Family Memorial Mortuary Obituaries

Understanding the Importance of Funeral Homes: Family Memorial Mortuary

When a loved one passes away, it can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time for family and friends. During this period, it's essential to have a trusted and compassionate funeral home to guide you through the process of saying goodbye. Family Memorial Mortuary, located at 1304 E Powell Blvd, Gresham, OR, 97030, is a reputable and caring funeral home that has been serving the community for years. In this article, we will delve into the services and benefits that Family Memorial Mortuary provides, making them an excellent choice for those in need of funeral arrangements.

A Brief History of Family Memorial Mortuary

Family Memorial Mortuary has a rich history of providing exceptional funeral services to the people of Gresham and surrounding areas. With a commitment to excellence and compassion, they have built a reputation as one of the most trusted funeral homes in the region. Their experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring that every family receives personalized attention and care during their time of need.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Judith "Judy" Lynne Servo - June 21, 1938 - January 31, 2023

Departed: 01/31/2023 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Judith (Judy) Lynne Servo

Judy was born on June 21, 1938 in Portland, Oregon and passed away at her home on January 31, 2023 in Gresham, Oregon. She was surrounded by family and friends during her last days.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Wilma Jolly, her daughter Selena Rupp and her husbands, Bart Kirk and Jerry Servo.

She is survived by her siblings Janet Burrell, Rodger Jolly, Heather Lilley and Laurel Merkel. Her three sons Steven Stensrud, Dana Stensrud (wife Debbie) and Daren Stensrud (wife Angela). Seven grandchildren, Jessica Stensrud (Chavez), Jeremy Ervin, Melissa Yang, Ty Buys, Cody Stensrud, Brandon Stensrud and Colton Stensrud and four great grandchildren Alyssia, Justin, Jaxon Chavez and Jade Yang. As well as step children Kathy, Keri and John Kirk and Deborah Yanofsky, Terry, Rick, Rob and Rusty Servo.

Judy loved to volunteer at the VFW, her church and other organizations in her community. She enjoyed the red had society as well as playing bunko, Left/Right/Center and cards with friends.

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Judith "Judy" Anne Hayes - November 18, 1937 - January 04, 2023

Departed: 01/04/2023 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Judith “Judy” Anne Hayes was born in Tacoma, WA on November 18, 1937 to Pauline Campeau Pease and Verne Rhiener Pease. She had two younger brothers, Michael, who preceded her in death, and Robin who lives nearby.

Judy married Wayne Lee Hayes August 3, 1956 in Sumner, WA and moved to Indiana shortly after this where Wayne attended Indiana University and Judy worked at the University bookstore. When Wayne studied for 2 years at the Indianapolis University Medical School, Judy worked at Associates Loan Company.

Judy and Wayne have 3 children, Doug Hayes (wife Amy), LeAnn Teixeira (husband Mitch) and Lenora Mary Hayes-Williams.

Judy was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother to 7 and great grandmother to 15! She was very proud to say she was a homemaker! There was a brief period in the late 1970’s that she worked as the Christian Education Secretary at Damascus Community church, where she has attended since 1971.

When asked how she came to know Jesus, she always said “I can’t remember when I didn’t love Jesus.” Judy hosted a weekly Bible Club for the neighborhood children in their home while her children were being raised and was involved at Damascus Community church singing in the choir, helping in the Heritage community group and going on a Mission trip to Honduras with granddaughter Bethany to sew curtains for an orphanage.

Her mother taught her to sew at a very young age and she enjoyed sewing clothes for herself and the family, dolls and doll quilts, Teepees for her grandchildren as well as a myriad of other sewing projects. She designed and sewed the quite large American Flag for the church 1976 Bi-centennial celebration. She taught sewing classes for home economics at Damascus Christian school. Judy was an amazing cook and taught 4-H cooking classes in her home. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and embroidering and in general, keeping her hands busy.

Her greatest joy in ministry involved the Stich-N-Share Quilting ministry at Damascus Community church, where she made hundreds of baby quilts for the Sandy Pregnancy Resource Center as well as quilts for the Transitional Youth ministry, for at-risk teens. Judy developed several life-long relationships because of the quilting ministry. Judy was also very talented and creative with Tole & Decorative Painting projects as well teaching these classes. She enjoyed oil painting and water colors and flower gardening very much and loved watching the many different birds outside their kitchen window. Judy was a life-long learner and loved to read, even when her eye sight was declining. She was known for her caring heart towards others and making others feel seen and wanted. Judy loved her Lord Jesus and displayed who Jesus is to us. What a wonderful example we have had in her life!

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McKinley Reynolds - December 15, 1940 - October 27, 2022

Departed: 10/27/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: McKinley Reynolds was born in Montgomery, Alabama to his parents Herbert and Georgia Mae Reynolds on December 15, 1940.

In the 1950's, his family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he attended elementary school. They subsequently moved to Detroit, Michigan where he graduated from high school. Shortly after graduating, he joined the Air Force, where he proudly served 4 and one half years as a military policeman. He was honorably discharged from the military. McKinley then enrolled for two years, on a full athletic scholarship at Contra Costa Community College in California. He later went on to finish college education at the University of Hawaii where he excelled in both basketball and football. For his skills as a football player, he received an All American award from Hawaii.

After college he was drafted into the NFL by the New Orleans Saints. Sadly his pro career was cut short by a knee injury. He later was recruited in the early 1970's by the Portland Loggers, a Continental Football League.

When he finished playing football he held numerous jobs in the Portland area. His longest tenured role was at Barrett Business Services. He found great satisfaction there, where he helped find work for people in both temporary and permanent jobs. After retiring from Barrett, McKinley went back to work as a school bus driver for children at the Community Transitional School. Driving the children gave him great joy. He worked there for another eleven years before officially retiring in November, 2021.

McKinley was an avid reader. At the time of his death, he had read hundreds of books of all genres. After he quit playing football his passion for sports continued. He would attend local sporting events and later avidly watched pro and college sports on television.

McKinley is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Reynolds, mother Georgia M. Love and two sisters Robin Love and Lois Reynolds.

McKinley is survived by his children: Crystal Ashby of Philadelphia, PA, McKinley Reynolds, Jr. (Debbie), Carla Cooper (Alan), Carl Reynolds and Eric Reynolds - all from the California area; Cherie Reddick-Argusta, Queen Creek, AZ, Dolores (Pearl) Kelley of Corvallis, OR, and his numerous grand and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved partner of 30 years Jeanne Vandecoevering of Portland, OR.

At a later date McKinley will find his final resting place at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

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Susan Jeanelle Rasmussen - May 17, 1945 - September 04, 2022

Departed: 09/04/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Susan Jeanelle Rasmussen was born May 17th, 1945 in Redmond, OR to Morgan Sharp and Ruth (Moore). Her mother Ruth later married Herman Fahner in 1954 and Susan was adopted by Herman. She grew up with four brothers: Charles Sharp, H. Lee Fahner, Ronald Fahner, and Richard Fahner.

After attending and graduating from Western Oregon University, she became an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles, CA and Menlo Park where she ultimately retired from David Douglas School District. She was a long time, active member of the Damascus Community Church.

She is survived by her brothers H. Lee Fahner and Ronald Fahner. She is preceded in death by her husband Darrell Rasmussen, parents Herman and Ruth Fahner, and brothers Charles Sharp and Richard Fahner.

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Delores Irene Lewis - February 07, 1930 - June 04, 2022

Departed: 06/04/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Delores “Dode” Irene (Tucker) Lewis was born February 7, 1930, in Sparta Wisconsin to Orval Tucker and Bessie Maude Travis.

Delores married Hershel Ross Lewis on July 15, 1946, in Gresham, Oregon. She had 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.

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Shirley Kay Schmidt - December 28, 1929 - May 27, 2022

Departed: 05/27/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Shirley Kay Schmidt was born December 28, 1929 at Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She grew up with the nickname “Skipper,” coined by her father and then “Princess” later by her friends. Shirley entered Hospice care on May 20, 2022 and passed away in the Portland home of her daughter and son-in-law; Teena and Robert, at 3:00am on May 27, 2022.

She was alert and ambulatory at her age of 92 years.

Shirley is survived by her 4 children: Larry W. Schmidt, Glenda K. Scheuerman, Teena Hughes, and Lisa Peterson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Carry Bassett and Renny Schmidt, Courtney Beddahl, and David and Jonathan Hughes, her great-grandchildren: Nate and Maddison Pratt, Johnny Schmidt, Deason Novey, Henry and Harrison Hughes, and one great-great-grandchild: Wesley Pratt. She is also survived by her brothers John and Scott Crawford, as well as the many Crawford and Schmidt nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, whom she did a good job keeping track of because she cared. Shirley follows those gone before her, including both sets of grandparents, her parents; Ruby L. Wolfe and Reenzo Crawford, her brother Claude Tracer and sister who she also considered her friend; Ruby “Sue” Constans, and including uncles and aunts. Also preceding her in death was her husband George S. Schmidt who she eloped with on March 19, 1948 to Stevenson, Washington, passed on August 20, 2015.

Shirley Crawford attended Kenton and Lynch Elementary Schools of Portland, Oregon and GUHS also in Oregon.

High School was remembered fondly by Shirley; some activities she was a part of were; ARGUS, the school newspaper, the Girls Athletic Association, Tumbling, Student Body Secretary and “Coke Girl” information would be appreciated on that one! Outside of school, Shirley loved to ride her horse, Trigger as well as others for the Western Riders Drill Team. There was also church choir, Girl Scouts, and Dance.

Even before and after marriage and 4 children, she worked. Shirley’s first job was as a secretary at Nabisco and her last job was Secretary to the Superintendent of the Gresham School District. This from 1962 – 1988. She continued to attend at the Catholic Church, played golf, tennis, bowling, serving on her high school reunion Committee and becoming a member of the Gresham Historical Society until the time of her death.

Shirley loved her job and was very good at it. After retiring she then could enjoy some of her favorite things, which were cooking, shopping, visiting, travelling and of course, taking care of George. Her passion was her family. Shirley underestimated her worth, was frugal, practical, kind, a good listener and “fun” to be around. A High School friend wrote in her senior yearbook, “I can’t keep away from your irresistible personality!” I believe she had that effect on her family, friends, and all she met. The one thing she confessed to scaring her and she hated the most was, “being alone.” When asked how she would like to be remembered? She answered, “As a nice person.” When asked how she like to die? She answered, “With family.” She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Shirley’s request not to have a funeral, is being honored. There will be a viewing at Family Memorial Mortuary in Gresham on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Also, any gifts of remembrances should be given Providence Hospice instead.

Her interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham will be attended by her children and grandchildren at a later date. Those who wish to visit Shirley and George after her placement, will need to go to the main office building for the code and the direction to their columbarium site.

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Frederick Thompson - January 20, 1954 - March 06, 2022

Departed: 03/06/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Frederick Edwards Thompson, Jr. was 68 years old when he passed away. He was born on January 20th, 1954 and passed on March 6th 2022. Fred lived in Eugene, Oregon with his wife Kathleen Thompson and their cat Vader.

Fred was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island with his siblings Barbara and John. He has lived in many states all over the country including Illinois, New Mexico, California and Nevada. Fred started off working as a cook at Gus’s in Rhode Island and later transitioned to construction until he retired in Eugene, Oregon. Fred was always blunt and straight to the point when it came to anything. He loved deep sea fishing and on Sundays spent time with family barbequing, watching football, NASCAR and having a beer in his favorite glass.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen of 45 years, his children Heather, Kate and Kyle, his grandsons Jaxxon and Logan, granddaughters Mckayla and Kayleigh, his sister Barbara, brother in-law Mark and nephews Eric and Brad. He joins his Father Frederick Sr., Mother Gayle, Brother John, and Nephew Johnny in a place of everlasting peace.

Fred’s final wishes were to have his family and friends gathered together to scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean in Trinidad, California. His Ashes will be scattered on Saturday July 16th and the Celebration of life will be held on Sunday July 17th in Trinidad, California at the Emerald Forest Cabins.

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Johnny Dunne - September 01, 1944 - January 17, 2022

Departed: 01/17/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Johnny passed away peacefully at his home in Gresham, Oregon surrounded by his family.

Johnny was born in Anaconda, MT. He was in the US Air Force from 1964-1969. He then joined Washington State Patrol. He worked for many bowling centers, as bowling was his first love. He loved having coffee with his bowling buddies that he considered his second family. Johnny loved the Blazers and the Oregon Ducks.

Johnny enjoyed working at Weston GMC Buick up until he became ill. He was diagnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia and then had a heart attack.

Johnny is survived by his partner Jo Stanford, his special nurses Tracy and Tif, who loved him, his three children Cindy, John Jr. and Cory and six grandchildren. A special thank you to Hospice for all their help.

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Maybelle Lydia Minter - November 06, 1923 - January 10, 2022

Departed: 01/10/2022 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Maybelle L. Minter, 98, of Milwaukie, passed away on January 10, 2022 in Milwaukie, Oregon. Maybelle was born on November 6, 1923 in Roseburg, Oregon to V.K. and Margaret (Muirhead) Holcomb. She was married to Robert C. Minter who passed away in 2005. Maybelle will be placed with her husband Robert, at Willamette National Cemetery.

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Sandy Leonard Meisner - February 10, 1945 - December 04, 2021

Departed: 12/04/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Sandy Leonard Meisner, a resident of Lake Oswego, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2021 shortly after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 76. His wife (Yong) and daughter (Anastasia) were by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend.

Sandy was born on February 10, 1945 in Emporia, Kansas to William Leonard Meisner and Sarah Myrtle Meisner ('nee Smith). In 1948, the family moved to Lakeview, Oregon. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1963. He was a member of the Honor Society and received the Daly Fund Scholarship.

For Oregonians, Sandy is known as a platypus. He attended both University of Oregon from 1964-1965 studying architecture and Oregon State University from 1966-1968 graduating with a US History Major. At Oregon he participated in the Oregon Marching Band and Concert Orchestra.

Sandy served in the US Army from 1968-1971. During his service in the Army he graduated from the Army Signal School in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey and served two tours of duty at Uijeogbu, South Korea where he was stationed.

In Korean, he met Yong Ae Meisner, and they were married at the American Embassy in Seoul Korea on December 18, 1970. They then moved to Los Angeles, California where their daughter, Anastasia (Stacie) Yu Meisner, was born in 1972. In 1974 Sandy graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Masters in American History.

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Louis Lucas Seidl, III - June 03, 1945 - October 30, 2021

Departed: 10/30/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Louis Lucas Seidl III June 3, 1945 – October 30, 2021

Louis Lucas Seidl III, 76, passed away after years of complicated health issues in Gresham, Oregon on October 30th, 2021. He was born on June 3, 1945, to Louis and Katherine Seidl of Westmoreland, where he was raised with his brother Stuart. After attending Benson High School, Lou joined the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne. When he was discharged from the Army Lou worked as a Semi-Truck Driver covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana for over 25 years. During this time, he had received a Safety Award for driving over 1 million miles with not one traffic infringement. And had been elected to be the Union Shop Steward of Teamsters Local 223 for Cotter and Company. He met his wife of 31 years, Charlotte C. Villarreal at work and they married on July 20th, 1990.

Lou is survived by his; wife Charlotte C. Seidl, Brother Stuart Seidl and children Kasie and Bob Jansen, Sunny and Mohsin Qureshi, Thomas and Davia Fergusson, Dennis and Shannon Schuler. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Anthony and Kelsey Fergusson, Jonathan, Megan and Jack Jansen, Humza and Amarah Qureshi, Daniel Warren, and great-grandson Oliver Warren. Lou had been preceded in death by his son David Schuler on June 4, 2007, and both his parents Louis and Katie Seidl.

There will be a Military Funeral at Willamette National Cemetery on November 22, 2021, at 10am.

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Melba Louise Neisz - March 10, 1945 - September 21, 2021

Departed: 09/21/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Melba Neisz was born March 10th, 1945 in Portland, OR to Harold and Verna (Wiseman) Beerman. She has a brother, Paul, and a sister, Loretta. She was the 17th Beerman who attended Sellwood Middle School, from which she graduated in 1959. She attended and graduated from Girls’ Polytechnic High School in 1963. After high school, she worked at Meier and Frank. She eventually moved onto Philbin Manufacturing Company, but ultimately retired from Value Village after 20 years in 2007. Melba passed away due to congestive heart failure on September 21st, 2021 in Portland, OR surrounded by her family.

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Robert Gaughan - May 16, 1939 - May 06, 2021

Departed: 05/06/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Robert “Bob” Gaughan passed away at Providence Hospital, 9 years after his beloved wife Vera. He is survived by his sister Joan Rand, brother Richard and four married daughters, Susan Tissot, Shirley Menchu, Karen Welch and Samantha Harlow; and five grandchildren. A loving husband and father, Bob will always be remembered for his charismatic personality and the strong work ethic he instilled in his children. A Master Gardener and Food Preserver, his green thumb annually produced vast amounts of veggies for his family and friends. Bob spent the majority of his work life at Xerox and after retirement enjoyed serving on the Corbett Water Board.

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Gordon J. Lind - July 02, 1937 - April 27, 2021

Departed: 04/27/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, Gordon J Lind passed away. Gordon was born on July 2, 1937 in Portland, Oregon to Esther Knorr & Gunnar Lind. He graduated from Knappa High School. Gordon married Judith Ann Fox on August 31, 1962. They had three children. Gordon served in the Navy, worked in the shipyards and served in the Oregon Air National Guard. He had 36 years of service. Gordon and his wife have 3 grandchildren. Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Gunnar, and his mother, Esther, and his daughter Kelly. He is survived by his wife, Judee, Sister, Sandra Ford, daughter, Debbie and her husband Rob Harding, son, Don Lind, grandson, Mick Lind, granddaughter, Nicole and her husband Brandon Heinrichs, granddaughter, Amanda and her wife Flor Calderilla. As well as a niece, nephew, cousins and many adopted grandchildren. Arrangements made by Family Memorial Mortuary in Gresham. There will be a private burial graveside on May 7, 2021 at Willamette National Cemetery.

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Faye Wilkins Graham - November 19, 1929 - April 26, 2021

Departed: 04/26/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Faye Wilkins Graham passed from natural causes at the age of 91 on April 26, 2021 at home in Milwaukie, Oregon. She was born November 19, 1929, in Duncan, Arizona, the youngest child of Joseph D. and Clara E. (Lark) Wilkins. Faye married Russell B. Graham on September 27, 1952 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Faye graduated from Duncan High School, class of 1947. Following graduation, she attended the LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following this education, she lived in Medford, Oregon, with her sister, Fern. She met Russell at his grocery store while driving through Shady Cove with Fern and Len. They celebrated nearly 57 years of marriage before Russell’s passing in 2009.

Faye held several positions of service in The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-Day Saints. While raising her children in North Bend, she loved feeding and entertaining the missionaries. Faye served a mission in Ireland from 1993-1995 with her husband. Her favorite pastime was working in her yard with many varieties of flowers and vegetables in her garden. She enjoyed sitting in her recliner and watching the effects of the seasons on her yard. For a number of years, she made stocking caps for the homeless in Portland and delivered them with goodie bags at Christmas time.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by six older siblings. Surviving: Russell DeLoy (Ardyth) Graham of Tualatin, Oregon, Glenn R. (Florence) Graham of Salt Lake City, Utah, Brent J. (Alicia) of Gladstone, Oregon, Jay M. (Linda) Graham of Gladstone, Oregon, Jan M. (John) Binks of St. George, Utah, and Ricky L. Graham of Milwaukie, Oregon. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren.

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Ann Elizabeth Witt Hammer - October 29, 1956 - March 04, 2021

Departed: 03/04/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Ann Elizabeth Witt Hammer was born on October 29, 1956 in Nashville, TN and passed away on March 4, 2021 in Portland, Oregon.

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Jason Paul McKenney - April 04, 1974 - January 16, 2021

Departed: 01/16/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Jason (Jay) Paul McKenney, age 46, stepped triumphantly into Heaven on January 16, 2021. His 8-year battle with Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is finally finished. He suffers no more, His miracle has come.

Jay leaves behind his best friend and soulmate, his wife of 25 years, Allison, and two precious daughters, Macy and Ava. Jay will be lovingly remembered by his parents, John and Donna McKenney; siblings Shelley McKenney, Mike McKenney, and Josh (Kristi) McKenney, and nieces and nephews.

Jay was born in Florida, moved with his family to Oregon in 1980. Jay graduated from Portland Christian High School in 1992, where he sang in the choir & ensemble, ran Cross Country and Track, placing 3rd in State in the 1500m. In addition, Jay was part of the basketball team that won the State Championship his senior year. Jay attended Mt. Hood Community College and furthered his education at Warner Pacific University where he graduated Summa cum laude in 2001 with a bachelor of science in music business. Jay was an original member of the Christian a cappella quartet, RESCUE, where he was a singer/songwriter from 1996 to 2002. Jay was the Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at Sunset Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon from 2002 to 2016. Jay was the Worship Pastor at Grace Community Church in Gresham, Oregon from 2017 to 2018. In 2019, Jay became a full-time Health Coach with OPTAVIA. Jay inspired a mantra - CONTEND. In his words, “It means you get back up, you keep moving forward. It means you’re growing and learning, and taking 100% responsibility for your life. It means you keep choosing grace and not shame, progress over perfection. It means you’re not done, and the best of you towards others is yet to come.”

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Sandra J. Glasford - March 05, 1955 - January 12, 2021

Departed: 01/12/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Sandra was born on March 5, 1955 in Portland and passed away on January 12, 2021 in Portland. She is survived by her life long partner Donald West, daughter Anna Culy, son Sonny Day, grandsons Robert Day and Lucas Day, brothers Donald Cornell and James Cornell, nieces Darlene Cornell, Angela Cannada, and Gina Cornell

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Raymond "Andy" Jackson, Sr. - March 24, 1935 - January 09, 2021

Departed: 01/09/2021 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Raymond “Andy” Jackson, Sr. passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at his home in Sandy, Oregon.

Andy was born at home on March 24, 1935 in Portland, Oregon to John C. Jackson and Tirzah A. (Miller) Jackson. He was the youngest of eight siblings. As a child, Andy attended Orient Grade School and Sandy High School.

On February 14, 1953, Andy married the love of his life, Elvina June Burlingame, in a ceremony held in Battleground, Washington. During their 68-year marriage, Andy was a loving father and grandfather to 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his love for his family, Andy loved his career as a truck driver for the heavy/long haul division of Gresham Transfer where he retired after 37 years of service and over one million miles driven. Andy enjoyed spending time with family, listening to Jazz, hunting, and fishing. He was also known as a gifted storyteller sharing his days on the road with anyone who would listen.

Andy was preceded in death by his mother, father, and eight siblings. He is survived by his wife Elvina, daughters La Lonnie (Greg), Cris (Dean), Arlene (Alan), Teresa (Bob), Dawn, son Andy Jr. (Kris), his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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Laurie Jean Earley - October 03, 1932 - December 20, 2020

Departed: 12/20/2020 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Laurie Jean Earley

Laurie Jean (Samuelson) Earley passed away December 20, 2020, at home with family at her side. She was 88 years old.

Laurie was born in Morton, Washington, October 3, 1932, to parents George and Norma Samuelson, but spent her childhood and adolescence in Tacoma, Washington, where she graduated from Lincoln High School and attended the College of Puget Sound.

While working as a civilian at McChord AFB in Tacoma, Washington, Laurie Samuelson met Keith Earley, who was stationed there. They met on a double date, although initially they were not the ones matched together—they found themselves more interested in each other than in the dates they came with. Soon they were were married. The marriage lasted 63 years.

Air Force life took Laurie, Keith, and their growing family, which eventually included son Steve, daughter Deb, and son Jim, to many places. They lived in Washington, California, Virginia, Oregon, Mississippi, and Colorado. Laurie became expert at packing belongings for moving vans, making new friends wherever they went, and helping the kids adapt to their new environments. Later in her life, Laurie would often say how much she appreciated military living and how much she enjoyed the lifestyle, the people, and the opportunities the Air Force provided. Laurie and Keith were famous for their game night get-togethers with Air Force friends, with pinochle and Tripoley nights among the most exciting.

In 1973, Keith took a civilian job as a computer field engineer in the northwest. Son Steve left for a career in the Air Force himself, and Keith, Laurie, Deb, and Jim relocated to Tacoma, Washington. She and Keith would live in the Northwest for the remainder of their lives.

Laurie was a devoted mother and housewife through all the years of raising children and sustaining her family. She was an avid reader of all kinds of fiction, loved music and movies and continued pinochle nights with long-time friends Hal and Hannah Kauffman and other friends and family. Keith and Laurie’s twilight years became years of Christian faith and devotion. They were both active in churches they attended, often taking on leadership roles. Laurie devoted many years to Bible Study Fellowship, becoming a leader and teacher within the organization. Their faith sustained them to the very end.

After his second retirement, Keith and Laurie lived many places in the northwest, including Lacey, Washington; Milton-Freewater, Oregon; College Place, Washington; Walla Walla, Washington; Gresham, Oregon; and finally, Portland, Oregon. Once the nest had emptied, she took the opportunity to broaden her experiences into work and leadership positions. She was proud of her work at Kmart, where she went quickly from greeter to cashier and found that her natural conversational abilities and enthusiasm made her popular with customers. She also served leadership roles in the retirement communities in which she and Keith lived.

Laurie was an outgoing, enthusiastic, social person who valued all the friendships she and Keith made throughout the years. Even in her last days, after years of dementia and in the final stages of congestive heart failure, she remembered that if Christmas was coming, she needed to get Christmas cards out to all their friends and family, and with a bit of help, she was able to make that happen one last time.

Laurie and Keith always said they believed they would somehow die together, and although that did not happen, exactly, it was close. Laurie’s beloved husband died at 88 in October, 2020. A month later, Laurie’s heart weakened significantly and home hospice was initiated. December 20, 2020, just two months after Keith passed, she joined him in death.

The family is planning to inter both Laurie’s and Keith’s ashes at a joint ceremony in the Willamette National Cemetery in 2021. In the meantime, her ashes will rest on the mantle in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, right next to her husband’s. Her presence will be felt most strongly when “Wheel of Fortune” or “Jeopardy” air on TV. Her “Wheel of Fortune” prowess was legendary. She often guessed the puzzle with just one consonant showing. Even in later years, when dementia dissolved memory away and hearing loss challenged her, she solved the puzzle quicker than everyone else in the family could.

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Rick Dean Thornton - July 17, 1953 - November 23, 2020

Departed: 11/23/2020 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Ricky (Rick) Dean Thornton was born on July 17, 1953 to Lonnie Thornton and Darlene (Miller) Thornton in Portland, Oregon. Rick passed away on November 23, 2020 at the age of 67.

Rick was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather.

Rick worked as a disc jockey for years before he started working at Oregon Funeral Service (OFS). He worked there for 20 years. He then ended his work of the funeral service at Neptune Cremations and retired in 2011. Rick loved to sing karoke, play guitar, play card games with his mom, and spend time with his grandchildren. Family meant the world to Rick.

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Keith Everett Earley - December 17, 1931 - October 17, 2020

Departed: 10/17/2020 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Keith Everett Earley passed away October 17, 2020, at home in Portland, Oregon, his family at his side. He was 88 years old.

Born in Carthage, Missouri, December 17, 1931, to parents Frank and Virginia Earley, Keith developed many of his lifelong passions early, especially his interests and abilities in fixing things and fishing. He spent his childhood in Missouri and his adolescence in Southwest Oregon, but his travels began in earnest at seventeen years old when he and his friend decided to check out the military recruiters in town. He said of that fateful day that they had intended to join the Navy but that branch was at capacity when they arrived. The office across the hall from the Navy recruiter housed a representative from a relatively new branch of the service, the Air Force, and so began a twenty year career in the military.

Keith’s mechanical and analytical aptitude qualified him to work in radios and electronics, but this proved merely preparation for the vocation he would pursue the rest of his working life, both in the Air Force and after his military retirement: computer field engineering and technology.

Keith met his wife, Laurie, while stationed at McChord AFB in Tacoma, Washington. They have been married for almost 63 years and raised three children, Steve Earley, Deb (Earley) Drandoff, and Jim Earley.

Air Force life took Keith, and usually his family, too, to many places. He served overseas twice, in the Philippines and, during the Vietnam War, in Thailand. Keith became an eager student of computer technology servicing, and he attended training schools almost too numerous to count. He also completed Air Force assignments in the Pentagon and at NORAD’s facility at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado.

As Keith rose in rank, eventually to E7, he found himself pulled away from the thing he felt he was best at—maintaining and fixing computers to run at their best. So Keith retired in 1970 to pursue computer field engineering in the private sector. He was fond of saying he left the Air Force on Friday and went to work at Telex on Monday.

In 1972, Keith took a job as a computer field engineer at what was then called Storage Technology Corporation, later called StorageTek. Son Steve left for a career in the Air Force himself, and Keith, Laurie, Deb, and Jim relocated to Tacoma, Washington.

Throughout Keith’s adult life, he developed a keen and at times fervid love of sports. Always competitive in everything he played, be it pinochle, horseshoes, bowling, or one of his specialties, hearts, Keith channeled that love of competition into his devotion for his local sports teams. While in Tacoma, he became a founding fan of two new sports franchises, the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners broke Keith’s heart to the very end, and sadly, this is the first year his family will not be able to hear him say, “We’ll get ‘em next year.” But one of the great joys of his life was seeing the Seahawks win the Super Bowl. In fact, until his ashes are placed at the Willamette National Cemetery in November, they will sit on the mantle next to his good luck Russell Wilson doll, thus promoting continued Seahawks success this season.

Keith’s twilight years became years of Christian faith and devotion. He was active in churches he attended and also in Christian charities, especially the Christian Aid Society. His faith sustained him to the very end.

After his second retirement, Keith and Laurie lived in many places in the northwest, including Lacey, Washington, Milton-Freewater, Oregon, College Place, Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, Gresham, Oregon, and finally, Portland.

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Worley and Lola Jeffries - March 11, 1928 - October 11, 2020

Departed: 10/11/2020 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Worley “Bud” Edward Jeffries and Lola Mae Jeffries (98 and 92) passed away this year - Bud on May 13, and Lola on October 11.

Bud was born in Kanapolis, Kansas on March 7, 1922. He was in the Army Air Corp during World War II and served in Northern India and Burma.

Lola was born in Lake Norden, South Dakota March 11, 1928. She graduated from Gresham High School and the University of Portland.

Bud and Lola were married on July 14th, 1950 at Powell Valley Covenant Church in Gresham, Oregon. They had only met 6 months prior to their wedding, after being introduced by Lola’s sister. Bud was a TV repairman and Lola was a registered nurse.

Bud and Lola had five children: Kent (Merc); Karlene (preceded in death in 1996); Keith (Patty); Kerry (Linda); and K’Lynn (Dean). They are also survived by 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, one sibling (Nita McConnachie), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bud and Lola were active members at Powell Valley Covenant Church for over 70 years and were faithful servants of the Lord.

In 1985, Bud and Lola turned into “snowbirds” and began spending part of the year in the Golden Vista RV Resort Park in Apache Junction, Arizona. Bud played softball until he was 86 and Lola faithfully kept score at all of his games.

Bud and Lola lived wonderful, long lives and were the proud patriarchs of a large family. Present and dutiful parents, Bud and Lola never missed an event or activity, attending every game or concert. They were loving and supportive grandparents. Bud and Lola genuinely loved spending time with their grandchildren, who have wonderful memories of sleepovers, swimming, and sandwiches.

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Russ Allen Hendrickson - May 29, 1954 - September 22, 2020

Departed: 09/22/2020 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Russ Allen Hendrickson, 66, of Gresham, passed away on September 22nd, 2020 with his wife by his side. Russ is survived by his wife Susan Hendrickson; son Jeffrey Hendrickson; daughter Michelle Mageo (Sano); granddaughter Ulalei Mageo; brother Ron Hendrickson; brother Rex Hendrickson; and sister Brenda McGlocklin. He is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Ruth Hendrickson; and sister Gail Benton. Russ had many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends whom he cared for deeply.

Russ was born in Washington D.C. on May 29th, 1954 and grew up in the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland. Russ was a graduate of Madison High School in 1972 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Russ earned two degrees from Mt. Hood Community College; one in Automotive Technology and the other in Funeral Science. He married his wife Susan Anders Hendrickson on August 13th, 1977. Russ was a devout and loving husband, married to Susan for 43 years. The roles of husband, father, and papa were his most cherished. He doted on his wife, children, granddaughter with great affection. Russ was known for his kind and gentle heart and was widely respected among his colleagues and friends in the funeral industry. His career was spent caring for those in their hardest moments of life, and he did it with great care and compassion. Russ loved to study history, singing in the choir at church, and all things mechanical and automotive. Russ’ legacy is that of great love, kindness, and gentleness. He was loved by so many and made the world a better and more loving place to be. Our gentle giant will be greatly missed.

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Jo'ey Stewart - February 16, 1948 - August 18, 2020

Departed: 08/18/2020 (Gresham)

Obituary Preview: Jo’ey Greenway Stewart was greatly loved by all who knew her. Our beloved Jo’ey, age 72, took her last breath Tuesday morning, August 18, 2020, surrounded by Jim, her husband of 25 years, her brother Lee, sister Debbie and best friend Rita Davidson.

Jo’ey was born in 1948 to Marie and Jewel Greenway in Los Angeles, CA. She attended grammar school in Orange Grove, CA and high school at Death Valley High School in Shoshone (where she rode the school bus 60 miles each way). Jo’ey has loving friends today from those high school days who remember her fondly as a very feisty redhead.

A few years and adventures after graduation she married her high school sweetheart Dennis Gardelius and they have one son, Doug, of Hood River. Jo’ey and Dennis lived briefly in Las Vegas and on the Oregon coast, eventually settling in the Portland Metro area. Her beloved Doug has special needs and Jo’ey devoted her life to his care and to improving treatment for children with autism. She was a fierce advocate and helped to create better living and work opportunities for those differently abled.

In 1976 Jo’ey joined the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office as a legal assistant. She loved working with the law and our law enforcers, and by the late 1990s she was the Executive Assistant to Mike Schrunk, Oregon’s longest sitting District Attorney. In this capacity, she managed human resources, labor relations, finance, IT, and staff ops for the entire office, retiring in 2006, after 30 years of service.

In 1995, she met and married her soulmate, dance partner and love of her life, Jim. She was so thankful for the beautiful, interesting, adventuresome, love-filled twenty-five years they had together. Jo’ey loved Jim’s children as her own and loved spending family time with each of them. She was pleased they treated Doug as their own sibling. She loved and bragged about every grandchild and was very proud of each one’s accomplishments. She cherished their individuality.

Jo’ey loved her 7- acre piece of heaven up the gorge highway where she and Jim created their home. She had chickens, bunnies, dogs, cats, huge gardens (enough to share with the deer and elk), lots of hummingbirds and wildlife. She liked to entertain and for a number of years she threw a Christmas party for over 150, with delicious foods, flaming Spanish coffees crafted by a Huber’s bartender and everything beautifully decorated. The past few years, her annual family campout (15 or so) was held at their home. She was always delighted to have her loved ones near.

Close at heart were, as she called them, her “sistas of the heart”, longtime women friends woven together by compassion, acceptance, honesty, trust, generosity, laughter and loads of adventures. Those people in your life who are always there when you need them without asking. Jo’ey had a knack for making and keeping lifetime close friends. She touched your soul; felt your heart and you were embraced by a warmth of her being.

Jo’ey was a warrior who battled and journeyed through cancer. Using an experimental procedure, she beat back myelodysplastic, a blood cancer and was declared free of it. A few years later, she entered a 5 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer. As her beloved Dr. “Mac” said, “Jo’ey, if your body was as strong as your will, you would be well!”.

Jo’ey Stewart, generous in all ways, kind, loving, courageous and determined. May we all remember her life motto – “do the right thing for the right reasons”. She insisted we all remember the good times, events, interactions and stories – ‘none of the sad stuff’ is what she said. Jo’ey, you will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew and loved you.

Jo’ey is survived by her mother Marie Greenway, husband Jim Stewart, sons Doug Gardelius, Dane (Susan) Stewart, daughters Amy (Scott) Thornson, Keri (Gabe) Armer, brothers Lee (Bonnie) and John (Becky) Greenway, sister Debbie Maki (Chris), brother-in-law Jerry (Laura) Stewart, sisters-inlaw Carol (Jim) Arroyo, Linda (Don) Stradley, nine grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Please join us to honor Jo’ey’s life Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020. There will be a gathering outdoors at the Stewart home, Troutdale, OR and the Celebration of Life will be televised on Zoom. The Zoom presentation will start at 1:30 the Celebration at 2:00 p.m. Masks are required to attend in person. To receive the Zoom link, please send your email address to joeysmemorial9.5@gmail.com.

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Services Offered by Family Memorial Mortuary

Family Memorial Mortuary offers a wide range of services to cater to the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals to cremations, memorial services, and celebrations of life, they provide a comprehensive approach to honoring your loved one. Their services include:

• Funeral planning and coordination
• Cremation options
• Burial services
• Memorial services
• Celebrations of life
• Grief support and counseling

The Benefits of Pre-Planning with Family Memorial Mortuary

Pre-planning your funeral arrangements may seem like a daunting task, but it can bring peace of mind and relief to your loved ones during a difficult time. By pre-planning with Family Memorial Mortuary, you can:

• Lock in costs at today's prices
• Ensure your wishes are respected
• Relieve your family of financial burdens
• Gain control over the funeral planning process

The Facilities at Family Memorial Mortuary

The facilities at Family Memorial Mortuary are designed to provide a comfortable and serene environment for families to gather and pay their respects. Their chapel is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, allowing for personalized tributes and memorials. The mortuary also features a spacious reception area, perfect for hosting gatherings and receptions after the service.

The Staff at Family Memorial Mortuary

The staff at Family Memorial Mortuary is comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service and care. From licensed funeral directors to grief counselors, every member of the team is committed to helping families navigate the funeral planning process with dignity and respect.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience, and it's essential to have access to resources that can help you cope with your emotions. Family Memorial Mortuary offers grief support groups, counseling services, and online resources to help you navigate the grieving process.

Why Choose Family Memorial Mortuary?

When it comes to choosing a funeral home, there are many options available. However, Family Memorial Mortuary stands out from the rest due to their:

• Commitment to personalized service
• Experience and expertise in funeral planning
• Caring and compassionate staff
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Dedication to honoring your loved one's memory

Contacting Family Memorial Mortuary

If you're in need of funeral arrangements or would like more information about the services offered by Family Memorial Mortuary, please don't hesitate to contact them. You can reach them by phone at [phone number], or visit their website at [website URL]. Their friendly staff is always available to answer any questions you may have.

In conclusion, Family Memorial Mortuary is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that provides exceptional service and care to families in need. With their commitment to personalized attention, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced staff, they are an excellent choice for those seeking funeral arrangements in Gresham and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, funeral or memorial service details, and surviving family members. It serves as a way to share news of the passing with friends, family, and community, and to honor the life and legacy of the deceased.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to acknowledge and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can also serve as a historical record, preserving information about the person's life and achievements for future generations.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased, although it may also be written by a funeral home or other organization. In some cases, the deceased may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, charitable donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform where it will be published. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the tribute and help readers visualize the person being honored.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

The process for submitting an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Typically, you will need to provide the written text and any accompanying photos, along with payment for any applicable fees. You may be able to submit online or through a funeral home.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication or platform, as well as the length and complexity of the notice. Some online platforms offer free or low-cost options, while traditional newspapers may charge by the line or word.

Can I edit an obituary after it has been published?

In most cases, it is not possible to make changes to an obituary once it has been published. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review and proofread the text before submission.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time frame for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Online platforms may publish immediately or within a few hours, while traditional newspapers may take several days or even weeks.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituaries in advance as a way to ensure that their life story is told accurately and with dignity. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life and accomplishments.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, typically including only basic information such as name, age, date of death, and funeral service details. It is often used when a full obituary is not desired or feasible.

What is a eulogy?

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute that celebrates the life and legacy of the deceased. It is often delivered at a funeral or memorial service by a family member, friend, or colleague.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, humor can be an appropriate way to celebrate the personality and spirit of the deceased. However, it should be used tastefully and respectfully to avoid offending others.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive issues or controversies surrounding the deceased's life or death, it is generally best to omit them from the obituary. The focus should be on celebrating their life and legacy in a positive and respectful manner.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or poems can be a meaningful way to add depth and emotion to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the person's personality or values.

What if I'm unsure about what to include in an obituary?

If you're unsure about what to include in an obituary, consider consulting with family members, friends, or a funeral home for guidance. You can also look at examples of other obituaries for inspiration.

Can I write an obituary for someone who has been deceased for many years?

Yes, it's never too late to write an obituary for someone who has passed away. This can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and preserve their legacy for future generations.

How do I ensure accuracy in an obituary?

To ensure accuracy in an obituary, verify facts such as dates, names, and places through reliable sources like birth certificates, passports, or other official documents.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to suggest charitable donations in lieu of flowers as a way to honor their loved one's memory and support a worthy cause.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

If you want to keep the funeral private, you can still publish an obituary without including funeral service details. Instead, you might mention that services will be private or by invitation only.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

In some cases, yes. If you want to republish an obituary on a anniversary of the person's passing or another significant date, check with the original publication or platform to see if this is possible.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or Findmypast.com. Local libraries or historical societies may also have archives of old newspapers that contain obituaries.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes! Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways to share news of someone's passing with friends and acquaintances. You can also create a memorial page or group to share memories and condolences.