Lostine, Oregon
Walt J. Avery
Walt J. Avery died July 25, 2004, as the result of cancer. He was born June 29, 1927, in Lostine, to John Henry and Celia Frances (Moore) Avery.
Before marrying Joy Frances Bennett of Joseph in 1948, Avery worked on several area ranches. The newlyweds moved to Portland, where Walt worked on farms and in the shipyards. They returned to Joseph in 1972 before moving to Irrigon in 1988. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working with horses, teaching his grandchildren about his hobbies and working on cars.
Survivors include his wife, Joy, of Irrigon; daughters Violet Kelsey and Shirley Taft, both of Prosser, Wash.; brothers Hank Avery of Pendleton and Larry Avery of Wyoming; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and four brothers.
Graveside services were held July 28 at the Prairie Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Columbia View Community Church of Irrigon or Vange John Memorial Hospice of Hermiston.