Obituaries

Oteala Ann Nelson, 77, died peacefully on July 25.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 29, at 3 p.m. at the Myrtle Creek Church of the Nazarene located at 235 NE Rice Street.
She was born on September 17, 1948, in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, to Andrew and Mabel Smith. As a young child, she moved with her family to Myrtle Creek, Oregon.
On June 14, 1969, she married the love of her life Richard Nelson. They were married for 57 years. Together they shared many good years, building a life filled with faith, love and service, raising their family and making countless memories.
She was a longtime member of the Church of the Nazarene, and her faith was a big part of her life. She showed her beliefs through kindness, compassion, and generosity toward others.
She worked for 17 years at Myrtle Creek Elementary, where she made a positive difference in the lives of students, families, and coworkers with her caring nature and warm smile.
She loved spending time with her family and doing the things she enjoyed. She liked arts and crafts, camping, fishing, gardening, tending to her flowers, game nights, and trips to the Oregon coast. Most of all, she loved every moment with her children, grandchildren, and loved ones.
She will be remembered for her strong faith, kind heart, creative spirit, and deep love for her family. Her warmth, laughter, and kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her legacy will live on through her family.
She will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Survivors include: her husband, Richard Nelson; a aunt, Glenda Armstrong; two siblings, Randall Smith and Sedonia (and Dave) Berg; three children, Wyvonna (and Blaine) Garman, Byron (and Cathleen) Nelson, and Vanessa (and JD) Sauter; and eight grandchildren, Denom Garman, Laken Garman, Jasmine (and Josua) Schuh, Jared Nelson, Draxton Deardorff, Vander Deardorff, Neykah Deardorff, and Ulionna Sauter.
She was preceded in death by: a granddaughter, Jenna Nelson, whose memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

George Nicholas Radovich, 89, died January 8.
He was born September 20, 1936, in Portland, Oregon.
He grew up along side his three sisters, Donna, Melissa and Valerie.
In his youth he helped his father run the family nursery learning the value of hard work early in life.
While attending high school he met the love of his life, Neva June Rodgers. They married shortly thereafter and welcomed two sons, George Jr., and Joe.
He worked for the City of Portland for 30 years.
He was also a ham radio operator for many years, a hobby he greatly enjoyed.
Tragically the couple lost both of their sons, Joe at the age of 22 and George Jr., later at the age of 40.
In 1992 he retired and the couple moved to Myrtle Creek where they built a fulfilling life together.
He became an active member of the community. He created websites for the town of Myrtle Creek and was recognized in the local newspaper for his accomplishments.
He was a longtime member of the Lions club. He served on the Myrtle Creek Parks Commission, was a shuttle driver for Seven Feathers Casino Resort and volunteered with Seniors Escorting Seniors.
After his wife died in 2008 he continued to volunteer until he could no longer be active, but continued to pay his yearly dues.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. He will be remembered for his feistiness and witty humor.
Survivors include: five grandchildren, Lea, Jeremy, Katlyn, Rachel and Matthew; a great-great-grandaughter, Ariana; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy; a sister , Valerie; and several nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life is set for May 26 at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Portland.