Sep. 20, 1949-Jan. 4, 2005

Ray Vandetta, a former resident of Grant County, of Baker City died Jan. 4 at St. Elizabeth Health Services. He was 55.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Moose Lodge, 61341 Highway 97 in Bend.

He was born Sept. 20, 1949, to Choicey Aldura Jones and Charles Freeman Vandetta in Prairie City.

Mr. Vandetta grew up in Monument. At the age of 12, the family moved to Bend. Ray lived most of his life in John Day until he moved to Baker City in 2002.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying the great outdoors any chance he could. He also enjoyed a good rodeo. He was a very good timber faller and mechanic.

Mr. Vandetta joined the Navy at age 17, serving in Vietnam.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Vandetta of Baker City; daughters, Jennifer Conklin of Bend, Amy Vandetta of Prineville and Niki Vandetta of Bend; son Austin Vandetta of Pilot Rock; stepson Jasen Smith of Eugene and stepdaughter Danielle Pelroy of Eugene; mother Choicey Condley of Bend; one brother; five sisters; and seven grandchildren.-

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with Ray’s memorial services, in care of Gray’s West & Company, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.–