Della Lavon Bayless, a longtime resident of Hood River, Ore., passed away July 5, 2008, at Parkhurst House of Hood River.

Services to honor Lavon’s life are planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Idlewilde Cemetery. The Reverend Rinya Frisbie, of Asbury United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Lavon was born on April 22, 1928, in Deweese, Neb., to Arthur Frederick and Alice Louisa (Johnson) Denney. Living in Deweese during her early years, Lavon attended school with her brother, Arthur, in the red brick schoolhouse which still stands as a landmark in Deweese.

Still at an early age, Lavon moved with her family to Emmett, Idaho. Then, after several years, the Denney family relocated to Creswell, Ore. On Nov. 6, 1948, Lavon and William “Bill” Bayless were married in Cottage Grove, Ore., and to this union were born two children; Della Lucille Bayless and William (Bill) Bayless Jr.

With Bill working as an engineer in heavy construction, the family moved to Mill City, Ore., The Dalles, Ore., and Quincy, Wash. The family moved back to the Hood River Valley in 1963, where Lavon was an active wife, mother and grandmother. She had many hobbies and activities but had no greater joy than being involved with her family.

Lavon is survived by her husband of 60 years, William Bayless, of Hood River; one daughter, Della Lucille Stagner, and very loved son-in-law, Jack, of Longview, Wash., and her son, William Henry Bayless Jr., and very-loved daughter-in-law, Nora, of Selah, Wash.

The joy of Lavon’s life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Mike Stagner and his wife, April, of Wenatchee, Wash., and their children, Allison, Kristen, and Carly; Kurt Stagner and his wife, Jessica, and their precious son, Koen, of Auburn, Wash.; and Marla Johanesen and her husband, Steve, of Bellingham, Wash., and their children, Hailey and Sienna. Also loved by Lavon were grandchildren Franklin Bayless, wife Ofelia, and their daughter, Andrea (Andi), of San Diego, Calif., as well as another great-granddaughter who is expected to come into this world on Lavon and Bill’s wedding anniversary of Nov. 6, 2008; William Bayless Jr., of Ft. Meade, Md., Karen Bayless, of Hawaii, and Heather and T.J. Fletcher, of Ellensburg, Wash.

Lavon survived cancer two times in her life and shared her experiences with those who feared this dreaded disease. She was a bastion of strength to those who knew her and an inspiration to all.

Her courage has inspired her children and grandchildren and will be a foundation for her great-grandchildren for generations to come.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Denney Jr., and two sisters, Betty Rowland and Lucille Goins.

Lavon is survived by her beloved sister, Alice Rhodes, brother, Robert Denney, and sister, Carol Booble. Also loved by Lavon were Maria Richmond and children, of Tacoma, Wash., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lavon and Bill were active as honorary members of the United States Navy Armed Guard and enjoyed many vacations in the company of those who served in World War II and the U.S. military.

The family suggests that contributions in Lavon's memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Lavon will be greatly missed and eternally loved by all who knew her.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave.,, Hood River, OR 97031.

Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to view and print the obituary and sign the guest book for family.