Alva Merle Underwood

Alva Merle Underwood, age 93, of La Grande, died March 20, 2006 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2006 at the Grandview Cemetery.

Mr. Underwood was born on April 29, 1912 in Norton, Kansas. During World War II he served in the United States Army with the 165th Anti-Aircraft Battalion. On March 16, 1944 he married Ellen Jane Lovely in Joseph. They lived in Wallowa County and Pendleton before settling in La Grande in 1949. He worked for the Maintenance Department of La Grande School District #1 until 1977 when he retired. He had a large yard and enjoyed being out in it. His hobby was repairing bicycles and helped many young people repair their bikes over the years. He was a dedicated family man and took very good care of his family. His wife preceded him in death in August of 2000. When his wife went into a care facility his companion and pal was his dog, Buddy.

Survivors include his daughter, Sheila Boylen of La Grande; granddaughter and her husband, Tricia Lynn & Pat Shaw; great granddaughter, Tichelle Nabity and great great grandson, Clayton Nabity, all of Portland; sisters-in-law, Doris Boyer of Nevada, Eddia Lovely of Idaho and Cecilia Lovely of La Grande; and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Underwood to the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.