Walking On -- Lola Madeline Foster, Laura Lee Gleason, Lyndel John Norwest, Garry Arden Williams

Lola Madeline Foster

Sept. 27, 1952 – March 29, 2024

Tribal Elder Lola Madeline Foster passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the age of 71.

Funeral services were scheduled for Saturday, April 13, at the Tribal Cemetery, followed by a meal at the Tribal Community Center.

West Valley Funeral Home in Sheridan is assisting the family.

Laura Lee Gleason

July 9, 1950 – April 2, 2024

Tribal Elder Laura Lee Gleason began her eternal life in heaven on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at her home in Grand Ronde at the age of 73.

She was Kalapuya and a Grand Ronde Tribal Elder from the Haller-Menard family, descended from Chief Joseph Sangretta.

Laura was born on July 9, 1950, in Salem, Oregon. She is now reunited with her parents Clermon Cureton and Phyllis Haller along with many family members who were there to welcome her.

She is survived by her children, Tonya and Michael Shepek, Tisha and Earl Pellett, and Elsie Gleason; grandchildren, Kryshanne and Dennis Searls, Braxton Tucker and Laycie Pellett; and great-grandchildren, Reece Romans and Adeline Searls.

She lived a life of resiliency and faith with an abundance of generous love. That love touched so many people during her 73 years here on earth with us. We will miss our mom, grandma, nana, sister, cousin, auntie and friend every day until it is our time to join her.

Many times Laura had said, “When I die, it’s OK to be sad for a little bit. But don’t stay sad.” Then she would get a big smile and start clapping when she thought about heaven and she would say, “Can you imagine?”

The most important thing in her life was family: Her Christian family, birth family, Tribal family, Narcotics Anonymous family, canoe family and community family. All of you gave her so much joy and purpose.

Let us honor her gift of connecting to people, understanding people and her ability to reflect back to them how special they are by going forward and blessing others. She will continue to be that person in spirit through the end of our lives and the lives that we touch. In her words, “Sounds like a plan. I love you. But God loves you more.”

We pray that you may find comfort in her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 91: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.”

The memorial service was held Friday, April 12, at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal gymnasium. A graveside service followed at the Tribal Cemetery with a meal at the Community Center.

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

Lyndel John Norwest

Oct. 18, 1956 – March 30, 2024

Tribal Elder Lyndel “Big John” Norwest passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the age of 67 in Albany, Oregon.

He was born in Chiloquin, in Klamath County, on Oct. 18, 1956, to Marcellus Norwest and Pauline Barney. Big John was a proud resident of Grand Ronde as well as a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Big John worked in construction as a roofer. He loved hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He is preceded in death by his father Marcellus and his mother Pauline. He is survived by his brothers, “Little Johnny” and Melvin Norwest; and sisters, Ladonna Hembree and Daniele Powley.

Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas, Oregon, is assisting the family and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Contact the family for additional information.

Garry Arden Williams

Sept. 4, 1935 – April 3, 2024

Tribal Elder Garry Arden Williams passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the age of 88.

Autumn Funerals in Redmond, Oregon, is assisting the family.

Funeral service details were not available at presstime.