Venna R McLean

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother passed away with family at her side after a short illness. Venna was born to Harold and Ada Rupert on March 23, 1922, in Jerome, Idaho. She lived there most of her youth. When the United States entered World War II, she and her parents moved to Portland, where they worked in the shipyards to help the war effort. In August 1944, Venna married Gilbert McLean, a Seaman 1st Class assigned to the USS Marvin McIntyre and, before that, the USS Lexington. After the war, the couple eventually settled in Long Beach, Calif., where their son Harold was born and raised. They were active members of the Brethren Church, and Venna worked for more than 20 years as an office manager and bookkeeper in a chiropractic clinic. In 1975 Venna retired and she and Gilbert moved to Ketchum, Idaho, to be near Venna’s parents. While helping care for her folks and building their own home, Venna and Gilbert helped start a church in Hailey, Idaho, including the construction of the church building. Venna and Gilbert moved to Corvallis in October 1995 to be near Harold and his family. They joined Northwest Hills Community Church, became active in church operations and established many lasting friendships. Some of Venna’s favorite pastimes were planting flowers and working in her gardens. She loved to crochet, and the doilies and tablecloths she made are a work of art. She always seemed to have a crocheted baby blanket on hand for new arrivals. She also loved to cook and have a full house of family around to fuss over. A truly lovely lady with a kind heart, generous spirit, ready smile and boundless energy, she will be missed by so many. Venna was preceded in death by Gilbert, her husband of more than 60 years; grandson Torin Michael McLean; her brother Dale; and sister Lora. She is survived by her son Harold McLean and his wife Patty of Corvallis; granddaughter Venisa Fritton; grandson Brendan McLean; and five great-granddaughters. Services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, at McHenry Funeral Home in Corvallis; and at 11 a.m. Monday, June 24, at Farnsworth Mortuary in Jerome, with interment in Jerome Cemetery to follow.

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Venna R McLean

March 23, 1922 - May 29, 2013