LaRue Church

   LaRue Church passed away on April 13, 2024 at the age of 91. She was born on February 24, 1933 in Swink, Colorado to Donald and Leta (Lusk) Franklin. LaRue lived on the family farm with her parents and siblings Sonny, Don, Donna and Jack until she was twelve. Through the years she expressed how much she loved this time in her life. Her family moved to Nyssa, Oregon where she would reside for the rest of her life. LaRue graduated from Nyssa High School in 1951. It’s during this time that she met the love of her life, Bob Church. They were married on March 12, 1954 after Bob returned home after serving in the Korean War. They raised their family in Nyssa and attended every band, choir, dance performance or athletic event their children were involved in. LaRue worked alongside Bob in their businesses: Nyssa Janitorial Service and the Twilight Cafe and Lounge.

     LaRue will be remembered for her talent as an artist, crafter and seamstress, avid gardener, voracious reader and for having a beautiful singing voice. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother with a wonderful sense of humor. Family meant everything to her.

     LaRue was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, son Rod, brothers Sonny and Don and numerous in-law family members. She is survived by her sister, Donna Thomas, brother Jack (Gayle) Franklin, sons Larry Church, Dan (Laura) Bowen and daughter Linda (John) Holt, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. 

      The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Memory Care Unit at Foxtail Senior Living and Keystone Hospice for their compassionate care of Mom the past few months. 

    A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, April 20th at Hilltop Memorial Cemetery in Nyssa. Larry, Linda and Dan will host a memorial luncheon at LaRue's house  immediately following the service. 

Memorials may be made to:  Alzheimer’s Association/ Help Fight Alzheimer’s.