WOU Magazine Spring 2012: AlumNotes
1920s
In remembrance
Vestal Willett Matter Loveall ‘28 on April 20, 2011 at age 103. After earning her degree in education, Vestal taught elementary school in both Polk and Marion Counties, including some double duty stints as principal. She married George Alfred Matter III in 1928. They spent their lives in the Salem area where they raised their three children. Vestal became a widow in 1946. In 1955 she married Harvey Loveall. After retirement, Vestal remained an active member in her community, and was involved in numerous associations.
1930s
In remembrance
Claire B. Thomen Crook ’31 on March 25, 2011 at age 101. Claire was born in Basel, Switzerland but moved to the United States in 1913. The car salesman who sold her her first car and taught her how to drive ended up being George Crook, the man she would marry. In 1947 the couple moved to Oakridge and retired in 1975. During retirement Claire was a member of a gardening club, the Methodist Church, and loved to travel.
Esther Adams Huff ’37 on Feb. 28, 2011 at age 95. Esther was born and attended school in the Portland area. While in school she worked for her aunt and uncle, where she met Douglas Huff. They were married in 1942. The couple settled in Fairview and resided there for 50 years. Esther loved raising her children. She became active in 4-H, cub scouts, and PTA, as well as teaching Sunday school at their church and volunteering.
Maxine Williams ’37 on March 25, 2011 at age 93. After receiving her degree, Maxine began her career at Cloverleaf School. In 1938 Maxine moved to Juneau, Ala. where she met and married her husband. The couple briefly lived on Douglas Island, but moved back to Willamina, Ore. where they raised their three children. Maxine worked as a substitute teacher and later moved to McMinnville and worked at the Linfield College library.
Frances D. Reynolds ’38 on March 26, 2011 at age 93. Frances was raised in Beaverton, Ore. She taught at Rock Creek Elementary School for five years and married Kyle K. Reynolds. The couple moved several times, but planted permanent roots in Pumpkin Ridge, where they lived for 60 years. Frances began working as a library assistant at North Plains Elementary School and remained there for over 20 years, until she retired in 1988.
Edna Keisecker Hawley ’38, ’57 on April 3, 2011 at age 92. Edna was born in Firwood, Ore. Edna taught her entire life. She began teaching when she was only a teenager in a one-room, eight-grade country school. Later she taught first and second grade at D.A. Grout Elementary School in Portland. In addition to her regular teaching load, she tutored older students.
Caroline Jane Roach ’39 on April 7, 2011 at age 92. After earning her teaching certificate, Caroline began teaching all eight grades at the Ninety-One School. She married Bill Roach in 1941. The couple moved to Portland, and then to Milwaukie, where she went to work for the Oregonian in the Reference Library. In 1969 she started teaching at Riverside School in Oak Grove.
Class notes
Sybil Burgress Plumlee ’32 celebrated her 100th birthday on April 29, 2011.
1940s
In remembrance
Leroy Hartman Mason ’41 on May 7, 2011 at age 92. Leroy grew up in St. Helens, Ore. where he was a very involved student. During World War II Leroy served as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. After the war, Leroy received both his bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in education. Leroy married his college sweetheart, Siegra Young in 1943. He took over his father’s jewelry store until 1961, when Leroy began his 20-year teaching career. Leroy loved outdoor activities and to travel with his wife.
Phyllis Lorraine Rattray ’41 on May 5, 2011 at age 91. After Phyllis received her bachelor’s degree in education she began her teaching career first in Spring Valley, Ore., and then in Texas. While Phyllis worked as a USO girl for a year, she met and married her husband, Alexander Rattray. Phyllis served as a dance instructor, a Red Cross volunteer and later a librarian for a school for the deaf. After Alexander’s passing, Phyllis retired to her father’s farm in Keizer in 1985.
Harry Earle Wojahn ’41, ’48 on April 15, 2011 at age 94. After World War II ended, Harry decided to continue his education, and attended WOU, where he received his degree in elementary education.
Marian Elizabeth Warren ’42 on March 13, 2011 at age 89. Marian began her career as an elementary school teacher. World War II brought soldiers to Camp Adair, where she met and married Fred Warren in 1944. The couple and their three children moved to Moses Lake, Wash. Marian earned her master’s degree in education then returned to Oregon in 1980 after retirement. Marion served on numerous boards and enjoyed taking part in clubs and teams and loved nature.
Evelyn Rudin ’44 on Sept. 5, 2011 at age 91. Evelyn married her high school sweetheart, Ross Rudin, in 1941, the couple later moved to Coos Bay. Evelyn taught kindergarten for 30 years. Ross and Evelyn were active members of the First United Methodist Church. She was also active in the local P.E.O. Chapter C.S. for several years. In retirement, Evelyn and her husband spent a happy 15 years traveling to Mesa, Arizona and spending the winters there.
Darlene Mae (Jones) Helm ’48 at age 86. After completing her teaching degree, Darlene taught in various towns in the Willamette Valley, and on the coast. She married Owen R. Helm Jr. in 1956, and lived in Mohawk, Ore. until Owens’s death. Darlene raised their children in McMinnville, Ore.
1950s
In remembrance
Evelyn Gibbs ’50 on May 31, 2011 at age 84. Evelyn was born and raised in Portland. She married Ralph William Gibbs in 1951. They settled down in Albany, where they lived for 50 years. She was an active member of her church, P.E.O and several clubs; Evelyn was also an avid sewer and quilter.
Janet Abelson Baker ’51 at age 81. Raised in northeast Portland, she earned her bachelor’s degree and married Morrie Baker the year she graduated. The couple spent the early years of their marriage all over Texas, Tennessee, Wyoming, Nevada and South Dakota. Janet was a teacher until she retired in 1989. She loved volunteering, and traveling, especially to the Oregon coast. She also loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family.
John Arichie Padberg ’51 on Sept. 3, 2011 at age 83. John married Jeanette Settles in 1950. John taught at Milwaukie Junior high, Corbett Elementary and several Portland high schools. He also cashiered and sold tickets at the dog and horse races, sold real estate, owned a filbert farm, and a donut shop. He retired in 1993 and bought a mobile home with his wife so they could travel the country. The couple moved back to Heppner in 1996 where he was a devoted member of several different clubs.
Leslie Marion Heckathorn ’52 on July 7, 2011 at age 78. Leslie taught at elementary schools in Albany, Monroe, Shedd and Brownsville; she retired in 1997. Leslie married Lee Heckathorn in 1953. The couple moved to Brownsville in 1967 where they resided since. Leslie enjoyed reading, history, traveling, genealogy and family reunions.
George Ten Eyck ’52 on Aug. 18, 2011 at age 84. George married Nanette in 1950. George earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from WOU (OCE), as well as his master’s degree from Oregon State University. He worked as a junior high school math teacher in North Bend for 32 years.
Charlotte Jean Spear ’52, ’54 on Jan. 26, 2011 at age 78. As a former Queen of the Bethel, Charlotte was a devoted 4-H member who won numerous awards in horticulture as well as an accomplished seamstress. Charlotte taught in Portland Public Schools until she retired after 40 years of service. In retirement she traveled throughout the continental U.S. in her trailer and spent time with her husband on their farm in Yamhill.
Crystal Lillian Bayley ’53 on June 25, 2011 at age 98. Bayley taught in various cities and states. She met and married Harry R. Bayley, but they were later divorced. Crystal retired in 1976 after 36 years of teaching. She was an active member in her church and her community, especially the Crown Point Historical Society.
Lucy Collins Bellinger ’53 on Sept. 12, 2011 at age 62. Lucy met her husband of 62 years on the Willamette University dance floor. After earning her degree from Western, she taught at Hoover Elementary School and later at Little Red School House. She loved playing cards, especially bridge. In Lucy’s earlier years she loved to travel, camp, ski, and play the piano and cello
Charles C. Holmes ’54, ’55 on April 8, 2011 at age 89. In 1941 Charles joined the U.S. Navy; his duties took him all over the world, which inspired his love for travel. After his honorable discharge Charles went back to school and began working for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. It was during this time when he met his wife, Charlotte. Charles worked for many years teaching at the Chemawa Indian School until retirement in 1978.
Harrell A. Smith ’56 on June 24, 2011 at age 83. Harrell held the position of assistant superintendent in the Elk Grove Unified School District for 17 years. Prior to his administration career Harrell played professional basketball. He considered his career in education to be his passion and calling. His semi-retirement allowed him to continue teaching when he became a professor to prospective teachers.
Marilyn Joyce Bourn ’57 on May 6, 2011 at age 75. Marilyn graduated valedictorian from Corning Iowa High School. She spent her summers staffing a forest fire lookout, as a test subject for medical research, and attending summer school. She spent six months living in Brazil on a 4-H cultural exchange program. Marilyn taught in schools all over the northwest. In 1961 she married Robert Dean Bourn and they lived in West Linn until 1980, when they decided to spend their time traveling the U.S. and Canada.
Shirley Mae Motz ’57 on April 15, 2011 at age 77. During high school and college Shirley enjoyed using her gift of music, and always felt honored to sing in a church. Shirley taught Sunday school, vacation bible school and served as a deaconess. She also taught first and second grade in the Portland and Beaverton school districts. In 1959, Shirley married Donald L. Motz. Together they built a business from the ground up in Portland. Shirley loved to cook and entertain her friends and family.
Richard A. “Dick” Farrington ’58 on Feb. 15, 2011 at age 85. Farrington joined the U.S. Navy when he was only 17-years-old, and served in World War II. Following his discharge, he went back to school and married Annie Adair in 1947. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He moved to Lebanon and began his teaching career at Waterloo School, where he later became the principal. In 1976, he became the principal of Crowfoot School where he held the position until his retirement in 1984.
Eunice Agatha Munger ’58 on June 23, 2011 at age 95. Born in Philomath, Ore., her father was a pastor and her family moved often as he pastored for churches all over the U.S. Eunice attended Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri, and became an ordained minister and evangelist. After receiving her teaching degree in 1958 Eunice taught in Barstow and Concord, California and retired in 1980.
Victor Lowell Barnick ’59 on Feb. 26, 2011 at age 77. Barnick received both his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and his maters in teaching and counseling. Barnick met his wife, Lois, while attending school, and they married in 1954. He taught in Salem and surrounding school districts for 51 years. In his spare time he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking, going to their beach house, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.
Melba Niemela ’59 on Feb. 19, 2011 at age 91. Niemela taught elementary and middle school science in the Salem-Keizer School District until she retired in 1981. She enjoyed the outdoors; she loved camping, fishing, skiing, and hiking. She also enjoyed reading, but her favorite thing was having family gatherings in her home.
Class notes
Norman Bartel ’57 and his wife, Judy, have three children, six grandchildren, and three grand-dogs. Norman retired in 1960. In addition to graduating from OCE, so did his wife, his son, his youngest daughter, and his daughter in-law.
1960s
In remembrance
Harley Willard Branigar ’63 on July 12, 2011 at age 86 During World War II, Harley served in the Pacific with the 96th infantry division. After the war, Harley earned his degree from WOU and married Betsey Dreier. During his career he taught school in Aumsville and Hubbard, worked for the Oregon State Board of Health, the Oregon State School for the Deaf, and the Linn-Benton School District. Harley moved to Alaska in 1976, where he administered the federal education programs and retired in 1985.
Cynthia Joyce Giesbrecht ’63 on Aug. 24, 2011 at age 69. Cynthia worked in sales at Meier and Frank Department Store and also for her brother, Gene in his medical office.
Linda Lee Girod Parkhurst ’63 on June 17, 2011 at age 84. Linda married Ralph Earnest Parkhurst on November 23, 1949. She taught at Keizer Elementary School, Liberty Grade School and later became the principal at Denver-Conner Grade School. The couple then moved to Lebanon in 1961, where Linda continued her career in education until she retired. Linda and Ralph built their dream home in Yachats; where they lived for 24 years until Ralphs passing.
Bruce Linden Thompson ’63 on March 3, 2011 at age 69. After graduating from college, Bruce taught secondary French and English for several years in Willamette Valley schools. Bruce married Marilee Grimm in 1982; they owned and operated Double T Tax Associates in Gresham until retirement in 2010. Bruce served on the Troutdale Citizens Advisory Committee and was appointed to the Troutdale Planning commission in 1988.
Kathy Kendrick-Henry ’65 on Aug. 28, 2011 at age 65. Kathy moved to Lebanon and began her 30-year teaching career at Crowfoot Elementary, then taught at Waterloo Elementary. She was recognized as teacher of the year in 1985. In retirement Kathy volunteered for the victim advocacy program at the Linn County Court House. She attended the Crowfoot Baptist Church and enjoyed doing crafts, knitting, sewing and scrapbooking.
Frederick “Fred” Merch Clayton ’66 on May 11, 2011 at age 96. Shortly after Fred began teaching, he met Geraldine Gould, whom he later married. The couple’s family quickly grew after the birth of their four sons. The family moved to Oregon and settled in Astoria. Fred worked as a teacher, school administrator, librarian and carpenter. During this time he also earned his master’s degree. The couple retired together in 1981. Fred had many hobbies, but his passions were his family, his friends, and traveling.
Class notes
John K. Alexander ’64 is a professor of history and distinguished teaching professor at the University of Cincinnati. Alexander is also the author of “Samuel Adams: The Life of an American Revolutionary.” The work, published in May by Rowman & Littlefield, was featured as an Editor’s Pick in the July 2011 History Book Club offerings.
Karlyn Greenway ’65 was an elementary teacher for two years. She then taught for Estacada Overseas Dependent Schools for five years, and later taught preschool in Colorado Springs for 14 years. Greenway married in 1970 in Germany. She has one stepson, one daughter and one son, in addition to five grandchildren.
Kathryn Hunter ’65 is now a freelance journalist in her hometown of Mount Angel. After receiving her degree in journalism, Hunter worked for several newspapers for many years.
1970s
In remembrance
Alan Bart Chandler ’70, ’76 on March 17, 2011 at age 69. Alan was born and raised in Spokane, Wash. Alan retired from the State of Oregon, Department of Corrections in 1997 after working there for 33 years; he retired as the assistant director of institutions. In retirement Alan enjoyed traveling, playing racquetball, fishing and spending time with his friends.
LaRene Cross Saxton ’70 on June 2, 2011 at age 80. LaRene married Clifford Saxton. The couple spent 59 wonderful years together. They moved around quite a bit before settling down in the Salem/Keizer area, where they lived for the last 44 years. LaRene was an elementary school teacher at Highland Elementary School for 17 years. LaRene loved spending time with her family, and she also enjoyed reading, knitting, playing classical piano, and traveling.
Craig Bernard Larsen ’71 on Aug. 6, 2011 at age 64. After Craig graduated from Western, he met and married Carol Buchanan in 1982. He worked as a realtor and belonged to the Catholic Church.
Wyatt Alan Newman ’71 on April 13, 2011 at age 69. Wyatt married Nancy Mcgee in 1964. Wyatt was an educator at Poynter Junior High and at Hillsboro High School as a political science and American history teacher. Wyatt also taught numerous classes at Bend High School. He enjoyed writing, reading, running, cooking, playing board games and exploring historical areas. Wyatt also served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves; and retired as a major.
Patsy Lou Theiral ’71 on May 4, 2011 at age 63. Patsy grew up in Medford, Ore. Pat became an elementary teacher in Riddle, Ore. In 1973 she married Richard Theiral. She worked as a substitute teacher and as a homemaker until 1999, when she went to work as a special education teacher at Riddle High School. Pat was a very active member in the community and school programs during her life in Riddle. She was involved in various clubs, and numerous associations.
Leonard Joseph Federico ’72 on July 15, 2011 at age 82. After Leonard graduated with his degree in education he joined the military. While serving in Spokane, Wash. he met and married Ruth Langdon and together they raised seven children. He began his career in education in Springdale, Wash. where he served as served as principal, history teacher and coach for various sports. They moved to Oregon and he worked as vice principal and football coach at Cascade High School. He later became the principal and then the superintendent of the school district, retiring in 1996.
Richard M. McKenna ’73 on August 31, 2011 at age 67. Richard was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, The University of Portland, and WOU. He also joined the National Guard. Richard realized his passion was community corrections, retiring as the parole and probation division commander in 2003. In retirement, Rick volunteered for Criminal Justice Consultants, Community Partnership for Change, for several non-profit boards and was served on both the Drug Court and the Board of Bridgeway Recovery.
Julie Ann Montgomery ’74 on March 8, 2011 at age 59. Julie was born in Portland, Oregon. She graduated valedictorian from her high school in 1970. She married Carlos Montgomery in 1978 and taught second grade at Sherwood Elementary School in Pendleton for 30 years.
Michele Portman ’76 on Sept. 21, 2011 at age 61. After earning her bachelor’s degree from WOU (OCE), Michele went on to pursue her master’s degree from Arizona State University. Michele was a counselor at Cottage Grove High School for 22 years, and was recently elected to the South Lane School Board; and in May was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service award for her extensive volunteer work.
Linda Marie Reeves ’76 on April 23, 2011 at age 65. Linda grew up in Monmouth. While attending school, Linda met Roger Reeves and they were married in 1966. The couple spent most of their married lives in the Gresham and Damascus area. Linda Taught at Powell Valley and Dexter McCarty Schools before taking some time off to raise their three children. Linda loved to travel with her husband, tea parties with her grandchildren, reading, jazzercise, cheering at her family’s sporting events, and was a very involved member in her church.
Thomas Ruhl ’77 on July 7, 2011 at age 61. During the first 10 years of his career Thomas taught first grade in Canby and West Linn school districts, he later served as the principal at both Sunset and Stafford Schools in West Linn as well as the superintendent of Sauvie Island School District. More recently, he mentored graduate students and created the Doctor of Education program at Lewis and Clark College. Since 2006, he has directed the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Education programs at Marylhurst University.
Class notes
Barbara Cummings ’70, ’90 and her husband, Don, started their business in 1980, incorporating in 1981. Their son, Christopher, is now the president.
Claudia Sinclair ’70 graduated with her degree in education and went on to teach in Washington for eight years. She married Cam Sinclair. They have two daughters, and four grandchildren with one more on the way.
Penny Blackwell ’71 married her high school sweetheart, James Blackwell in 1993. She and James have one son. After Blackwell received her master’s degree in education, she began teaching French and English at Central High School, in Independence, Ore. Blackwell retired after 30 years of service.
Jean Rix ’71 retired from Pacific University in 2005; she worked for the Departments of Exercise Science and Athletics.
Janet Schultz ’71 retired from the Hillsboro School District in 2005, but still continues to substitute for friends ad help with reading assignments.
Foster Odom Jr. ’73 and his wife, Lona, celebrated the marriage of their daughter on July 9, 2011.
Wilda Watson ’73, ’76 retired in 2005.
Marilyn Fishwick ’75 retired from full-time teaching in June. She worked for the Medford School District at the time of her retirement. Fishwick and her husband, Phil ’76 celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in August. The couple met on campus at Campbell Hall.
Mike Rooney ’76, ’80 has been in Klamath Falls for 15 years. After a year-long sabbatical in Guanajuato, Mexico, he has been a counselor at Mazama High School the past three years. The past two years he has served as the head boy’s basketball coach compiling a 45-10 record, and winning third place at the state tournament. Rooney and his wife Margaret have three children: Grace, Adam and Nora.
Kenneth Lehto ’76 currently serves as a city council member for the City of Monmouth, Ore.
Loise Schrenk ’76 retired after 30 years of service to the Central School District.
Cynthia Petrovich ’79 retired from the Anchorage, Alaska School District in 2009, after 30 years of teaching.
William Rhoades ’79 has been recently selected to be the new West Linn-Wilsonville School District superintendent.
1980s
In remembrance
Fred Farrior ’80, ’87 on May 27, 2011 at age 64. Fred graduated from Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD) and then attended Gallaudet College. Fred taught and coached at OSD until he retired in 2003. Fred focused all of his energy into teaching American Sign Language at Linfield College and South Salem High School, as well as a regional course at WOU. He was very involved in many different aspects of protecting American Sign Language as well as the Deaf community.
Lynn Karl Lamvik ’85 on Feb. 18, 2011 at age 52. Lynn grew up in the Rose City Park and Parkrose area of Portland where he cultivated his life-long passion for athletics. He graduated with his degree in corporate fitness. For 21 years he was a recreation therapist at McLaren youth and correctional facility. He was just as passionate about his children as he was about sports and loved being a father.
Richard Karl Kreitzer ’87 on March 22, 2011 at age 55. Richard grew up in Stayton, Ore. where he attended school, and spent his time playing sports and fishing. He met his wife Meera while attending college and they married in 1981, having two daughters. The couple lived in Salem where Richard worked at North Santiam Plywood. After graduating Richard began doing the assessing for Marion County. In 2006 he was elected as Marion County Tax Assessor, re-elected in 2010, and held the position until his death. Richard supported many charitable organizations and helped build a church in Guatemala.
Class notes
Barbara Gibby ’83 received her degree in counseling from WOU (OCE) and went on to work with the State of Oregon as an adjudicator for the Department of Employment. In 1989 she earned her degree in clinical psychology from Pacific University and then interned at Portland State University and the Salem-Keizer Permanente clinic. She graduated in 1993 and her residency was obtained through Tillamook Family Mental Health and Salem-Keizer Permanente Clinic. She obtained her license with the State of Oregon in 1995 and has been self-employed in Forest Grove, Oregon since 1996.
Emily Breeden ’84 was recently honored by the Central Education Association as a Central School District Primary and Secondary teacher of the year.
John Conroy ’88 and his wife, Jeannette, have lived in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho since 1995. Conroy is currently the CEO of one of the largest homeless-serving agencies in the 10 northern counties of Idaho. Conroy and his wife met in college and have been married for 23 years and have three children.
1990s
In remembrance
Susan Irene Schibel ’90 on Feb. 24, 2011 at age 46. Susan grew up in Newberg, Ore. After high school Susan played softball for Colorado State University, as well as Western Oregon University. After earning her degree she taught and coached at El Paso High School in Texas for 8 years. Susan went on to receive her master’s degree at New Mexico State University. She was offered a position in the math department and taught there until she no longer could, due to illness.
Herbert E. Kroschel III ’96 on Feb. 20 at age 43. Herbert was born in Cheyenne Wyo. Herbert received his bachelor of science in business administration. He worked at the Holiday Retirement Corporation in Salem as a staff accountant, and then as a controller/general manager of Action Wood Products in Turner from 2005 until his death. He was church treasurer for East Salem Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he was also involved with the men’s chorus.
Class notes
Mary Tashiro ’91 is working on obtaining her licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) certification.
Chris Skinner ’92, deputy chief of the Hillsboro Police Department, was selected from a pool of 41 candidates to be the new Richland Police Chief. Skinner has worked for Hillsboro police for 10 years, including the past three as a deputy chief. He also spent 10 years at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.
Vanessa Jones ’96 completed her fifth year as principal of Newell and Tulelake Basin Elementary Schools in Tulelake, California.
Sara Woodward ’96 and Matthew Heverly ’95 married in 2000 and now have a daughter, Viola. Matthew earned his master’s degree at UW Tacoma and teaches in Tacoma. Sara has her master’s degree and supervises special education in Clover Park School District.
Ryan Hayes ’99 and Yue Cao were married on February 11, 2011 in Wuhan, China. They will make their home in Seattle, Wash.
Brent and Sarah King ’99 welcomed their fourth child into the world on April 1, 2011. Katherine Elizabeth King, joins brother Aidan (7) and sisters Sophia (4) and Addison (2). The Kings reside in Monte Vista, Colo. where Brent works as an associate professor of psychology and Sarah works as a registered nurse.
2000s
Class Notes
John ‘00 and Connie Hatcher ‘99 welcomed their son, Caleb Edward, into the world on August 15, 2011. He joins big sister Haylie and big brother Timothy.
Sheila (Pockrus) Reade ’00 received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Linn-Benton Community College, and is now a registered nurse at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.
Teresa Alonso ’02 received the 40 under 40 Award in 2009, which was announced in the Portland Business Journal. She also received the New leadership Oregon Women Leaders Award in 2007.
Jessica ’02 and Marc Miller recently celebrated their daughter's third birthday.
Maren Greif ’02 married Roger Vernon on September 24, 2011 in Warren, New Jersey. The couple currently resides in Jersey City, where Greif continues to work as a senior managing editor for Random House Children’s Books in New York City.
Peter Ness ’02 was named the new principal of Santiam Christian Elementary School. For the past nine years, he has taught physical education, health, anatomy, and physiology. He was also the health and physical education department head, varsity track coach, junior wrestling coach, and the co-class advisor of 2006 and 2010. Ness and his wife, Kimberly, have four sons, and the family lives in Monmouth.
Maria Bonifacio ’03 was recently awarded the 2011 “Staff Makes Students Count” award for the University of Alaska.
Dan Primus ’04 will take reigns as the district attorney of Umatilla County. After he graduated from WOU he went on to earn his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Willamette University School of Law.
Nicole Perry ’07 married Jesse Shafer ’11 on May 29, 2011 in a vineyard ceremony at Domaine Margelle Vineyard in Scoots Mills, Ore. They are living in Monmouth while Nicole completes her Master of Arts in Teaching at WOU.
Kelly Gordan ’08 married Anastasia on September 18, 2010. The couple met at WOU in 2005 and let their love grow on the campus over the next three years.
Brent Redpath ’10 married Shannon Lettow whom he met while attending Western. He is now in his second year of graduate school at Oregon State University.
Faculty & Staff
In remembrance
Betty Lou Abrams on Sept. 6, 2011 at age 80. Betty Lou moved to Oregon when she was 20, then met and married Gale Dean Abrams. The couple had three children, and after they were grown and gone Betty worked at OCE as an administrative assistant in the Special Education Department for 11 years. Betty enjoyed reading and was an avid Blazer fan.
Victor Baldwin on June 16, 2011 at age 73. Victor began his work with the Oregon State System of High Education in 1968 as an assistant research professor with the Teaching Research Division. He became the director in 1978 and kept the position for 20 years. In his semi-retirement he worked as a principal investigator in deaf-blindness with what is currently the National Consortium on deaf-blindness.
John Casey on May 4, 2011 at age 80. After graduating from high school John enlisted in the air force, and was stationed in Alaska. After being discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1954 he decided to continue his education in fine arts, becoming an art professor at WOU (OCE) in 1965. Above all he was a painter; his work was included in juried and invitational exhibitions at art museums. He also helped found the Unitarian Universalist Ash Creek Fellowship in Monmouth and was certified as a Lay Minister.
William Shannon Hanable on May 17, 2011 at age 73. After graduating from high school William served in the Air Force for 12 years, where he met his wife Eloise. After leaving the Air Force, they moved to Anchorage Alaska, where William finished up his degree. While in school William started a Navel Reserve career in 1969, he worked here until he retired as a commander in 1994. He taught public history courses, which lead him to be appointed as the executive director of the Alaska Historical Commission.
Arthur McElroy on Aug. 8, 2011 at age 89. Arthur married Valeria McElroy in 1949 and he served in the Navy. Arthur returned home to pursue an education, then taught special needs children in Parkrose and Portland. He later earned his doctorate which led him to years of professorship at Western Washington and Western Oregon Universities.
Ruth Hatfield Million on April 6, 2011 at age 87. Ruth met Elmer Million while attending school, the couple later married in 1944. They had five children and moved to McMinnville in 1964. Ruth earned her certificate in piano performance from Cincinnati College of Music and her Master’s of Music from the America Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Ruth worked for Western as a music professor and retired after 22 years of service.
Guy Harlin Rooth on May 1, 20111 at age 75. As a boy Guy loved hunting and fishing, and soon developed an enduring fascination with nature and the world. Guy married the love of his life, Catherine Logan in 1959 and they had two children. Guy graduated with a degree in geology, and went on to earn his doctorate in both geology and paleontology. Guy was a professor of geology and oceanography at WOU for 32 years.
Ed Stineff on Aug. 21, 2011 at age 72. After Ed graduated from Linfield College in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree he started working for Boeing, and then spent his military service in the Army in Boston. After his time in the Army, he moved back to Seattle to begin his career in the insurance business with Safeco. Ed’s career led him to Monmouth, where he purchased his own agency, which is now known as Stineff Insurance. He sold his agency and retired in 1996. Ed was the president of Monmouth/Independence Chamber of Commerce and served as president of Western Oregon University Foundation.
