Roger Leon Stoller

On Thursday, November 13, 2014, Roger Leon Stoller of Salem, OR left this world to be with his Heavenly Father after a long illness. He went in the best way possible; at peace and surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was born February 20, 1938 to Harold and Edna Stoller. He and his five siblings grew up on a 10 acre farm in Gresham, OR, where they all worked the farm with their parents. This wonderful, loving and hardworking upbringing developed in Roger his strong work ethic and great compassion for others.

Roger graduated from Portland Christian School in 1956. In the fall of that year he started attending Northwest Bible College where he met the woman who would be his devoted wife, Sylvia Eidet. They were married on June 13, 1959 in Salem, OR. He went on to further his education at Cascade College where he received his B.A. in Education. Their son, Craig, was born during their time in Salem. Five years later, after their move to Prineville, OR, he was joined by their daughter, Rhonda. Roger started his teaching career in Prineville, OR as a Junior High English teacher and later moved to Crook County High School as an English and Journalism teacher. He was a well-liked teacher and he especially enjoyed motivating his journalism students by taking them on different outings each year. Roger worked extra jobs in the summer, such as at Miller Lumber and remodeling jobs, so he could take his family on long summer trips around the country. They have many fond memories of the long rides in the car and the fun adventures that were around every corner as they traveled.

Roger and his family were very active in the Assembly of God church in Prineville. The use of his God-given singing abilities shined brightly when he was the worship leader for the congregation, as well as singing in the choir. In part due to his great leadership abilities, Roger also was on the church board for many years. He was always available to anyone who needed help and set a great example of compassion, encouragement and help to those in need. Roger also enjoyed building and was a skilled handyman. He got much joy and satisfaction while building the new family home in 1977.

In October 1991, Roger suffered a stroke which sadly caused him to retire prematurely. Although he was never able to make a full recovery that didn’t stop him from living life to the fullest. Roger and Sylvia retired to Salem, OR to be closer to family. He and Sylvia made the most of his “new normal” by enjoying traveling, especially enjoying visits with their children and grandchildren. Roger enjoyed driving on their many outings. When Roger started needing full time care, Sylvia was right there to make sure his needs were taken care of at all times. After lovingly caring for her husband during his declining illness, Sylvia finally had to admit that she couldn’t do it on her own anymore, so approximately three years ago the family reluctantly made the choice to move Roger to a care center close to home. The caregivers at The Woods took excellent and loving care of Roger. He was a favorite with many of the staff. He had a wonderful sense of humor that never diminished, as well as his love of singing. He loved to make his grandchildren and great-grandchildren smile and laugh with his teasing ways.

Roger is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 55 years, Sylvia (Eidet) Stoller; son Craig (Kenni) Stoller of Amherst, New Hampshire; daughter Rhonda (Russ) Jorgenson of Kelso, Washington; grandchildren, Nicholle Stoller, Daniel (Stephanie) Stoller, Makayla Stoller, Trevin Jorgenson, Keaton Jorgenson, Colten Jorgenson and Lexie Jorgenson; great-grandsons, Michael Stoller and Troy Stoller; brothers David (Barbara) Stoller and John (Maryann) Stoller; sisters Karon (Mike) Trommlitz, Joyce (Richard) Gustafson, Ethel (Stan) Killinger; his sister-in-law Sharon (Eidet) Roberts; a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many wonderful friends. His father and mother preceded him in death.

A memorial service celebrating Roger’s life will be held at Brooks Assembly of God Church on Saturday, November 22 at 10:00. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Missions Department of the Brooks Assembly of God Church, a cause that was very near and dear to Roger’s heart. Roger is in the care of Howell Edwards Doerksen Funeral Directors.