Ernest Wayne Atteberry

Ernest “Wayne” Atteberry, 83, of Washington County, Ore., passed away peacefully in his home on September 28 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. The oldest child and son of Ben and Treva Atteberry and loving husband of Betty Jean Atteberry, Wayne showed strength, resilience, and grace throughout his life, including his final moments.

Born at Santa Clara County Hospital in San Jose, CA, Wayne enjoyed his early years in the fertile valley of Orange County and had fond memories of hot afternoons swimming in the river with his mother. In elementary school, his family moved to Newberg, Ore. They remained there through his graduation from Newberg Union High School in 1956. Wayne soon married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Adolf. The captain of the football team and cheerleader set off to their first apartment in Portland to begin what was to be sixty-five years of marriage. Welcoming their children in 1967 and 1969, they became homeowners in Washington County where Wayne remained until his death and Betty continues to reside.

Wayne graduated from Portland State University in 1962 and found his way to Standard Insurance Company where he remained until his retirement as Senior Vice President in 1999. Wayne was a proud member of the Oregon National Guard. He served his state and the nation for decades, retiring as a Lt. Colonel of a field artillery unit. Wayne was more than a wonderful man in so many aspects, including his ethics, his love of family, his business acumen, and his fairness for the people that worked with and for him. He was admirable and shared so much. Wayne was strong and fair. He loved what he did in his professional life. He also loved golf, pro sports, and a good laugh. The love and support he gave throughout his life was divided in every way and came out in his goodness, kindness, and generosity.

Wayne is preceded in death by his father, Ben, his mother, Treva Stevens, his sisters, Rita and Linda, and an infant son, Greg. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Atteberry of Portland, Ore.; son, Gary Wayne Atteberry of Portland, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Diane Atteberry and Matthew Thomas Hansen of Seattle, WA; and grandchildren, Lily Beatrice and Julia Gray Hansen of Seattle, WA.

Services and a reception will be held at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary and Memorial Park in Portland, Ore. On Saturday, October 15th at 12:00pm. Burial will immediately follow.

Your fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Atteberry family.