Ariel Storey Bean

Ariel Storey Bean, age 89, of La Grande, died Monday, October 29, 2012, at his home. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Ariel was born in La Grande on February 15th, 1923, the first born child of George Ariel Bean and Ellen (Nellie) Storey Bean. He attended Eastern Oregon Normal (EOU), BYU and the U of O. He received his BA from EOSC, Master's Degree from the U of O and his DED from BYU.

Ariel was an Eagle Scout, and also earned the Bronze, Gold and Silver palm scouting awards. He received the USAAC medal, the European Theater of Operations medal, while flying a B-17 in the 8th Air Corp, 100th Bomb Group.


Ariel spent his life in service in his Church and community. He served in the LDS Church Sunday school, YMMIA, Elder's Quorum, High Priest's group, as genealogy chairman. He was the first Bishop of La Grande Third Ward, and served from 1970 to 1975. He was also Stake Clerk, a member of the High Council, and Stake Historian. As Historian, he compiled several hundred pages of history, covering the period from 1950 through 2008. He served in the LDS Boise Temple from the year it opened (1985) until 2008.

Ariel was married to Elaine Roundy, daughter of William A. Roundy and Olive Wale Roundy, on April 22nd, 1948, in La Grande, Oregon. She died of multiple myeloma on October 21st, 1980. He married Jean Ileen Ferdinandsen on September 4th, 1990 in Rougue River, Oregon. Jean died October 23rd, 2003.

Ariel taught in the La Grande School District for 32 years. He taught U.S. and Oregon History, English and Journalism. He was adviser to the Tiger Highlights before retiring in 1984.

His hobbies included fishing, camping, reading, gardening and writing bad poetry, growing corn and tomatoes, and sharing them, and visiting the widows and home-bound.

He is survived by his children Paula Fischer of Farmington, New Mexico and Benjamin E. Bean of La Grande; six grandchildren, Sara, P.J., Zach, Mark, Brenna and Olivia; six great grandchildren; brother, David S. Bean of La Grande; sister, Ruth B. Veal of La Grande; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Miller on May 3rd, 2012.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the LDS Missionaries in your ward or stake.

Viewing will be held at the LDS Stake Center on 12th and Gekeler in La Grande at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

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