Ora P. Hansen

Ora was born into a large Christian family with eight siblings. She spent much of her childhood in the Lower Valley and graduated from Lower Naches High School. She went on to Central Washington College, where she studied education, and was the first of her family to earn a college degree. It was there that she met her future husband, Lesley “Slim” Hansen.

Shortly after they met, Les enlisted in the Army Air Force immediately after Pearl Harbor. After more than a year of correspondence, Ora quit her first teaching position in Seattle two weeks before school got out to get married on a whim and move to Sarasota, FL.

Ora and Les had many great adventures together in their early years of marriage and made lifelong friends during Les’ tour of duty. While in Florida, Ora worked for one year in a private school as a teacher for several Ringling Brothers’ children – an experience that made a lasting impression!

They settled down in Yakima where they built their first home together, something they would do often for friends and family throughout their marriage. Though it was never her profession, Ora put in countless days as Les’ apprentice carpenter.

Ora taught in the West Valley School District and Yakima School District as a primary teacher and reading specialist for more than 30 years. Her dedication to education was evident throughout her life. People continued to approach her until her passing to thank her for the impact she had made on them.

Family was very important to Ora. She was a wonderful mother to her two daughters, Kay and Anne. An avid seamstress throughout her life, she handmade all of her children’s clothes, costumes, and even upholstered furniture! Ora’s home was always the gathering place for family, friends, church and school groups – she had the gift of hospitality and her home was filled with love and laughter. Her grandchildren have fond memories of long days in the swimming pool, playing dress up with her endless supply of hand sewn clothes and clip on earrings, and goofing around with Grandma in the “yumma yumma” room. In recent years, visits from her nieces, nephews, and friends meant so much to her.

Ora had a wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew her well know what a prankster she could be. From making soap “cookies” to set out for teachers in the staff lounge, to offering her niece and nephew chocolate covered ants, she always had a trick up her sleeve! She even dressed up as a chicken during vacation bible school for a fundraiser, earning the nickname “the chicken lady.”

Ora was a woman of great faith throughout her life. She was a charter member at Broadway Christian Church and an active member of Englewood Christian Church for more than 30 years. She served as a deacon, was a member of the missions committee and prayer groups, a Sunday school teacher and regular Bible study participant. A recent highlight of her life was her weekly post-Bible study meetings at Burger King with several of her close girlfriends, the “Burger Queens.”

Ora was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Lesley “Slim” Hansen, her daughter, Anne Ishmael, four brothers and three sisters. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Kay and John Smoke, four grandchildren (Greta Smoke, Joe Smoke, Christine Strait and Samantha Ishmael), six great grandchildren (Cha’uri, Andy, Andrekah, KaciAnne, Samuel Jr. & Alexia), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We will miss her cute sayings, fun sense of humor, caring spirit and very special seasoned oyster crackers.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, at Englewood Christian Church (511 N. 44th Ave, Yakima, WA). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Yakima Food Bank or Englewood Christian Church. To celebrate the life of Ora and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.