Walking On -- Wayne LeRoy Sell, Herman Hudson, etc.

Wayne LeRoy Sell

Sept. 19, 1943 – May 28, 2021

Tribal Elder Wayne LeRoy Sell was born in McMinnville, Ore., on Sept. 19, 1943. His home was in Grand Ronde and he lived most of his life in the Willamette Valley. Our beloved brother left us peacefully at Farmington Square in Salem on May 28, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph R. Sell and Emma H. LaBonte-Sell, as well as his younger brother, Thomas M. Sell. He is survived by his brother, William J. Sell, and sisters, Nancy H. Coleman, LeVeta M. Sell, June Sell-Sherer, Marlena J. Lancour and Theresa J. Haller. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he had a great impact upon.

Wayne loved walking in the woods, driving old logging roads, hunting, fishing, and gathering and harvesting forest products. He also was an old school shade tree mechanic who knew how to keep his vehicles running long past their normal life span.

A viewing was held Friday, June 4, at Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center, 287 S.W. Washington St., Dallas. Services were held at The Lighthouse Church in Grand Ronde on Saturday, June 5. Interment followed at the Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery with a meal following back at the church. COVID-19 restrictions were still in place.

Wayne will be deeply missed and we all are longing to see him again. Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family.

Herman Keith Hudson

Jan. 4, 1925 – May 26, 2021

It is hard to know where to begin to create a summary of someone like Herman, aka Dad, brother, uncle, Junior and Papa. So, I’m taking the leap as his daughter, Kathryn, to try and make this summary be spoken from the view of his family and friends because we all feel the same about him.

Dean Rhodes wrote a wonderful tribute for the June 1, 2021, edition of Smoke Signals, which beautifully chronicled his life and U.S. Navy World War II service experience and his pursuit of his barber career. The barber was all any of us ever experienced. Many lasting memories of his wonderful shops in Oregon, Colorado and Washington. He was always very involved in all of those communities with Elks, American Legion and all high school sports team support.

We all experienced his complete support of our pursuits, good and not so good, his loyalty when some of those pursuits resulted in complicated and painful outcomes, and his quiet way of letting you know he was there for you.

His own life’s mistakes and lessons resulted in him doing what he had to do and making what changes had to be made to himself to step up to the evolving changes that were required of him. His committed and unconditional love, care and support for all of his loved ones was his greatest legend.

Now for some fun trivia that will ring true to everyone who knows him: Toothpicks in his wallet for after every McDonald’s, favorite Mexican restaurant or local loves like Fort Hill or Coyote Joe’s or Monday Elder Night at the buffet meals; Butterfinger blizzards from Dairy Queen in Sheridan; the love of butter on everything; frozen strawberry jam; never met a child or pet that didn’t love him; saying “hello” and making time for everyone was natural for him; but here’s the one we can all agree on … very stubborn LOL!!!

In the end, this proud Indian man, father of three, grandfather to nine, great-grandfather to 25 and great-great-grandfather to 10 walked on his way. He will be forever missed.

Also, as a family we want to thank everyone within the community of Grand Ronde. The constant help from Community Health, the Clinic and Pharmacy, the neighbors, cousins and his amazing circle of friends was something special to experience.

A special thank you to Serenity Hospice for their care, understanding and guidance and continued emotional support. We want to thank Helen Anderson, RN, MSN and owner and creator of Hello Care, In-Home Care and Strength Training for providing us with Sarah and Jared. There were with us until the end and provided such loving, kind and respectful care.

Rest in peace, dear one, and know you are now and will always be loved and missed.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in the Grand Ronde Tribal gym. Interment will follow at the Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery. Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family.

Other passings

Jackie Lynn Erhardt

March 31, 1960 – May 17, 2021

Tribal Elder Jackie Lynn Erhardt walked on Monday, May 17, 2021. Yahn & Sons Funeral Home in Auburn, Wash., is assisting the family.

Toye D. Jeffers

Dec. 6, 1962 – May 29, 2021

Tribal Elder Toye D. Jeffers walked on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Baird Memorial Chapel in La Pine, Ore., is assisting the family.

Kenneth Lee Graham

May 17, 1956 – May 29, 2021

Tribal Elder Kenneth Lee Graham walked on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Broussard’s Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas, is assisting the family.

Laisane Ray McKnight

Nov. 3, 1956 – June 6, 2021

Tribal Elder Laisane Ray McKnight walked on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Caldwell’s Funeral & Cremation Arrangement Center in Seaside, Ore., is assisting the family.