Inez Isobel Berkey

Inez Isobel Berkey, who passed away on January 31, 2026, was born on March 19, 1937. Inez, born on March 19, 1937, in Crosby, North Dakota, was the 13th of 13 children. Her parents, Scandinavian immigrants Emil Nelson of Sweden and Olga Olsen of Norway, raised her in a musical family. At the age of seven, Inez and her siblings moved to Woodburn, Oregon. loving all the things you can grow here in Oregon and the greenery, and especially the Oregon coast. 

A graduate of Woodburn High School in 1955, Inez was a member of the Northwest Honors Choir. Alongside her eight sisters, she cherished music, harmonizing during holidays and beach getaways. 

Inez’s musical journey continued at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she led a women’s group and later became an alto in the praise band for over 30 years. 

In 1960, while undergoing her nursing training rotation at the Oregon State Hospital, Inez met Jack Berkey. Jack was living there for room and board while attending Willamette University. Inez completed her nursing program in 1960 and married Jack on December 10, 1960. She worked as a Registered Nurse at Salem Hospital until the birth of their first child, Scott. 

Inez raised four children in Hubbard, Oregon. Throughout her life, she was an inspiration to her family and community through her numerous volunteer activities, including the Marion County Health Department, coordinating Red Cross Blood Drives, and organizing potlucks and fundraising events at Immanuel Lutheran Church for Aware Food Bank. 

Inez also had a passion for a full and active life. She was an avid sports fan, rooting on her children, and played competitive tennis for over four decades. Vacations weren’t meant for lounging; instead, they were daily Olympic events, inspiring everyone to join in bike rides, swimming, tennis, walks, card games, and more. These activities were repeated daily to ensure no moment of life was missed. 

Inez was an exceptional cook, renowned for her pies, cobblers, rolls, potato salad and pickles. Nearly every holiday or birthday was an opportunity for her to share her table with extended family, including many foreign exchange students and community members. She extended a warm welcome and a place at the table to everyone. Family get togethers, friendly competition and always supporting and attending her kid’s sports, she was one of the biggest cheerleaders, always putting family first. 

Inez’s faith flourished over 81 years at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Woodburn. As an active and faithful member, she participated in worship services, Bible studies, and led various potlucks, Swedish Meatball Feeds, and Lefsa-making events. 

She is survived by her husband, Jack; her daughter, Terri (Ed); her sons, Lance (Anisa) and Erik (Kristen); and her grandsons, Scott and 12 others. She was preceded in death by her son Scott and 12 brothers and sisters. 

Inez is survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 4pm at Oak & Hood, 11347 S Macksburg Road, Canby. In lieu of flowers, gifts to Immanuel Lutheran Church for the Free Community Meal are encouraged.