G. Darlene Dillavou

Gwendlyn Darlene Dillavou, 89, passed away on July 7.  She was born November 15, 1934, in Paisley, OR, to Herbert and Vernetia (Banister) Hadley and grew up in Bly, OR. She attended college at Oregon Technical Institute.  In March 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Dillavou.  They lived in El Paso, TX, where Jerry was in the Air Force. In 1955, they returned to Bly.  Their son, Gary, was born in 1957.  They lived on Gerber Ranch for 12 years where Darlene cooked and cleaned for the ranch hands.  They then built their dream home in Bly. Darlene was the Water Master and when needed, drove the ambulance.

In 1980, she and Jerry moved to Sabah Malaysia where Jerry worked for Weyerhaeuser.  It was a huge adjustment for Darlene to set up household in a lumber camp in the middle of the jungle; ordering supplies 2 months in advance from Singapore, and buying fresh food from outdoor markets.  It may have been a lot different being a hostess in their home in Oregon, but how she treated the people they met didn’t change.  They made a life there and were loved and respected by everyone. They traveled extensively in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Their Amah (maid) Violeta Limod, was like a daughter to them.  She helped Darlene learn the ins and outs of their new life, and on their return to the US, she came with them. 

They moved back to the US in 1986. First living in North Bend, WA, and later in Raymond, WA.  After Jerry’s retirement in 1996, they moved to Pendleton, OR, to be close to family.  Darlene and Jerry loved their grandchildren and took them on many adventures. They were very involved in all their school and athletic events.  They loved Darlene--she was their Lola.

Darlene loved to garden. She collected seashells, and they traveled to remote areas in Asia in search of them. She was a very competitive Bridge player.  She enjoyed vacations in Mexico with family and friends to golf.  She was a member of the Free Methodist Church. They were always involved in church and community events wherever they lived, and always helped anyone in need.  Darlene had a quick wit, and with the twist of her index finger and a direct look, always got the last word in.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her brother Butch (Lee), Bly, OR; son Gary (Linda) of Pendleton; grandson Shane (Rachael) of La Grande, OR; granddaughters Katie of Boise, ID, and Nicole (Anthony) of Meridian, ID; great-grandsons Kellen and Nolan, and great-granddaughter, Lily Darlene.  She was Aunt Dolly to many nieces and nephews who she treated as her own, and she meant the world to them. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Malcolm Townsley, the staff at McKay Creek Estates, and Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice for their care and support.

An open casket viewing is on July 26 from 4 to 6 pm at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 27, at 11 am at Skyview Cemetery.  A reception will follow at noon at the Eagles in Pendleton.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Outreach Food Pantry in Pendleton.