Lois Emily Sheldrake, of Corvallis, Oregon, died July 4th, 2008 in Corvallis at the age of 93. She was born December 12, 1914 to Wilbur H. (Purl) Sheirbon and Della Leona Latham Sheirbon, in Alexander, Iowa. In December 1921 Lois, along with her older sister Leona, and their parents moved from Iowa to Odell, Oregon in the Hood River Valley.
She grew up on what was known as the "Netherby Ranch" in Odell. She graduated from Odell Union High School in 1932 and later attended Business College. She married John L. Sheldrake in 1937 in Hood River, Oregon.
They lived in Hood River until 1961 when they moved to Corvallis. She was employed at Oregon State University as Administrative Assistant records clerk in the Civil Service personnel office from 1962 to 1976 when she retired.
She enjoyed traveling, music, playing the organ, photography, flowers, working in the garden, and her family. She enjoyed collecting many things including antique buttonhooks, and agates that she and John found at the beach and polished. These were kept in bowls for the grandchildren to play with. She also had many Indian arrow heads which she had found on the Netherby Ranch as a child.
She was a life-long member of the Methodist Church in Hood River, and was an active member in the First United Methodist Church of Corvallis.
Lois is survived by two sons, Arlen L. and his wife Rita of Portland, Oregon, Roger H. and his wife Cheri of Corvallis, daughter-in-law Barbara of Silverton, seven grandsons, and eight great grandchildren. She has one surviving brother Joe Sheirbon of Odell, Oregon and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband John L. whom she was married to for 54 years, eldest son John W., brother Leonard Sheirbon, sister Leona Goodrich, and great grandson Andrew Sheldrake.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 1165 N.W. Monroe Ave., Corvallis, OR. 97330, Benton Hospice Service, 2350 NW Professional Dr. Corvallis, Or. 97330 or to the charity of your choice.
A time to celebrate Lois’s life and mourn her passing is planned for 12:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26th, 2008 at Anderson's with a reception to follow. Reverend Rinya Frisbie of Asbury United Methodist Church, Hood River will officiate. Concluding services will be at the Idlewilde Cemetery.
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