Dortha Emma Voruz

Dortha Emma Voruz, age 86, of La Grande, died Saturday, May 20, 2006 at a Gresham care facility. A service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Mrs. Voruz was born on August 17, 1919, the daughter of W. Ray and Bertha Frances (Lovely) West in Perry, Oregon. She was part of a Pioneer family that settled at Smith Mountain in Wallowa County. She attended La Grande High School and after graduating she worked at a doctor's office for a short time before becoming secretary at the high school. In 1941 she became secretary to the superintendent of schools and remained there until her retirement in 1982.

On January 10, 1942 she married Herbert G. Voruz Jr. in Glendale, Arizona. He died when his transporter plane crashed during the Korean War in 1953. At that time she became a Gold Star Wife with the military.

Mrs. Voruz was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in La Grande. She was an active part of the La Grande community being involved with and held offices in the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary, the Educational Office Professionals, the National Association of Secretaries/Education Professionals, the Union County Retired Educators, Beta Sigma Phi and the Knife and Fork Club. She was very active with the Soroptimist International where she served as Secretary of District 2, President in La Grande from 1964-65 and 1975-76, District 3 Director and was Soroptimist Woman of the Year in 1969-70, 1979-80 and 1986-87. She was an associate member of the La Grande/Union County Chamber of Commerce where she served as an Ambassador. She was also on the Union, Wallowa, Baker FCU Board of Directors and served as their treasurer for several years as well as serving as treasurer for the Union County Museum Society. She was also a member of AARP.

Mrs. Voruz was very athletic and at one time played on a semi-professional women's softball team. She was an avid sports fan and a huge fan of the Portland Trail Blazers. Sheloved ceramics, photography and traveling.

Survivors include her daughters, Nancy Rhodes of Portland and Sharon Langley of Troutdale; foster daughter, Lu Wayne of Salem; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; step brother, Boyd Standley of Salem and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Voruz in 1998 as well as brothers, Norman West and Vel West and step-brother, Wayne Standley.

Those who wish may make contribution in memory of Mrs. Voruz to the GRH Auxiliary in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.