Iris Mosley

Iris Arvilla Mosley was born on October 15th, 1934, and passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on February 27th, 2026, in John Day, Oregon.

A graveside service will be held on March 5th, 2026, at the Canyon City Cemetery at 2:00 pm with Pastor Dennis Sams (retired) officiating.

Iris was born in Mullen, Nebraska, to a ranching family. She had a lot of fond memories on the ranch, including one of a rattlesnake in the house and several horse stories. Iris lived in many different places due to her father’s employment. They finally settled in John Day for her last year of high school, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1952 at Grant Union High School.

After high school, she started working at the Grant County Bank in John Day. When her sister graduated from high school, they attended a bible college together for 2 years near Seattle, Washington. She traveled with a singing group called the Gospel Light Trio, where she and her sister played their steel guitars and sang. When she returned to John Day, she met her husband, Bill Mosley, at the John Day Assembly of God Church. She taught Sunday School at the church and loved children's ministry. Iris loved sharing memories about her life involving fellowship at church with friends and family.

Iris and Bill made their home in Canyon City, where they raised their son Mark Mosley. She loved watching Mark play sports. Oftentimes, she would pop their own popcorn and bring it to the games to avoid unnecessary spending at the concession stand. After Mark graduated, she worked for the John Day Church of the Nazarene as a secretary and a teacher’s aide. She also did upholstery work as a side business.

Later, she added a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters that she adored. She loved to set up tea parties for her granddaughters. She taught them to sew and loved making dresses for them and their dolls. She always put a lot of thought and care into the gifts and cards she gave to the special people in her life. Iris loved to decorate with her homemade decorations. Her table was always set with beautiful tablecloths and napkin holders that she made. She decorated her house for each season with her creative, handmade decorations. She also loved antiquing, crafts, and reading her bible every day. She held family and friends dear to her heart, and they were always in her thoughts and prayers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Arvilla VanArsdale, and her beloved husband, Bill Mosley.

She is survived by her sister Joyce Parker and her husband Gene, 3 nephews: Tim Parker, Brad Parker, and Andy Parker, and by her son, Mark Mosley and daughter-in-law, Kielee Mosley, her first granddaughter, Emily Bondoc and husband Zach Bondoc along with her first great-grandson, Corey Bondoc, also by her granddaughter, Heather Moles and husband Mike with another great-grandson on the way.

Iris will be remembered by her family as a wonderful Mom and Grandma who was a spitfire, ornery at times, and one tough cookie. She will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions in honor of Iris may be made to the Carrie Young Memorial through Driskill Memorial Chapel at 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, Oregon 97845.