Ione Jean Tower

Ione Jean Tower, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Newport, Oregon, on Monday, November 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ione was born in Jones County, South Dakota, on May 6, 1944-arriving in the back of a station wagon on the way to the hospital-to parents Lloyd and Emiline Wagner. In 1950, the family moved to Oregon, where Ione grew up in Jefferson. It was there she met and married Corbit Hickerson. Together, they lived in Albany until 1969, when they purchased their home in Newport where Ione would reside for the rest of her life. Corbit passed away in 1988.

Ione and Corbit shared a love for the Oregon coast and spent many years fishing together. What began with a small salmon troller grew into a passion that led them to increasingly larger boats and countless days on the water. They raised three daughters-Tina, Coylena, and Tammy-all of whom still live in Lincoln County and lovingly cared for their mother in her final months.

Ione later married Bruce Tower, who had also known loss after the passing of his wife, Peggy. Bruce and Peggy had (2) sons Randy and Barry. Their families had been close friends for many years, and together they blended their lives and children-into one extended, connected family.

A woman of remarkable independence and skill, Ione was an avid and accomplished hunter and marksman, favoring her trusted .50-caliber muzzleloader. She was resourceful and capable in every sense of the word-equally at home behind a sewing machine designing prom or wedding dresses as she was with carpentry tools or plumbing repairs. There was little she couldn't do once she put her mind to it.

Ione is survived by her three children, Tina, Coylena, and Tammy, six grandchildren, Aundrea, Ashley, Kevin, Rachel, Shyann, and Cody, four great-grandchildren, Paytin, Braylyn, Madi ,JJ. And her sister, Carmal of La Quinta Ca. All of whom cherished her strength, practicality, and unwavering love.

At this time, no service is planned. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. (In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, or Hospice.)