Gwendolyn Mary Asburry Obituary (1914

Gwendolyn Mary Asburry, 98, formerly of St. Helens, OR, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013 in Hillsboro, OR. A graveside service was held at Belle Passi Cemetery in Woodburn, OR. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at 2:00 pm, at Plymouth Presbyterian Church, Sykes Road, St. Helens, OR. Gwendolyn was born on November 26, 1914 in Monitor, OR. She was one of three girls born to Sidney S. and Eva Rosina (Spear) Strike. Gwendolyn moved with her family as a child to Woodburn, OR. She was raised and received her education in Woodburn, attended Woodburn High School and graduated with the Class of 1933. She met her future husband, Kenneth Asburry, through mutual friends. They soon began dating and were married on September 15, 1933 in Woodburn, OR. Following their marriage they moved to Eugene, OR, where Kenneth finished his music degree at the University of Oregon. They lived in Woodburn and Scappoose, OR. In 1941 they moved to St. Helens, OR. Kenneth died in 1995 and Gwendolyn continued to live in St. Helens until 2006 when she moved to Hillsboro to be closer to her family. Gwendolyn was a devoted mother and wife to her family. She was also a farmer's wife and worked on the family farm in St Helens helping with the yearly strawberry crops and the various farm animals. She also enjoyed gardening. She welcomed her family to gather at her home during the holidays and was close to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, a sister May Irene Hill and her parents. Survivors include her two children and a son in law: Kenneth R. Asburry Jr. of Portland, OR, Irene and Robert Barnes of Hillsboro, OR, a sister; Marie Bentaas of Vancouver, WA, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.