Walking On: Steven E. Rife, Kim Oren Rowland Sr., Tenatia Destiny Jackson-Crain, Sheila Ann Elliott-McDonald, Larry Jackson Jr.

Kim Oren Rowland Sr.

April 20, 1949 – June 11, 2026

It’s with a heavy heart that we, his children, announce the untimely death of our father, Kim Oren Rowland Sr., after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Kim was born on April 20, 1949, to Ralph and Bette Mae (Virginia) Rowland and passed away on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his children, sister and faithful companion, his dog, Grandpaw. 

Kim was a man of many talents and held a variety of jobs such as taxi driver, garbage man, fisherman, farmhand, millworker and an inspector for BPA. The one that he enjoyed and made him most happy was a cedar cutter. 

He was an avid reader and did crossword puzzles daily while drinking coffee. He enjoyed skiing and learned to snowboard as well. He played golf, pool and cribbage. Every day he would take his best friend, Grandpaw, for daily walks, whether it was in the woods, the beach or just around town, greeting their many fans. They were inseparable. In addition to time with his dog, Kim was never happier than when he was spending time with his friends and family. 

Kim is survived by his son, Kim Rowland Jr.; daughters, Samantha Rowland and Tannith McNeel; bonus daughter, Robin Miller; granddaughters, Hannah Rowland, Taylor Stafford, Justine Miller, Sierra Rowland Miller and Sophia Davis; grandsons, Darien Prueitt, Dacoda Rowland, Thomas McNeel and Rohan Davis; bonus grandson, David Swetland Jr.; great-grandson, Aiden Beets; great-granddaughters, Hayleigh Beets, Vayda Rosales, Wren Smith and Holly James Morales; sisters, Susan Rowland, Misty Rowland Meise, Melanie Orr, Valerie Iraheta, Christy Linoix, Toni Mode, Laurel Sherin, Connie Sue Lucas, Melody Ann Benton and Georgia Wild; and brothers, Mark Rowland and Jeffery Benton. 

Kim is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. 

Kim was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Virginia Rowland; wives, Beverly Rowland and Bonita Mason, grandchildren, Alexander and Amelia Davis; and favorite aunt, Lorraine Melba Eckhardt. 

A matter of days after Kim’s death, his faithful companion, Grandpaw, was diagnosed with lympatic cancer and was humanely euthanized. Grandpaw will forever be at his human’s side as it was meant to be.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Blaine Cemetery in Blaine, Oregon. There will be a gathering afterward at the Beaver Fire Hall, all are welcome.

Tenatia Destiny Jackson-Crain

Dec. 30, 1990 – June 26, 2026

Tribal member Tenatia Destiny Jackson-Crain passed away June 26, 2026, at the age of 35.

A wake was held Sunday, July 5, at Tribal plankhouse achaf-hammi, in the evening.

A gravesite burial was held at sunrise Monday, July 6, at the Tribal Cemetery, followed by a meal at the Tribal Community Center.

Bollman’s Tribute Center is assisting the family.

Steven E. Rife

July 10, 1950 – July 6,2026

Tribal Elder Steven E. Rife passed away July 6, 2026, at the age of 75.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 10, at the Tribal gym, followed by a gravesite service at the Tribal Cemetery, with a meal at the Elders Activity Center.

Macy & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services of McMinnville is assisting the family.

Sheila Ann Elliott-McDonald

April 28, 1950 – April 10, 2026

Sheila Ann Elliott-McDonald was born April 28, 1950, in McMinnville, Oregon, and raised in Sheridan. She passed away at home with family on April 10, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1968 and attended Chemeketa Community College for activities director in long term care in 1993. She attended George Fox University and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management. Sheila did all of this while raising her daughter on her own, working multiple jobs and attending school full time. 

She happily married James McDonald in 1999.

Sheila worked for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for nearly 20 years. After retiring, she traveled with her siblings and daughter. She also really enjoyed taking pictures of birds at Baskett Slough and going to the movies.

She was very creative and artistic. She loved to wear bright colors to match her bright personality. She had a passion for gardening.

Sheila lost both of her parents, Vance St. Clare Elliott and Virginia Rose Beardsley. Her loving and funny stepfather Ivan "Casey" Langley and her husband, James McDonald, passed away before she did. She also lost two of her siblings, Vance "Skip" Elliott and Susan O'Shea.

Sheila leaves behind one brother, George Picker. She has one daughter, Jocelyn Hart and a grandson, Elliott Cox. Elliott was the light of her life and she enjoyed every minute of being grammy. 

A celebration of her life will be held at the Buell Grange at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 19.  

Larry Jackson Jr.

Nov. 30, 1981 – June 22, 2026

Tribal member Larry Jackson Jr. passed away June 22, 2026, at the age of 44.

Lawncrest Chapel & Memorial Park in Redding, California, is assisting the family.

Funeral service details were unavailable at presstime.