Katherine M. Wells Trueax

Katherine M. "Kay" Wells Trueax, age 89, of La Grande and formerly of the Monmouth area, died Monday, February 28, 2005 at the Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande.

Mrs. Trueax was born in Portland, Oregon on October 4, 1915 to Roy O. and Kate F. (Habighorst) Powers. After graduating from high school in Portland she attended Oregon Normal School in Monmouth, Oregon for two years. There she met and eventually married Jack R. Wells on June 1, 1935. He preceded her in death in 1953. She later married Rolland H. Trueax and he died in 1988.

Mrs. Trueax lived in and around the Monmouth area for many years, including Arlie, Hoskins and Pedee. In August of 2004 she moved to La Grande to be closer to her daughter. She enjoyed crocheting and all types of art work and crossword puzzles. For many years, she taught piano, organ and accordion lessons until health problems caused her to quit. She also was the organist for the Monmouth Evangelical Church until her health prevented it.

She was a life member of Adah Chapter #34 Eastern Star of Independence. She also was a member of Agate Rebekah #177 of Monmouth and the Richreal Grange #671.

She is survived by a son, Russell Dean Wells of Tacoma, Washington; a daughter, Kay Frances Anicker of Elgin, Oregon; grandchildren, Douglas Shelton of Scio, Oregon, Brian Shelton of Jewell, Oregon, Jason Wells of Gig Harbor, Washington, Amy Chambers of Rochester, Washington and Annette Christensen of Aloha, Oregon; great grandchildren, Kenny and Christina Shelton of Salem, Oregon, Skylar Chambers of Rochester, Washington, Aiden Wells of Gig Harbor, Washington and Alan and Colin Christensen of Aloha, Oregon. She also is survived by numerous friends and colleagues in and around the Monmouth area.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations to The Humane Society of the Willamette Valley or the World Gospel Mission in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.

To view the obituary, sign the guest book or leave a private condolence on-line, visit: www.danielschapel.com