Joseph, Oregon
Violet Effie Conaway, 88, of McMinnville, died April 15, 2004, at home. She was born Oct. 3, 1915, in Flora to Roy and Bessie Varney.
Mrs. Conaway spent most of her growing up years on Upper Prairie Creek and graduated from Joseph High School. After marrying James B. Conaway in 1938, the couple moved to La Grande a few years later where she worked as a high school secretary, followed by a move to McMinnville in 1950. After a short time in Alaska, the couple lived in Vancouver, Wash., before returning to McMinnville in 1980 with two young granddaughters, Katherine and Leslie.
Survivors include a son, Michael Conaway of Willamina; a daughter, Molly Pullen of The Dalles; brothers Otis Varney of Enterprise, and Roy Varney of Dayton, Wash.; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Conaway, in 1989; and a brother, Vester Varney.
Graveside services were held April 22, 2004, at the McMinnville Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Steve Ross of McMinnville United Church officiating. Macy and Son Funeral Directors of McMinnville were in charge of the arrangements.
Wallowa County Chieftain – Thursday, April 29, 2004
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Violet Conaway
Formerly of La Grande and Joseph
1915-2004
Violet Effie Varney Conaway, 88, of McMinnville and formerly of La Grande and Joseph died April 15 at her home. Burial was at the McMinnville Masonic Cemetery. Macy & Son Funeral Directors of McMinnville were in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Conaway was born Oct. 3, 1915, to Roy and Bessie Varney in Flora. She spent most of her early years on Upper Prairie Creek and graduated from Joseph High School. On August 27, 1938, she married James B. Conaway on her family ranch. She worked as a secretary at La Grande High School before the couple moved to McMinnville in 1950. The family lived in Anchorage, Alaska, and Vancouver, Wash., where she worked as an attendance clerk at a junior high school. The family returned to McMinnville in 1980, bringing two granddaughters with them.
Survivors include children, Michael Conaway of Willamina, and Molly Pullen of The Dalles; two brothers, Otis Varney of Enterprise, and Roy Varney of Dayton, Wash.; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren and other relatives. Her husband and a brother, Vester Varney, both died earlier.
La Grande Observer – May 25, 2004 , Obituaries For April 26 – May 1, 2004
