Umatilla County woman missing in flood has been found dead

The woman who was reported missing from the Bar M Ranch area near Pendleton over the weekend has been found dead. 

According to a press release from the Umatilla County Sheriff's office, Janet Tobkin Conley, 62, was reported missing on February 8 by neighbors who said they last had contact with Conley on the evening of February 6th as flood waters were rising in the area. 

At that time, Conley said she wanted to stay in her home.  

Volunteers from the Umatilla County Search and Rescue, as well as members of the Oregon Air National Guard, started searching the area for Conley on Saturday. 

Searchers and neighbors found Conley's body, on the Bar M Ranch property Sunday morning. 

Officials say that it appears she was swept away by rushing water.

“Our sympathies go out to the family and friends of Ms Conley in this difficult time,” said Incident Commander Dwight Johnson, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant. 

Damage to transportation systems and roadways have hampered the ability of many residents to evacuate. 

Oregon Air National Guard and Umatilla County Search and Rescue volunteers are still working in flood impacted areas to assist residents who wish to evacuate from their homes.