Walking On -- Deborah Childers-Slack, Tony Earl Anderson and Mary Ann Hamilton

Deborah Rae Childers-Slack

April 6, 1968 – June 30, 2023

Deborah “Debby” Childers-Slack was born on April 6, 1968, in Salem, Ore., to Candy George and Raymond Childers. She was primarily raised in Grand Ronde and was very proud to call it her home. She left this world peacefully on June 30, 2023, surrounded by family in Salem.   

Debby had the best sense of humor and the most infectious laugh. She made everyone feel welcome in her home and in her heart. She held her head high until the very end with a beautiful smile on her face.  

Deb graduated from George Fox University with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Management as well as earning an associate degree from Chemeketa Community College in Addiction Counseling.  

She spent most of her career as a manager for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the state of Oregon. Numerous friends have said she was the best boss they had ever had; consistent and stern, but also compassionate and flexible.  

Debby loved being a mother and grandmother, raising four children of her own and was blessed with seven grandchildren: one boy and six girls. 

She had many talents and enjoyed acting, singing, painting and generally expressing herself through her creations.  

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Childers, and brothers, Mike and Brandon Robertson.  

She is survived by her husband, Lamonte Slack; mother, Candy Robertson; children, Andrea and Jeromey Childers and Ray and Edi Larsen; grandchildren, Liliana, Haley, Chloe, Mikayla, Mariah, Grayson and Deliliah; siblings, Jesse, Ken, Lynn, Angie, Michael, Diana and Brandy along with their spouses; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews as well as several longtime friends.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, July 5, at the Grand Ronde Tribal gym, 9615 Grand Ronde Road, with more than 300 people in attendance. Burial followed at the Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery.

Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas, Ore., assisted the family.

Tony Earl Anderson

Aug. 24, 1959 – July 11, 2023

Tribal Elder Tony Earl Anderson walked on Thursday, July 6, at the age of 63.

Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home in Bend, Ore., is assisting the family.

Funeral service information was not available before presstime.

Mary Ann Hamilton

Oct. 3, 1949 – June 30, 2023

Tribal Elder Mary Ann Hamilton walked on Friday, June 30, at the age of 73.

Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home in Lewiston, Idaho, is assisting the family.

Funeral service information was not available before presstime.