Ross Dierdorff Walker

I met Ross when I was a student at PSU on a work/study job at the Portland Parks Bureau...we developed a friendship for many years...She was my first female role model as someone who had both a career and a family...the times were still not very evolved about this...I wish I had stayed in contact with her over the last few years...She was always patient and understanding when I was going through hard times...I have to say my favorite memory of her was telling me if you didn't have the house...

I met Rossie as when we were both expecting babies on the Oregon Coast in the early 1970s. She had already had their first son, Josh, so I looked to her as a wise counselor as I was expecting my first child. She was lively, creative, smart, resourceful, patient, kind and generous. On that grey, blustery, rainy coast you would find Ross and the boys in their warm and bustling house, offering you fresh bread and piping bowls of hearty hodgepodge soup to warm the body, soul and spirit. We spent...

Ross and I worked together at the Water Bureau for many years. She was a wonderful, caring person and a inspiration to all of us and I have always cherished our friendship. David and family, today and always may loving memories bring you peace and comfort.

Ross always had a treat for my chocolate Lab, Moose, and I will miss seeing her on our walks. Love and support to David.

I haven't seen Rossi for a few years and that was at the last reunion I was at for the 1962 Pendleton High School class. But what all of you said is what I remember about the kind of person she was. We were both in the Westminster youth group at the First Presbyterian Church in Pendleton. David, may the Lord comfort you and your family.

I was lucky enough to find friendship with Ross at the U of O in the early '60sl We shared an apartment in San Francisco after college and have remained friends all these years. Lately we communicated through Email because we live so far apart. However, every communication from her and all of our in person visits are treasures I will enjoy for the rest of my life. My thoughts are with her family and friends. She was a very special woman.

There are a few things I remember about Ross that stood out right away. First was her love of her boys Josh and Isaac, her partner Dave, and her grand babies! Wore it on her shoulder easy to see. Second was her smile always present when I first saw her in various times.
Ross was extremely unselfish and kind, putting others first. She was a weekly angel to me during a personal health battle and I so much appreciated her unwavering support in that battle. Again, so unselfish and about...

Ross was and will forever be part of my Portland family as the mother of my brother-in-law Isaac. I feel incredibly lucky to have known Ross and regret not having more times shared with her. Ross had a wonderful positive and warm way about her that brought joy to everyone around. You knew Ross's heart is always in the right place. A rare treasure of a person that selflessly offered love and compassion in a deeply genuine way.

I actually didn't know Ross well, but I've had the great fortune to be friends with her sons for the past several decades. It's very clear to me that she must have been an outstanding mom, because her boys are two of my favorite people. They're caring and sweet and hard working and hilarious, and following in their mom's footsteps, they've become the most amazing parents. I know they'll miss her terribly, but her loving ways will absolutely carry on through them.

From the...