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Bette Dunagan-Walrath
October 12, .... - August 15, 2013
Bette was a native of Silverton Oregon, the daughter of Lela and Jim Mulkey. She was named Helen Elizabeth, but went by the name Bette most of her life. Her father was a farmer in the Silverton Hills and also worked at the Silver Falls Lumber Company. She came from a large family that included brothers Clifford, James and Jack, and sisters, Cecil, Mary, Kate and Jean. She attended Silver Cliff School, and the new Victor Point School. She graduated from Silverton High School as a member of the class of 1942. She went to work for the Palace Theater under Esther and Alfred Adams. Then as a cashier for the prestigious Johnson's Dress Shop on State Street in Salem. She met her future husband, the late Willis Dunagan, during a dance at Waldo Hills Grange. They married while he was home on leave from the United States Navy, on March 18th, 1943.
Willis was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific during the war, and being the wife of a Naval officer, in the next 16 years Bette would move 26 times. After Willis retired from the Navy in 1960 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, the family moved back to Silverton. Willis finished four years of college in three years, became the administrator of the Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt. Angel, president of the Silverton Rotary Club and mayor of Silverton during the early 1970's.
During this time Bette was raising three boys, providing them with a happy and stable childhood, and teaching them how to work by taking them berry picking throughout the summer. She applied at the Silverton Spouse-Reitz store in 1972 to keep active, she agreed to stay for 10 days and ended up remaining for 23 years.
Willis died in 1980 at age 64 and Bette was a widow until 1992, when she married Stan Neperud. Eight days after their wedding, he was diagnosed with cancer and died four months later. In 1996, she married Paul Walrath. In her later years Bette served on the Silverton Hospital Board, was Secretary and Treasurer, volunteered at the Silverton Hospital, was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, traveled with her husband Paul, loved to garden, and entertained friends and family. She is survived by her husband Paul Walrath of Salem Oregon who lovingly cared for her and was a blessing to her and her family. Sons, Kent of Silverton, Mark of Beaverton and Scott of Folsom California, step-daughter Robin Curl of Salem, sister Kate Olsen of Milwaukie, Oregon, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
CORRECTION PLEASE NOTE: A Memorial Service will held on Saturday August 24th, 2013 at 12 NOON in the Orchid Room at the Oregon Gardens. NOT AT 11:00 A.M. AS PREVIOUSLY PRINTED. Contributions can be made to Silverton Hospital. Arrangements are by Unger Funeral Chapel, Silverton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by the words at Jeremiah 29:11.
August 26, 2013
I enjoyed working with your mother in Silverton hospital auxiliary. May God reach out and touch all of you in your sorrow and hold you close in his love and give you comfort.
Ileane Stenger
August 24, 2013
Your mom was always great to be around. Everytime I came over I was warmly welcome by her. She will be greatly missed by all.
Mark Wallace
August 23, 2013
I am sorry to hear of your mother's loss. Her mark in this world is seen in the wonderful son and granchildren she left behind. May God comfort you and the family in this time of sorrow.
Peter Granchukoff
August 23, 2013
Jason Dunagan
August 23, 2013
I am sorry to hear your mother's loss. May god protect and guide her in another world. May god give you & family strength in this time of sorrow.
hoan
August 22, 2013
I am sorry to hear your mother's loss. May God protect and lead her to peace. Take care yourself and family.
Hoan
August 22, 2013
My memories are many of you and Paul "Cruising" the neighbor "Hood" ....Always a smile and a wave...Thanks for the memories..
Sandi Bean
August 22, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. May God comfort you with his peace and strenth.My prayers are with you and your family.
Pray Patel
August 21, 2013
Your MOM is with God now!
May God comfort everyone in your extended families during this tough time.
Linh Phan
August 21, 2013
You gave me a smile 8 years ago, me a stranger from Georgia.....you always smiled at me as you went by....these are the memories I'll keep. your "Georgia Boy"
Jim
Jim Popwell
August 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember and celebrate the life of your mother and grandmother. Deepest sympathies to the Dunagan family.
Ken and Julie
Julie Scheel
August 21, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. May God comfort you with his peace and "strenth". My prayers are with you and your family. Denise (Lincoln) Fletchall
August 21, 2013
Kent Mark & Scott. I am so sorry to hear the news about your mom. I will always remember her for her cheerful smile & laughter. You're all in our thoughts and prayers. Karen (Hollingsworth) Grenz
August 20, 2013
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