Albina Josephine Jolliffe

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Albina Josephine Koblar, Miller, Jolliffe. For 101 years her presence brought joy, laughter, and warmth to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Albina was called Bena by her friends and family. Her grandchildren called her Beep. Although Bena is no longer with us, her memory will remain forever in our hearts.

Bena was born in Oregon City, Oregon on March 18, 1924, to John and Mary Koblar. She attended Oregon City High school where she represented them as a Portland Rose Festival princess and a majorette in the marching band. She enjoyed playing the violin, decorating, painting, gardening, and golfing.

Bena met her first husband. Murray R Miller Jr., while working at the Oregon City First National Bank. Murray was in the Air Force and Bena was an Air Force wife for 22 years. They traveled from the Marshall Islands to Germany and Bena spoke often of their adventures. She truly loved traveling. She obtained a private pilot license and joined a women's flying club called the Ninety-Niners. After the military Bena and Murray moved to Rogue River and then to Scio, Oregon. They purchased land on Rodgers Mountain and built Green Trees Ranch. Flying was a passion for Murray and Bena supported him in this. They built a runway and hangar on the ranch, and would host fly-ins and other small aircraft events. Bena was very proud of being a pilot and was fearless in her younger years.

Bena is survived by her sister Nancy Hess, five of her six children, Lou Anne Rogers, Elizabeth Sweet (deceased), Katherine Cox, Jannice Andresen, John Miller and Nancy Alt, thirteen grandchildren Gus Erickson, Eric Erickson, Candi Owens, Christie Sweet (deceased), Cheri Sweet, Sarah Carver, Ben Cox, Garret Andresen, Drew Miller, Michael Miller, Taylor Lien, Travis Lien and 10 great grandchildren.

Though we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love she brought into our lives.