Walking On: Edward Ronald “Ronnie” Haller, Eugene Russell LaBonte, Jennifer Lee Hedgecock

Edward Ronald “Ronnie” Haller

July 1, 1933 – Dec. 22, 2023

Tribal Elder Edward Ronald “Ronnie” Haller peacefully passed away at home in his sleep on Dec. 22, 2023, at the age of 90.

Ronnie, as he was known, was from the Haller-Menard family, descended from Chief Joseph Sangretta.

He was born on July 1, 1933, to Adeline Alvina Haller (Menard) and Wilbur Daniel Haller.

Ronnie came from a large immediate family and an even larger extended family. If his love for his family and friends could have kept him here, he would have lived forever.

You could not find a man more tender-hearted and generous than Ronnie. May the love of God and the peace of Jesus Christ bless and console us, and gently wipe every tear from our eyes.

He is survived by his granddaughter, LeAnn Haller; great-grandchildren, Tatum Burcham, Shaun Jones, Cody Jones, Alex Zuniga and Nicholas Zuniga; great-great-grandson, Elijah Burcham; and sister, Carol Gleason. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey Haller (Knight); son, Rory Haller; sisters, Nellie Haller, Phyllis Cureton, Betty Garrett, Delores Knight, Geneva Hansaker, Hazel Porter, Marion Davidson, and twin sisters Dorothy and Doris, who died at birth; and brothers, Donald Haller, Charles Haller, Harvey Haller, Kenneth Haller, Robert Haller, Wilbur Haller, Daniel Haller, Jim Haller, John Haller and Harold Haller.

He also is survived and preceded by countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Early in life, Ronnie was a general foreman, taking his younger brothers and friends to build many dams in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. He had his own construction company for several years. Then, he worked for Henkels & McCoy Construction well into his 80s before retiring to Willamina.

Ronnie continued working into his retirement doing small jobs for friends and family. He loved to be outdoors, hunting and he had an outstanding love for creatures. Every day he would care for dogs, cats, birds and even chipmunks.   

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in the Tribal gym, followed by a graveside service at the Tribal Cemetery with a meal served at the Tribal Community Center. Family and friends were invited to share fond memories and stories.

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

Eugene Russell LaBonte

Oct. 2, 1928 – Dec. 29, 2023

Tribal Elder and former Tribal Council member Eugene Russell LaBonte passed away on Dec. 29, 2023, at the age of 95.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Tribal Community Center, 9615 Grand Ronde Road.

West Valley Funeral Home in Sheridan is assisting the family. 

Jennifer Lee Hedgecock

March 25, 1969 – Jan. 2, 2024

Tribal member Jennifer Lee Hedgecock passed on Jan. 2, 2024, at the age of 54.

Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Eugene is assisting the family.

Funeral service details were not available before presstime.