La Grande, Oregon
Kathleen Enid Sanderson, 83, of La Grande, died March 19 at a local care home. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. April 14 at the Island City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Daniels Chapel of the Valley.
Kathleen was born Oct.22, 1923, to Thomas Houston and Lucinda (Davis) Blackman in Island City. On Jan. 8, 1941, she married Delbert “Bud” Sanderson in Weiser, Idaho.
During World War II she ran the head rig for Mt. Emily Lumber and was a “Rosie the Riveter” for Reur Aircraft in San Diego, Calif. After the war, she and Bud returned to La Grande.
Mrs. Sanderson was a member of the La Grande Eagles Auxiliary.
She kept a well-groomed and weed-free garden every year. She loved fishing, hunting, camping and music and was a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Mariners. A fun-loving woman who always had a smile on her face, she had a great sense of humor and was never at a lack for a joke or story.
Mrs. Sanderson had very original and inherited sayings that will be passed down in her family. Known as “Cookie Grandma,” she was an excellent cook. At Christmastime she made many homemade candies.
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Judie and George Kleng of La Grande, Michael and Bernie Sanderson of Hermiston and Deleen and Dave Wyland of Summerville; siblings, Clara Huff and Pat Hardwick, both of La Grande, and Bob Blackman of Island City; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband and brothers, Levi and Walter Blackman.
Memorials may be made to the Oregon Trail Diabetes Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh Street, La Grande 97850.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending March 24, 2007 Published: March 24, 2007