Westley “Wayne” Ousley died on Sept. 17.

He was born in Drury, Mo., on Dec. 20, 1925.

At an early age, he moved to Washington to live with his uncle, Fred Ousley. During this time he worked in the shipyards and competed in many rodeo events across the country.

Ousley moved to Harney County in the 1950s. He worked at the Island Ranch, and then for Virgil Moon at the Double O. In 1962, he moved to Diamond and worked for Gordon and Blanche McWilliam.

In 1971, Ousley and his family purchased Swamp Creek Ranch in Diamond from Harvey and Martha Marx. He made his home there until 2003, when he retired and moved to Dog Mountain.

Ousley spent most of his adult life doing what he loved — ranching in Harney County.

Ousley is survived by his brothers, Jack Ousley and Don Ousley; sisters, Anita Cruce, Virginia Savings, Bess Rueker and Bea Brown; daughter, Missy Ousley; son-in-law, LeRoy Thissell; son, Cameron Ousley; daughter-in-law, Sheila Ousley; grandchildren, Max Ousley, Zach Ousley and Stella Ousley; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Homer Ousley; mother, Maelissie Mae Lawson Ousley; brothers, Carrie Ousley and Terry Ousley; sisters, Lillie Brown, Faye Forest, Verta Miller and Zerda Hugges; sons, “Dusty” Jackie Ousley and Matthew Ousley; and stepson, William Orr.

Services for Ousley will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m., at the Burns Elks Lodge. Internment will follow in the Burns Cemetery. Contributions in Ousley’s memory may be made to the Burns Elks Lodge, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.