Dawna M (McKenzie) Risland

Dawna Mae Risland passed away April 12, 2018. She was 83 years old. Dawna was born and raised in Prineville Oregon.

She married Lawrence Besel in 1953. Dawna took on a ready-made family at the young age of only 18 years old she later divorced Mr. Besel she raised three stepchildren Cynthia Greg and Larry Besel Jr. she later divorced Mr. Besel after she raised her three stepchildren to their teenage years; Cynthia, Greg and Larry Besel Jr. Mom gave us an unqualified love and provided security in our stressful childhood. A measure of her love and support for us, she chose to adopt Cynthia and Larry Jr. Greg; the middle child was killed 26 years ago. Two years ago she adopted us after asking if it was OK with us; we already thought of her as mom but she wanted to adopt us because it was important to her that it be a legal truth. While raising her children she realized her calling to nursing. She put herself through nursing school while working in a mill. Her nursing career included work in Prineville hospital and nursing homes. Following her divorce she married Palmer Risland in 1965. They moved to Ketchikan Alaska Palmer worked as a brickmason and Dawna a nurse.

When her husband passed away she decided to move back to Prineville so she could be near her brother Ernie McKenzie and daughter Cynthia Condron. Mom was loving and nurturing to her children and was that way to all who were in her life.

Proceeding Dawna in death were her parents John and Rosie McKenzie, two brothers Kenneth and Calvin McKenzie, nephew John McKenzie. Her stepson Greg Besel and his son Jake and her husband Palmer Roseland. Also, her son-in-law Tom Condron.

Dawna leaves behind her beloved brother Ernie McKenzie, daughter Cynthia Condron, and son Larry Besel Jr. Four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter three nieces and one nephew. Also the children of Greg Besel of whom there are three and Greg’s 11 grandchildren. We are all thankful for mom‘s love and will miss her dearly, always, but we rejoice she is now where pain and sorrow and grief no longer exist.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lou of flowers donations can be made in Dawna’s name to Saint Charles hospice of Prineville.

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