A5
THE ASTORIAN • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022
OBITUARIES
Marilyn Kay Bowers
Viola ‘Vi’ Leonhardt
Astoria
Jan. 1, 1941 — Jan. 25, 2022
Ocean Park, Washington
Dec. 23, 1928 — Feb. 2, 2022
Marilyn Kay Bowers was born at home in rian on the steep hillside of Astoria. Marilyn
Abilene, Kansas, on Jan. 1, 1941, the fi rst to was also very active in her church, First Bap-
be born in Abilene that year. She passed away tist Church of Astoria.
while in hospice care in Vancouver,
Marilyn was a lifelong animal
Washington, on Jan. 25, 2022.
lover who had a horse and many
Growing up, Marilyn’s dad was
special dogs and cats over the
the caretaker of the Eisenhower
years. She was also a huge sports
Park where they lived, so the park
fan who followed professional
was her playground. Lots of hours
and college baseball, football and
were spent playing in the pool and
basketball. Her favorite sport was
around the park.
whatever season we were in at the
After graduating from Abilene
time.
High School in 1958, Marilyn
After having suff ered two major
went to work for Bell Telephone as
strokes, she gave up the home she
Marilyn Bowers
an operator. Wanting to see other
loved and moved to Astor Place
places, she transferred to Orange
Assisted Living Community,
County, California, where she remained with where she made lots of new friends. Thank
the phone company, working her way up to you to those who cared for her there for the
an estimate assigner locating phone lines, past seven years.
until her retirement 30 years later.
She was preceded in death by her par-
Marilyn had a yearly pass to Disneyland ents, Ellis and Iris (Callahan) Bowers; broth-
for many years, and was delighted to take ers, Glenn Bowers, Jack Bowers and Gerald
her nieces, nephews and their families there “Swede” Bowers (Floy); a sister, Dorothy
when they came to visit. Also, being a big Jones; and best friend, Mary Ann Lugo.
sports fan, a trip to watch the Los Angeles
She is survived by one brother, Robert
Angels was usually on the agenda.
Bowers, of California; nephews, Mike Jones
Oddly enough, Marilyn had three best (Jan Mogenson-Jones), of Astoria, Bruce,
friends, all named Mary Ann. They all had Barry and Brad Bowers, of Abilene, and Pat-
many adventures, and traveled together over rick Bowers, of Oklahoma; and nieces, Carrie
the years.
Payne and Susan Larson, of Abilene, Tracy
After retirement, wanting a quieter life- Kilgore, of New Mexico, and Pam Hawkins,
style and to be closer to her sister, Marilyn of California. Also surviving are many great-
moved to Astoria. To keep busy, she volun- nieces, great-nephews and close friend Mary
teered to operate the snack shack at Tapiola Ann (Simpson) Hunter.
Park for Babe Ruth Baseball. She also took
The family plans to scatter her ashes later
on a walking paper route for The Daily Asto- this spring.
Viola was born in Arthyde, Minne- while dancing to “Puttin’ on the Ritz”
sota, on Dec. 23, 1928. Her parents, during the annual Astoria dance recital.
After her husband passed away in
Fred Hendrickson and Vieno (Warpula)
2005, she remained in Astoria
Hendrickson, spoke only Finn-
until 2008, when she moved to
ish, and Viola learned to speak
South Bend, Washington. She
English at Lepisto School, a one-
made many friends there, and
room schoolhouse in rural north
especially enjoyed their regu-
central Minnesota.
lar Friday morning restaurant
Viola shared memories of
date known as “old people’s
trudging through very deep
breakfast” at a local restau-
snow with her older brother,
rant with attendees from ages
Edwin, getting her tongue stuck
5 to 80-plus.
on an icy chinning bar just like
She enjoyed extraordi-
the scene in the classic holi-
Viola Leonhardt
narily good health throughout
day move, “A Christmas Story.”
her life (which she attributed
Her favorite time at school was
recess, when the children were allowed to Minnesota well water) until 2016,
to chatter with one another in Finnish, as when she was diagnosed with Parkin-
son’s disease.
it was English only in the classroom.
A Finnish woman with much “sisu,”
In 1938, her family auctioned their
dairy farm in Minnesota, loaded up the she continued to live on her own until
Model A Ford, and headed for Taft (Lin- 2019, when she decided assisted living
coln City). The seemingly endless drive might be a good idea. As her disease pro-
featured many bologna sandwiches on gressed, she spent her last year at Coastal
homemade bread, and scary times on the Care in Ocean Park, Washington, where
narrow passes over the Rocky Moun- she received never-ending love and
tains. In her adult years, Viola never, assistance from her caregivers.
She passed peacefully on Feb. 2,
ever was fond of bologna or high places.
Her teen years in Taft were spent rel- 2022.
Viola was preceded in death by her
ishing school and activities, working at
the soda fountain at the Taft Drug Store husband of 57 years, Harold Leonhardt;
and helping with milk house chores at parents, Fred and Vieno Hendrickson;
brother, Edwin Hendrickson; and son-in-
the small family dairy farm.
Her parents moved to Portland at the law, Andy Overby.
She is survived by her son and daugh-
start of World War II, where they bought
a boarding house and worked in the ship- ter-in-law, David Leonhardt and Con-
yards. Upon her graduation from Taft nie Haas, of Sherwood; grandsons, Joe
High School in 1946, Viola joined them Leonhardt (Jess Campbell), of Cottage
and went to work at Federal Reserve Grove, and Tim Leonhardt, of Sher-
wood; daughter, Julie Overby and “dear
Bank in downtown Portland.
It was in Portland, in 1947, through one” Mike Wagenblast, of South Bend;
mutual friends, that she met Harold granddaughter, Erika Overby and grand-
Leonhardt, who had asked “who is the son Joseph Overby, both of South Bend;
girl in the red coat?” After dating for a nephews, Bob Walsh, of Seaside, and
few months, they married on Oct. 18, Mike Walsh, of Mulino; and nieces,
Susan Mickelberry, of Portland, Carol
1947.
In 1953, they moved to their home on Feltz, of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and
Youngs River Road in Astoria. Viola was Connie Herring and Mary LeFebvre,
a stay-at-home mom until 1965, when both of Lincoln City.
The family will host a celebration of
she went to work as a teacher’s assistant
at Lewis and Clark Consolidated School. life in Viola’s memory at Suomi Hall
For several years prior to her retire- (United Finnish Kaleva Brothers & Sis-
ment in 1988, she worked in the library ters) in Astoria this spring. The date and
in the K-8 school. She had a wonderful time will be announced.
In remembrance of Viola’s life, the
knack for steering each child toward a
book she felt would encourage them to family suggests any charitable donations
be made to: Friends of Suomi Hall, P.O.
share her love of reading.
One of her favorite accomplishments Box 146, Astoria, OR., 97103; or to the
was learning to tap dance at age 50. She Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkin-
and two of her contemporaries in the son’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hager-
class savored the applause they received stown, MD., 21741-5014.
Michael Ray Stevenson
Gearhart
July 27, 1967 — Jan. 30, 2022
“Character comes out in adversity, and Gearhart to be nearer to family.
he was a beacon to everyone as he bravely
There would be many challenges over
dealt with what would have defeated a lesser the next 16 years, which Mike faced with
soul.” — John Stevenson
extraordinary strength and cour-
Michael Ray Stevenson entered
age. He never lost his quick wit
the world on July 27, 1967, in
and sense of humor.
Escondido, California. He was the
In 2017, he welcomed grand-
fi rst child born to his parents, and
son Chevy Michael James Steven-
the fi rst grandson for both sides
son, in whom he took great delight.
of the family. He was joined by a
He was loved deeply by his fam-
brother, Daniel Robert, in 1970,
ily and cherished by many friends
and sister, Sharon Rose, in 1974.
throughout the years.
In 1976, the family packed up
On Jan. 30, 2022, Mike’s body
and moved to La Grande. Except
gave out, related to his ongoing
for an occasional adventure, Mike Michael Stevenson medical challenges; his spirit will
would spend most of his next 29
live on forever.
years there. The family lived in a big, old
Mike is survived by his parents, Stan-
farmhouse on 10 acres of land. There would ley and Rosemary Stevenson, of Gearhart;
be a huge variety of animals around, and brother, Dan, of Boise, Idaho; sister, Sharon
Mike was always an animal lover.
(Boty), of Gearhart; his son, Alex, of Sea-
He attended Greenwood Elementary side; and his grandson, Chevy, of Post Falls,
School, graduated from La Grande High Idaho.
School in 1985, and attended Eastern Ore-
He was a loving uncle to Noah, of Spring-
gon State College part time.
fi eld, Gavin, of Gearhart, and Vann, of La
He enjoyed fi shing, bowling and softball, Grande. His stepchildren, Kayla and Kyle,
and excelled in racquetball. Football and remember him fondly. He is also survived
baseball were also a passion, with favorite by other family members, and many loyal
teams including the Oregon Ducks and NFL friends, and his loving yellow Lab, “Kirby,”
team the Rams.
and felines, “Dexter” and “Marley.”
There were many Cubs games attended
His family appreciated the dedicated care-
with Grandpa Kendall, his brother and Uncle givers who provided help for Mike through-
Joe at Wrigley Field during visits to his out the years.
mother’s hometown of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his son, Gar-
He loved music, with his favorite band rett Michael Stevenson, on Jan. 9, 2022;
being U2. He fi nally got to attend one of their infant sister, Mary, in 1968; and his grand-
concerts with his brother and son in 2011. parents, Robert and Helen Kendall and John
Mike braved an Alaskan cruise in 2015, and and Lois Stevenson.
delighted in seeing the glaciers and whales.
Donations can be made to the the Provi-
His two sons, Alex in 1992, and Garrett dence Seaside Hospital Foundation, or Lower
in 1998, were both born in La Grande. In Columbia Hospice, in Mike’s memory.
November 2005, a life changing, work-re-
A celebration of life will be held at a later
lated accident occurred. Mike was left com- date, to be announced.
pletely and permanently disabled. After one
Please visit hughesransom.com to sign
and a half years in hospitals and rehab facil- our online guest book and for direct links to
ities, he would settle into a new home in make donations in Michael’s honor.
Registration NOW OPEN for Spring Watercolor Classes with Local Instructor Lindsey Aarts
Watercolor for Beginners Tuesdays in March • Intermediate Watercolor Tuesdays in April
Go to www.crmm.org/classes for more information
OPEN DAILY 9:30 TO 5:00 • 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR • 503.325.2323 • www.crmm.org
SEVENDAY FORECAST FOR ASTORIA
TODAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
REGIONAL FORECAST
Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.
Seattle
51 41
Partly sunny
56 40
55 37
Partly sunny
Partly sunny
57 39
58 40
Plenty of sun
Partly sunny
52 42
Mostly sunny
52 40
Cloudy
Aberdeen
Olympia
48/41
49/41
Wenatchee
Tacoma
Moses
Lake
49/38
ALMANAC
UNDER THE SKY
TODAY'S TIDES
Astoria through Sunday
Tonight’s Sky: Hydra, the water
snake, takes more than seven
hours for the whole snake to rise.
Astoria / Port Docks
Temperatures
High/low ................................ 61/34
Normal high/low .................. 50/38
Record high .................. 65 in 1954
Record low .................... 20 in 2014
Precipitation
Sunday ..................................... 0.00”
Month to date ........................ 0.35”
Normal month to date ......... 1.64”
Year to date .......................... 13.83”
Normal year to date ........... 12.23”
Forecasts and graphics provided by
AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022
Time
6:05 a.m.
7:19 p.m.
7.9 1:14 p.m.
5.6
none
1.8
Cape Disappointment
5:45 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
Source: Jim Todd, OMSI
Hammond
SUN AND MOON
Sunrise today .................. 7:29 a.m.
Sunset tonight ............... 5:31 p.m.
Moonrise today ........... 11:03 a.m.
Moonset today ............... 1:13 a.m.
First
Full
Last
New
5:53 a.m.
7:08 p.m.
Warrenton
6:00 a.m.
7:14 p.m.
Knappa
6:42 a.m.
7:56 p.m.
Depoe Bay
Feb 8 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2
5:01 a.m.
6:20 p.m.
7.8 12:32 p.m. 1.9
5.3 11:51 p.m. 3.8
8.0 12:50 p.m. 1.8
5.6
none
8.3 12:58 p.m. 1.9
6.0
none
8.2 12:43 a.m. 2.2
5.9 2:15 p.m. 1.5
8.1 12:06 p.m. 2.1
5.6 11:13 p.m. 4.0
City
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Honolulu
Houston
Los Angeles
Miami
New York City
Phoenix
San Francisco
Wash., DC
Today
Hi/Lo/W
Wed.
Hi/Lo/W
56/35/s
41/27/r
36/31/pc
68/37/s
48/28/pc
81/67/s
63/40/s
80/58/s
77/63/sh
46/31/pc
74/50/s
66/48/s
46/31/pc
59/39/s
41/33/pc
38/24/sf
67/37/s
46/28/pc
81/67/s
66/41/s
87/58/s
73/58/c
46/33/s
78/50/s
68/50/s
55/39/s
Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy,
c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms,
r-rain, sf-snow fl urries, sn-snow, i-ice.
47/35
Hermiston
The Dalles 50/35
Enterprise
Pendleton 43/29
50/38
53/43
La Grande
43/30
53/36
NATIONAL CITIES
High (ft.) Time Low (ft.)
41/31
Kennewick Walla Walla
47/37 Lewiston
47/34
49/37
Salem
Pullman
45/31
Longview
51/41 Portland
52/38
39/30
Yakima 38/28
51/40
Astoria
Spokane
37/31
Corvallis
50/35
Albany
49/33
John Day
Eugene
Bend
50/36
63/33
52/29
Ontario
36/25
Caldwell
Burns
50/25
42/27
Medford
62/31
Klamath Falls
58/23
City
Baker City
Brookings
Ilwaco
Newberg
Newport
Today
Hi/Lo/W
35/21/pc
67/50/s
48/42/pc
50/34/pc
54/41/s
Wed.
Hi/Lo/W
40/24/s
68/50/s
53/41/pc
57/36/s
57/42/pc
City
North Bend
Roseburg
Seaside
Springfi eld
Vancouver
Today
Hi/Lo/W
58/41/s
55/37/pc
51/40/pc
50/35/s
50/35/pc
Wed.
Hi/Lo/W
60/44/s
59/40/pc
57/38/pc
58/36/s
56/38/s