Teresa Margaret Vowells Reding

With the sun shining, birds singing, and family at her side, Teresa Margaret Vowells Reding Espey, 85, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 4, 2011. Born in West Louisville, Kentucky on August 8, 1926, Teresa was the daughter of Henry Poiner and Margaret Vowells; sister of Mary, Helen (deceased) and her fun-loving brother, Joe (Faye). She grew up in St. Mary's, Kansas, graduating from high school, teaching in a one-room school house and studying nursing. In 1947, she married Pete Reding in Kansas. Pete predeceased her in 1978.

Teresa and Pete have eight children, starting with four sons: Clem (Barb), John (Jane), Dave (Cheri) and Joe (Becky); and followed by four daughters: Mary Ann (Lee), Margo (Tom), Marcia (Bruce), and Marti (Mike). Teresa has 19 grandchildren: Doug, Cory (deceased), Jason, Jeremy, Michelle, Calandra, Chris, Megan, Amy, Bethany, Ashley, Julia, Rachael, Christina, Rose, Laura, Rob, Morgan and Mason, and - so far - 11 great grandchildren. She has many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Teresa enjoyed time with her friends, including Polly Platt, who was her shopping and traveling pal. She earned her nursing degree in 1974, working at Salem Hospital and for Dr. Charles May. Teresa married Richard Espey, Sr. in 1979 and they enjoyed their retirement years by traveling and spending time with family, including his children Richard (Shari), Steve, and Claudine (deceased) and their children and grandchildren. Though growing up a Midwest girl, Teresa came to Oregon on her honeymoon, calling it "God's country." Known for her beautiful smile, she was a woman who loved God, sunflowers, chocolate and her family and friends.

Services will be Saturday, October 8, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Aumsville, Oregon with the rosary at 10:30 a.m., Mass at 11 a.m., a reception at the parish center, and then 1:30 p.m. burial at Stipp Cemetery in Macleay, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Providence Benedictine Nursing Center or St. Brigid Home for Unwed Mothers. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors www.HED-FH.com.