sNok signflz
APRIL 1, 2025
21
Walking On...
Polly Katherine Lewis
Patrick Earl Watson
May 22, 1947 – March 8, 2025
Tribal parent Polly Katherine Lewis
died on March 8, 2025, from complica-
tions of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease after a two-decade long struggle.
Polly was born May 22, 1947, in Vallejo,
California. Her father was Thomas Ar-
nold Cox (1920-1982) of Tignall, Georgia
and mother was Martha Alice Cluver
(1921-1986) of Petaluma, California.
In her youth, Polly’s family frequently
moved due to her father, Thomas, being
a master boilermaker in the Navy. Vallejo
was the town where they lived for many
years while Thomas worked at the Mare
Island Naval Station as an engineer.
Later they settled on an 11-acre farm near Napa, California. Polly has
many relatives in Petaluma, being a descendant of the Douglas, Evans,
Tupper and Cluver families of the town.
Polly and Tribal member Gary Wayne Lewis (1943-2011) of Sheridan
were married in Concord, California, and with Gary in the Army, they
lived in Heidelberg, Germany; Livorno, Italy; and New Jersey. They
moved to Salem in 1972, where Polly lived ever since.
She attended Chemeketa Community College, Willamette University
and Western Oregon University, earning a master’s degree in counseling
and working as a mental health therapist at Northwest Human Ser-
vices in Salem, the Behavioral Health program in Grand Ronde and in
private practice.
During her life Polly owned a yarn shop in West Salem, did therapy
under the business name Tranquility Inc. and sold books online for 20
years. Polly was a voracious lifetime reader, worked with wool textiles
spinning and creating her own sweaters and loved her home flower
garden created with her long-term companion, Bill Dukes.
She is survived by her sisters, Linda L. Herr-Akins of Salem, Katie A.
Morris of Napa and Nancy S. Raby of Petaluma. A fifth sibling, Susan,
died as a child and sister, Pat E. Honsvick, passed in 2024.
She had two children with Gary, Tribal Elders David Gene Lewis and
Patricia Anne Schmitt, who survive her, as well as seven grandchildren,
Katie L. Schmitt, Thomas M. Schmitt, Saghaley W. Lewis, Inatye D.
Lewis, Michael J. Becka, Laura M. Carroll, and Jamie D. Oakes; and
seven great-grandchildren.
She loved and was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren,
who loved her very much.
Sept. 11, 1961 – March 11, 2025
Tribal Elder Patrick Earl Watson, a
beloved son, brother, and uncle, passed
away peacefully on March 11, 2025, in
Corvallis, Oregon, at the age of 63.
He was born Sept. 11, 1961, in Salem,
Oregon, to Robert and Vera Watson.
Patrick was a kind and loyal man whose
life was full of adventure, camaraderie,
and love for his family and friends.
A 1979 graduate of South Salem High
School, Pat’s passion for sports, the com-
munity and his alma maters continued
throughout his life. He attended Oregon
State University and was a proud, life-
long fan of the OSU Beavers, attending many football and baseball games
to cheer on his team. His enthusiasm for the Beavers was contagious, and
he enjoyed sharing this love with those around him.
For more than 20 years, Pat worked as a long-haul truck driver, forging
lasting relationships with fellow drivers, many of whom admired his re-
markable memory. His friends fondly nicknamed him “WikiPatia” due to
his vast knowledge and his ability to recall even the most obscure details.
Pat had a love for the outdoors, especially fishing and camping, where
he found peace and joy. He also had a keen interest in podcasts and lively
discussions on politics, always ready to engage in thoughtful conversa-
tions with friends and family. His unique perspective and quick wit will
be missed by all who knew him.
Pat was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Vera; brother, Jimmy;
and aunts, Kathryn Harrison and Marie Schmidt.
He is survived by his devoted father, Robert; siblings, Roberta Watson
(Ken Aerni), Doug Watson, Mike Watson, Sandy Watson and Lisa Watson
(Peter Shanky); as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family
members who will cherish his memory.
A celebration of Pat’s life was held at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Home in
Salem, Oregon, Monday, March 17.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat ’s memory can be made to the Oregon
State University Athletics Fund, a cause that was close to his heart.
Pat will be deeply missed for his unwavering loyalty, infectious spirit
and ability to bring people together. May he rest in peace, knowing he
touched so many lives with his kindness and love.
Cecilia Rose Bissonette
Aug. 21, 1948 – March 16, 2025
Tribal Elder Cecilia Rose Bisson-
ette passed on March 16, 2025, at
the age of 76.
Cecilia was born in McMinnville,
Oregon. After 76 years of laughter
and toil, she walked on from her
home in Grand Meadows.
She was preceded in death by
her dear mother, Etta Ann (Porter)
and stepfather, Ralph Hansen; and
sisters, Annetta Marie Hansen and
Jean (Younger) Olean.
She is survived by her children,
Richard Allen Bailey and Ronald
Edward Bissonette and his wife, Stacey Lynn; grandchildren, Tristan,
Sydney, Trevor, Brady, Madison and Bryce; five great-grandchildren
with two more on the way; as well as her siblings, Cassandra Lee (Por-
ter) Scott, Richard Charles Younger, Stephanie Sue (Younger) Grim,
Lewis Steven Younger, Marietta Marie (Hansen) Leith, Ralph Edward
Hansen and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and kin who remember
her with fondness.
Cecilia was a lifelong Oregonian, spending most of her youth and adult-
hood in and around the communities of Willamina and Grand Ronde.
She married twice, first to Russell Alan Bailey in 1967 and then later
to Ronald Duane Bissonette in 1972.
She raised her boys to be strong and independent, and lived her life
in the same manner.
In her later years, Cecilia resided as a member of the community of
Elders at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. She will be deeply
missed by all who knew and loved her.
Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas is assisting the family.
A celebration of life will be held from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at the
Tribal Community Center.
WANT TO PLACE AN AD?
DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE IN
SMOKE SIGNALS?
Tribal member?
Did you know Smoke Signals offers
special discounted advertising rates
for Tribal members.
Not a Tribal member?
We accept ads from non-Tribal members
as well. Please contact us for a current list
of advertising rates.
For more information contact:
Katherine Warren Steffensmier at 503-879-1466 or
Katherine.Warren-Steffensmier@grandronde.org
Smoke Signals is always FREE
online at smokesignals.org.
Click current issue pdf or
send an email to
news@grandronde.org
to subscribe.
WWW.SMOKESIGNALS.ORG
Ad by Samuel Briggs III