Obituary: Judy K. Wagoner | Obituaries

1942-2021

Formerly from Alicel

Judy Kay Wagoner, 78, of Vancouver, Washington, and formerly of Alicel, died in a nursing home on July 5, 2021. There is a private service.

Judy was born on September 17, 1942 in La Grande to Gibbs Wagoner and June (Hug) Wagoner. She grew up in Alicel. She attended school in Stanfield, Alicel, Imbler and Union and graduated from La Grande High School in 1960.

Judy participated in school basketball, volleyball, dance at the El Puma Club and in the choir and was a member of the Girls Athletic Association. She enjoyed riding her pony Prince with her dog Tootsie by her side. In the summer she also enjoyed going to the swimming pool in Cove with family and friends.

Judy was employed by the La Grande School District Bus Co. and the Mid-Columbia Bus Co. She drove the Alicel route and then the Starkey route for 25 years before retiring. As a school bus driver, she enriched the lives of hundreds of children. She drove to many after-school activities and sports games to cheer on the La Grande Tigers.

In 2004, Judy was named Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year. She drove 1.5 million accident-free miles in La Grande and the state of Oregon. She holds an attendance record and driving records that are second to none. In the summers of 1985-2002 she was a bus driver for a forest fire troop.

Surviving relatives include their children Teri Bates and husband Garret from Vancouver, Washington, Sandra Winterton from Pendleton, and Darin Winterton from New Plymouth, Idaho; Sister Verda Rae Hager von Heppner; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews; and Aunt Leora Hug.

Her parents Gibbs and June preceded her in death; Son, Kevin Winterton; and sister Ava Shumway.

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