In Memoriam of Doris Needham

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Doris Needham

March 8, 2010

Doris Needham, 101, of Vale passed away peacefully March 8, 2010 with her granddaughter at her side. Doris was born in Vale Oregon January 29, 1909 to Charles T. and Cora B. Pritchard from Dell, now known as Jamieson. She joined 3 sisters Ruth Pritchard Hyke, Ray Pritchard Hussey, Hattie Pritchard Vilsmeyer. Doris was raised at the Gum Creek Ranch in Jamieson. One of her favorite childhood memories was watching the young cowboys hang up their six-shooters outside the dance hall. Doris married Mike Needham of County Cork Ireland July 25, 1927. Mike was a sheepherder and later a cattleman and rancher. Doris and Mike moved to Vale on the Malheur River in a two room house. They had one son Pat Needham born in 1929 and deceased by car accident in 1968. They had twin girls that died at birth. Doris loved her family. She enjoyed growing a garden. She was a loving caregiver of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and a determined spirit that will be greatly missed. Doris is survived by two granddaughters Patty Barfield (Patrick) of Ontario OR and Kathy Dunleavy, (Ken) of Portland OR. One grandson Tom Needham (Debbie) of Eagle,ID. Great grand children; Mike VanLith (Lisa), John VanLith Angela Stowell, (Ethan), Jennifer Dunleavy (Joe Medico), Chance Dunleavy, Sam Barfield, Amanda Barfield, Melissa Barfield, Chris Needham Patrick Needham, Sara and Kimberly Needham. Great, Great Grandchildren, Ty VanLith, Braden VanLith, Trent VanLith, Alex VanLith Olivia Barfield, and Randi Turner. Great, Great, Great granddaughter Taryn VanLith. Nieces RoseMary (Don) Parks, Thelma Vilsmeyer. Great nieces Mary Ann Chamberlin, Christy Moyer (Craig), Brett Parks (Tammy) Bob Hyke (Polly) Joyce Hyke and Carolyn Hyke. Daughter in laws Marge Needham and Dorothy Gough. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Mike, son Pat, daughters Mary and Kathleen her sisters Ruth Pritchard Hyke, Ray Pritchard Hussey, Hallie Pritchard Vilsmeyer a granddaughter Dorothy Jeanne (Spooky). A funeral mass will be held March 19,2010 at 10:00 at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Vale, OR with graveside service and interment to follow at Vale View Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of the Pioneer Nursing Home who lovingly cared for Doris in her last years and to the staff of XL Hospice for their care and support of Doris.

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