Erlene Graham Obituary

GRAHAM, ERLENE Erlene Graham of Clackamas, Oregon, was born on December 3, 1940 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to parents Arnold and Eunice Bentley Dull. She died on April 24, 2005 at Providence Medical Center in Milwaukie, Oregon at the age of 64 years. She lived in Jefferson City, Missouri. Erlene graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1959. She attended Warrensburg College for one year. Erlene was united in marriage to John C. Graham on October 27, 1963 in Jefferson City, Missouri. They moved to Hermiston, Oregon and she completed her degree in cosmetology in 1964. She worked as a cosmetologist until 1971 when she devoted her time to be a full-time homemaker. They also lived in Corvallis, OR and Omaha, Nebraska before settling in the Portland, Oregon area in 1971, where they have lived since. She returned to work in 1987 as a salesperson at a local fabric store for 3 years and later as a seamstress for Jan's Originals in Gresham, Oregon until 1999. Erlene then started a quilting club and devoted her time to working on quilts for many area charities and causes as well as many for her family and friends. She has been a member of the Damascus Community Church since 1978. Erlene enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, books, Bible study, entertaining others in her home, even rock climbing with her youngest daughter, but most of all spending time with her family. She touched countless people and had a great impact in many peoples' lives. She is survived by her husband, John C. Graham, Clackamas, OR; son John A. Graham, Oregon City, OR; daughters Kellie L. Bennett, Seattle, WA and Rebecca E. Gibson, Portland, OR; mother Eunice Dull, Bartlesville, OK; brother Jerry B. Dull, Bartlesville, OK; 4 grandchildren, Abigail, Morgan, Alexandra and Zachary. Erlene was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Dull. A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 12:00 Noon at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon. A memorial celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 4:00 PM at the Damascus Community Church, Damascus, Oregon. Those who wish may make contributions in Erlene's memory to the Damascus Community Church Building Fund. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon in care of arrangements.