William Arthur Bales, 85, of Joseph, died Nov. 1, 2002, at Grande Ronde Hospital in LaGrande. He was born on Alder Slope August 12, 1917 to Fredrick & Gertrude Mallotte Bales.

Mr. Bales was married to Loretta Youch, who preceded him in death. He first retired as a auto mechanic and then retired again at the age of 81 as the manager of the Wallowa County Landfill. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger days, and camping and picnicking with family.

Survivors include daughters Billie Charlene Bunnell of Reno, Nev., Carol Ann Davis of Boise, Ida., Sherrol Swart of Enterprise, and Wenona Chambers of Pendleton; sons David of Springfield, John of Hermiston, and Jayson of LaGrande; five stepchildren; sisters Wenona LaChance of Palmer, Alaska, Jeraldine Towle of Vancouver, Wash. and Nadine Bemrose of Weiser, Ida.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta and an infant son, William Arthur, Jr.

Funeral services were held Nov. 6, followed by interment at the Prairie Creek Cemetery.