Florence C. Santry

Florence was born on May 16, 1913 in Santa Ana, California and was the daughter of Roy and Matie (Niman) Clark. She attended Buckman Grade School and Washington High School. She graduated from Laurelwood Academy in Gaston, Oregon in 1934. Many years later, she graduated from Multnomah College with honors and was in the very first class to graduate from Portland State College. She graduated with honors in elementary education.

Florence worked after high school as a secretary for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., where she met an up and coming, young auditor named Dan Santry. They were married on June 12, 1937 in Portland, Oregon and celebrated 62 years of marriage before Dan preceded her in death in 1999.

The Santrys lived in East County since 1967. They lived at Viking Park in Troutdale for 30 years where they raised horses and hosted gatherings for many people. They later sold the property and moved to Persimmon. Florence moved back to Portland in 2003.

Florence was a lifelong member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She served as church clerk for 17 years at Stone Tower Church. She was a volunteer and served as the President of the Volunteers Auxiliary at Adventist Medical Center and was involved with Soroptimist for many years.

She had many hobbies and interests as well. She loved gardening and was a member of the American Orchid Society. She was also athletic and adventurous and enjoyed outdoor activities with friends and family. She was strong and caring and lived life to its fullest. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Nancy Youker of Damascus; son, Joe Santry of Portland and sister, Roberta Dunham of Portland along with 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of Florence’s life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Cherrywood Village, 10610 SE Clay Street, Portland, Oregon 97216. Private Entombment will take place at Riverview Abbey. Contributions may be made in memory of Florence to Habitat for Humanity or to Project Patch. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.