Obituaries: Freda Lafaun Pearce

Freda Lafaun (Adams) Pearce, 91, of Canyon City, died Nov. 30, 2008 at Blue Mountain Hospital. A private family graveside service was held Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Canyon City Cemetery.

Mrs. Pearce was born Aug. 28, 1917 to Clifford and Ila May (Batchelor) Koyle. She was born and raised in La Grande, where she met and married Wilbur ‘Bill’ Pearce Sr. They were married for 69 years. During that time, she was a housewife, a business owner and worked for the Umatilla Army Depot.

In 1941 they moved to Hermiston where they raised three children. and later to Seneca, where they managed the Seneca Tavern for three years. In 1976 they moved to Burns and bought the Central Pastime, retiring in 1983. They moved to Arizona before returning to Grant County, where they lived in Canyon City near family and friends.

She loved to spend time with family and friends. She enjoyed many outings and always had one of her pets by her side. The couple bought a motor home and traveled across the United States.

Survivors include her son, Don Pearce Sr. and his wife of Calif.; daughter, Margaret Wark of Wash.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Pearce; son, Gene Pearce; a brother, Francis Adams; a great-grandson, Jason Pearce; and a great-granddaughter Sheila Pearce.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.