Lebanon neighbors: Recently published obituaries
Read through the obituaries published in Lebanon Express
June 22, 1923 - February 1, 2019
The Bluebird Lady
Elsie Kollin Eltzroth, 95, died Friday, February 1, in her home, surrounded by her children.
She was the youngest of four children of Rudolf and Valentina Kollin, who emigrated from Bohemia. Her father was a master plumber in Cleveland, Ohio, and her mother was a homemaker. After graduation with honors in 1941 from John Adams High School in Cleveland, she matriculated to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Elsie met Merlin S. Eltzroth (Elzy) at Ohio University in November of 1941, and they were married in June of 1943 while Elzy was in flight school at Bainbridge, Georgia. Shortly after they were married, Army Air Corps Cadet Eltzroth earned his wings and his second lieutenant bars and was sent overseas to fly P-47s. He flew missions over Italy from the island of Corsica during World War II.
Elsie returned to Cleveland and held several jobs, including cutting threads for 81mm mortar shells at LEMPCO, a munitions manufacturing facility, in 1944 during World War II. Their son was born in New York in 1945. Elsie graduated from Ohio University (cum laude) in 1947. Elzy graduated at the same time. Elzy rejoined the Army Air Corps service which then became the U.S. Air Force.
Elsie and Elzy traveled the northern hemisphere for the next 24 years while Elzy was transferred from location to location for his next duty stations. One of the first locations they were sent to was Germany, where both became avid hunters. Elsie became quite a marksman, earning numerous medals and trophies. The couple’s first daughter was born in Munich, Germany, in 1949.
The family then moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1952 for one year while Elzy started flying F-86s. In 1953, they were reassigned to Nouasseur Air Base, near Casablanca, French Morocco. The family remained there until 1956 when Elzy was reassigned to Rhein Main Air Force base in Germany. Elsie continued honing her hunting skills around Wiesbaden, Germany, where in August of 1956 their second daughter was born.
In 1962, Elsie received a Secondary School Teachers Certificate at Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, Missouri, where she was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society.
In 1963, while living in Alexandria, Virginia, Elsie first put up bird feeders in her yard. Wanting to learn more about the birds she saw, she bought a bird book written by noted ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson. This was the start of her life’s work with birding activities.
After Elzy retired from the Air Force in 1971, he and Elsie moved to Corvallis. Soon the couple became founding members of the Audubon Society of Corvallis, the Oregon Birding Association and Oregon Field Ornithologists. She and Elzy both obtained rehabilitation permits and worked with more than 100 species of orphaned and/or injured birds from hummingbirds to ospreys.
In 1976, Elsie initiated the Audubon Society of Corvallis Bluebird Trail in the Willamette Valley as a bicentennial project. She became a Master Bander in 1981 and learned how to use colored and numbered bands for unique identification from a distance. Elsie banded nestlings and rehabilitated any bluebirds in need. She documented every observation, including intra- and inter-species interactions, habitat and weather changes, breeding and social behavior, patterns of geographical movement, and causes of morbidity and mortality.
Elsie became known locally as the Bluebird Lady. She used her knowledge for public education, interfacing with countless organizations, conservation groups, school classes, scouts and garden clubs, inspiring others to protect the Western Bluebird and other cavity nesters. She recruited hundreds of volunteer monitors to watch for avian activity at or near their boxes and report back to her with their results. She said that she owed a debt of gratitude to those who participated, since she couldn’t have done it without them.
For more than 35 years, Elsie was tireless in her efforts to boost the population of Western Bluebirds. Only six nesting pairs were identified when Elsie started the Bluebird Trail. By the year 2000, 225 nest boxes were monitored and 559 bluebird chicks fledged. Helping to bring back the Western Bluebird became her mission and passion for the remainder of her life.
Between the late 1980’s and 2000, the data and details compiled by Elsie became nationally recognized for its value to the scientific community. Both singly and in collaboration with others, Elsie’s work was published in numerous journals, from The Bluebird Society newsletter to peer-reviewed ornithological works. She also contributed to, or was featured in, various books, articles, news and television features.
Elsie authored, co-authored or contributed to publications including:
• Acanthocephalan Parasitism in the Western Bluebird; Avian Diseases in 1979 and 2001.
• Violet-Green Swallows help Western Bluebirds at the Nest; Journal of Field Ornithology in 1984.
• 10 different articles in Sialia relating to the Western and other Bluebirds – Journal of the North American Bluebird Society from 1980 to 2000.
• Population Study and Breeding Biology of the Western Bluebird; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – Non-Game Program in 1987.
• Breeding information from the Audubon Society of Corvallis’s Bluebird Trail was used in both The Complete Birdhouse Book in 1990, and The Bluebird Book by Donald and Lillian Stokes in 1991.
• Elsie contributed to and was featured in Bluebirds Forever by Connie Toops in 1994.
• Input to The Birds of North America (The Western Bluebird Monograph No. 510) in 2000.
• Data for a species count in the Birds of Oregon – A General Reference in 2003.
• Five Shy of a Century, an Interview with Elsie Eltzroth by James Billstine in Oregon Birds in 2018.
She was a founding member and served on the board of the North American Bluebird Society and was recognized with numerous conservation and environmental awards, including;
• The John and Nora Lane Award from the North American Bluebird Society for “outstanding contribution in the field of bluebird conservation” in 1987.
• Recognition in 1993 by General Motors Chevy Truck Division for “contribution to the protection of the future of our outdoor resources.”
• The Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs Conservation Award (1994-1995) for her work with, and her leadership of, the Audubon Society of Corvallis Bluebird Trail.
• The Homer Campbell Environmental Award from the Audubon Society of Corvallis in 2009.
• In 2009 Elsie was featured as “The Bluebird Lady” in Oregon Public Broadcasting’s TV program Oregon Field Guide.
She was most proud of the Homer Campbell Award and of being featured on OPB’s Oregon Field Guide.
Elsie will be buried alongside Elzy at Arlington National Cemetery. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. To honor Elsie’s legacy, the family suggests volunteering with the ASC Bluebird Trail or making donations to The Audubon Society of Corvallis or Lumina Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at McHenry Funeral Home, Corvallis.
January 23, 1926 — January 14, 2019
Richard John Jensen died January 14, 2019.
He is survived by six children and six grandchildren.
He was a World War II Marine Veteran and served in the South Pacific as a “Sea Bee.”
He was a great hobbyist, very creative, mechanically inclined, and always ahead of the curve in electronics for his time.
A memorial is planned for the summer in Chicago.
June 17, 1936 — February 2, 2019
Wilmer Hafford Post, 82, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jenelle Post; and daughter, Paige (Post) Clark; son-in-law, Jim Clark; and two grandchildren, Evan Sterling Clark and Liza Caprielle Clark.
Wil was proud of his roots in Toledo, Oregon, where he was raised and graduated from high school, going on to attend Oregon State University where he served as student body president in 1959-1960. He then attended Cal-Berkley where he received his MBA.
Wil was a veteran.
His professional life centered around higher education as faculty in the College of Business in his early career, as the Executive Assistant to the President of Oregon State University and the Vice Chancellor of Higher Education in Oregon 1983-1988. In addition to his career in higher education, Wil held significant corporate positions and excelled in his private business ventures.
Wil enjoyed a life encompassing construction, hunting, fishing, farming Christmas trees, harvesting timber, and business ownership in Corvallis.
The family is planning a private service.
Wil provided a home to many dogs during his lifetime. They were his hunting partners, farm hands and faithful friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances go to the Heartland Humane Society.
Please leave condolences for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
September 18, 1961 — February 3, 2019
Mitchell Scott Kaprielian, 57, of Lebanon, beloved son, brother, father and friend to many, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
Mitch always had a ready smile and helping hand. He had an incredibly curious mind, always reading and learning. Mitch was an avid rock hound and loved classic cars and the outdoors.
Mitch is survived by his mother, Irene Livingston; sister, Jennifer Thayer; brother, Todd Livingston; children, Melissa, Ashley, and Christopher; niece, Alyssa Holt; best friend, Stephanie Hodson; and so many others that loved him.
A celebration of Mitch’s life will be held at a later date.
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
August 13, 1924 — February 2, 2019
Mary Virginia Ripley, 94, of Sweet Home, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 2, 2019, and is now again with her husband, Del.
She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to John and Marylean (Bitzer) Ryan.
She attended St. Aloysis Catholic School. After graduating, she met Del in 1942 at a dance at the Playmor in Kansas City. He told everyone she was the prettiest girl in Kansas City and the best dancer. Because it was World War II, Del was stationed all over the United States, attending aviation mechanic classes and working on planes, and Mary followed him. They were married November 10, 1943.
When the war ended, they moved to Sweet Home and Del and his dad opened Ripleys Chevron Station on the corner of 18th and Main. Mary worked at City Hall in the water department and for the Welds at Sweet Home Sanitation. She also worked at Edward Jones and real estate in Lebanon.
Mary is survived by her three daughters, Carol Jean Wence of Hilo, Hawaii, Marilyn Mumey of Surprise, Arizona, Elaine Bliss of Arkansas; four grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
Rosary will be 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, at St. Helen Catholic Church in Sweet Home. Funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. Luncheon will follow services also at the Church. Private Interment will be at Gilliland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Helen Catholic Church Building Fund.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements. (www.sweethomefuneral.com)
March 14, 1941 — January 31, 2019
Terry Brotherton Terhune, age 77, passed peacefully on January 31, 2019, at OHSU Hospital with her family surrounding her.
She was born on March 14, 1941, in Walla Walla, Washington, to Marion Frank and Geneva Brotherton and married Charles Terhune in 1965.
She was educated in Walla Walla, Northwestern University for BA in political science and history, MAT from Stanford University, and graduate certificate in gerontology from Oregon State University.
Terry lived primarily in Oregon, including Corvallis and Sisters, and took great joy in traveling. She was known for her passion for intellectual engagement and generosity of spirit. She was a born educator, teaching history to young adults in public and private schools.
Being an avid reader resulted in newspaper ink everywhere. Terry was a published author of "Epistles of Friendship" (2015) and was instrumental in revitalizing the City of Fossil Public Library.
Terry converted to Catholicism after many years of visiting Mt. Angel Abbey and established a trust to support Mt. Angel seminarians in their education.
Her grandmother Lillian Prindle influenced her with a love for rural America. She inherited strength and dynamism from the women in her life, in particular her mother, aunts, and grandmothers. She felt deeply that her children and grandchildren were “strong, loving, achieving, contributing individuals. They are the fruition, the harvest in the winter season of my life.”
She is survived by husband, Charles Terhune; children, Chip, Elizabeth, and Catherine Terhune; grandchildren, Ben and Grete Feldman and Morgan and Cole Terhune. She was aunt to Beth Swanson, Kari Egger, Brad, Rob, and David Brotherton, Annie Ellingham, Kelly Petersen, John and Scott Terhune.
She was predeceased by brother, William “Biff” Brotherton.
The service will be private and for family only.
Donations in Terry’s memory may be made to Fossil Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 206, Fossil, OR 97830.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to the dedication and thoughtfulness of the OHSU caregivers.
June 20, 1931 — November 23, 2018
Jack Orville Gillespie, age 87, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018, at the Lydia’s House care facility at the Mennonite Village retirement community in Albany.
He was born in Albany on June 20, 1931, to George and Gladys Gillespie. After graduating high school in 1949, Jack joined the Air Force. After his stint in the military, he moved to Southern California and became a printer/compositor for newspapers in Camarillo and Ventura.
At the Camarillo Daily News, he met Margie L. Willis, who worked in the front office. The two were married in 1963 and had a son, Mark, in 1964. Although working full time, Jack earned an Associate’s Degree at Moorpark College by taking night classes. In 1972, Jack purchased the Jefferson Review newspaper in Jefferson, Oregon, and the family relocated from Simi Valley to Jefferson. Jack and Margie ran the newspaper until retiring in 1997.
In retirement, Jack began writing a column for the Albany Regional Museum newsletter called “Looking Back,” which chronicled his childhood growing up in Albany. It proved to be quite popular and ran in the newsletter for many years.
He is survived by his son, Mark; stepson, Richard; grandchildren, David and Dianna; and seven great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Margie; and sister, Lois.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on February 13, 2019, at Jefferson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Albany Regional Museum.
April 13, 1935 — February 1, 2019
On February 1, 2019, Lita Jeanne (Nash) Verts passed away at the age of 83 at Regent Court Memory Care in Corvallis.
She was born April 13, 1935, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the eldest daughter of the late Lolita Josephine (Peeler) Nash and William Gus Nash, Jr.
On August 29, 1954, she married B. J. Verts of Missouri, and she gave birth to her only child, William Trigg Verts, II, on September 22, 1955.
Lita and B. J. moved to Oregon in 1965, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Lita finished her B.A. degree at Oregon State in 1973, and her M.A. in Linguistics at the University of Oregon in 1974. Later in 1974, she became an assistant professor and Director of the Special Services Project for the Equal Opportunities Program at Oregon State, where she worked until she retired in 1997. She continued to teach writing until at least 2001. Lita and B. J. divorced in 1975.
Lita lived life in the large. Everything she did, she did with enthusiasm. She loved to travel, to teach, to garden, swim, lift weights, take photographs, cook, and was an avid fan of science fiction.
She belonged to the Corvallis chapter of the D.A.R., and the First United Methodist Church. She volunteered at Lincoln Elementary School in south Corvallis. She also volunteered with the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman. For her work, she was honored in Salem at the 2011 Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
Lita is survived by her son, William T. Verts, Ph.D.; her daughter-in-law, Catherine Hodgkins Verts; and granddaughter, RJ Verts of Amherst, Massachusetts. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Carol Nash Smith of Hot Springs, Arkansas; nephews, Kevin Goodin and Alex Goodin, of Jonesboro, Arkansas; nephew, Mike Nash and niece, Marty (Nash) Lawson of Cordova, Tennessee; and cousins, Andy Peeler of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Karen Peeler of Columbus, Ohio; and her best friend, Leslie Verts of Corvallis.
Lita was predeceased by her brother, William Gus Nash, III.
A memorial service is planned for summer 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Corvallis.
McHenry Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
June 3, 1943 — February 2, 2019
Alfred Lee Lanz was born June 3, 1943, in Eugene, Oregon, to Fred and Drotha Lanz.
He went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 2, 2019, in Albany, after a long but courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Dona Jo; his brother, Eugene of Creswell, Oregon; his sister, Betty Littlejohn and her husband, D.L. of Eugene; his daughters, Beverly Gates and husband, Gary of Graham, Washington and Mandy McGuire and her husband, Pat of Lorane, Oregon.
He welcomed into the family stepson, Tom and wife, Misty of Kalispell, Montana and his step-daughter, Samra and husband, Rob of Sisters, Oregon. He also loved and was survived by his grandchildren, Christopher, Garrett, and Aaron, who he helped raise after Wendy’s death, Bryan, Brandon, Dylan, Shelby, Zachary, Mallory, Cade, Logan, Sophie, Savannah and Allie. He also had eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy, in 2005.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 9 for family at Miller Cemetery in Scio. A memorial service for everyone will follow at 1 p.m., at the Scio Baptist Church with a potluck following.
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
November 22, 1935 — February 1, 2019
Pixie “Sue” Crossan, of Lebanon, died February 1, 2019, at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House. She was 83.
Sue was born to John and Nellie Murphy on November 22, 1935. She was born in Altus, Oklahoma, and raised on the family farm in Hess, Oklahoma.
When Sue was nine years old, the Murphy family moved to Hood River, Oregon. Sue graduated from Hood River High School in 1953, then went on to attend three years at Portland State University. In 1959, Sue graduated from Oregon State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education. Sue would later go on and receive her Master of Education Degree from Oregon State University in 1964.
Sue began her teaching career at Sweet Home High School. After a year in Sweet Home, she spent a year teaching at The Dalles High School. In the fall of 1960, she began teaching at Lebanon Middle School. She taught typing and other business-related classes.
On June 25, 1960, Sue married Glen Crossan. Together, they raised three children on the Crossan Family Farm. Sue retired from teaching in 1975.
Sue had many hobbies. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, flower arranging, decorating, knitting, crocheting and sewing. However, Sue was best known for her hospitality and serving others. She would often have friends and family in her home for a home-cooked meal.
She attended Lebanon Community Bible Church. She served with her husband as a member of Gideon’s International. She also participated in the local social clubs, which she often hosted in her home.
She is survived by her children, Janet Crossan of Lebanon, Julie Busby (Randy) of Shedd, Oregon and Jay Crossan (Rebecca) of Lebanon; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Crossan; and her brothers, Taylor Murphy, Don Murphy and Robert Murphy.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, at Rock Hill Cemetery. A reception will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and will follow the service at Sand Ridge School (31575 Sand Ridge Road, Lebanon).
Memorial contributions can be made to Gideon’s International, or Alzheimer’s Association and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, Oregon 97355.
April 18, 1940 — January 28, 2019
Dallas Marion Dyer, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Salem, Oregon, as a result of a memory disorder on the morning of Monday, January 28, 2019. Dallas was a loyal husband, a dedicated father and grandfather, and an ever-present uncle, cousin, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who survive him.
Dallas was born on April 18, 1940, in Lexington, Nebraska, to mother, Geneva, and father, Marion Michael (Mike) Dyer.
He is survived by his son, Chris (Laurie) Dyer; daughters, Carol Dyer and Laurie (Russ) Beitzel; and grandchildren, C.J., Joe, Russell, Daniel and Evie.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy; daughter, Jennifer; brothers, Orin, Marvin, and Dale; and sister, Charlotte.
Dallas (Dally) lived his first 18 years in Lexington, Nebraska, and then attended and played football at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) until he was 23 years old. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and a Master’s Degree in Education, Dallas took his first teaching and coaching job at Tekamah High School. Tekamah marked the place where he met Judith Anne Lawrence (Judy), his wife of 53 years. The newlywed couple moved to Omaha in 1964, where he taught and coached football at Roncalli High School (Rummel). He went on to play and coach football with the Omaha Mustangs and for the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Mavericks.
In 1968, Dallas and Judy adopted their daughter Jennifer and (to their surprise) also welcomed their son, Chris. While still in Omaha, Dallas and Judy had two daughters, Carol in 1972 and Laurie in 1974.
In 1978, the Dyer family moved to Corvallis, where Dallas applied his masterful skills in home design to his brother Dale’s building and real estate business.
In 1982, Dallas enrolled in Oregon State University and renewed his teaching credentials. He and Judy then moved their family to Salem, where he taught and coached football and track at North Salem High School until 2001. Throughout his tenure, Dallas coached football for more than 55 years.
As an accomplished athlete and coach, Dallas loved every aspect of sports. Whether it was throwing a football around in the backyard, performing at the highest levels in national playoff games for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, or simply attending a track meet to support his grandchildren, Dallas showed up with intense enthusiasm. His love of physical activities ranged from riding his bike to swimming, from refereeing basketball to coaching women’s softball.
But Dallas was not just a tough tackle, willing to take on opponents of any size. He was also a kindhearted and forgiving man whose warmth extended beyond his immediate family, leaving room for many lifelong friendships.
Dallas loved to travel, and celebrated any occasion with good food and an occasional Budweiser beer. He was a carpenter and a problem-solver, whose meticulous attention to detail allowed him to complete home improvement projects by simply figuring it out.
Finally, Dallas was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Salem for more than 35 years. He served as a deacon and mowed the church lawn, and could be seen flipping pancakes at the Union Gospel Mission on Easter.
A memorial service for Dallas Dyer will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, at the First Christian Church in downtown Salem. Reception to follow. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
June 22, 1936 — January 25, 2019
Gerald Dean Koehler, “Dean,” died on January 25, 2019.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the home Dean built in Scio. In honor of his favorite meal, the family will provide a taco bar.
Contact the family or Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton for more information.
