Stanley L. Needles

Stanley L. Needles, age 81, of Eltopia, Washington, died February 15, 2016 at his home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande, Oregon.



Stan was born on July 7, 1934, the son of Eugene LeRoy and Elvira (Haydock) Needles in Caldwell, Idaho. He started grade school in Parma, Idaho before the family moved to Madras where he finished his education. He worked in logging for a time before enlisting in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge from military service Stan worked in logging, in ranching, as a Cat operator and as a truck driver throughout Central and Eastern Oregon and Washington. He was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed piloting his plane. Stan owned a ranch near Summerville Oregon, where he raised three kids. After marrying the love of his life, Judy, they bought a place near Eltopia Washington where they spent twelve happy years. Stan enjoyed his family and friends and had a great love of life.



Survivors include his wife, Judy Needles of Eltopia; children, Manette Simpson and husband Trevor of Keizer, Oregon, Lon Needles and wife Debbie of Valdez, Alaska, Jennie Needles-Hillar of Valdez, Alaska, Jan Varney and wife Amy of London, Ohio, Dean Varney and wife Michelle of Imbler, Oregon, Joey Yoachim and husband Glen of Vancouver, Washington and Hope Chacon of Portland, Oregon; 12 grandchildren, Lisa and Tim Lacey, Paige Hull, Tim Needles, Olivia, Anthony, August, Lenore, Shylinn and Emily Varney and Cody, Kyle and Shane Yoachim; two great grandchildren, Lily Lacey and Justice Needles; brother, Edward Needles of Fruitland, Idaho and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brother, Denny Needles.

Those who wish may make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or the Cancer Society in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral Center.

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