Obituary

DeAnna Faye (David) Conway, age 76, of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on April 15, 2021. She was surrounded by the four females in her life: her two daughters Andrea and Michelle, and her two granddaughters Valerie and Michaela.

Born on October 1, 1944 in Schurz, Nevada she was the daughter of Bertha Reymus West and Joseph David. DeAnna spent the most of her school years being raised by her grandparents, Bridget and Oliver Harry.

In 1962 DeAnna graduated from Stewart Indian School with her high school diploma. From there she went on to receive her Dental Assisting Certificate in Beverly Hills.

DeAnna married Rodney George Sr. in 1964 and had three children: Rodney George II, Michelle (George) Vendiola, and Andrea (George) Edwards. Although they divorced DeAnna and Rodney Sr. resumed their friendship later in life until Rodney Sr. passed away in 2008.

Wanting to better her life DeAnna continued with her education, and successfully graduated from Utah State University in 1978 with her bachelor’s in social sciences. In 1982 she received her master’s in social work (M.S.W.) from the University of Utah, American Indian Social Work Program, School of Social Work in Salt Lake City Utah.

After DeAnna graduated, she worked as the Director of Social Services for the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. In 1984, she mover her family to Washington State to work at the Lummi Tribal Health Center. There she worked as a social worker and helped many people. She even made sure to help the elders who were no longer able to leave their homes due to medical reasons. However, DeAnna felt her most important work focused on helping children and girls of abuse and formed the first girls’ group to assist survivors of sexual abuse.

Deanna’s greatest joy came spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She loved to go on long bike rides with her grandson Jeffrey. She also enjoyed playing guitar, wood carving and garage sales. Her favorite pastime of all was watching her beloved Seahawks play.

DeAnna is survived by her daughter Andrea Edwards; daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Michael Vendiola; grandsons Jeffrey George, Leo Edwards Jr., Melchor Vendiola, and Rodney George III; granddaughters Valerie Edwards, and Michaela Vendiola; great-granddaughter Auviannah Jameson; sisters Josephine David, Edith Kelbaugh, Arlene West, and Debra Fletcher; her loving aunt Charlotte Harry; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her only son Rodney George II; brothers Richard West and Robert West, as well as numerous other relatives.

A traditional Cry Dance will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the Wachsmuth residence; 1926 Black Mountain Drive, Schurz, Nevada. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Schurz Cemetery. Dinner to follow at the residence of Gina Wachsmuth.