Memorial gallery: December 2018 obituaries
Remembering those who died in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Photos submitted by family members to accompany their obituaries in the Albany Democrat-Herald and the Corvallis Gazette-Times.
December 18, 1920 — November 28, 2018
On Wednesday, November 28, 2018, William “Bill” Warren, passed away at the age of 97.
Bill was born on December 18, 1920, in Hollis, Oklahoma to Arnold and Hadie Marie (Rowell) Warren. He had four wonderful sisters, Ina Mae, Margaret, Sue, and Melba.
On April 4, 1942, he married Wilma Farris, in Houston, Texas. Soon after, Bill and Wilma moved to Montebello, California.
Bill was inducted into the US Army in 1942. He served in the Pacific with the 33rd Infantry Division for 2 ½ years. He received the Purple Heart Medal after being wounded near Bagio City in the Luzon Islands along with the Distinguished Service Cross for extreme gallantry and risk of life in combat. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November 1945 at Fort McArthur, California.
Bill and Wilma lived in Whittier, California for over 60 years, where they raised their daughter, Gwyn. Bill worked in the sheet metal industry until his retirement in 1985.
His beloved wife, Wilma, passed away in 2009. Shortly thereafter, Bill relocated to Corvallis, with his daughter. Most recently he was a resident at Mennonite Village where he was lovingly cared for by their excellent staff.
Bill and Wilma were avid bowlers, attended many state and national tournaments, which allowed them to travel and develop a large network of friends. Over the years he was an active member of the American Legion and the Montebello Elks Lodge.
Most people who knew Bill would describe him as a kind and humble human being. He often described himself as “just an ordinary guy, nothing special.” Bill was a great listener, good sport, and had an infectious smile!
He grew to appreciate the beauty of Oregon and being around the younger generations in his family and the OSU Beavers.
He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Gwyn; his grandchildren, Callie and Evan; his great-grandchildren, Genesis, Stella, Isaiah, Autumn, and Nash; along with his sister and brother-in-law, Melba and Jack; his many nieces and nephews; and his godson, David Patterson.
A funeral service and celebration of life will be held in February 2019 in Southern California.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Red Cross to help the victims of recent wild fires and natural disasters.
September 17, 1928 — December 3, 2018
Rev. Bob Kingsbury, of Eugene, passed away on December 3, 2018 at the age of 90.
He was born September 17, 1928 to Augustus and Anna (Ericsson) Kingsbury in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Oak Grove with his five siblings, graduating from Milwaukie High School as valedictorian in 1946.
Bob attended the University of Oregon, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, and earned his undergraduate degree in education in 1950. While attending UO, Bob met the love of his life, Shirley Fossen, through the Methodist Wesley Foundation and they were married in 1951.
He taught fourth grade for two years at Sellwood Elementary in Portland before getting a call to the ministry. He attended Boston University School of Theology from ’52-’55 where he earned his Master of Divinity degree, after which he served as a pastor of the United Methodist Church in various positions: Cave Junction UMC, ’55-’58; Wesley Foundation at UO, ’58-’66; World Student Christian Federation, Liberia, West Africa, ’66-’69; Campus Ministry at OSU, ’69-’84; Astoria UMC, ’84-’88; Newberg UMC, ’88-’89; Clatskanie/Rainier UMC, ’89-’93. He retired to Eugene in 1993.
Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 67 years; his sister, Betty Aldrich; sisters-in-law, Dee Kingsbury and Barbara Parr; his children, Kathy Kingsbury (Tom Buhler), Anne Bennett (Don), Tony Kingsbury (Becky), Grace Ruddy (Rock); nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by a grandson, Kyle Edson, and four of his siblings, Fannie, Richard, Jack, and Ruth.
Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church in Eugene, Emerald Empire Kiwanis Club, and the Eugene Gleemen.
Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, woodworking, photography, gardening, fishing, college sports, and keeping up on the nightly news. His life and ministry were devoted to the causes of social justice, civil rights, and peace. He also loved to sing and always had a song in his heart. Bob was kind to everyone he met, with friends throughout the world. Many people looked up to Bob and considered him a positive role model. The guiding scripture of his life was Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A memorial celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on December 27, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Eugene, with a reception to follow.
Donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Campus Ministry at OSU, Wesley Center at UO, or your local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
1935 — December 6, 2018
Arnold Pierce Appleby of Corvallis died peacefully at home on December 6, 2018. He was 83 years old.
He was born on a farm near Formoso, Kansas, in 1935, to Howard and Argie (Pierce) Appleby. He started school in Hawthorne one-room school, and attended Lovewell and Formoso grade schools. He entered Courtland, Kansas High School as a freshman and graduated in 1953, then attended Kansas State University, graduating with a B.S. (with high honors) in Agricultural Education in 1957, and M.S. degree in Agronomy in 1958.
At Kansas State, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity, was president of Blue Key, senior men’s honor society; and was named a Senior Leader of the university. He was awarded several scholarships, including a national Alpha Zeta scholarship.
He was married to Geraldine Smith, a high school classmate, on April 1, 1956, in Courtland. In the spring of 1958 as he neared graduation with the Masters of Science, he was offered a federal position at Oregon State University, but by summer’s end, he was informed that he could not be hired for a federal position because of his Type I diabetes.
He then enjoyed teaching math and biology one year in Bazine, Kansas High School in 1958-59. The senior class dedicated the yearbook in his honor. The oldest son, Brian, was born that December in the county seat, Ness City.
He, Gerry, and Brian then moved to Corvallis, where he joined the Crop Science (then Farm Crops) Department at Oregon State University in a state-supported position and began studies toward the PhD degree. In 1961 a second son, Brent was born. He received the Phi Sigma Award as the Outstanding Graduate Student in the Biological Sciences, which included 12 departments. He received the PhD degree in 1962. During 1962-63, the family lived in Pendleton, Oregon, where he conducted research in weed control at the Pendleton experiment station. They moved back to Corvallis in 1963 where he began teaching, conducting research and advising graduate students.
He received numerous teaching and research awards during his career. Among others, these include three Distinguished Professor awards at OSU, Fellow awards from four professional societies, the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Outstanding Researcher Award from the Weed Science Society of America, one award each year for the U.S. and Canada. He won the Outstanding Weed Scientist Award from the Western Society of Weed Science in 1991.
Three times, the students of the Crop Science Department named him the Teacher of the Year. In 1974, he was elected Vice-President of the Weed Science Society of America, which would have progressed to President, but diabetic retinopathy necessitated a serious, experimental vitrectomy eye surgery, so he resigned the office. Fortunately, the surgery was a complete success and he retained full eyesight for the rest of his life.
In 1980, he received the R.M. Wade Award as the outstanding teacher in the College of Agricultural Sciences. He served as major professor or co-major professor for 74 graduate programs. Paul Willard, Salem, died in the early 1990s, and his will bequeathed over $850,000 to the Crop Science and Horticulture Departments at OSU. In his will, he added that the reason for the gift was “in recognition of the many services provided to me over the years by Dr. Arnold Appleby.”
He retired in January 1992. In 2001, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Kansas State University College of Agricultural Sciences. In 2009, he was named a Diamond Pioneer by the College of Agricultural Sciences, and in 2010, he was inducted into the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences Hall of Fame, one of only two on-campus faculty to ever be inducted in the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1980.
During his career, he traveled to many locations to scientific meetings and for consulting about agriculture and weed control. He visited 49 U.S. states and 33 countries on six continents.
He became a Type I diabetic in 1950 when knowledge and equipment of diabetes management was limited. He lived to see many improvements in both areas including sharper needles, portable blood sugar monitors, et al. He always felt very fortunate to survive and be relatively productive with this serious disease for so many years.
In retirement, he enjoyed visiting and corresponding with friends from around the world; reading novels, U.S. history, and biographies, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, feeding the ducks, and spending half-days at the Crop Science Department, where he maintained an office and served as Building Manager. He was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Research Foundation in 1995. He was named Volunteer of the Year by the OSU Retirees Association. He authored six books on the history of two professional societies, the Crop Science Department, the weed control project at OSU, an extension of the history of the Agricultural Foundation, and a personal memoirs.
He was immensely proud of his two sons, his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Alice (Smith) Appleby; sons, Brian of Corvallis, and Brent and wife Stacy of Holliston, Massachusetts; brother, Dennis in Texas; sisters, Audrey Diamond and Eileen Erickson in Kansas; five grandchildren, Christine Appleby Williams, Nikki Appleby Olivas, Peter Appleby, Brittany Appleby Long, and Benjamin Appleby; great-grandsons, Theo Williams and Cole Olivas; and great-granddaughters, Lila Olivas, Madeline Williams, and Adalaided Williams.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Lucille, who was stillborn; and an older brother, Edwin.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 4, at the First United Methodist Church of Corvallis. Ashes will be interred in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Corvallis.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be donated to the OSU Foundation for the existing Arnold P. Appleby Educational Fund.
Please leave condolences for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
February 14, 1934 — December 4, 2018
Charles van de Wetering went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2018, surrounded by his family.
Charles was born on February 14, 1934, in Faulkton, South Dakota.
He met Barbara, the love of his life, at Biola University in Los Angeles, California. They were married on June 22, 1957 in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Charles (Chuck) (Vande) (Mr. Van) began his career as a third-grade teacher in the Los Angeles area and finished his career in Murrieta, California, seeing through the development of a growing district with seven new schools. He loved children and they loved him back. Chuck was known for taking breaks from his daily administrative duties to play games with children on the playground. He managed and coached a youth wrestling team for over a decade during which time he hauled boys and girls around the Western United States to compete.
After moving to their retirement home in Friday Harbor, Washington, Chuck was able to spend more time with his two favorite activities — volunteering in the community and sailing throughout the San Juan Islands. Chuck volunteered at the island’s senior center and at his church.
Chuck and Barbara later moved to Corvallis to be nearer their children. He continued his volunteer work by driving bus and running the bathing site for the men’s homeless center in Corvallis, as well as the elder transport for the First Presbyterian Church.
Chuck was a man who was willing to help anyone in any way. He’d share his meal or give the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Chuck is survived by Barbara, his wife of 61 years; daughter, Katherine; son, Stan; grandchildren, Matthew, Quinne, Miles and Parker; great-grandson, Logan; brother, Carey; sister, Helen; and many young people whose lives he touched.
Memorials may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, Corvallis Daytime drop-in center, First Presbyterian Church, Corvallis or Evergreen Hospice.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. on December 19 at the First Presbyterian Church, Corvallis.
Tributes may be left at Crown Memorial.
October 28, 1945 — December 8, 2018
Jon Strong, 73, passed away in his home Saturday, December 8, after a long illness.
He was born October 28, 1945, to Ernest and Lelia (Dally) Strong. A lifelong Albany resident, Jon graduated from Albany Union High School and attended Oregon State University where he was a member of Lambda Chi. He enjoyed his college years, participating in many high jinks before finding his calling in law enforcement.
Jon began his career at the Albany Police Department working there as a patrolman from 1968-1973. He then transitioned to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, first as a deputy, then moving up the ranks to detective and retiring in 1996.
Jon's true life's joy was his work with the Freemasons. Jon joined the Masonic Order in 1979, and among his many titles, he served as Worshipful Master of Brownsville Lodge No. 36, St. John's Lodge No. 17 in Albany, and East Linn Lodge No. 44 in Lebanon. He was also a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and served for many years as Chairman of Salem Valley Scottish Rite, and was a member of Al Kader Shrine.
He was fondly known as “Jon Dear” by the members of Oregon Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Star Seekers Grand Family in 2005-2006. Jon happily served as Worthy Patron a total of nine times alternating between Zenith Chapter No. 94 and Barzillai Chapter No. 16. He was also a charter member of Oceanside Court No. 37, Order of Amaranth.
An avid reader, Jon also enjoyed model trains, John Deere tractors, and collecting Masonic memorabilia. He was a hard worker, a loving husband, a caring father, and a loyal friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jon was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, David and Daniel; and stepdaughter, Yvonne.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bonnie; brother, Ronald F. Strong; stepdaughters, Deborah (Murdock) Pierce, Sharon Murdock and Jackie (Barker) Smalley; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, at the Scottish Rite Center, 4090 SE Commercial Street, Salem, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, please bring a favorite snapshot to share or memorial contributions can be made in Jon's name to PAVE (Paws Assisting Veterans).
Condolences may be posted online at www.fisherfuneralhome.com.
October 10, 1959 — December 11, 2018
Mark Edward Knutson, 59, of Lebanon, died Tuesday at a local care home.
Mark was born October 10, 1959 in Lebanon, the son of Danny and Minnie (Schwab) Knutson. Mark had lived in Lebanon his entire life and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1977.
Mark had worked for Vaughn Logging and later worked in the grass seed industry until he became ill from Ataxia.
Mark loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping.
He is survived by his children, Joe Knutson and Sara Solberg; father, Danny Knutson; brother, Curt Knutson, all of Lebanon; and three grandchildren.
Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 14, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Ataxia Foundation and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.
July 11, 1937 — December 6, 2018
Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, Elaine went home peacefully to the Lord on December 6, 2018, at the Mennonite Village in Albany.
The second daughter of Dean and LaVoun Falwell, Elaine was born in Medford, Oregon, and moved to Ashland, Oregon, in the sixth grade. She graduated as senior class valedictorian from Ashland High School in 1955 and married Carlos Van Vleet on June 10, 1956.
Shortly after marriage, Carlos and Elaine moved to Eugene where Carlos completed his studies at the University of Oregon. After graduation, Carlos and Elaine moved to Corvallis where they raised Marla, Bill, Chuck, John and Bob.
Elaine was a dynamic mother and was deeply involved in all of the activities her children participated in, including Brownies, Cub Scouts, Little League, 4H Club, PTA, and Corvallis High School athletic support clubs. She also worked in the Oregon State University Athletic Department for over 30 years and served as the OSU Athletic Ticket Manager for 27 years.
Elaine is survived by her husband, Carlos; daughter, Marla Van Vleet Welsh of Rossmoor, California; son, William Van Vleet of Corvallis, son, Chuck Van Vleet of Roseville, California, son, John Van Vleet of Portland, and son, Robert Van Vleet of Corvallis. Elaine also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, Brian Welsh, Katie Fitzgearld, Korey Van Vleet, Jamie Van Vleet, Greg Welsh, Doug Welsh, Leah Van Vleet, Alex Van Vleet, Carter Van Vleet, Nick Van Vleet, Jillian Van Vleet, & Jordan Van Vleet; and four great-grandchildren, Marcelo Welsh, Keira Welsh, Ruthie Welsh, and Asher Welsh.
We will all dearly miss her vitality and joy for people!
Private funeral services for family only will be at noon on Thursday, December 13, 2018. A celebration of life memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Corvallis Country Club, 1850 SW Whiteside Drive, Corvallis.
Memorial contributions in honor of Elaine can be made out to the Elaine Van Vleet Athletic Scholarship Endowment. Contributions should be made to the OSU Foundation at 4238 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333.
June 7, 1935 - December 7, 2018
Sara Ellen Gerig, 83, of Albany, passed away at the adult foster care home where she was residing.
She was born in Austin, Texas, to Charles Wesley Mitchell and Lyna Evelyn (Westmoreland) Mitchell, the fifth of six children. The family moved frequently during her growing-up years, living in Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Mississippi and California.
She started her schooling in second grade, enabling her to graduate from high school a year early. She began her high school senior year in Grants Pass, Oregon; and then the family moved to Yucaipa, California. After one more move during the school year, she completed her senior year in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she graduated in 1952.
After graduation, she located back in Grants Pass, which had been somewhat of a hub of her family’s previous transitions. At that point, she supported herself, along with her mother and younger sister, by working at the Josephine County Courthouse. She and her oldest brother were charter members of the Grants Pass Mennonite Church.
She then moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where she worked in a clerical role at Oregon State University.
She married Norman C Gerig on March 27, 1960, at Fairview Mennonite Church in Albany. From this union were born one daughter and one son.
During her married life, she was employed as a medical transcriptionist. She worked several years for the Park Street Clinic in Lebanon, and was able to bring her work home so that she could be with her children. Later, she worked as a medical transcriptionist at an orthopedic clinic in Albany.
She and Norman then had a home business that provided blank audio cassette tapes and cassette tape duplication services, with an emphasis on church and ministry-oriented needs, until other media formats were taking prevalence at the same time that her increasing physical limitations were necessitating a change.
She enjoyed putting her natural abilities with words, spelling, and grammar to good use by producing various publications for church, school, friends, and family. She was often found solving crosswords and other word puzzles.
Her desire was to live a life pleasing to the Lord. She attended the Fairview Mennonite and Brownsville Mennonite churches regularly until physical impairments limited her activities to the point that she was no longer able.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Norman; one sister, Lyneva Grauberger of Nampa, Idaho; and her two children, Ellen Gerig and Stanley Gerig, both of Albany.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles Mitchell and Eugene Mitchell; and sisters, Ruth Blowers and Dera Keen.
A viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home. A public service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Fairview Mennonite Church in Albany, with interment following at Fairview Mennonite Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries or Heralds of Hope in care of the funeral home.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).
October 13, 1935 — December 6, 2018
Beverly Ann Thorburn was born on October 13, 1935, in Montpelier, Vermont, to Roy and Mary Willard. Beverly graduated from Great Boston Academy in Boston, Massachusetts in May of 1953. She then proceeded to attend Paradise Valley Sanitarium and Hospital School of Nursing in National City, California, where she received her Registered Nurse license in April of 1957. Beverly spent most of her career as a Registered Nurse working for the American Red Cross.
Beverly married A. Gary Thorburn on May 5, 1957, in San Diego, California. They were married for 39 years before he died on January 16, 1996. They moved to Corvallis in 1977.
She enjoyed time with her family and liked to keep busy.
Beverly died on December 6, 2018 in Corvallis, Oregon.
She is survived by four of her seven siblings, Arlene Sweeney, Joyce McGhinnis, Andy Willard, and Chuck Willard; son, Mark Thorburn of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada; son, Michael Thorburn (Carol) of Long Beach, California; daughter, Sheryl Thorburn (Bob Quintero) of Corvallis; grandson, Jeff Leonnig (Kaycee); grandson, Andrew Quintero (Sarah); granddaughter, Kate Thorburn Bird; and great-grandchildren, Paige, Luke, and Nathalie Leonnig and Kyla Quintero.
A memorial service will be held at noon on December 19, 2018, at McHenry Funeral Home. Reception will follow at 5 p.m. on December 19 at the home of Sheryl Thorburn.
Please leave thoughts and condolences at McHenry Funeral Home (www.mchenryfuneralhome.com).
May 5, 1925 — December 1, 2018
John Ellwood Johnson was born May 9, 1925, to John Nicholas and Verna Rae (Daniels) Johnson in Albany. With the exception of the last five years, John was a lifelong Albany resident, and many remember him as the proprietor of Johnson Machine Works on First Avenue. John graduated from Central Elementary School in 1939 and Albany Union High School in 1943. As a senior in high school, he was granted early admission to Oregon State College, simultaneously completing his first semester as a candidate for a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
Inducted into the U.S. military at age 18, he selected naval training and service which began for him in Farragut, Idaho. He completed Machinist Mate Training at the Naval Training School in Dearborne, Michigan, highlighted in his memory by visits to the Ford Motor Company facility. He then continued in the NROTC Engineering program at the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1946, a few months after the conclusion of World War II, he resumed his education and graduated from Oregon State College with a Bachelor of Science of Mechanical Engineering.
Fondly called “Ellwood” and “Laddie” by his parents and many aunts and uncles, he was an only child. When he finished his naval training, he returned to Albany to work with his father in J.N. Johnson Machine Works, the shop on the corner of First and Jackson streets that was to become his own.
In 1951, a young woman rented a room in a boarding house in the same block as the Johnsons’ house and machine shop. John noticed Melba Christian, a pretty, redheaded California transplant, as she walked by on her way to teach at Albany Christian Kindergarten every day in the Assembly of God church at Second and Jackson. He also noticed her participation in the choir at a gospel crusade held in the armory. One day he offered her a ride to the meeting and was pleasantly surprised when she accepted. They courted for several months, but the next year Melba took a job in Springfield, Missouri. He watched her family help pack her belongings, convinced he would never see or hear from her again.
The phone call came just a few months later. It was her voice, “Johnny, I want to be with you.” He purchased a ring and drove to Springfield, Missouri, where they were married March 6, 1954; honeymooning their way back to Oregon to make their permanent home in Albany. He was unwavering in his love and commitment to her for the next 58 years, through health and sickness until she passed away in 2013. They had three children — Cheryle Rae, Malcolm Nicholas, and Christine Denise — to whom, along with his wife, he devoted his entire life.
John’s hobbies, including camping and fishing, photography and model railroading, were of most interest to him when enjoyed with family and friends. As the family grew, all eight grandchildren caught their limit of rainbow trout with Grandpa at the helm of his handcrafted, big green boat; and spent hours watching his trains or building their own model railroad layouts in consultation with him. He delighted at every chance to watch, hold, play with, or print pictures of each great-grandchild as they began arriving. As most others raised during The Great Depression, he wasted nothing and saved everything he could to leave something for his legacy. That legacy, he knew, was the people he touched, not the things that he owned.
John was reserved, unveiling remarkable depth of thought and wit at golden moments. Though quiet, he cared deeply and took interest in everyone he met. He was innovative and selfless, eager to use skills to help others — notably his wife, children and his church family — implementing their ideas or solving problems. He longed to share his faith in Creator God and gratitude for blessings (such as how he met his wife) that he recognized at every turn. He attended church faithfully — Grace Mennonite Church in Albany in his younger years, Albany First Assembly of God throughout his adult life, and finally Timberline Baptist in Sherwood — and gave generously of his time and craft to the Lord’s work.
John and Melba moved to Astor House in Newberg, Oregon, in June 2013. She preceded him in death in August of that year.
John is survived by his children and their spouses, Douglas and Cheryle Muckey of Ellendale, North Dakota, Malcolm and Annette Johnson of Portland, and Mike and Christine Wise of Newberg; eight grandchildren, Jonathan (Jenny) Muckey, Chad Muckey, David Muckey, Lindsay (Michael) Robertson, Demetria (KC) Larson, Kaitlyn Johnson, Turner (Kristen) Wise and Pieper (Joshua) Carlson; and ten great-grandchildren, Scotland, Brody, Emmett and Huntley Robertson, Ames, Mylo and Hazely Larson, Bryndee and Grayson Wise, and Josie Carlson.
Viewing will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018, at Attrell’s Chapel, 207 Villa Road, Newberg, OR 97132. A service honoring the life of John Ellwood Johnson will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Attrell’s. A graveside memorial will follow at Belcrest Memorial Park, 1295 Browning Ave S., Salem, OR 97302.
An online tribute wall has been established at https://www.attrells.com/obituaries/John-Johnson-138/#!/TributeWall.
December 16, 1926 — December 3, 2018
Jodie Hector, 91, died in Corvallis Monday Dec 3.
She attended Harding School and graduated from Corvallis High School. She attended Oregon State Univ and Nursing School in Portland.
She loved horses, dogs, race cars, singing and painting. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jodie was a vibrant soul who mothered many children, who also loved being a grandmother, great grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
Jodie was a long term Corvallis resident with roots throughout Oregon and Washington, whose father, Edward C. Allworth, established the Oregon State University Memorial Union.
Jodie always had a love and affinity for horses since she was two years old. As a teenager, Jodie would drive her ‘Buckboard’ up and down what is now 53rd Street.
Jodie's fondest horse memory was of her horse Black Sadie. That love brought Jody countless years of tending to and fostering scores of horses.
Jodie will be remembered for her deep love of family, and her zest for life.
She is survived by a sister, Nancy A. Ewalt of Lubbock Texas; and children, Lea A. Lutz of Corvallis, Winston Ralph Majors of Sweet Home, Peggy C. Todd of Sweet Home, Greg Hector, Ellen Hector, Brett Hector and Bart Hector.
She was preceded her in death by her husband, Hillary Hector; daughter, Gay A. Allen, also Linden Hagood and Dennis Hector.
Memorial contributions may be made to Thunder Mountain Equine Rescue at www.thundermountainfarms.org.
A memorial service was held Saturday, December 8 at McHenry Funeral Home. A committal service followed at Crystal Lake Cemetery.
Please leave condolences for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
October 20, 1934 — December 4, 2018
Fred O. Sandgren was born on October 20, 1934, in Molalla, Oregon, to Fred and Merle Sandgren.
He died on December 4, 2018.
He married Arlene M. Sandgren. She died July 7, 1991.
He was a high school history teacher and coach.
He is survived by children, Tina and (Wade) Starbuck and Fred and (Georgia) Sandgren; grandchildren, Ross and (Kelly) Starbuck, Jarred and (Kizzy) Starbuck, Chynna Sandgren and Corbin Sandgren; and great-grandchildren, Tanner Starbuck, Rory Starbuck, Riley Starbuck and Gavin Starbuck.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would like all contributions make to Evergreen Hospice House or a charity of your choice in his name.
A celebration of life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on December 15, 2018, in the South Albany library. It will be open house style.
November 6, 1924 — December 3, 2018
Ellen Mägis, 94, passed on Monday, December 3.
Ellen was born in Estonia to Henrich and Helene (Uhberg) Kaschan.
Ellen immigrated to the United States with her husband, Phillip Mägis, and settled in Seattle, Washington, where she became an active member of the Estonian community and the Estonian Lutheran congregation.
Ellen is survived by two sisters, Lia Riam and Senta Pillak; four nephews, Toivo Altvälja, Pepe Pillak, Timothy Mägis and Robert Mägis; and one niece, Kristen Mägis.
Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.demossdurdan.com.
October 7, 1950 — December 6, 2018
Homer Lee Garlinghouse Jr., 68, of Sweet Home, passed away Thursday.
He was born in Albany to Homer Lee Sr. and Marian Lavonne (Specht) Garlinghouse.
He served in the United States Army. He has lived in Oregon his entire life and worked for Linn Gear for 27 years.
Homer enjoyed finding land, building his home and owning his own tavern.
He is survived by his wife, Valina of Sweet Home; children, Barb and her husband, Eric, Jennifer Lee, Amy and her husband, Mark, all of Oregon; mother, Marian of Lebanon; siblings, Patty and her husband, Bob, Lois and her husband, Vince, Diana, Debra, and Robert and his, wife, Melissa, all of Oregon; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; and aunts and uncles.
Homer was preceded in death by his dad, Homer Sr.; and two grandchildren.
Celebration of life will be 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, at the Masonic Hall in Lebanon, 725 S. Second Street.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to organization of your choice.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements (www.sweethomefuneral.com).
February 7, 2000 — December 4, 2018
Carson Ceboll, 18, from Lebanon/Lacomb, passed away Tuesday, December 4.
Born on February 7, 2000, to Gabriel Ceboll and Jennifer Gore in Albany, Carson was mischievous, energetic and curious as a child. Endlessly imaginative, he spent hours at a time with his older brother constructing and playing out detailed battle scenes based on their mutual love of all things "Star Wars," an appreciation passed on to them by their father. He was a sensitive, intuitive, loving boy with strong ties to family from a very young age, preferring to spend time at home or playing with his brother and cousins.
Carson enjoyed nature and exploring the outdoors via hiking, backpacking and camping. He loved anything related to water — most definitely a “water baby” from his earliest months, enjoying bath time, taking to swimming even before he had lessons, tubing with his friends at the lake, or simply being near the ocean.
Carson spent his days and nights sharing music, gaming and playing paintball with family and friends, and was always up for a good road trip.
For the last two years, Carson worked alongside his Grandpa, learning the carpentry trade, well-suited to the pleasure he took in working with his hands and his aptitude for creative problem-solving. He helped build fences, decks and carports, as well as interior finish work on new construction for several contractors in the Lebanon/Albany area.
Having graduated from Lebanon High School earlier this year, Carson was going to start college next month to pursue a degree in environmental sciences, and planned to join the Coast Guard. He ultimately wanted to sail around the world.
Carson had a passion for life and a fire under his feet that would inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams. He had a great sense of humor and an affinity for brightly-colored tennis shoes. He brought a unique perspective to conversation, had an authenticity and depth that others admired, and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand or an ear to listen. He will be deeply missed by so many who have been blessed with the opportunity to know and love him.
He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Gore; and his brother, Austyn Ceboll; grandparents Robert and Sandra Gore; aunts, Jeanene Gore, Sabrina (Gore) Marll, Louise (Ceboll) Ferguson, Fae Ceboll; uncle, Adam Ceboll; and cousins Aaron Ferguson, Logan Ferguson, Peyton Ceboll, Adler Ceboll, Michael Ceboll, and Gabriel Moody.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gabriel Ceboll in 2015; grandfather, Gary Ceboll in 2002; and grandmother, Sue Ceboll in 2015.
A celebration of life and potluck will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, at the Lebanon Senior Center (80 Tangent Street).
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
July 23, 1920 — December 7, 2018
Floydella Adaline Alexander, of Alpine, Oregon, pass away on December 7, 2018
She was born July 23, 1920, in Boulder, Colorado, to parents Floyd and Adeline Miller.
Floydella graduated in 1938 from Molalla High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from LBCC.
She married Nile Alexander on March 24, 1942, in Redmond, Oregon. Nile was a World War II Veteran.
She was interested in 4-H Cooking, Sewing, and Knitting and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for 50 years and the Alpine Assembly of God Church
She was preceded in death by husband, Nile Alexander; son, David Alexander; and grandson, Justin Alexander.
Survivors are daughters, Donna Payne of Brookfield, Missouri, and Joanne Alexander of Crawfordsville, Oregon; sons, George Alexander and wife, Dottie of Corvallis, Richard Alexander and wife, Erma of Monroe, Oregon and Larry Alexander and wife, Maddy of Crawfordsville; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
Floydella requested no flowers,
Donations should be made to “South Benton Community Museum” in Monroe or “VFW National Home for Children” (at VFW.org/donate).
Viewing will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 14, with services at 10 a.m. at McHenry Funeral Home in Corvallis. Interment will follow at Simson Chapel Cemetery in Alpine and a luncheon at Bellfountain School.
September 3, 1948 – December 3, 2018
James “Jimmie”, “Jake” Eric Jacobson, 70, of Albany, passed away suddenly at home on Monday December 3.
He was born in Albany, to Robert “Jake” Jacobson and Irene Heer. Jim graduated from Albany Union High School in 1966 and then enlisted in the Navy, where he was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.
After his service in the Navy he worked at both James River and Pope & Talbot of Halsey until his retirement.
Jim married KC Collins November 26, 1990.
Jim was a person who had a generous heart and loved watching sports and socializing with his friends. He enjoyed going to Wrangell, Alaska, fishing with his best friend of 65 years, Robbie Snyder, who was like a brother, and playing golf with Lee Rathbun and Ron McEachern, who were also lifelong friends. Oh, the stories they could tell!
Jim was also very close to his nephew, Jason Miller.
He is survived by his sisters, Carol Benek and husband, Ron of McMinnville, and Patsy Pieschl and husband, Vaughn of La Pine, Oregon; nephew, Jason Miller of Albany, nephew, Todd Powell of Corvallis; and nieces Michele Miller, and Melissa Still of Albany. Jim was so loved by his family and friends and they will always treasure their memories of him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, KC in 2016; father, Robert Jacobson; and mother, Irene Jacobson.
At Jim’s request there will not be a service.
October 23, 1950 — November 21, 2018
Michael J Maxey, 68, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Corvallis.
Michael (Mike) was born in New York and grew up in Long Island. He lived in Oregon for the past 36 years. His job took him all over the United States delivering motor coaches to dealerships, for Safari and Monaco. He was co-owner of Liberty Real Estate Management & Sales.
In 1971, he married MaryAnn Galliano, and they had two wonderful boys. He loved riding his Harley around town, and he enjoyed all the fun times with his children and grandchildren.
Mike is survived by his wife, MaryAnn Maxey; and children, Michael A. Maxey and James V and Angie Maxey; four wonderful grandsons, Wyatt, Colton, Kyson and Chazz Maxey; and one granddaughter, Clover Jane Maxey.
January 10, 1926 — December 5, 2018
Blythe Edna Cook, 92, of Eugene, formerly of Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in Eugene.
She was born January 10, 1926 in Lebanon to Joseph and Edna (House) Lenox.
Blythe grew up in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon Union High School. She married Wendell M. Cook on February 2, 1944 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.
She had taken many missionary trips and taught Sunday school for over 50 years. She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Eugene.
She enjoyed card making, traveling, sewing, ceramics, and all types of yarn and needle craft.
Blythe was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Cook on November 25, 2005 and by their infant son, Stewart.
She is survived by her daughter, Annette Allen and her husband, Terry of Englewood, New Jersey; sons, Alan Cook and his wife, Nancy of Junction City and Steven Cook and his wife, Ruth of San Diego, California; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11 at Huston-Jost Funeral Home.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or Camp Harlow, sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.
June 14, 1940 —November 16, 2018
Allan Selberg, age 78, of Albany, passed away on November 16 after a brief illness.
He was born on June 14, 1940 in Aberdeen, Washington to Anton (George) and Agda Selberg.
Allan graduated from the University of Washington School of Engineering in 1963.
He served in the US Army from October 1963 to October 1965, then served in the Reserves until October 1969.He worked for Rust Engineering in Beaverton and Weyerhauser and Boeing in Washington.
Allan and Kathy moved from the Puyallup/Tacoma area to Albany in 2006 to be closer to Kathy’s children.
He was a member of the American Contract Bridge League, the Hoquiam Elks, and the UW Alumni Association. He enjoyed playing bridge, golfing and bowling.
Allan is survived by his stepchildren, Kim (John) St. Clair, Julie (Michael) Hall, and Tressa (Mike) Edwards; stepdaughter-in-law, Dana Curry; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, John Murphy; nephew, Mike (Amy) Murphy; and friend and fellow golfer and bowler, Bill McNelly.
Preceding him in death are parents, George and Agda; wife, Kathleen; stepson, Stewart; and niece, Laurie.
At Allan’s request, there will be no services held. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Kathleen at Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam.
April 8, 1927 — November 14, 2018
On Wednesday, November 14, 2018, the Lord welcomed home his faithful servant, Ellie Scholz.
Ellie was born on April 8, 1927 to William and Laura (Miller) Hartwig. She grew up on a farm outside Eganville, Ontario, Canada where she lived and attended grade school and high school. Ellie moved to the States to attend Concordia Teachers’ College in River Forest, Illinois.
She taught kindergarten at several Lutheran schools, and began a new Lutheran school in Fargo, North Dakota. It was in Fargo where Ellie met Rev. John Scholz, whom she married on June 17, 1951. Pastor John and Ellie planted four churches as missionaries in the Philippines where they worked for 15 years and raised three sons and a daughter. They returned to the U.S. in 1967 and settled in Oregon where her husband ministered as pastor in Corvallis (1967-1978) and then Eagle Point (1978-1992) before the couple ultimately retired in Medford in 1992.
Ellie was a vibrant servant who took delight in teaching English, volunteering in the LWML and Sunday school, and hosting at her home.
She shared her love for playing cards, traveling internationally, and cooking with her family and friends and even succeeded in climbing Mt. McLaughlin at age 65.
Ellie was known for her deep faith in Jesus Christ, which shone through her hospitality, her loving and gentle character, and her willingness to help whenever there was a need. Ellie remained a witness to the Lord through her battle with ALS and in her death.
Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Laura; and her brothers, Willard and Victor.
She is survived by her husband, John; their four children, Steve, Gary, Kathy (Tim), and David; and three grandchildren, Nicholas, Stephanie, and Vincent. She leaves a legacy of love for and faith in her Savior.
Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on December 15, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church at 2745 NW Harrison, Corvallis.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1.
October 25, 1924 — December 3, 2018
Charles G. (Charlie) Hall, of Philomath, died peacefully at home with loved ones by his side on December 3, 2018 at the age of 94.
Charlie was born in Corvallis on October 25, 1924 to Dr. Ralph Hall and Alice Hewitt Hall and had one brother, Dr. Robert Hall. All preceded him in death.
Charlie attended Philomath Grade School and Philomath High School, graduating in 1943.
After high school, he enlisted in the Navy. Stationed in the South Pacific during World War II, he served on the U.S.S. Brown DD546 as a fire control specialist. Charlie was a proud veteran who served in the Navy from 1943-46 and attended many Navy reunions.
When Charlie returned from the military, he attended Oregon State University for a short time and was most proud of the fact that all of his children graduated from college. He lived in Philomath his entire working life.
On September 5, 1953, he married Joyce Shroyer in Philomath, where they lived and raised a family.
After his military service, Charlie worked for Stanley Lowther, driving truck. Later, he acquired his own truck which was the beginning of C.G. Hall Log Trucking Company, still owned and operated by the Hall family. In its heyday, the company ran 28 log trucks out of Philomath. Charlie was a wonderful mentor to all his employees. He loved going up into the woods and running the log loader to keep the trucks moving. Despite all the hard work keeping the trucks on the road, Charlie still found time to serve seven years on the Philomath City Council and as Mayor of Philomath for one term.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Shroyer Hall; four children, Kathy Siebers (Mike), Mary Balough (Chip), Ralph (Sherry), and Ray (Martha). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kevin Siebers, Scott Siebers, Matt Balough, Cortney Marazzo, Jenna Pangle, Marissa Balough and Travis Hall; and nine great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 10 at the Philomath Scout Lodge, 660 Clemens Mill Road, Philomath.
Memorial donations may be made to Philomath Scout Lodge.
Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.demossdurdan.com.
April 26, 1949 — December 1, 2018
Carol Marie Rambousek was born on April 26, 1949 at Albany General Hospital to Lewis Anton and Ilene Cecilia (Murphy) Rambousek. She attended grade school at St. Mary’s in Albany and graduated in 1967 from Albany Union High School.
Carol attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Eugene, kicking off her career in the medical field. She ended her medical career when she left Albany Surgical Associates to go back to school earning two associate degrees, one in business and one in arts, from Linn Benton Community College. Her Bachelor of Science was soon to follow from Oregon State University.
Carol had a love for the arts. She had a background in acrylics and watercolor painting, clay and metal sculpture, and photography. She took this passion and used it for development, public relations and fundraising for the Corvallis Arts Center/Linn-Benton Council for the Arts, Albany General Hospital Foundation, Corvallis Neighborhood Housing, The Arc of Benton County, and St. Mary’s Church. She started her own business agenting for artists, which she sold in 1999. Carol moved to Sublimity, Oregon in 2005 and retired from Marion Estates as Administrator of Medical Records.
One of the most important aspects of Carol’s life was her spirituality. She was a devout Catholic and attended St. Mary’s in Albany, St. Mary’s in Corvallis, and St. Boniface Parish in Sublimity.
Carol passed away unexpectedly at Santiam Memorial Hospital on December 1, 2018 at the age of 69.
She is preceded in death by her father, Lewis A. Rambousek Sr; mother, Ilene C. (Murphy) Rambousek; brother, Lewis Rambousek Jr. (Nancy); and niece, Robyn Williford.
She is survived by her daughter, Trisha Lutgen (Rodney); and sister, Kathleen Schrock (Dean) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. and a funeral Mass follows at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 375 Church St, in Sublimity. A private burial will occur at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens in Albany.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salem Right to Life or Safehaven Humane Society c/o of Weddle Funeral Service, 1777 N 3rd Ave, Stayton, Or 97383.
Please leave thoughts and condolences at https://www.weddle-funeral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings.
1927 — 2018
Esther Ruth Jabs died peacefully in her Corvallis home from complications of stroke on December 4, 2018.
She was born the daughter of William and Cloa Poggemeier in Crystal City, Missouri, in 1927. She excelled in school and graduated from Valparaiso University in 1948.
She married Gerhardt A. Jabs, and they raised five children together, first in Cleveland, Ohio, then in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and finally in Corvallis.
After Gary’s death in 1978, Esther worked as a representative for Book House, a job that took her to university libraries from Vancouver to El Paso.
She was a lifelong Christian and an active member of Northwest Hills Community Church for 40 years. She greeted people at the church door regularly on Sunday mornings and many looked forward to their weekly smile from Esther. After her retirement, she became a volunteer staff member with a special interest in outreach to seniors and other overlooked members of the community. She often opened her home to women in need of shelter and presided over social events for widows and women in ministry. She also volunteered for Love Inc and supervised their Linen Closet for many years.
Esther loved to travel and visited all but two of the 50 states. She enjoyed the natural world and went for hikes or walks whenever she could. She was a passionate gardener who often shared bouquets of her beloved roses. She loved music and was famous for her collection of cardinals. She was gifted at friendship and stewardship. She was generous in every way.
Esther is survived by her sister, Mary Flo Schunks of Crystal City, Missouri; and four of her five children, Carolyn Jabs (with David Zamichow) of Santa Barbara, California, Cynthia Jabs (with Mark Bomster) of Baltimore, Maryland, Paul Jabs (with Vicki Jabs) of Aurora, Oregon, and Lorelle Jabs of Seattle, Washington. She loved and was loved by her nine grandchildren, Bert, Jessie and Zach Zamichow, Ethan, Brian and Amanda Bomster-Jabs and Nolan, Bryce and Conner Walsh.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna, and son-in-law, Doug.
A memorial celebration of Esther’s life will take place on January 20, 2019, at Northwest Hills Community Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to Love Inc.
September 8, 1944 — December 6, 2018
Coni Irene Boyer, 74, of Lebanon passed away Thursday.
She was born in Puente, California to Elbert Paul and Allerey Chalon (Lowry) Meade.
Her family moved to Missouri and then later returned back to California.
Coni married Don Tubbs and had two children, Carol and Don Jr. and later divorced.
In 1974 she married Bill Jones and moved to Lebanon. Bill passed away in 1979.
She remarried in 1979 to the love of her life, Dave Boyer. They enjoyed 24 years together serving the Lord, traveling, camping, hiking and square dancing.
Coni is a member of the River Center. She was dedicated to helping all those around her. She enjoyed gardening and yard work. Her greatest love was being a mother and grandma.
She is survived by daughter, Carol and her husband, Dennis Moffet of Sweet Home; son, Don Jr. and his wife, Shellie Tubbs of Ukiah, California; grandchildren, Allerey and Brock Moffet, Miranda and Nathan Tubbs; great-grandchildren, Carter and Amaya Quinliven; sister, Pauline and her husband, Charles Patton; and several nieces and nephews.
Coni was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Boyer; parents; sisters, Amazette Fisher and Shirlee Johnson.
Viewing will be 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, December 10 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Funeral. Service will be 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11 at River Center in Lebanon. Final burial will be at I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.
April 12, 1937 — December 3, 2018
Ruby Mae Seals, 81, of Albany, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018.
She was born in Princeton, Minnesota to Louis and Goldie Jennison, raised in Anoka, and moved to Salem, Oregon upon turning 18.
Ruby held various positions working for the State and began working for the Corvallis Police Department in the early 80’s. She married her husband, Roger Seals, January 18, 1992, and retired from her work in 1995.
Ruby is predeceased by her mother; father; and her brother, Ronald Jennison.
She is survived by her husband, Roger Seals; children, Sandra Wang of Albany, Randy Lee Webb of Diamond Lake, Sharol Keating of Peoria, Susan Whitacre of Albany, Roger Lee Seals of Lincoln City, Bruce Seals, Vicky Vidal, and Judy Argetsinger of Albany; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sister, Ruthann Mowry (husband Lee) of Weippe, Idaho.
Along with being a wonderful mother and homemaker, Ruby loved to fish, garden and travel. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
There will be a memorial service held in her honor at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at Fisher Funeral Home.
Condolences for the family may be left online at fisherfuneralhome.com.
November 5, 1937 — December 4, 2018
Kivel Shute Wilson, of Lebanon, was born November 5, 1937 in LaSalle, Illinois. His father’s name was Theodore “Ted” R. Wilson and his mother was Virginia “Dee” Shute/Wilson.
He lived in LaSalle until the family moved to Los Angeles. When his youngest brother was born, his father didn’t want to raise his children in L.A. They then moved to Oakland, Oregon, for a short time before moving to Lebanon.
After living in Lebanon and attending school for a period of time, Kivel was presented with a job opportunity in Alaska where he was a commercial fisherman, worked in the lumber mill, and worked with the National Guard. He came back to Lebanon where he was a heavy equipment operator for BLM for 32 years and retired in 1997.
Kivel married Clarissa “Chris” Bjornsen/Wilson and her bonus family in Lebanon on July 4, 1996. They have lived a full happy life and have created lasting memories.
He is survived by his wife, Clarissa “Chris” Wilson of Lebanon; his daughter, Tiffany Ames and her husband, Tim of Lebanon. His brothers are Robert Wilson of Mt. Angel, Oregon and Michael Wilson of Crescent City, California. His youngest grandson is Gage Ames of Lebanon. His step daughters-in-law are Vickie Bjornsen of Calgary, Canada and Billie Bjornsen with her partner Ken Streeter of Sweet Home. His step-granddaughters are Amanda Cowdrey of Lebanon, Larissa Bjornsen of Lafayette, Oregon, and Krystin Kiesman and Heather Bjornsen of Calgary, Canada. His great-grandchildren are Waylon and RoyDen Cowdrey, and Theodore Kiesman.
He was proceeded in death by his son, Cory Wilson, and his stepsons, Kirk and Kevin Bjornsen.
He loved to do many things such as attending Christ Community Lutheran Church. He was a member in the American Legion #51. He was a lifetime member of Masons number 44. He loved to travel and camp. He enjoyed mowing lawns for the elderly after he retired.
During the holidays, he would dress as Santa Claus at local Lebanon events and functions. His grandchildren have memories of Santa visits on Christmas Eve.
Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 7, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at Christ Community Church in Lebanon. Private family burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Shriners Children Hospital in Portland, Oregon or Christ Community Lutheran Church Memorial Fund here in Lebanon or a charity of your choice.
December 6, 1916 — October 1 2018
Neta Fern was born in Roseburg, Oregon, the daughter of Thomas F. Fletcher and Luessia M. Johnson Fletcher.
The family moved to Brockway, Oregon, in 1919 where Neta attended Brockway Grade School then graduated from Roseburg High School in 1936.
She married her high school sweetheart, Fred A. Martin of Roseburg in August 1936. Fred and Neta moved to Coquille, Oregon, in 1936 and then on to Albany in 1941.
Neta worked for Nebergall Meat Company from 1947 until they closed in 1973. She then went to work for Hewlett Packard in March 1977 until she retired in May 1994.
She loved people, dancing, fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling and cooking. She enjoyed children, taught 4-H for many years, and spent much of her free time canning and sewing.
She belonged to the First Christian Church where she taught Sunday school for many years and was an active member of the Mother’s Club.
Her husband, Fred A. Martin passed away in April 1990. She was preceded in death by her son, Larry A. Martin.
She married Melvyn Couron in September 1997. Melvyn passed away September 2004.
Surviving are her daughter, Luessia M. Thomason of Newport, Oregon, and her son, Leon R. Martin of Albany. She had four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Though she requested no service, she wrote the following, “There are three gifts from God that remain — Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is Love. Love never fails.” Corinthians 13.
As per her request a private family memorial service will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Roseburg.
January 9, 1952 — December 1, 2018
Curtis Lee Kiefer, retired Youth Services Manager at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, died Saturday, December 1, at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany. He had the courage to choose to face imminent death over treatment which would have been outside Corvallis.
Born January 9, 1952, on the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, he was the son of Walter and Helen (Klund) Kiefer.
Shortly before his death, he talked with friends about his “charmed life,” recounting that at all stages in his life he felt loved, and spoke of the happiness and peace that this brought to his life.
On November 11, 2011, he married Walter A. Frankel, his partner of 30 years. The ceremony took place in West Sand Lake, New York, with family and friends.
His earliest schooling was at Marymount School, in Rome, Italy, where he was speaking three languages. He graduated from Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware and received his baccalaureate from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. He received his master's degree from Drexel University School of Library and Information Science in Philadelphia. Though he lived in several places, he considered Wilmington, Delaware his home until he moved to Corvallis, which became his cherished home.
Before pursuing his library degree, he was On Her Majesty's Service as a high school music teacher in Nassau, Bahamas. These two years developed into a lifelong interest in the British royal family.
His first employment as a librarian was at the Free Library of Philadelphia, where he worked in the Central Music Department, as well as two of the regional libraries. He managed the George Institute Library, and ended as Head of the Central Children's Department.
In 1993, he accepted the position of Youth Services Manager at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, from which he retired in 2014. He restructured youth programming with a foundation in developmental psychology and educational theory. He introduced infant story times, and particularly enjoyed working with preschool children.
Throughout the community, he was recognized by parents and children of all ages as the library storyteller, and was known for leading “Shake Out Your Sillies.” He worked to make the Library a “safe space” for teenagers. He advocated for parenting programs and teaching skills to help families raise their children. He also recognized that libraries could support more than books and literacy, fostering musical and other cultural programs. He believed strongly that the library should partner with community organizations and institutions.
He worked with the Oregon Library Association in protecting Intellectual Freedom. He became advocate for diversity training, working for the city of Corvallis with its partners to achieve such goals. He was a leader in starting the STARS after school program for youth. He enjoyed working with Old Mill Center for Children and Families, assisting in developing the Relief Nursery, and serving as president of the Friends of Old Mill.
He served on the boards of Corvallis Fall Festival, Corvallis Arts Center, Tcha Te Man Wi Storytelling Festival, Corvallis-OSU Piano International (COPI), Benton County Historical Society, and the Library Foundation.
Curtis loved people. He became a seasoned conversationalist, often opinionated, colored with humor or peppered with quick repartee. He was never closed-minded, for he was inquisitive, both willing and anxious to learn new things. In retirement, he did the New York Times crossword puzzle daily and began taking piano lessons.
He had a lifelong love of all music, particularly opera, and especially those of Richard Wagner. Ballet was one of his passions, from taking his first ballet classes in his twenties to traveling to Milan, Italy to see his favorite dancer. Travel was an integral part of his life. He enjoyed visiting museums, historical sites, and shopping.
He had an eye for style, particularly in his clothing. This extended to design, architecture, decorating, and collecting art, as well as china, crystal, silver and linen. For 20 years, he could be seen driving his Miata about Corvallis, enjoying the many months he could have the top down. His joie de vivre extended to entertaining and cooking, and he had a special attachment to his dogs.
He was at ease with and open about being gay, attending two marches on Washington for gay rights. He was invited to speak to community groups about his sexual orientation. With his husband, he was an active plaintiff in the Oregon court cases for marriage equality.
He is survived by his loved husband of thirty-seven years, Walter Frankel, as well as by his loving sister-in-law, Christine Fedory; and his nieces, Anne Ragoni (Tom) and Eileen Fedory, all of Averill Park, New York.
A remembrance and celebration of his life will be held in the early part of the New Year.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation.
June 10, 1938 — October 4, 2018
Lola Marlene Brumbaugh, of Albany, died October 4, 2018, at age 80 after suffering a stroke in 2015.
She left behind her husband Gary just one month before their 62nd wedding anniversary. They had a wonderful life together and enjoyed many travels; Ireland, Rio de Janero, Mazatlan, and Victoria, British Columbia, were a few of their favorite places.
Lola was born in Scotland County, Missouri on June 10, 1938, to Elva and Guy Rosenberger. She was the middle child and only daughter. Her elder brother, Beryle Rosenberger, lives in South Carolina and her younger brother, Wayne Rosenberger preceded her in death two years ago.
She moved with her parents to Glendale, California, in 1941. She attended John Muir High School, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Gary.
They married November 2, 1956, and raised four children, Gary Brumbaugh (Penney), John Brumbaugh (Connie), Debbie Baker (Matt) and Tim Brumbaugh (Brenda). They were blessed with 12 grandsons and three granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.
She was a devoted mom and could often be found cheering for her grandchildren at their games on weekends.
Lola and Gary moved their family from La Crescenta, California, to Albany in 1975 where they bought a 10-acre farm.
She loved being around children and worked as a care provider at Albany Presbyterian Church and as a bus driver for Albany Private Schools.
When Gary retired from Wah Chang, they spent their winters in Sun River and she worked as a daycare provider at Mt Bachelor while he worked as a lift operator. Because she was so good caring for children, the center named the baby room after her. These were busy, wonderful years, as they were constantly hosting family and friends at their cabin.
Lola was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
A private family celebration of life is being planned for later.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).
March 8, 1963 — November 29, 2018
Shanna Christine Brokken, age 55, of Pullman, Washington, died of cancer in Spokane on November 29, 2018.
She was born in Ames, Iowa on March 8, 1963, to Ray and Joan Jordan Brokken. The family moved to Corvallis in 1965.
Shanna graduated from Corvallis High School in 1981 where she was Presidential scholar finalist for Oregon and played the string bass in the CHS orchestra. She also played in the Oregon State University symphony. She sang in the choir and the folk choir of the First Congregational Church.
She graduated from Stanford University in 1985, majoring in geology. She worked briefly for the Stanford Geology Department Library. She then moved to Alaska and worked on the Exxon-Valdez oil spill clean-up as the payroll officer. She later worked for the City of Anchorage.
While living in Alaska she had two sons. When the boys were starting middle school, she moved to Pullman.
She is survived by her son, Iliff Brokken and his girlfriend, Alyx Johnson of Colfax, Washington and son, Robert Brokken of Spokane, Washington; her father, Ray F. Brokken and stepmother, Donna Brokken of Corvallis; brother, David E. Brokken and his wife, Kirsten and their sons, Jordan and Andrew of Houston, Texas; sister, Karen E. Brokken of Tigard; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was predeceased by her mother, Joan J. Brokken
There will be no memorial service in Corvallis. Inurnment will be in Ottumwa, Iowa.
June 3, 1955 — November 9, 2018
Christine Ann Johnson, 63, of Corvallis, passed away from natural causes on November 9, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.
Chris was born on June 3, 1955, in Visalia, California, to George B. and Alice V. Johnson. She lived in several states, graduating from high school in Ashland, New Hampshire, and attending college at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst before returning to her California roots and moving to Escondido, where she met and married Steven J. Smith, the love of her life.
Chris was independent, adventurous, and imaginative and thrived on creating art, traveling, music, and helping others.
Over the years, she and Steve traveled the world, writing of their travels while experiencing many adventures together and meeting people from all cultures and walks of life.
She left this world too soon, passing peacefully while cheek to cheek with her husband, Steve and surrounded by family.
Chris is survived by her parents, George and Alice Johnson; her sister, Kimberlee Johnson; her husband, Steven Smith and many relatives and friends.
A memorial in Chris's honor will be held in the spring in Medway, Massachusetts.
Rest peacefully, Chris. We will miss you.
December 19, 1927 — November 27, 2018
Kenneth Earl McGarry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90.
He was born in Corvallis to Earl and Ona McGarry, and was the youngest of three children. He graduated from Corvallis High School in 1946.
During the Korean War, he was stationed in Panama as a staff sergeant for the US Army. He returned from duty long enough to marry Margaret Krietman on July 11, 1951. They had four children, Brenda, Ronald, Daniel, and Debra. Ken and Margaret later divorced in 1980.
Ken worked in the grocery business for many years before being offered an opportunity to be financed by United Grocers, who were impressed by his positive attitude and people and business skills. He opened McGarry's IGA Foodliner in 1963, and also served as president of the Independent Grocers Association for a number of years.
In 1969, Ken had an idea that there needed to be a fun place for families to go and celebrate, so he created, built, and opened The Gay Parfait ice cream parlor in Corvallis.
Ken purchased Parker and Lyon Real Estate in the early 1980s. During that time, a lovely lady answered a real estate ad for a dress shop, and as they say, “the rest is history.” Ken married Grace Bodine in July of 1984, and added to his family her two daughters, Renée and Roxanne.
Ken later worked for Town & Country Realty and Prudential. He retired from real estate at the age of 78.
He was a football fan, loved working on his rentals, reading the newspaper, and enjoyed traveling with Grace in their motor home and on trips overseas to Ireland and Scotland.
He is survived by his wife, Grace; step-daughters, Renée Kliewer (Mark), and Roxanne Bodine; daughter, Brenda Hicks (Bob), son, Ronald McGarry (Cindy), daughter-in-law, Lynda McGarry, daughter, Debra Troxel (Tim); 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marion Lowrie and Lois Bedoian; his son, Daniel McGarry; and granddaughter, Laura Brooks.
We have all been so blessed to have his huge heart full of love and positive attitude as a part of our lives.
A celebration of life will be announced and held after the first of the year.
Please visit https://www.kennie.moonlitwoods.com for more information.
