Romay E. Ater

Romay E. Ater, age 91, of La Grande, died Saturday, May 10, 2003 at the Grande Ronde Hospital.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, May 23, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with Father Hank Albrecht officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mrs. Ater was born on May 18, 1911, the daughter of John and Sophie (Tesner) Leppek in Bay City, Michigan. The family later lived in Bellingham and then moved to Southern California. She met and married Phillip Ater and they lived in San Gabriel, California for 60 years before moving to La Grande in 1995 to be near family.

Mrs. Ater worked as a bookkeeper for the Uniroyal Tire Company for many years. Her family came first and foremost in her life. She was a passionate seamstress who never tired of sewing. Once she came to La Grande she took up quilting. She loved people and therefore became a volunteer for the hospital auxiliary, both here and in California and also volunteer for the local Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Ater was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and St. Bernadette's. She was also a member of PEO, Chapter DK and the Quilt Questers.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Deanna Ater of La Grande; grandchildren, Kimberly Bronson, Craig Ater, Curtis Ater and Jason Ater; great grandchildren, Andrea Bronson, Samantha Ater, Brendan Ater, Nina Ater, Tim Ater and Chris Ater; great great grandson, Vincent Ater; brother, Harry Leppek of San Marino, California; special nieces, Denise, Donna, Katherine and Arlene; and other relatives and friends. Her husband and brothers, Ed and Adolph preceded her in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Ater to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1650 Northwest Naito Park Way #190 - Portland, OR 97209 or the Oregon Cancer Society, 0330 SW Curry, Portland, Oregon 97201.