Vanderschuere Jr., Huntsman, Wright

LOCAL FUNERALS AND VISITATIONS

Oct. 2 – Lynn “Gail” Hart, celebration of life, 2 p.m., Riverside Park, La Grande.

Oct. 2 – Jerry Wright, funeral service, 2 p.m., Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation and Life Celebration Center

Ronald J. Vanderschuere Jr.

Formerly of La Grande

1967-2010

Ronald Joseph Vanderschuere Jr., 43, of Cornelius and formerly of La Grande, died unexpectedly Sept. 25 after a motor vehicle accident in Pendleton.

A celebration of his life will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at 34560 SW Johnson School Road in Cornelius. Sign the guestbook online at www.burnsmortuary.com.

Ronald was born Aug. 23, 1967, in Hillsboro. He was raised in Hillsboro and St. Joseph, Mo. He attended Skaith Elementary School in St. Joseph before returning to live in Hillsboro in 1979. Ron graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1985. He attended Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., and was awarded an associate’s degree in auto/diesel mechanics.

After graduating from college, Ron worked at Silver Eagle Co. in Portland for nine years. He moved to La Grande in 1996 as an employee of Eagle Freightliner, then Western States Caterpillar. In 2004, he became a self-employed heavy duty diesel technician working throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Ron lived in the Eastern Oregon area until 2007 when he moved to the family farm in Cornelius. At the time of his death, he was the maintenance manager at Gold Hill/RandS Nurseries.

A lifelong hunter and fisherman, Ron spent his life outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting for deer, elk, duck and geese. In recent years, Ron enjoyed participating in a Wild West re-enactment group, Turkey Creek Desperadoes. Known as “Dutch Mackenzie,” Ron performed in parades and shows throughout the Pacific Northwest.

He is survived by his son, Caleb Vanderschuere of Pendleton; daughter, Ashley Vanderschuere of Newberg; parents, Ronald and Kathleen Vanderschuere of Cornelius; sister, Kelly Vanderschuere Lowry and her family of Hillsboro; and his grandmother, Berteen Jansen of Cornelius.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to a local charity.

Donna L. Huntsman

Formerly of La Grande

1961-2010

Donna Lynne Huntsman, 49, formerly of La Grande, died Sept. 27 at her home. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah St. in Boise. Friends may call to visit with the family from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. prior to the services.

Those attending the services are asked to dress casually and in Boise State University orange and blue.

Burial will follow the services at Hillcrest East Cemetery in La Grande at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Condolences and tributes can be left at www.relyeafuneralchapel.com.

Donna was born Jan. 18, 1961, to Conrad and Marell Huntsman in La Grande. She was the youngest child.

She graduated from high school in La Grande and went on to Treasure Valley Community College for two years where she played on the basketball team. She continued her education at Eastern Oregon State College in La Grande, graduating with her brother, Loren, in 1984.

After graduating from college, she taught school and coached in Lyman, Wyo., for several years. Then she relocated to Boise and began her career in the wholesale floral business. She was a manger at a floral shop where she bought flowers from all over the world. She enjoyed sharing flowers with her extended family and friends.

From an early age, Donna loved sports of all kinds. She was an excellent softball player and played in city leagues for many years. She also enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and the BSU Broncos. Donna loved camping, visiting family and attending games.

Donna considered her dogs – Winner, Oreo and Shoeless – her special pals and she doted on them.

Donna is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Janice Green of Boise, Joyce and Douglas Higley of Emmett, John and JoAnn Huntsman of Athena, Kathleen and Wayne Jensen of Sutherlin, David and Elizabeth Huntsman of Baker City, E. Christine and Gerry Rogalsky of Boise, Vaughn and Elaine Huntsman of Rock Springs, Wyo., and Loren and Shelly Huntsman of Lyman, Wyo.; 25 nieces and 24 nephews; and 76 great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Warren; a nephew; and three great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boise Humane Society or the EOU Foundation Mountaineer Club.

Jerrold ‘Jerry’ Wright

La Grande

1925-2010

Jerrold “Jerry” Winter Wright, 85, of La Grande, died Sept. 29 at Grande Ronde Hospital. He suffered from Parkinsons for many years. A service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation and Life Celebration Center. Vault interment will follow at Union Cemetery. Viewing will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Daniels-Knopp.

Jerry was born Aug. 22, 1925, the fourth of six children to Charles Ray and Vivian Ruth (Mayfield) Wright in Union. He attended Union schools. He left high school and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 15, 1946. In 1967, he married Patricia Seale. He became an instant father to Cindy, Joseph and Robin. Pat died in 1990. On July 30, 2000, he married Carolyn Howard in Summerville and added five more step-children to his family, John, Paul, Greg, Susan and Holly.

Jerry worked as a millwright for Grande Ronde Valley Lumber in Union for many years. He owned a farm and did cattle ranching. He and his wife, Pat, operated a woodworking business where he handcrafted many beautiful wood furniture pieces.

He attended the Summerville Baptist Church. He was a member of Summerville Grange for many years where he served as chairman and caretaker. He was a life member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, member of the NRA and active in the Star Promenaders Square Dance group.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Those who knew him say he was a regular Mr. Fix-It and helped many friends with lots of projects. Those who knew him say he was very intelligent and a prolific writer, having written many poems and stories. They say he had a great memory and a wonderful imagination.

He loved to cook and bake which he learned from his mother. He was a friendly man with a great sense of humor.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carolyn Howard Wright of La Grande; two sisters, Shirley Keagle and Pearl Miller; eight step-children, Cindy VanHandel, Joseph Seale, Robin Seale, John Howard, Paul Howard, Greg Howard, Susan Vogler and Holly Whitten; 15 step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; nephews; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia; sister, Marion who died at 8 years old; sister, Virginia “Marie” Riomondo; and brother, Charles “Chuck” Amos Wright.

Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinsons Research in care of Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation and Life Celebration Center.

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