Vada M. Hanscom

Vada was born to William" Bill" Wright and Mildred Dusenberry Wright. She grew up in the Gold Hill area, attending Alderbrook school on Sardine Creek and later Hanby, where she graduated. Vada was an ambitious youth. She worked in the hop yards in Grants Pass, and packed pears at Del Rio orchards, with her mom, aunts, and grandmother Nina. She worked at the café at the Medford airport and at the Woolworth's Store in Medford. Later as an adult she was considered one of the best "pear packers" in the packing house in Medford. In 1949 she married Don Hanscom. They were married almost 74 years. They made their first home at Blue Moon Ranch in Central Point where Don worked as ranch manager for John S. Day. Later they moved their family to Gold Rey Ranch where they would live for 62 years. Vada loved her role as wife to Don and mom to their children, Connie and Ron. In her 30s she joined Beta Signa Phi and enjoyed organizing social events and made wonderful friendships. Vada would become an important partner to Don in his career, in roles of leadership with Young Farmers, President of the Cattlemen's Association and manager of both Jackson and Josephine County fairs. Vada served as unofficial ambassador to Don while attending conferences and offering hospitality to celebrities who entertained at fair events. She served as a sponsor for several young women who ran for the title of Miss Rogue Valley. Vada's career included being a teacher's assistant at Patrick Elementary, working at various retail stores; Parker Woods an exclusive women's store in Medford and Griffiths department store in Grants Pass. She and good friend, Kay Daniels Myer, partnered to establish a flower shop in Medford, The Flower Hut. She also worked at Nurseryland in Central Point in floral design and retail sales. She and Don would take up golf in their retirement years. For 20 years, the couple became snow birds, spending winters in the Palm Springs area, enjoying golf and social activities. She is survived by daughter, Connie Gibbs, (Dan) of Central Point and son, Ron, grandson, Justin (Natasha), great grandchildren Jax and Luna; and Grandson, Mitchel, all of Nipomo, Ca. A service and reception will be held at Table Rock Fellowship on Saturday, January 25th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the gift of; "Playing It Forward" will honor Vada's name. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Vada, please visit our Tree Store.