Delores Jitter, Gramby Virginia (Odden) Odden Irby

Delores Virginia Irby (Odden) was born on April 17, 1931 in Portland, North Dakota, the daughter of Olaf Odden and Olava Skoglund. She married Galven Irby in Portland, Oregon on December 7, 1957 and later received a bachelor degree from Portland State University. Virginia was a devout Christian who lived her life under the direction of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, as evidenced by her countless humanitarian efforts. In the early 70’s she co-founded the Volunteers in Service for the Aging (VISA). She was instrumental in creating Day Break Shelter at Gethsemane Lutheran Church and regularly participated in prayer chains whenever needed. Some of her other philanthropic activities included making and handing out care packages to the homeless on the streets, collecting donations f or the House of Zion Ministries, as well as numerous financial contributions to ELCA Global Missions and various other charities. Virginia leaves a living legacy through her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Galven Irby: She was my life and my love. Children: Kelley and Theresa: Mom was faith in action, love, caring, wisdom and selfless. In an imperfect world, Mom was perfect for us! Grace and Tom: Mother was the epitome of love. Vicki: My gift from God, my eternal inspiration, and the longing in my heart. Sandra: Mother, I love you more than you will ever know until eternity. Craig and Sue: Mom set a wonderful example of how to love fully and unconditionally. Andralene: Mother, friend, supporter, strength, fashion consultant. Love you forever. Grandchildren: Todd: She was my comforting force of love sent from God. Daymel: My grandmother was the most loving, caring, compassionate, strongest woman I have ever known. Nicole: My Gramby, a rare and exceptional woman; the embodiment of pure unconditional love! Cassandra: Gramby, you are and always will be my best friend. Brandon: Granby made me feel loved and comforted unlike any other. Francesca: Arrivederci, Do svidaniya, adios, Au revoir, Ciao, Na shledanou, Adieu… Aaron: Gramby, the most caring and humble person I have ever met. Craig Jr: Intelligent, supportive, thoughtful, energized, enduring, compassionate, kind, inquisitive, loving, wise. Marcus: Gramby is a heroine that the history books somehow forgot. Derek and Grant: Granby was full of love and we will miss her.

Formal viewing will be held between 2:00 and 7:00pm on Friday April 24, 2015 at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home 520 West Powell Blvd. Gresham, OR 97030. Services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday April 26, 2015, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 SE Market, Portland, OR 97216. A reception will follow the service. The family would like to thank Sunnyside Hospital medical personnel for their loving care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation http://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/VirginiaIrby