Della Lavon Bayless, a long time resident of Hood River Passed away July 5th, 2008 at Parkhurst House of Hood River.

Services to honor Lavon’s life are planned for 2:00 P.M., Saturday, July 12th, 2008 at Idlewilde Cemetery, the Reverend Rinya Frisbie of Asbury United Methodist Church will officiate.

Lavon was born on April 22, 1928 in Deweese, Nebraska to Arthur Frederick and Alice Louisa (Johnson) Denney. Living in Deweese during her early years, Lavon attended school with her brother, Arthur, in the red brick school house which still stands as a landmark in Deweese.

Still at an early age, Lavon moved with her family to Emmett, Idaho. Then, after several years, the Denney Family relocated to Creswell, Oregon. On November 6, 1948 Lavon and William “Bill” Bayless married in Cottage Grove, Oregon and to this union were born two children; Della Lucielle Bayless and William (Bill) Bayless, Jr.

Bill, working as an engineer in heavy construction, the family lived in Mill City, Oregon, The Dalles, Oregon, Quincy, Washington. The family moved back to the Hood River Valley in 1963 where Lavon was an active wife, mother, and grandmother. She had many hobbies and activities but had no greater joy than being involved with her family.

Lavon is survived by her husband of 60 years, William Bayless of Hood River, one daughter, Della Lucielle Stagner and very loved son in law Jack of Longview, Washington and her son, William Henry Bayless, Jr. and very loved daughter in law, Nora, of Selah, Washington. The Joy of Lavon’s live were her grand children and great grand children: Mike Stagner and his wife, April, of Wenatchee, Washington and their children, Allison, Kristen, and Carly. Kurt Stagner and his wife, Jessica and their precious son, Koen of Auburn, Washington. Marla Johanesen and her husband, Steve, of Bellingham, Washington and their children, Hailey and Sienna. Also loved by Lavon were grand children Franklin Pedro Bayless, Wife Ofelia, and their daughter, Andrea (Andi), of San Diego, California as well as Lavon’s great granddaughter who is expected to come into this world on Lavon’s wedding anniversary of November 6, 2008. William Bayless Jr. of Fr. Meade, Maryland, Karen, Victoria Bayless of Hawaii, and Heather and T.J. Fletcher of Ellensburg, Washington.

Lavon survived cancer two times in her life and shared her experiences with those who feared this dreaded disease. She was a bastion of strength to those who knew her and an inspiration to all. Her courage has inspired her children, and grandchildren and will be a foundation for her great grandchildren for generations to come.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Denney Jr., and two sisters, Betty Rowland and Lucielle Goins. Lavon is survived by her beloved sister, Alice Rhodes, brother Robert Denney and spouse, Marissa and sister Carol Booble. Also loved by Lavon was Maria Richmond and children of Tacoma, Washington as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lavon and Bill were active as honorary members of the United States U.S Navy Armed Guard and enjoyed many vacations in the company of those who served in World War II and the U.S military.

The family suggests that Contributions in Lavon’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Care of Anderson’s.

Lavon will be greatly missed and eternally loved by all who knew her.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit our website to view and print the obituary and sign the guest book for family. www.andersonstributecenter.com