Jonna Rattray

Our dear mother Jonna Rattray, 67, of Condon, passed away on October 17th with her family by her side. Jonna Kay Rattray, “Jon” to her dad, was just shy of her 68th birthday. She passed away following a short stay at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles.

She was born to parents Wilda (Hawes) and John Rattray at The Dalles Hospital on October 20th, 1954. She graduated from Condon High School in May of 1972 and married Thomas McKay one week later.

They worked the Rattray family ranch for the next 23 years while raising three children together. Throughout her life she worked on her family ranch and rodeo stock contracting company; was a preschool teacher; artist and art teacher at Horse Mountain Studio; and an administrator at both Haven House and Summit Springs Village assisted living facilities. She brought unmatched passion, energy, humility and empathy to all these roles and the people she helped.

Jonna is survived by her three children: Toby (Natalie) McKay of Pasco; Neely McKay of Hermiston; and Sandy John McKay of Hermiston. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Hunter, Rylee, Reese, and Hayden, her ex-husband Tom McKay with whom she remained close friends, and her sisters (Rita, Janice, Canda, Rena and Becki). Jonna was preceded in death by her parents John and Wilda Rattray and two grandchildren Wilda Kay and Francis.

Jonna was known as a talented artist who loved to share her artistic gifts with the children of her community. She was an active member of her community and volunteered countless hours to many groups and causes, including: Artist in Residence, Gilliam County Fair Board and 2003 Grand Marshall, Gilliam County Historical Society, Frontier CASA, Hospice, The Tuesday Painters, and Book Club.

Jonna’s family was the center of her world. Whenever someone was in need, Jonna was there to be the rock for her family and friends. Throughout her life she was a trusted resource to her extended family & friends for sage advice, historical information, artistic inspiration and always had those special items stored away to make costumes come together. She was known as someone who gave her all to others, had an incredible sense of humor and was a talented storyteller.

All are invited to a celebration of life that will be held at the Condon Elks Lodge on Friday, November 4th at 11am. Following the ceremony there will be a potluck dinner (family will provide the meat).

Her ashes will be spread at the Rattray River Ranch in a private ceremony.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gilliam County Historical Society, PO Box 377, Condon, OR 97823 or the Condon Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 385, Condon, OR 97823 in Jonna’s name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jonna Rattray, please visit our floral store.