Walking On -- Marjorie Elaine LaBonte-Robertson, Tony Delagarza, Marie Adelle Davis

Marjorie Elaine LaBonte-Robertson

Aug. 31, 1961 – June 2, 2026

Tribal Elder Marjorie Elaine LaBonte-Robertson joined her ancestors June 2, 2026, at the age of 64.

She was immensely loved as a mother, grandma, wife, auntie, mentor, community leader, teacher, spiritual advisor and friend. 

Elaine entered this Earth on Aug. 31, 1961, in Eureka, California, to Nancy Ridlon and Lester LaBonte.

She grew up in Humboldt County with her brothers, Rick Collins and Lee Crum. Her four children, Adam Sierra, Kevin Sierra, PimNaniHiish Nelson and Ishnura Nelson, as well as her granddaughter, Keira Sierra, were all raised closely by Elaine.

She was married to John Robertson in August 2012 on the big island of Hawaii.

She lived a good life on the Red Road. Elaine was always traveling for ceremonies and gatherings. An avid traditional craftswoman, Elaine spent countless hours sewing, quilting, beading, weaving and gathering medicines alongside her daughter. She could always be asked for help, knew everyone in her big family and welcomed them all with open and loving arms.

Elaine showed immense love for her community. She was strong for everyone around her. She always helped and supported everyone to a fault at times because her heart was always in the right place. She always spoke up for her community and was not afraid to speak her mind. She was always super humble about this but she was a very strong and powerful spiritual leader. 

Elaine instilled a love and dedication for our people, as well as our traditional ways, to her children and granddaughter. She taught them real Native history from a young age, taught them to question the colonized infrastructures and was a living example of the value of education. 

Elaine loved all things chocolate, her children will always remember her distinct “Ooohhh” whenever someone revealed a delicious looking thing.

She enjoyed true crime shows and podcasts when she wasn’t teaching, working or sweating. Her laughter was always heard throughout her home, even through the walls.

Elaine was everyone in her family’s biggest inspiration. She provided a support system for them, always encouraged them to be the best in every way and was their biggest supporter, so much so that you could find her at almost every show or event produced by her son Adam.

She had the brightest smile and could make anyone in a room laugh. She had so much love for everyone around her and never gave up on anyone. She was a voice for the voiceless and always saw the best in everyone. 

Elaine lived a hard life early on but broke through generational barriers by attending higher education universities as well as bringing back traditional practices.

She attended school at D-Q University, University of California Davis and Oregon State University, and earned a master’s degree in environmental science. Elaine worked for the Tribe many times throughout the years after she moved to the Grand Ronde area with her family in 1997, most recently as the Tribal Public Affairs Department copywriter.

Elaine taught biology at Chemeketa Community College and was incredibly passionate about blending her heritage as a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde with her love for science. She had a remarkable gift for enriching her classes with traditional ecological knowledge, bringing biology to life through memorable field trips and hands-on experiences.

She left a huge legacy of resilience, resistance and strength. She was strong for her family as our matriarch. She was and will always be our rock. The impact that Marjorie Elaine LaBonte Robertson left on this world will be forever cherished.

She will never be forgotten.

Tony Delagarza

March 31, 1965 – June 4, 2026

Tribal Elder Tony Delagarza passed away June 4, 2026, at the age of 61.

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring, Texas, is assisting the family.

Funeral service details were not available before press time.

Marie Adelle Davis

Nov. 3, 1939 – June 5, 2026

Tribal Elder Marie Adelle Davis passed away June 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home in Bend is assisting the family.

Funeral service details were not available before press time.