Iris Nadine Penton

Iris Nadine (Jess) Penton, age 75, of La Grande, died Tuesday, October 18, 2005 of natural causes at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2005 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Iris was born in Grangeville, Idaho on February 15, 1930 to John and Iola (Jobe) Jess. Thereafter the family lived for a time at Divide Creek and then they moved to Diamond, Oregon in 1944. She made her home in La Grande from 1977 to present. Iris was well known for her down home cooking and sage advice at the Longbranch, where she worked for more than 20 years. She retired in 2003.

Iris was blessed with nine children, Gail Winegarden of Brush Prairie, Washington, Wayne and Debbie Hughet of Burley, Idaho, Marvina Hoots and Michael Schaffer of California, Melva Rushton and Donny Weber of La Grande, Holly and Keith Walker of La Grande, Jeff and Teri Walker of La Grande, and Judy Penton & Dennis Lassley of La Grande, 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother and sister, Marvin and Dovie Jess of Diamond, Oregon and Tykie and Ronald McLean of Denio, Nevada; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her sons, Bud Gibson and Wade Hughet, brother, Joe Gill, great granddaughter, Ashley Johnson and son-in-law, Dwayne "Ponch" Rushton.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Iris to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.