System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Mary Buckner Brubaker
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 N. 2nd Street, Ashland, on Jan 11 at 2:00 p.m. The family suggests donations in Mary’s name to Trinity Episcopal Church or OLLI at Southern Oregon University.
Mary Buckner Brubaker, 91, passed away very gracefully on Dec 27, 2013. She was a resident of Emeritus at Mountain View Assisted Living in Ashland, Oregon.
Mary was born August 2, 1922 at West Point, NY, an “army brat”; her father was General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., and her mother was Adele Blanc. She was always very proud of her father, who was the highest ranking American WWII officer to be killed by enemy gunfire, while commanding the 10th US Army at Okinawa.
Mary had a very gracious and creative life. She attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. She graduated from Stanford University and received a BA in English. She was the President of Stanford’s Orchesis Dance Society. She later performed in Summer Stock Theater under the stage name Mary Claiborne in California and Canada.
During WWII, she served as a Red Cross Club Hostess in California, and in Berlin during the airlift after the war ended.
She and her beloved husband, Edward (deceased 2009) lived many happy years in Lancaster PA, and in 1968 they moved to Ashland with their daughter Jenny. She was a member of various writer’s groups, and self-published a book of her poems and photographs when she was 89 years old. Several other poems were published in literary journals and she won 1st prize for poetry at the Northwest Writers Conference in 2003. Mary was passionate about life, as expressed in her guitar playing (enchanting her nephews when they were young by singing and playing folk songs); her writing; photography; acting; speaking French; teaching and attending classes at OLLI; and dogs. Mary was a great walker, and it took a lot of effort to keep up with her pace. She and Ed were very active members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Ashland.
She was provided with the most loving care by her team of support staff, including care providers Guille and Mila; office assistant Charity; massage therapist; hair and nail care; guitar teacher; and care manager. Even dementia could not dampen her cheerful spirit.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ed, and her brother Simon Bolivar Buckner 3rd. She is survived by her daughter Jenny Black (David); her brother William (Bill) Buckner, her grandson Rodger Royle, great-grandsons and granddaughters, as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all, who realize that there will only be one Mary; multi-talented, very accomplished, and gracious to all.
Thomas "Tom" Patrick Dixon
Thomas P. Dixon (Tom), Age 90, died Sunday, June 17, 2012.
Tom was born in San Antonio, Texas to Leonard and Anna (Hanz) Dixon. His father died in 1927, leaving Tom, with his siblings and Mother, to survive the great depression. Tom worked 40 hours each week through high school to support the family and when World War II broke out, joined the Army Air Corps in Marfa, Texas teaching ground school and aircraft systems to pilots destined to fly bombers. Tom married Fern Lucretia (Shiley) Dixon on 4/14/44 and after the war, he went to college at USC, graduating in 1950 at the top of his class in electrical engineering. After college, he worked for 3 years in Hollywood at Technicolor, where he received a Motion Picture Academy Award for technical achievement for his work in improving film processing.
Tom then went to work for the aerospace division at ITT in Southern California, where he spent 34 years and retired as director of research and development. During his time at ITT, he fulfilled many contracts for NASA and the military, developing space navigation and laser communications systems, and many other space-based electro-optical systems. His work took him to 9 countries in Europe where he consulted and advanced their capabilities. He and Fern retired to Ashland 25 years ago.
Tom loved sailing and motoring on the ocean and spent many weekends in and around the Channel Islands off the coast of California. When he wasn’t on the water he frequently took his family hiking and camping in the mountains. He also loved rocks and minerals and developed a hobby of lapidary. At the age of 78, he earned his pilot’s license and flew all over Southern Oregon and Northern California, taking in the beauty of the area. He enjoyed taking friends sightseeing with him and one of his favorite places to view from the air was Crater Lake. His last log book entry was in August of 2010, at the age of 88.
Tom’s wife Fern died in 2002. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ira and Art, and his sister Marie. He is survived by his three sons, Ken Dixon of Houston, Texas; Craig Dixon of La Grande, Oregon; and Glenn Dixon of Ft. Worth, Texas; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Scenic Hills Memorial Park, Ashland, Oregon.
Florence Hancock Inman
February 21, 1922 October 3, 2012
Florence Hancock Inman was born in Newark, NJ, February 21, 1922, and peacefully passed away at home in Ashland, Oregon. October 3, 2012. She was 90-years young.
Florence was a long-time resident of Ashland, Oregon and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Florence was born to Fred Lusinger and Gertrude Bischoff and was preceded in death by her parents, as well as Kenneth S. Hancock, her first husband of 40 years, and Charles H. Inman, her second husband of 13 years. Florence and Ken lived in Lynwood, California (Los Angeles County) from their marriage in 1942 until 1967, when they relocated to Ashland to build and manage the KOA Campground on Highway 66, near Emigrant Lake. They sold the campground in 1975 and moved into town to a home on Hillview Drive; Ken passed away in 1982. Florence was blessed to meet Charlie, a widower, via the Ashland Sierra Club; she was 61 and he 71 when they married in December 1983. They hiked, biked and cross-country skied throughout the Rogue Valley and traveled extensively within the U.S. as well as Mexico and Europe. After 13 active and fun years together, Charlie passed away in 1997.
Florence lived her life to the fullest and inspired anyone who came into contact with her with her energy, enthusiasm, healthy living, and positive attitude. She was an avid bicyclist all her adult life and was biking and cross-country skiing into her early 80s. She also loved to hike, bird watch, read, sew, go to movies, and frequent the local garage sales and flea markets. She was a life-long learner and attended classes via OLLI at Southern Oregon University. Since 1975, she was a "pink lady with the Ashland Hospital Auxiliary, had volunteered 5, 500 hours, and was most identified as the "Tuesday Blood Pressure Screener. Florence also volunteered at the Ashland Plaza Information Booth, and at the Cabaret and Shakespearean Theatres as an usher and ticket-taker.
Florence is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Jackie Hancock, of Ashland; one daughter and son-in-law, Candy and Adam Castorena, of Sacramento; one step-daughter, Judy Patterson, of Portland; one step-son and step-daughter-in-law, Brad and CJ Inman, of Medford; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vern and Joan Hancock, of Ashland; four married grandchildren, Kevin Hancock (Jennifer), of Portland, Curtis Hancock (Jennifer), of Medford, Holly Neal (Cameron) of Napa, California, and Spencer Jones (Tiffany), of Silver Spring, Maryland; seven step-grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to all the dear family members, friends, and neighbors who came to visit her during her illness. Those visits were rich, precious, meaningful, and so valued.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, 1811 Ashland Street (Highway 66), Ashland, Oregon. The family will greet friends at a reception immediately following the service from 11:00 am 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Ashland, 1615 Clark Ave, Ashland.
The family deeply appreciates Mom's Hospice staff and all they did for her and us to sweetly usher her into her eternal life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Florence Inman's honor to Hospice of Ashland Community Hospital, 1970 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520.
Mom lived by and taught us the Biblical Golden Rule: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you." Matthew 7:12
Joyce N. Cooper
Joyce N. Cooper, long-time resident of Lakeview, Oregon, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013, at a Medford Adult Foster Care Facility, at the age of 93 years. She was born to David and Bessie Gosnell October 9, 1919 in Landrum, South Carolina.
In 1939, she traveled by herself from South Carolina on a train to Klamath Falls, Oregon to join her brother Otho. She then attended Leonard Beauty School in Medford, Oregon. In Lakeview, she met and married William A. Cooper on November 2, 1940. They built their home and lived in Lakeview on the Stock Drive for 64 years, where they raised three children.
She enjoyed gardening, raising beautiful flowers, fishing, camping, hunting and cooking. Joyce and her husband spent many long winter months hand-making quilts for family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband William, sister Virginia, brothers, Layton, Otho, Harvey, and Herman Gosnell.
She is survived by two sons, David and wife, Betty of Vancouver, Washington, Ernest and wife, Jackie of Lakeview, OR, and daughter Karen Elliott of Medford, OR, and former son-in-law, Dobey Elliott.
Other survivors include her sister Faye Westbrook of Inman, South Carolina; grandchildren Janice Cowen, Kimberly Longeteig, Kevin Cooper, Teri Turner, Kenneth Elliott, Cassandra Brainerd and nine great-grandchildren.
Services will be held March 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, 1811 Ashland Street, Ashland, Oregon, followed by a reception at the Chapel. She will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Ashland, Oregon, next to her beloved husband of 56 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Community Health Center, 19 Myrtle Street, Medford, Oregon.
Arrangements by Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, Ashland, OR.
Lois T. Bestor
On April 8, 2014 at 10:07 p.m. Lois Troop Bestor slipped quietly from this world after making maximum use of her 95 years of life. From the modest farm in Nehawka, Neb. where she spent her childhood to the quiet bedroom in Ashland, Ore. where she took her last breath surrounded by all her children, Lois's life was filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
She was the Cass County (Nebraska) Spelling Bee champion and first queen of the Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival. Just three days before her 18th birthday she married Robert Harmon Bestor of Plattsmouth, Neb. and happily remained his wife for the next 68 years.
She raised four children and worked many different jobs, from waitressing to sales. Her sales career began in her 20s, when she started a business selling advertising specialties and didn't end until she was in her 90s, because her loyal clients refused to buy from anyone else! When she and her husband, Bob, began a burglar and fire alarm business in Eureka, Calif. her sales skills were critical to its success.
Lois always had a ready smile and a new joke to share. She was fit and active, traveling regularly to Hawaii, Europe, Egypt, Russia, Tahiti, and others. On her 80th birthday she went water-skiing. She could recite many long poems from heart, had a quote from Shakespeare for almost any situation, and was an ACBL Life Master at bridge.
Lois Troop Bestor was a great wife, mother, and friend, beloved by all who were lucky enough to have known her. She is survived by her children (Robert Bestor Jr. of Ashland, Ore., Kathleen Bestor of San Rafael, Calif., William Bestor of Redding, Calif., and Thomas Bestor also of San Rafael, Calif.); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, 1811 Ashland Street, Ashland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made in Lois's name to the Cass County Historical Society Museum, 640 South Main St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048, or the Ashland Schools Foundation, 100 Walker Avenue, Ashland, OR 97520.
Mary Ellen Kohnert
Mary Ellen Kohnert, 87, passed away Monday, September 23, 2013, in Ashland, Ore. She was born to the late Carl and Mabel Chapman, October 30, 1925 in Galesburg, Ill. She and her late brother, Jack, were raised in the years of the great depression. During the years Jack was away at College, Mary was introduced to his roommate Arnold Kohnert during weekend visits. Double dates were followed by many letters written back and forth during WWII, in which they fell in love.
Upon Arnold's return from Europe at the end of WWII, Mary and Arnold were married on January 20, 1946 and move to Los Angeles, Calif. This is where she had her three children. Rodger in February 1947, Diana in December 1949, and Curtis in May 1953. In 1955 the family packed up and moved to San Mateo where they raised their three children. Mary led an active family life there. She was an accomplished wife, mother and homemaker. She enjoyed sewing her children's clothes, silk screening the yearly Christmas cards, and was involved in Girl Scouts, the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the church choir. Having been raised in the flat lands of Illinois, she had a love for the mountains and the nature of California. The family summer vacations were spent backpacking and camping in the high county of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
After many trips traveling though Oregon on I-5 to visit their son, they fell in love with Ashland, Ore. Upon their retirement in 1978, they moved to Ashland where they designed and build their retirement home on a six acre hillside east of town overlooking the mountains to the south. When their home was completed they planted a garden, fruit trees, and a beautiful vineyard, which we have come to know as Pompadour Vineyard. Mary loved the outdoors and being in the field working the vineyard, tucking vines, picking grapes and tending to her flowers and garden were among her favorite things to do. She enjoyed canning her fruits of labor, reading history, attending church, bible study and singing in the choir.Mary was a caring, loving and passionate person and will be dearly missed by all. She devoted her life to the care and support of her family. Her love of family and the great outdoors were her passion and even though she is gone, her memory and all that she was and lived for will live on in our hearts forever. God bless you, our beloved Mother and grandmother, your family and friends will miss you. As you leave this world and join Arnold, you are in God's care now.
She is survived by her son, Rodger and wife of Corvallis, Ore.; daughter, Diana and husband of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; and son, Curt and wife of Oregon City, Ore.; four granddaughters; one grandson; four great-granddaughters; four great-grandsons. Mary's husband, Arnold, preceded her in death in 2009.
There will be a memorial service honoring Mary's life at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ashland. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Mary's name to the Sherita Vlach Memorial Fund, a music scholarship fund, at Grace Lutheran Church, 660 Frances Lane, Ashland, OR 97520.
Steven Alan Mercer
“All things considered, I’m a lucky fellow.”
Steve Alan Mercer
Our dear friend and much loved brother, Steve, 65, was freed from his earthly constraints on February 16, 2014. Steve was born to Grace Marie (Clausen) and Ray Cleveland Mercer in Whittier, Ca on July 26, 1948. A diagnosis of cerebral palsy could have placed limitations on Steve’s life. Steve rejected such labels and described his physical issues as “a minor inconvenience”.
After his family moved to Oregon, Steve attended Phoenix High School and Crater High School where he graduated. Steve received a BS in Economics from Southern Oregon University in 1971. During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Steve could be seen traversing all over campus, often up and down stairs, aided by his arm crutches.
During his college years Steve worked as a volunteer for the federal War on Poverty program. After graduation Steve worked for Western Appraisal Company in Jacksonville before starting Steve Mercer Bookkeeping and Tax Service in Ashland in 1975.
Steve surprised his friends but was living out his dream when he moved to Central Point and obtained a battery-operated scooter for transportation around town. He then parlayed his love of reading and salesmanship into managing a weekend re-sale book booth at the North Pacific Hwy Indoor/Outdoor Mart. Steve could be seen riding his scooter to his booth every weekend (rain or shine) where he had a great time talking with other vendors and prospective customers about books and all manner of collectibles.
Steve had a remarkable recall of facts and trivia. His grasp of history was stunning—particularly anything connected with WWII. The war years were personal to Steve since his father had been an army medic and truck driver in the American invasion of Luzon and Mindanao in the Philippines.
In addition to following the fortunes of his favorite NASCAR driver—Tony Stewart—Steve was a big fan of classic films and vintage TV series. Steve could become completely immersed in a well-told story and would know the names and biographies of the actors, including the supporting cast. Steve recalled his childhood delight in meeting movie stars, such as Fess Parker, Janet Blair and Tennessee Ernie Ford, who gave of their time to meet and entertain special-needs-children at summer camp and weekend events that his family attended.
Steve was known for his keen sense of humor and his genuine interest in people. More than a few world-weary folks would find themselves amused and amazed after spending time with him. Visitors were always welcome at his home and the coffee pot ‘on’. In recent years Steve received Food and Friends lunch deliveries. Steve especially valued the friendships that he made with the volunteer drivers who took the time to get to know him.
During his recent illness, while staying at Linda Vista Nursing and Rehab Center in Ashland, Steve said that he felt loved by the center’s staff, aides and rehab team that did their utmost to help him make each day the best that it could be.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Grace and Ray Mercer. Steve is survived by his brothers: Curtis (Colleen) of Winston, Or; Randy Mercer of Winston, Or; and Ralph (Ellen Marie) of Portland, Or. Steve has four nieces, four nephews, thirteen great nieces, seven great nephews and one great great niece.
Steve has been a long time dear friend of the Joyce Stockstill family of Talent, Or.
Donations in Steve’s memory can be given to the American Cancer Society, United Cerebral Palsy or veteran’s organization of your choice.
A celebration of Steve’s life is planned for 1:00pm Saturday, March 22nd at the Mountain View Estate Clubhouse, 333 Mountain View Dr, Talent, Or. For information call 541-890-6293.
Nancy Mae Fieguth
Nancy Fieguth, 91, of Medford, Ore. passed away peacefully August 8, 2013. Most of her life was spent encouraging and teaching her students at various schools in Clatskanie, Talent and Ashland. She was married to Dale for 49 years living in the Southern Oregon area most of her life.
She is now with Jesus and we who are left will celebrate her life at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 19, 2013 at Cornerstone Christian Church, 608 N. Bartlett St., Medford, Ore. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to be made to Rogue Valley YFC, 691 Murphy Rd., Suite 112, Medford, OR 97504 to honor her years of teaching our young people.
She leaves two sons, Mike and Kevin; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Margaret J. "Marge" Somerville
Marge was born September 21, 1918 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and passed away in Medford, Ore. Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the age of 94. She was raised by her grandparents, as her mother died in childbirth of Marge's only sibling, a brother, who did not survive. Her post secondary education was at a sanitarium school of nursing and at McMasters University. Marge became a U.S. citizen in 1977.
She was called by God to foreign missions as her life ministry, initially working for Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mexico typing the newly translated New Testament in the Odomi (Indian) language. Later she went to Honduras where she spent approximately 17 years teaching English and holding Evangelism/Discipleship Bible studies. She had many interesting stories to tell about how God supplied her needs and protected her from harm while on the field and in her frequent travels.
Marge returned to the states in the early 80s to care for her good friend and mentor who was very ill. After Jane's death, Marge remained in the Rogue Valley teaching/tutoring Spanish as well as ministering in several local churches.
Marge was known for her bubbly personality, hearty laugh, wit, boundless energy, and love of nature. She loved hiking up mountains and loved animals, especially horses and cats, but her love of Jesus Christ her Savior was foremost.
At her death, she had no known living relatives, but she had many friends. We will miss your smile, Marge ("the Charge"); you were loved by many.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the Ashland Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1650 Clark Ave. Donations, if you wish, can be made in her memory to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Oregon, Jackson District, PO Box 4484, Medford, OR 97501-0176.
Denise Gayle Hinman
A celebration of Denise's life will be held Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Please contact janet@frego.com for further information.
Denise Gail Hinman passed away Friday, August 9, 2013 at home surrounded by her loving family. Denise was born September 21, 1959 in Florence, Ore. She grew up nearby in Reedsport with her parents and sisters Renee and Claudine. In 1979 she married Burt Hinman. They moved to Ashland, Ore. to begin their life together and had two children, Kate and Michael. While raising her children, Denise worked in insurance and then later at Advanced Pain Care, where her position was Queen. Even in the midst of her working life, Denise's family was always her first priority. Being a good mother was extremely important and as with everything Denise did, she was not just good, she was great. Denise was an amazing daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She and her sisters remained very close throughout her life, and their love and devotion to her through this journey is an example of pure love.
Denise loved going home to the beach and Loon Lake. Her interests included water and snow skiing, art, cooking, and quilting.
Denise is survived by her husband, Burt Hinman; children, Kate and Michael; parents, Bill Blumberg of North Bend and Betty Johnson of Reedsport; sister, Renee Vaughn and husband Chris; sister, Claudine Robinson and husband Kevin; nieces, Emily, Aubrey and Monica Vaughn; nieces, Kendra and Kelsey Robinson; nieces, Brook Thies-Stokes and Carrie Thies; and nephew, Josh. Other survivors include her mother-in-law, Doris Hinman; brotherin-law, Bill Hinman; sisterin-law, Lynn Thies and husband Steve; brother-in-law, Jimmy; sister-in-law, Mary Lee; and all of her many friends and family who have been blessed to have Denise in our lives. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Don Johnson (Papa Don).
We will all miss our beautiful Denise.
Philip Wright Govedare
Near daylight Thursday, September 5, 2013, Philip Wright Govedare slipped peacefully away from his loving family at his Ashland home. After 92 richly satisfying years and 67 years of marriage to his college sweetheart, Virginia Pease Govedare, he departed from this earth, which he deeply cherished.
Phil, as his friends and his five grandchildren knew him, first opened his eyes in Chicago, Ill., March 2, 1921, to Spiro and Lucretia Govedare. He attended Glenbard High in suburban Glen Ellyn, took degrees in English and Sociology at North Central College in Naperville, Ill., and earned a master's degree in English literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana, Illinois.
His lifelong love of literature and the written word determined his teaching career of 38 years. He often quoted his lawyer grandfather's statement that "above all I enjoy a well-turned phrase." After marrying in 1946, the young couple moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where Phil taught English and Sociology at Morningside College. A few years later Phil and Virginia adventured their way to California, where Phil took courses at U. C. Berkeley.
Phil then accepted a post teaching English at the Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls, Ore. The family was now able to live in the woods which Phil so loved at the former "mile-high campus" outside of town. It was a happy time, as the children could explore the woods with their father and run wild through the deserted Marine hospital buildings surrounding the abandoned parade ground.
After several years Phil was recruited to become part of the original faculty of five at the new Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. As the only English professor, he set up the library, handled publications, and directed plays (notably "Glass Menagerie") and plays by Edward Albee, Chekhov, etc. In his 23 years there, as the college expanded and developed, so did Phil's reputation as a truly exceptional and beloved teacher. His booming voice, as he lectured, resonated down the halls outside the classroom, and he sometimes turned out the classroom lights to stimulate discussions. Many students became lifelong friends who have said that knowing him changed their lives.
Phil wrote deeply compelling poetry, some published, but as he often said, that was not the point. He taught himself Spanish. He was a frightening Scrabble player in his earlier years and avid at tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. He loved camping, fishing, and swimming, but above all, long walks in the woods. He was a true philosopher who maintained a sense of wonder and fascination about life's mystery and ultimate purpose. A very few weeks ago, Phil pushed his walker into Lithia Park in Ashland to see the resident owl.
He loved storytelling and play, especially with children, no matter how undignified he appeared when rolling on the ground or running through the sprinkler. He delighted in humor, from the intelligent to the ridiculous. His quick, sometimes wicked wit was evident till the very end of his life.
Phil's deep concerns for all of humanity and the environment, and his opposition to war and killing, were themes he wove into his teaching. He was an activist during the Vietnam war, marching with his teenage son sixty miles, from Ontario, Ore. to Boise, Idaho, for a rally at the statehouse. He taught his children love of nature, compassion for others, kindness to all creatures, and to think critically of consumerism. He was a uniquely endearing and decent man who will not be forgotten by those who knew him well.
Mr. Govedare is survived by his wife, Virginia of Ashland, and his sister, Lucretia Smith and her husband, Alford of Ashland. Surviving children and spouses are as follows: Susan Govedare Pulliam and George Pulliam III of Houston, Texas; Philip B. Govedare and Christine Lambert of Seattle, Wash.; and Ellen Govedare and John Clem of Seattle, Wash. The surviving grandchildren are DeLisle Merrill of Pittsburg, Eloise Govedare of New York City, Edward Clem of Seattle, Philip J. Clem of Seattle, and Juliette Clem of Seattle.
The family has celebrated Phil's life privately.
Raymond Hugh Yungkans
At Ray's request, no service is planned. The family would like to thank Linda Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care and support of Ray and his family. Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Southern Oregon, 2910 Table Rock Rd., Medford, OR 97501.
Raymond Hugh Yungkans, 75, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2013, at Linda Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ashland, Ore. He was born February 16, 1938, to Theodore and Gladys Yungkans in Detroit, Mich. He served in the U.S. Army. He married Norma Jean Thomas on October 26, 1961 in Los Angeles, Calif. They moved to Talent, Ore., in 1976, and then to Myrtle Creek, Ore., in 1995.
Ray was trained as a stair builder and worked at Taylor Millworks in Los Angeles for over 20 years until he and Norma moved to Oregon in 1976. He worked at Ashland Glass and Millwork until 1981 and then opened his own business, Rite-Way Stair Co. in Medford, Ore. He sold the business and retired in 1995. After retirement, he enjoyed watching old westerns, playing golf, and going camping and fishing at Lemolo Lake.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Norma; daughters, Christinea (Gary) Galligan of Talent, Ore, and Rebecca Shahan of Bakersfield, Calif.; son, Daniel, of Texas; brothers, Ted, Don, Ken and Bruce; sister, Phyllis; five grandchildren; and six great-grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents.
