Florence Elizabeth Crocker

Florence E. Crocker of Irish Bend lived a full and robust life until shortly before her passing on March 19, 2013, at the age of 98. She spent her last days as she had spent her days since 1935: at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Florence was born to Walter and Louise Elliott on April 24, 1914, in Chicago, Ill., and spent her early years living with her family in various locations throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Always a person of strength in body and mind, she recalled living in a tent through two cold Kansas winters and helping her family subsist by doing field work before coming to live in the Irish Bend community at the age of 15. At that early age she chose to support herself fully by working and living with the Cy and Lettie Herron family in Irish Bend. Florence met her future husband and love of her life, Keith Crocker, at McFarland Methodist Church. Their courtship continued for four years as they saved to have enough money to marry. Finally coming to the conclusion that their financial situation wasn’t going to change in the near future, they wed in 1935. Florence and Keith shared a lifelong devoted relationship while raising six children and farming together. Florence drove tractor, changed pipe, nurtured her children, looked like a million bucks on Sunday, and was very much a part of establishing the farm family legacy that exists today. Her family held her in the highest respect, and continued to be awed by her strength and dignity to the very end of her life. Her home continued to be the gathering place and center of activity. The extensive Crocker family is deeply saddened that we can no longer come together with her company. Florence was an active member of the Irish Bend and Monroe communities and, with Keith, attended every single school event in which their children were participating. Monroe United Methodist Church always appreciated Florence’s flair for decorating the church for holidays and special events, which she continued to do this past Christmas. Florence and Keith had adventurous trips throughout the world, many of which were spent with their children and grandchildren. They loved discovering the remote treasures of Oregon, horseback riding the Snake River area, and rafting the Colorado River with neighbors and friends. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Keith, in 2003; her sister, Marie; and brothers, George, Barney and Monty. She is survived by her children, Arita Volker, Sam and Lanny Crocker, Mary Fisher, Tamara Crocker and Gretchen Humphry; her brother, Bob Elliott; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Bellfountain Cemetery, followed by a funeral service at noon at Monroe United Methodist Church. A luncheon will be served after the service. The Rev. Cathy Davis will officiate. Memorials can be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

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Florence Elizabeth Crocker

April 24, 1914 - March 19, 2013