Mary Michel

Mary Michel, age 84, died Saturday January 22 at her home in Cove. A Celebration of her life will be held later at the family's farm in Cove.

Mary was born October 17, 1920, in Seattle Washington, the daughter of William and Anna (Truxtun) Bledsoe. She graduated from Queen Anne high school in Seattle, and later graduated with a teaching degree from Eastern Oregon University. Mary worked as a ballroom dance instructor for the Arthur Murry School of dance in Seattle where she met the love of her life, Rudolph "Rudy" Michel when he came in for dance lessons. The two were later married on March 16, 1941 in Kirkland, Washington. Mary and Rudy moved to Summerville in 1953 where together they built a home on 15 acres and raised their three daughters. The couple continued to enjoy dancing together especially the fancy dances at the Hot Lake Hotel in the 50's and 60's. In 1961 Mary began teaching grade school in Union County and retired in 1980 from her position as the head of the English department at the La Grande Middle School.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Together with her husband and daughters she was active in the International Arabian Horse Association, starting a local chapter in Union County. She was also a leader of the "Blue Mountain Trail Gang" a 4-H horse club. In 1970 the Michel family moved to their new farm just outside of Cove. Together with her husband Rudy and their daughters, they continued their Arabian horse breeding and training operation, producing several Regional and National Champion horses. Mary later secured her trainers license and enjoyed watching her horses compete in Arabian Horse Racing. Mary was instrumental in starting the "Grande Ronde Polo Club" on their Cove farm in 1993 with her daughter Jan. She could often be found mowing the polo field, moving irrigation pipe, or keeping score during a tournament. She always supported her family's numerous horse related endeavors.

Mary also loved to travel, always eager to visit and learn about different places throughout the world. She was an avid reader and gardener. She kept herself fit with her daily walks with her dogs or swimming laps at the Cove pool.

Her husband Rudy preceded her in death in 1992.

Survivors include her three daughters, Suzy & her husband Pete Lybecker of Cove, Sami VonWeller of Silverton, Oregon, and Jan Michel of Cove, her four grandchildren, Elliot VonWeller, Axel and his wife Meghan Lybecker, Elton VonWeller, and Mary Michel Barrett.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Michel to The Blue Mountain Humane Association or The Cove Quick Response Team, in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, OR. 97850