A memorial fund has been set up for the five minor children of Terry Mudd, a La Grande, Ore., rancher.

Donations can be made at any area Community Bank to the Karen or Jeremy Mudd Trust for the five children. Donations may also be mailed to Community Bank, P.O. Box 2738, La Grande, OR 97850.

Terry was disabled and suffered multiple physical problems since a serious car crash in 2001, according to his wife, Karen.

"He refused to give up and kept the ranch going by switching from spring to fall calving and reducing our herd at different times as his health deteriorated," Karen said.

Terry was diagnosed with acute leukemia Aug. 13 and died from complications on Sept. 9. He was 59.

"Terry was raised on a ranch," she said. "He and I continued that occupation together for 34 years before his death. His faith and family were the focus of his every day.

"He was a loving husband and the father of one permanent foster child, two biological children and five adopted children," she said. "The children and I are trying to keep the ranch going with half the cows. It is the only life we know, love and feel we can survive with. It is also what Terry would wish for us to be allowed to do."