Stayton – Vivian, 92,
died Saturday, January 14 in Stayton. She was born in Tillamook,
the first of four daughters born to Art and Edna Raney, and grew
up mostly in the Tillamook area. Like so many of her generation,
she had to learn to stretch every dollar. From losing her mother
when Vivian was just 18, to losing most of the family possessions
in the Vanport flood, to finding herself at age 29 a widow with
three young sons. Vivian developed an inner strength and
resilience she carried for the rest of her life. Even during
difficult times she always succeeded in providing a stable home
for her family.
She married Joseph H.
Smith, a native of Rhode Island who came west to work in the
Civilian Conservation Corps, living in Tillamook, Portland, and
Vanport. Following his death she married Bay City resident Owen
Stephens and had one more son. The family moved to the mid-valley
in 1954, settling near Aumsville, and in 1963 moved to Stayton
where she had resided since. She enjoyed her role as a homemaker.
Vivian enjoyed camping and family picnics, reading, and watching
television. Her tastes were simple and she had no pretensions. She
had slowed down in recent years from a variety of physical
ailments but was still making her own decisions about her care,
even through her final illness. She never gave up.
She was preceded in
death by both husbands; by sons, Mickey Smith (Kyle Brenner) and
Robert Smith; by sisters, Veda Silva and Bobbie Dorsey. She is
survived by son, Don Smith of Piedmont, CA., son and
daughter-in-law: Dick and Mary Jo Stephens of Salem, sister: Helen
Trachsel of Seaside; 5 – grandchildren and 5 –
great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She loved us
all, and she is already missed.
Special thanks go to Dr.
Matt Degner, nurse Edie, and the entire office for many years of
excellent care. Special thanks also go to the staff at Santiam
Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion during Vivian’s
final illness. A private interment was held at Lone Oak Cemetery
in Stayton. A memorial will be held at a later date. Serving the
family, North Santiam
Funeral Service, Stayton.
