WOU Magazine Spring 2011: AlumNotes
1930s
In remembrance
Lavelle H. Young ’32 Jan. 29 at age 100. Lavelle, originally from Stella, Wash, married Lowell Young in 1931 and celebrated 75 years of marriage just prior to Lowell’s death in 2007. Lavelle was a teacher, and taught elementary school in Roseburg, Baker City and Salem. Lavelle loved gardening and had two sons with Lowell.
Zuna Virginia Olson ’32 Jan. 16 at age 98. After receiving her teaching degree, Zuna married Don R. Olson in 1937. Zuna taught at a rural school near Oregon City. She was later employed by Oregon Physicians Service doctor’s clinic in Astoria, as well as Columbia Memorial Hospital as an insurance clerk. She retired in 1981. Zuna was an active member in her church where she taught Sunday school. Zuna also enjoyed volunteering as a reader for the SMART program and a helper at many senior citizen functions. Zuna also loved to knit and garden.
Elsie E. Tracey ’34, ’60 Dec. 17 at age 97. Elsie began spent her teaching career at Aplary Elementary, Fern Hill Elementary, Rainier Elementary and finally at Hudson Park Elementary. She taught all levels, ranging from first to eighth grade, and retired in 1975. Over her 41 years of teaching she was said to have taught and touched the lives of many students. Elsie enjoyed volunteering her time and was an active member of Fern Hill Grange and Pomona Grange, The Rebekea Lodge, Eastern Star and the Rainier Garden Club. She also loved traveling.
Helen Agnes Wetherell Sar Babbit ’37 Jan. 1 at age 93. Helen was born in Rogue River, Ore. and later moved to Roseburg where she lived until she passed. Helen was an educator, teaching in many different cities. In 1951 Helen started a private kindergarten which she operated in her home for 22 years. She helped her husband, Bernard, with his lumber business, taught piano and was an active member in her community. She volunteered for many organizations, including mentoring children in reading for SMART, helped out at the Roseburg Visitor’s Center, and was very involved in Zonta club. Most of all Helen enjoyed spending time and traveling with her family and husband.
Jeanne LaVerne Dixon ’38 July 31 at age 91. Born in Portland, Jeanne made a career as an elementary educator.
Nola R. Womer ’39 Dec. 19 at age 95. After receiving her degree Nola went on to teach for rural schools in Benton and Polk counties. Nola lived on the family farm until 1997 when she moved to Monmouth with her sister. She enjoyed being involved in her community and attended Pedee Memorial Evangelical Church, where she played the piano for every service as well as taught Sunday school. She wrote the weekly “Pedee News” column for the Itemizer-Observer for 62 years.
1940s
In remembrance
James R. O’Connor ’41 Feb. 28 at age 93. After receiving his degree in education, James enlisted into the United States Navy where he served active duty until discharge as a Lieutenant Commander in 1946. James married Cora Mae Denney and had two children. James began his career at Enterprise High School where he taught math and physical education and coached football. In 1948 James moved to Hermiston where he taught high school math and drivers education and coached several sports teams until he became the school administrator in 1966. Later he was offered the position of principal at Scappoose High School, where he stayed until retiring in 1984.
Barbara Ann Ruef Smith ’42 Feb. 25 at age 90. Barbara was born and raised in Independence, Ore. She went on to be a teacher and a coach for Grants Pass High School. After World War II ended, Barbara married Dean Smith and went into the family grocery business. After they sold their business she worked as a bookkeeper for the market place until her retirement.
Emily Helenius ’44 Oct. 17 at age 88. Emily born in Sherwood, Ore., graduated as valedictorian of her class and went on to receive her degree in education. She worked for Tigard-Tualatin school district for over 25 years, first as a teacher and later as the librarian. Her hobbies included gardening, swimming, playing piano, and watching Trailblazers games. She was a life-long member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school and vacation bible school. She was also a member of the Tualatin VFW ladies auxiliary.
1950s
In remembrance
Joyce MacKenzie ’55 July 13 at age 77, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was raised on a farm outside of Silverton with her identical twin sister, Janice. Joyce married John MacKenzie and settled in Eastmoreland where she taught junior high math for 25 years at Meadow Park and Five Oaks middle schools in Beaverton. Joyce also served as the president of the Beaverton Education Association for a term and co-wrote a personal finance book. After retiring in 1990, she split time between her home in Lake Oswego and her beach house in Oceanside. Joyce enjoyed traveling, opera, knitting, baking, and served on the citizens review board of Clackamas County.
Kenneth David Miller ’55, ’59 Jan. 3 at age 82. After graduating college in 1950, Kenneth served in the U.S. Army until 1956. He then returned to college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and later received his Masters in Education. Kenneth married Lois M. Burnett in 1957. Kenneth became a speech therapist and special education teacher in the Crowfoot School District for 30 years. Kenneth was an active member in his church. Following retirement he enjoyed wood working, and traveling the world with his wife.
Herbert D. Schunk ’56 Aug. 7 at age 84 of cancer. Born Jan. 4, 1924 in Oregon City and raised in Heppner, Herbert enlisted in the US Army in 1944 and served in WWII. He was discharged in 1949 with a medal of good conduct. Herbert spent his career as a teacher until he retired in 1975. He and his wife, Illa Schweizer Schunk ’51, lived in Lake Oswego from 1959 to 2000. They then moved to Keizer. Herbert was known for helping others, sharing his possessions and fixing things. He enjoyed gardening and golf.
Robert Yearout ’56 Feb.12 at age 84. Robert married the love of his life, Violet Ham, in 1951. After serving in the U.S. army during World War II he received his master’s degree in education. Robert taught fifth and sixth grade in the Portland Public School District, Newburg, and on the island of Guam. He retired in 1985. One of Robert’s passions was singing; he sang solos for special occasions in many Portland churches and was part of the Bethany Presbyterian Church choir where he also served as an elder.
Shirley Rae McGinnis ’56, ’73 Feb. 6 at age 77. Born in Salem, Shirley loved to read, listen to music and sing. She also loved animals, especially cats. Shirley taught for 40 years in elementary schools. In 1973 Shirley took a leave of absence from teaching and moved to Santa Barbara where she earned her M.A. degree a year later. She retired in 1997, but continued being involved in education by mentoring new teachers.
Carlotta Marie Strandberg ’57 Aug. 14 at age 75. Born in Astoria, Carlotta married Peter Strandberg in 1959. During her career Carlotta taught as far as Honolulu, Hawaii and San Antonio, Tex. as well as close to home in Eugene, Hillsboro, and Warrenton. She retired in 1995. She was an active member in many clubs and service organizations and enjoyed traveling.
Class notes
Faye Ludlow McElhinny ’56 and Brian Shepherd were married August 14, 2010 and reside in Portland.
1960s
In remembrance
Robert S. Hutchinson ’63 Jan. 13 at age 78. Robert was born in Kelso, Wash. and grew up on a dairy farm in Brush Prairie. Robert married Lois Fischer in 1978 in Beaverton. After earning his degree in education he began teaching. In 1997 he and his wife moved to Newburg, where he continued teaching and became an active member in his church.
Linda Darlene (Jones) Leininger ’63 Feb. 24 at age 67. Linda’s passions in life were family, friends and her career. She loved her two children and six grandchildren. Linda was born and raised in Vancouver, Wash. She married Terry Leininger. After graduating with a degree in teaching she began her career and would later return to school to earn her master’s degree in education. She taught English at South Albany High School for 17 years. Linda loved scrapbooking, served on the Grand Prairie High school board, as well as the Boys and Girls Club board. Linda loved people and was genuinely selfless.
James Lee Musgrave ’67 Oct. 21 at age 66.
Class notes
John M. Petersen ’66 has retired after 32 years of teaching. Petersen spent 30 years teaching special education and two years teaching social science, art and directing plays.
Sybil Stanbro ’68, ’75 has retired and become a full time Oregon resident after spending 20 years in Alaska. Dr. Jim Porter ’69 was inaugurated as president of Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss., on October 12, 2010. (Porter took office in July 2010.)
1970s
In remembrance
Amy (Barton) Castle ’71 Sept. 9 at age 93. Born in South Attleboro, Mass., Amy was the last living sibling of her 11 brothers and sisters. Amy was an educator for over 40 years. A cancer survivor, she took up running at age 60 and in retirement running became her passion. She started the Oregon Senior Olympics in 1985 and received the Charles W. Bowles award in 1992.
Rodney “Rod” Leo Bixler ’72 Dec. 12 at age 67. Rodney was born on Feb. 28, 1943 in Rapid City, S.D. Following Rodney’s high school graduation he joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany as a tank driver near the Berlin Wall. After three years he was honorably discharged and went on to get his Bachelor of Science in elementary education, he later earned his master’s degree in education. While completing his education Rodney met his wife, Patsy Tucker. He was a passionate educator who taught for 28 years and coached many sports.
Sandra L. (Lorenzen) Bohlin ’73, ’75 Feb. 11 at age 58 after losing a battle with cancer. Sandra was born in Cour d’Alene, Idaho. She later moved to Oregon where she met her husband, James Bohlin. They moved to Massachusetts where Sandra continued her education. In 2001 she received her doctorate in education and leadership. She taught at the Burnell Lab School on the campus of Bridgewater State College. Sandra loved traveling with her husband and was a truly adventurous person. She also enjoyed reading, hiking, sewing/quilting and restoring antique steamer trunks.
Shelton Carey Perrigan ’75 Jan. 13 at age 60. Shelton was born and raised in Bend. After college he worked for the Corp. Science Department of Oregon State University. He left OSU to start his own agriculture development company. After 10 years he again changed careers and became a mortgage broker. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as camping, fishing, and home improvement projects.
Mary “Rose” Morales ’79, ’92 Dec. 31 at age 54. She married Lenard “Randy” Williams in 1981. Rose and Randy welcomed their twin girls into the world in 1988. Rose divorced and remarried in 1999 to Reinar Morales and moved to Turner, Ore. Rose had a passion for learning and teaching. Rose taught in Colorado, Utah, and Oregon. She was nominated for the “crystal apple award” for being an outstanding teacher. Rose was an active member in the youth programs at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Her interests were broad and ranged from scuba diving to cooking but her greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother.
Class notes
Michael Zagyva ’74 has retired from the Canby School District, where he worked in both administration and as a teacher for 30 years. He is now working full time for the Oregon Military Department.
Sharon Baugh Baum ’75, ’86 has retired after 33 years in education. Baum’s education career included positions teaching physical education, coaching, serving as school counselor, assistant principal and served the last 10 years as principal of North Marion Middle School. Baum has also taught Montessori preschool and college undergraduate and graduate classes. Baum is looking forward to traveling and reconnecting with friends.
Margaret Sturza ’77 retired from Madras High School in 2007 after 14 years as Athletic Director. She was inducted into the Oregon Athletic Directors Hall of Fame on April 16, 2011.
Theodore “Ted” Bennett ’78 has retired from teaching after 30 years at Clackamas High School.
Margaret Kello ’73 retired in 2008 from the U.S. probation and pretrial services system where she worked for 32 years in adult corrections. At her time of retirement, she was a senior officer, and a sex offender specialist for the western district. Kello and her husband, Glen ’73, have moved to the coast to start their new chapter in life with their three children and two grandchildren.
1980s
In remembrance
Priscilla Schwejda ’80 Feb 14 at age 88. Priscilla was born in Tacoma and raised in Seattle and Portland. She earned her master’s degree in education in 1980. She married Donald Martin Schwejda in 1948 in Chicago. They moved to Forest Grove where she taught at Yamhill Grade School from 1972 to 1987. She belonged to St. Anthony’s Parish. Priscilla enjoyed nature, hiking, reading and art.
Patricia J. Friesen ’80 Dec. 10 at age 68. She earned a reading endorsement and master’s equivalent in elementary education. Patricia taught for the Portland Public School System for over 20 years. In retirement, she enjoyed doing medical mission work in Moldova with Medical Teams International. Patricia had a passion for volunteering and enjoyed traveling, gardening, painting, hiking, biking, cooking, bible study, and spending time with friends and family.
Beverly Ann Melton Winbolt ’80 Dec. 22 at age 71. Beverly was born on April 25, 1939 in Portland, Ore., and later moved to Grants Pass, where she was raised. After receiving her degree in psychology she became the executive director for Henderson House Family Crisis Shelter for 14 years. She loved jazz, enjoyed creating water color paintings, and also loved reading and writing. Beverly’s interests included: gardening, General Hospital, picnics, movies, celebrating holidays and most importantly her family and friends.
Clarence Leon Borden ’81 Feb.11 at age 73. Clarence was born in Victoria, Tex. He joined the Air Force in 1956, and retired after 20 years. Clarence met and married Dahlia Magetti in 1968. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology he worked as a mental health technician until he retired in 2003. Clarence enjoyed fishing, traveling, cooking, music, reading the Bible, and visiting with friends. Clarence was a member of numerous organizations including the Association for Black Veterans, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice and American Legion Post 30. Clarence was also a member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.
Mark B. Dowdy ’82 Jan. 12 at age 52. After receiving a degree in language arts, Mark went on to teach and coach girls basketball at Port Orford. He married Pamela Reimers and the couple moved to Heppner, where he taught language arts and continued coaching basketball. They moved to Brookings where he again found his niche teaching and coaching. They later returned to Heppner. He was a devoted sports fan who positively impacted the lives of many.
David L. Opperman ’89, ’01 Jan. 15 at age 47. David began his career teaching music and math, as well as coaching various sports at Forest Grove High School. While at Forest Grove he met his wife, Mellissa Ann Grahek. Five years later they had two sons, Bradley and Brice. David had many passions in life, he loved his family, enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and hiking. Music was another passion of David’s. He played various instruments, and was also bass guitarist for numerous of bands during his lifetime.
Class notes
Kurt Hollingsworth ’80, ’85 retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons on September 30, 2010. Hollingsworth’s final duty station was the Federal Detention Center located in Seatac, Wash. Hollingsworth retired as an associate warden with 21 years of service.
Elaine (Whitman) Premo ’86 served as the social service director at Sunny Side Care Center after graduation, then accepted a position with the Oregon Department of Corrections. She attained executive manager and after 17 years, transferred to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training as the assistant director for regional and advanced training.
Brent Wilson ’86, ’89 received his Doctorate of Computer Science from Colorado Technical University and is now a professor at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore.
Lino Amor ’89 is currently serving as an internal investigator for the Pohnpei Police Commission Office after serving 19 years as an officer for the Federated States of Micronesia.
Dan McGraw ’88 has been doing well, staying musically active, playing in a few groups and arranging music. He has also been caring full time for his wife, which he says is a blessing.
1990s
In remembrance
Sandra Farran ’91 Oct. 8 at age 43. Sandra was born in Jerusalem and moved to Salem with her family when she was three years old. Sandra grew up in Salem and went to work in pharmaceutical sales. What Sandra loved most was spending time with her friends and family, and being an aunt to her eight nieces.
Patricia Ann (McNerney) Ridgway ’94 Dec. 28 at age 51. Patricia was born in San Pedro, Calif., where she met her husband, Bill, with whom she spent 48 wonderful years. San Pedro is also where her three children were born. In 1975, Patricia and her family moved to Oregon. After raising her three children she finished school and received her B.A. degree in English literature. Patricia’s passions included learning and traveling with her friends and family. She particularly loved traveling to Napili Bay, Maui, where she had a second home.
Class notes
Mikael Snitker-Magin ’95, ’03 is currently an assistant professor at a state university working with students with disabilities. Snitker-Magin is finishing his dissertation toward his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focused on self-efficacy measures for people with disabilities.
David Verigan ’96 is currently working as a test technician for Micro Power Electronics in Beaverton, Ore.
Jennifer Stroup ’98 is currently a stay-at-home mom to her daughter who was born in Oct. 2008. Her husband, John, is a gunner’s mate in the U.S. Coast Guard, and Jessica herself is a reservist for the U.S. Coast Guard, they are currently stationed in Miami, Florida. After graduating from Western, she went on to get her M.B.A. in management.
Sean Ragsdale ’98 and wife, Julie, welcomed their second child, Savannah Eileen, on Nov. 16, 2010.
Jon Scheirman ’99 and Lisa Scheirman ’99, ’00 welcomed their first child, Aden James Scheirman on Oct. 1, 2010. He weighed 8 lbs. and was 20 in. long.
2000s
In remembrance
Grant Pauls ’04 of Dallas, Oregon.
Class notes
Tyler Michel ’06 and Bonnie Michel ’07 welcomed their first child, daughter Adele Nadine Michel, on May 12, 2010 at 4:51 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.
Todd Kunders ’05 is currently an elementary school principal in Florence, Texas, and is completing his Ph.D. in Education and Administration at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Tex.
Amy (Gino) Coyle ’06 received her Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction in 2009 and her National Board Certification in 2010 and currently resides in Arizona with her spouse Jefferson Coyle ’06.
Tomas Mendoza ’06 and Amanda (Falske) Mendoza ’06 welcomed a baby boy into their lives on September 5, 2010. They named their son Santiago Cristobal Mendoza, after his grandfather.
Sarah Jo Tomlin ’05 and Justin Tomlin ’06 welcomed Henry Joseph Tomlin on January 31. He weighed 8 pounds and was 19 inches long.
Tammy McCammon ’07 had been working with SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) for the past two years, but recently accepted a position with Salem-Keizer Education Foundation as director of volunteer service.
Kathryn (Katie) Enos ’07 and Andrew John Lee married on July 17, 2010 at Sheldon Farm. It was an outdoor garden service attended by 160 people. The couple married under a white arbor built as a wedding present by the bride’s brothers. They honeymooned in Maui, and now reside in Amity. Katie is an education coordinator at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville and Andrew is currently working for Farmers Insurance in Tualatin.
Eva (Fleming) Hawes ’08 and Levi Hawes ’08 are expecting their first child in May.
Faculty & Staff
In remembrance
Donald Joseph Weiss Jan. 12 at age 78. After receiving a degree in classical studies he went on to get his master’s in comparative literature. Donald began teaching at Northern University in Marquette, Michigan. He also taught at De-Paul University in Chicago and the University of Minnesota-Duluth before moving to Monmouth in 1966 for a position at WOU, where he taught for 30 years. Donald loved classical music and cooking, gardening, photography, and travel as well as spending time at his beach house in Newport. He was a longtime member and past president of the Monmouth-Independence Community Arts Association and was well known for his sense of humor.
Miriam Louise Bednarz March 6 at age 81. Miriam was a prominent patron of music and the arts in the Salem community. She was born in New York City and raised in New England. She attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where she learned to play the piano. After graduation she began teaching in Vermont, where she met her husband, Bernard Bednarz. They were married in 1953, and moved across the country to Salem. She received her master’s in music from Willamette University, where she later began teaching. She taught at several different universities, including WOU.
Friends of WOU
In remembrance
Capt. Samuel H. Mallicoat Dec. 6 at age 95. Samuel was an elementary school teacher and administrator. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve, as well as active duty during World War II and Korea he later retired as a captain. He served as a commander in the pacific theater from 1951 to 1953. He was a lobbyist for the Oregon Railroad Association and the first director of the Oregon Department of Planning and Development. Samuel was married for 44 years to Ellen Ann Jones who preceded him in death. After her death Samuel met Barbra Zehrung, who became his loving companion for eight years.
Lisa Marie Beauchamp Jan. 22 at age 50. Born and raised in Washington state, Lisa married James Beauchamp and they moved to Arlington, Wash. where they had their two daughters. They later divorced and Lisa moved to Aumsville in 1998, where she began studying criminal justice until illness forced her to leave school. Lisa worked with handicapped children all her life, she enjoyed collecting and repairing old jewelry and working with horses.
Douglas Carl Gore Jan. 23 at age 68. Douglas was raised in Portland, and later moved to Albany in 1967 where he spent his life. Douglas taught at Sweet Home High School, Memorial Middle School in Albany, Albany Union High School and South Albany High School. He was a member of Albany First Church of God and the USB Bowlers Association. Doug married Sharon Lea Keller in Portland on June 11, 1965.
Gerald “Jerry” Alan Murphy Jan. 16 at age 60. Jerry was born in Salem, and moved to Dallas where he was raised. During high school he played baseball, football, and basketball. Jerry worked at Fort Hill Lumber as the personnel manager, and later became an agent with State Farm. He loved sports, and was a Trail Blazer season ticket holder for 22 years. He was a member of Grace Bible Fellowship for over 20 years and went on mission trips to Haiti, Mexico and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Jerry married Charla J. Rannings in 1989 in Dallas.
Robert Craig Ryan Dec. 14 at age 60. Ryan worked for the forest service for several years as a skidder operator until a serious shoulder accident forced him to change careers. Robert started working in construction, building houses in Central Oregon and Colorado. Robert loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.
Virgina Denmore “Gigi” Starbuck Dec. 23 at age 90. Virginia married Thomas Beaver Starbuck in 1943. Virginia devoted her life to volunteering for community organizations. Virginia was active in the PTA, American Legion Auxiliary. She served the Willamette area council of Camp Fire Girls as president. She volunteered in Dallas city schools, and helped in raising funds for the Dallas Library. Virginia was a devoted member of the Dallas Woman’s Club and served as both secretary and treasurer. She also served on the board of directors for the Edgar Smith Fine Arts Series at Western Oregon University.
Josephine Lynn Scott on Jan. 22 at age 49. Josephine was born in Boise, Idaho and graduated from high school in Salem. She then went on to attend WOU for two years. Most recently Josephine worked for Sea Breeze Landscapes. She had a natural ability to bring out the best in the people around her. Josephine saw the beauty in life and in every person she met. Josephine was very involved with the Humane Society and in the rescue of dozens of stray animals. She enjoyed gardening, plants and flowers, traveling and reading.
Robert “Bob” Carl Stanton at age 69. Born on December 14, 1960 in Corvallis, Bob attended high school in Mapleton. After attending WOU for a while, he moved to Eugene where he worked as a wholesale lumber broker. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Stanton, his three daughters, two stepsons, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
