Essie Belle Chrusoskie

Essie Belle (Smart) Chrusoskie, age 81, of La Grande died May 16, 2006 at her home. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2006 at the Island City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Belle was born on August 31, 1924, the daughter of James Hammond and Beaulah Lee (Clark) Smart in Berrian County, Georgia. She came to Oregon in 1945 and on October 10, 1945 she married Warren Wayne Sirrine. The marriage later ended in divorce. On May 9, 1966 she married Gerald S. Chrusoskie. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 28 years and was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge. She loved crocheting, cats, gardening and had a passion for fishing.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gerald Chrusoskie of La Grande; sons, Michael Warren Sirrine and Matthew Wilford Sirrine, both of La Grande; Gerald's children, Ken Chrusoskie of La Grande, Philip Chrusoskie of Imbler, Cathy Moore of Irrigon, Teresa Smith of Union and Charles Chrusoskie of Portland; a brother, Samuel Smart of Sebring, Florida; sisters, Willie Smart Lear of Haysville, North Carolina and Irene Smart McKinzie of La Grande; several nieces and nephews and step-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Those who wish may make contribution in memory of Belle to the Oregon Cancer Society in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon