

Terry had a strong faith in Jesus Christ, which was exemplified his entire life. His wife and children were the focus of his every day.

He was known as a patient and gentle man and fought with all he had to make the world a better place for those he loved. The desire of his heart was that his life might encourage others to become acquainted with the God he loved and served.

Terry was preceded in death by his sister, Louise (Mudd) Erickson, and father, Robert L. Mudd

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Karen L. (Free) Mudd; sons, Abel Burnett and his wife Nancy of Irrigon, Jeremy L., Jesse J. and Kevin T. J., all of Union; daughters, Kariann K. and her husband Luke Ringger of Glennallen, Alaska, Sandra M., Victoria K. and Janessa E., all of Union; brothers, Jay T. Mudd of Union and Robert L. Mudd Jr. of Kodiak, Alaska; sisters, Barbara Toweill of Yakima, Wash., Janet Conyers of Portland, Kathy Beth Hardrath of Baker City and Joyce Stevens of Payette, Idaho; and three grandchildren.

Juanita Stockhoff Ramey

La Grande

Juanita Stockhoff Ramey, 97, of La Grande and Wallowa Lake died Aug. 21 at her Wallowa Lake home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Presbyterian Church in La Grande. The full obituary may be found at www.danielsknopp.com.