Valerie Fae Royes

Valerie Fae was born on October 21, 1942 in Hutchinson, Kansas, the first daughter of three children of Doyle and Lorene Eisiminger. At a young age the family moved to the La Grande area, where Val graduated from La Grande High School in 1960. While pursuing a mathematics degree at Eastern Oregon College, one local farmer (fisherman enthusiast) began to pursue her. George “G” Royes of Imbler, Oregon made the catch of his life and they married March 16, 1963. Val finished her bachelor’s degree and, although she once filled in at Eastern Oregon University as a math teacher for remedial courses, she began working full-time on the farm as bookkeeper and eventually mother of three children.

Val’s enthusiasm for community and fellowship led her to be a vibrant member of many local organizations and bridge clubs. In 1976, to honor the country’s bicentennial, she and her dear friend Louanne McDonald organized the first ever Imbler-Summerville Fourth of July Parade. She was a devoted member of St Peter’s Episcopal Church where she served as treasurer for many years and was a lay reader up until recently. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the local PEO sisterhood, and was on the board of the Eastern Oregon University foundation as well as the board of trustees. She and G were longtime supporters of EOU Athletics and because of their generous and ardent support they were inducted as members of the EOU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

Family and travel were Val’s real passions. She journeyed with friends and family all over America and Europe, to China, to Russia and even on safari in Africa. However her favorite trip was her annual vacation to the Oregon Coast with extended family and the much beloved grandchildren.

Relatives who remain are her husband of 62 years, G Royes of Summerville, children Sam Royes of Imbler, Mary & Ken Lujan of White Salmon, Washington, Nancy & Dan McDonald of Las Vegas, Nevada; siblings Lynn Sullivan of Bend, Dale & Lisa Eisiminger of Imbler; grandchildren Rustin, Wade and Anika McDonald, Sadie, Henry, and Cora Royes, and Stella Lujan.

Val passed away at the age of 82 on October 3, 2025 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Contributions in memory of Val Royes may be made to the EOU Foundation- one University Blvd., LaGrande, OR 97850.

A funeral will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at St Peter’s Episcopal Church 1001 “O” Avenue, La Grande at 2pm followed by committal at the Summerville Cemetery and fellowship at the Summerville Oddfellow’s Lodge.