>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Exley, Tremaine

Roberta Lillian King Exley, 99, of Salem and formerly of La Grande, died Aug. 9 in Salem. Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Morningside United Methodist Church.

Roberta was born May 4, 1909, in Hatton, Wash.

A sister of the Theta Upsilon Sorority, she received her bachelor of science degree in home economics from Washington State University in 1932. Though eager to teach, the Depression delayed Roberta’s calling. Roberta continued taking classes and found employment as a babysitter.

In 1933, Roberta began her career as a teacher of home economics and English at Farmington High School. Two years later, Roberta was teaching home economics at Colville Junior High School. While working there, she met Clifford Elmer Exley. He was an English, social science and science teacher and a varsity football coach. They married in June 1936. The couple had two children: John Jay and Carole Kay.

While raising her children, Roberta was a substitute teacher and a member of Eastern Star Chapter 57. From 1938 to 1940, Roberta was bestowed the title of Worthy Matron.

In 1945, the family moved to La Grande where Clifford worked at La Grande Junior High School and Roberta taught home economics at Imbler High School from 1952 to 1968. In addition to the responsibilities of a teacher, she was a junior class adviser, assisted with the school yearbook, directed the school plays, performed librarian duties and was involved in the Girls League.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church and belonged to and remained active in Delta Kappa Gamma (a group for women educators).

In 1976, now both retired, Clifford and Roberta moved to Salem to be closer to family. Roberta’s schedule remained full. As a member of the Morningside United Methodist Church, she was active in the United Methodist Women and “Thursday Thoughts.” As a volunteer, she gave her time at Mission Mill and McKinley Elementary library. As treasurer of the Fairview Condominiums (her home for 28 years), she kept the accounts straight.

As a knowledgeable gardener without a garden of her own, she directed the landscaping at Fairview Condominiums. And as a retired home ec teacher would do, she sewed for the grandchildren, quilted blankets for keepsakes, knitted afghans for family, cooked creative meals and kept a tidy house.

Roberta is survived by four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Clifford; children, Carole in 1993 and John in 2006; and great-grandson, Shad Cherepanov in 1994.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Oympics, Morningside United Methodist Church or the Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship fund in care of Shirley House, 5211 Lardon Road N.E., Salem 97305.

Jesse Alistair Daniel Tremaine, 29, of Pendleton, an EOU student, died in his sleep Aug. 10.

A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Attrell’s Newberg Funeral Chapel, a Golden Rule funeral home. Concluding service will follow at Valley View Memorial Park in Newberg. Chapel viewing and visitation hours are from 1 to 5:30 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Jesse was born Dec. 29, 1978, to Paul G. and Kathy L. (Hallett) Tremaine in Gales Creek. He graduated with honors from Newberg High School and received his associate in science degree and Certified Athletic Trainer endorsement from Clark College in Vancouver, Wash.

Jesse recently moved to Pendleton to continue his education and was enrolled at Eastern Oregon University in the exercise science program. Jesse was respected as a knowledgeable health and fitness trainer who enjoyed coaching people to help them achieve their personal goals.

He was an avid reader and cherished his times in the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and rafting with his family. Those who knew him say his generous nature and wry sense of humor earned him many close friends. Jesse was happiest when he was with his family, especially his younger brother, Ethan, with whom he shared some amazing life adventures. He was drawn to his Celtic heritage and was a member of the Clan MacPherson.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Kathy and Steven Davis of Pendleton; his father and stepmother, Paul and Larysa Tremaine of Dundee; brother, Ethan Davis of Pendleton; sister, Sophia Tremaine of Dundee; grandparents, Joseph and Linda Hallett of Tualatin, Marjorie and Dewey Tremaine of Newberg and Mariette Davis of Milwaukie; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. His step-grandfather, Albert Davis, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund set up in Jesse’s name to benefit students in the exercise science program at Eastern Oregon University. Donations may be made at any US Bank branch.