Artie Thielen

Artie Thielen, long time resident of La Grande, died Monday, August 24 th at her home at the age of 88, with her family by her side.

A celebration of her life will be Friday, September 4 th at the White Barn Estate, 62788 Hunter Rd., La Grande, beginning at 3:00 p.m. She will be privately interred with her husband at the Grandview Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center in La Grande.

Artie was born in Nyssa on December 29 th , 1931 to her parents W. Orville and Bluebelle. Besides Nyssa they lived in several places when she was a child including, Kentucky, Ontario, Mt. Emily Logging Camp, where her teacher had her help teach the younger children. Her family then moved to Union where she graduated from High School with the class of 1949. Union is where she met Elery, at the roller rink and they were married on Oct. 14, 1949 at her mother’s home.

When Artie became a mother, she stayed at home to care for her children. When Sharon started school, she went to work for St. Joseph Hospital and later at Grande Ronde Hospital, where she was a Laundry Supervisor until retiring in 1996.

Artie was very involved in the lives of her children. She was a Sunday school teacher at the United Methodist Church in La Grande. She was a brownie leader, 4-H leader, and summer swim team parent. Artie was very involved with her two grandchildren, being their babysitter, while their mother worked. Her family was very important to her, she and Elery made sure they had everything they needed. Artie was a member of Beta Theata chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, who were affectionately known as “The Girls”. Artie and Elery belonged to a pinochle club of friends for many years. Her children learned the pinochle game and played with her many times, up until her passing. Artie enjoyed the outdoors, picking huckleberries, camping, and played volleyball for many years on the city league. She traveled many places with her husband throughout his career. When great grandchildren arrived, she traveled many times to visit them and watch them grow. She was called “GG” and loved by them.

Surviving relatives include her children and their spouses, David (Shannon), of La Grande, Sharon (Brad) of Island City; two grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; a brother, Sam Henry (Margie) of the Philippines.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elery in 2008; two brothers, Butch and Phillip and sister Bonnie.

Contributions in memory of Artie may be made to Community Connection of NE Oregon, Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care, or the charity of donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.danielsknopp.com.

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Memorial Service

Friday, September 4, 2020
3:00 PM

White Barn Estate
62788 Hunter Rd.
La Grande, OR 97850