Marjorie Jean Searles

Marjorie Jean Searles, 89, of Hermiston died Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, in Hermiston. A private family burial was held at the Summerville Cemetery.

Mrs. Searles was born March 20, 1922, in Hastings, Neb., to Dudley and Hester Anderson Shaffer. She was raised in Colorado and Oklahoma before moving to the Grande Ronde Valley at the age of 14 years. 

She married Neil F. Searles in 1940 in Weiser, Idaho. They lived throughout the Northwest until moving to Pendleton in 1961. Neil died in 1966 and she moved to Imbler and then to Hermiston in 1975, where she has lived since.

Mrs. Searles is survived by sons Ronald N. Searles of La Grande and Gary D. Searles of Stanfield; daughters Marla J. Ray and Stacey J. Wells, both of Hermiston; sister LaVerne Issac of Missouri; four grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil Searles; her parents; nine siblings; daughter Sue Makin; grandson Coby Makin; and granddaughter Debbie Albers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vange John Memorial Hospice, 1050 W. Elm St., Suite 220, Hermiston, OR 97838.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements. Sign the condolence book at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.