Patricia "Sam" Ruth (Rothery) Chilson-Graham

Patricia “Sam” Ruth (Rothery) Chilson Graham age 91, passed away surrounded by family and friends on April 7, 2019, in Gresham, Oregon. She was born on August 11, 1927 in Portland, Oregon to William and Ruth (Hawkins) Rothery. She graduated in 1944 from Cleveland High School, formerly known as Commerce High School.

Pat married her first husband, Eugene Chilson, in 1944 and had 4 children: sons, Gene, Ted and Russ Chilson, and daughter Patti (Chilson) Cort. She married her second husband, Rodger Seth Graham, on September 27, 1975. It was Rodger who gave her the nickname “Sam”. They were happily married until his passing on March 10, 2010.

Sam was a dedicated employee of Trinity United Methodist Church on Steele Street in Portland, OR where she also attended church. After retiring at the age of 82 and moving to Gresham in 2009 Sam got involved in her new community. She was on the board and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, as well as being involved with the Gresham Senior Center.

Sam was an avid reader. She also enjoyed watching classic movies, gardening and musicals. Even into her 90’s she was an avid Facebook user, and very tech savvy! She supported those around her, and especially her family, in their events, goals and aspirations. She will always be remembered as a caring, compassionate and supportive woman. Her family and friends always appreciated her honesty, dependability and helpful spirit. She was accepting of those around her, and her life reflected her faith. There are three things that Sam would like to be remembered for: First, she believed in making your life count by sharing it with those that you love. Second, she believed in giving your time and energy towards helping to make the world a better and a happier place for those that you meet along life’s journey. And finally, she believed in giving of one’s self whenever possible through volunteer work, and defending what you believe in, even when it isn’t easy.

Pat “Sam” is survived by her four children, Gene, Ted, Russ, Patti, and stepson Rodger Graham Jr.; daughter in laws, Evon, Joyce and Patti Chilson; grandchildren, Chris Chilson, Shon Woolworth, Dawn Bass, Kristen Palmer, Dustin Chilson and Brian Cort, great-grandchildren Zack Palmer, Landon, Ava, Nolan Chilson; and brother, Dan Rothery. She was preceded in passing by her parents, her first and second husband, and siblings Joe, Bill, and Bob Rothery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 17 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Gresham Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gresham Meals on Wheels at www.mowp.org/donate