Ralph Edward Samples

Ralph Edward Samples, age 64, of La Grande, died Thursday, August 21, 2003 at his home following an extended illness.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with Father Hank Albrecht officiating. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest East Cemetery.

Mr. Samples was born on March 20, 1939, the son of Mark and Camilla (Hebert) Samples in Rapid City, South Dakota. The family moved to Kinzua, Oregon when he was an infant. He graduated from Wheeler County High School in Fossil, Oregon and later graduated from OTI. He served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He worked as a graphics designer for the Government in Washington, D.C. On May 17, 1980 he married Julia Wattenbarger in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1994 they moved to La Grande.


Mr. Samples was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. He was an avid BMW Motorcyclist and belonged to the BMW Motorcycle Club of Oregon. He loved playing music, especially bluegrass and old time music. He also loved art and sold his pottery in several stores in La Grande. He was very committed to his family.


Survivors include his wife, Julia of La Grande; brother, Jerry Samples of East Wenatchee, Washington; sister, Jean Ann Adams of Heppner; Uncle, Father Frances Hebert of Heppner; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Samples to the GRH Hospice or the GRH Auxiliary in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.