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About The Chronicle : Creswell & Cottage Grove. (Creswell, Ore.) 2019-current | View Entire Issue (May 7, 2020)
4 — THE CHRONICLE community THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 TRIBUTES Rosemary Estelle Janz Gladys Sherry Baker Craig McClain Matsler Velma Awbrey Paul Lee ‘Daddo’ Rothrock Sept. 24, 1927 - March 11, 2020 July 28, 1929 - April 29, 2020 July 3, 1949 - April 10, 2020 March 14, 1920 - April 22, 2020 Nov. 24, 1955 - April 24, 2020 Rosemary “Rosie” Estelle Janz, 92, a woman of heart, strength and character, enriched the lives of all who knew her. Born in Alhambra, Calif., to Clarance and Kathleen Ward, she joined her brother, Clarance "Bud" Ward. Following high school graduation, Rosemary pursued higher education at the U of O and Monmouth School of Education, where she met her best friend and life partner, Philip Janz. They were married in Eugene on Sept. 24, 1950, relocating to Seaside, Ore., where Phil taught school and Rosie was a homemaker. Summer employment was fi re-watch at the Live Oaks Lookout station, until Christy was born in 1951, the fi rst of three children. In 1955, Rosie and Phil bought a home in Eugene, where they set down their roots, created a loving home, raised their family and lived out their lives. Rosemary's perseverance led her back to school at the U of O, after her family was raised, to earn her bachelor of arts in education and a masters in coun- seling. She worked as an elementary school counselor and later, opened her own private practice. As a dedicated volunteer, Rosie worked tirelessly for the National Forest Homeowners Association, The League of Women Voters, World Beyond War and The PC Jr. Computer Club. She was always willing to express her opinion and to stand up for the rights of others, as well as the environment. Rosie graciously donated blood to the American Red Cross well over 100 times. Rosemary had a life-long love of learning. She was an avid reader, sharing that passion with regular gatherings of her friends in the XY book club. Rosie enjoyed attending plays at many local theaters and loved conversation and bringing people of all ages and walks of life together. She and her husband, Phil, frequently planned adventurous trips with groups of friends and family, to wild and remote places. She paddled many miles along scenic lakes and rivers and hiked numerous mountain peaks and wilderness trails always singing and telling stories along the way. She loved sharing special places with friends and family. Her family cabin on the Rogue River always held a special place in her heart. She loved to sit around a table with others putting together puzzles, playing games, telling stories and laughing, and was a dedi- cated member of the Coffee-klatch at the Levy's. Rosie was compassionate and supportive, always there with a warm hug and a smile. Her legendary rum cakes will always be remembered. There will never be another like the beautiful "Rosie!" Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Janz, her granddaughter, Tonya Olsen- Merrigan, her brother, "Bud," as well as her parents. She is survived by her three children, Chris Janz of Couer d'alene, Idaho; Kurt Janz of Seattle; Casey Janz of Kodiak, Ark., and Cottage Grove. Grandchildren: Carl and Cary Janz; Paul Burns and Cassie Janz- Burns; Rebecca and Mikie Merrigan, Wendy Whitfi eld-Irish, as well as numerous great-grand and great-great grandchildren and Uncle Claude Millsap and cousin, Murial Jensen. Donations can be made in honor of Rosemary Janz to either The League of Women Voters or The American Red Cross. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time. Gladys Sherry Baker, 90, of Elkton, Ore., passed away April 29, 2020. She was born on July 28, 1929, in Elkton to parents Sh a r on a nd Ma r y May (Morris) Colley. Sherry graduated from high school and married Warren Estes Baker on Aug. 2, 1949. Sher r y was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family very much. Family dinners and entertaining were always one of her favorite activities. When her children were grown, she began caring for the children of Elkton, whom she loved as her own family. Sherry had an infectious smile and a positive outlook. She had a zest for life that was evident in her hardy laugh and spontaneous songs. If you were lucky, you may have even gotten to dance with her in a moment of joy. Sherry served as a longtime member of the Rebekahs, a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She founded an annual pie auction for the benefit of the Elkton Community Education Center that allowed her to share her famous blackberry pies with everyone. In addition to baking, she was a talented seamstress, artist and crafter. Sherry was also an avid flower gardener, who cou ld g row nea rly anything, including a pleth- ora of blackberry vines. Sherry is survived by her son R. Whitney Baker and his wife Shirley (Chewelah, Wash.); daughter Debora E. Scha l la a nd husba nd Roy (Coos Bay); son David M. Baker and wife Vickie L enton (Su lt a n, Wash.); seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Warren E. Ba ker a nd T heodore Colley. A private graveside service was held at Elkton Cemetery. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove. Craig Matsler, 70, passed away April 10, 2020, after a two-and-a-half year battle with Nonhodgkin’s lymphoma. Craig was born in Oregon City and grew up in Springfi eld. He attended Thurston High School, graduating class of 1968. Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, proudly serving our coun- try through the Vietnam War; he was honorably discharged in 1971. After returning home, Craig spent time in Alaska, where he found more passion for his love of the outdoors. While there and over the years, he learned many trades which set him up well for his fi nal career path. Craig retired from EWEB, after working there for 26 years from Sept. 20, 1988, to July 31, 2014. Craig was honored to be a part of the EWEB family and gained many of his lifelong friends there. Craig married Candice Trout in September of 1986. They had two children, Jessica and Lindsey. They bought a home together in Creswell, where they would raise their family. The two divorced and Craig remained in the home they bought in Creswell, where he raised his daughter, Lindsey. Craig’s love for the outdoors never faded. His true passion was packing into the mountains on his mules. He had idol hands and spent countless hours work- ing on projects that he enjoyed. Craig later married Clara Johnson in January 2006. The two moved to Prineville in 2015. Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Virginia Matsler. Craig is survived by his daughter Lindsey Roberts and son-in-law Wayne Roberts and grandchildren Kinslee, Kali, Kree and Kage; daughter Jessica Trout and grandson Alex; brother and sister-in-law Kim and Kim Matsler; sister Renda Dalros and brother-in-law Jerry Dalros; wife Clara Matsler; stepdaughter Katie and granddaughter Delany; and stepson Frank and grandson Dustin. A service will be held for Craig when gatherings are permitted by local health authorities. In lieu of fl owers, please consider donat- ing to your local blood bank in Craig’s memory. Velma Awbrey, 100, of La Pine, formerly of Pleasant Hill, passed away on April 22, 2020 She was born in Catoosa, Oklahoma on March 14, 1920. When she was still a young child her family moved to Oregon. She later married Homer Awbrey and they built a home and farm in Pleasant Hill, where they lived for over 62 years. After her husband passed away she moved to La Pine to be close to her children. Velma was an avid rock hunter and she also loved to work in her vegetable and fl ower gardens. She and her husband belonged to a bowling league for over 15 years and she was a lifetime member of the Women`s Moose Lodge. Velma was very proud of her Cherokee Indian heritage and shared this love of her heritage with her grandchildren. She always loved to be around people and no one was a stranger to her. Velma is survived by a daughter, Patricia Pfaff; son James L. Awbrey; five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. Velma was laid to rest beside her husband in the Wallace Pioneer Family Cemetery at Jasper. The family would like to thank the beautiful workers at the Heart ‘n Home Hospice of La Pine, and Velma`s foster home caregivers for their loving care. The family would also like to thank Major Family Funeral Home in Springfi eld who took care of all her burial needs. Visit majorfamilyfu- neralhome.com to sign the online guest book. Paul Lee “Daddo” Rothrock, 64, of Cottage Grove, passed away on April 24, 2020. He was born on Nov. 24, 1955 in Sutherlin, to parents Fredrick R. and Hattie E. (Peeples) Rothrock. Paul received an associ- ate of science degree from Lane Community College. He served in the United States Army as a sharp- shooter receiving an expert rifle badge, was a tank driver and an MP (second term). Following his time in the military he was a boxer and later taught his daughters how to box. Paul married Rose L. Monroe on Feb. 2, 1974 in Winston. Paul worked as a master mechanic. He loved his family and always put them first. He enjoyed hunting, fi shing, camping at the coast with his family collecting guns, garden- ing and woodworking. He could do anything that he put his mind to, he was a walking encyclopedia and math genius. Paul was a social butterfl y; he never met a stranger. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Rosie Rothrock; daugh- ter, Angie Ish and husband Jamie; daughter, Crystal Aura and husband Jake; son, Dylan Tyler all of Cottage Grove; brother, Dick Kaiser, Umpqua; brother, Cary Kaiser, Veneta; sister, Karin Schiltz and husband David, Eugene; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grand- children. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements in the care of Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove. Obits are free in The Chronicle. Email info@Chronicle1909.com Make sure your plan is right for you! Call for a FREE evaluation of your current insurance policies. 458-209-2155 service@mycoveragepros.com We’ve got your back!