Mrs. Ona Joy Warner Mendenhall

Ona was born on May 8, 1922 in Fremont, Nebraska and was the daughter of John and Helen (Rumpeltes) Warner. She attended grade school at Thrinity Lutheran School and graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1940. After high school she completed her training to be a secretary.

In 1942, Ona, along with a friend, moved to Portland, Oregon to work in at the Vanport Ship Yards during WWII. She held the position of Time Check Girl. In 1951, she went to work for Sears Roebuck and Company as a Cashier. She retired in 1981 after 30 years of employment. Retirement had its perks, however. Ona had two grandchildren whom she simply adored. She was not only Grandma but also care giver, baby sitter and most importantly friend.

On June 10, 1945, Ona married Lawrence Mike Mendenhall in Vancouver, Washington. Portland became their permanent home and it was there that they raised their daughter, Lana. They were also life time members of St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Mike preceded Ona in death in 1981. Ona remained in Portland after her husband’s death but moved to Damascus just this past year to receive more in depth care as she battled with Alzheimer’s.

Ona had many interests in life. She loved her flowers and taking care of her yard and garden. She also liked playing cards and Bunco. Her greatest love, however, was time spent with her family. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren; Sarah and Chuck and was instrumental in molding them into the young adults they are today.

Ona is survived by her daughter; Lana Ayer of Damascus and her sister; Nancy Fancher of Portland, sister in laws, Shirley Warner of Redland, Isabelle Warner of Denver along with her two grandchildren; Sarah and Chuck Ayer and many, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike along with her 3 brothers and 1 sister.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 11:00 am at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Portland. Inurnment will follow at Willamette National Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.