Imogene June Gullatt

Imogene June Gullatt, age 88, of Portland, Oregon passed away in North Plains, Oregon on Thursday March 29, 2018. Imogene was born June 7, 1929 in Salinas, California to Doris Bloyed and William Bloyed. She was the middle sister to 4 brothers.

In her mid-twenties Imogene was a California girl moving to Portland! Married with children, she was optimistic with raising her family in Oregon. Shortly after settling in the Northwest, Imogene divorced, a determined, single-working mom raising 3 kids. Imogene was the image of strength and perseverance. She worked hard to independently support her children. Early on, she got a job with Sawyers making trampolines. After that she went on to work for GAF/Viewmaster, what would become Tyco Toys as a machinist. She worked there up until her retirement. Next time you peer into a View Master, imagine Imogene working hard to bring children joy!

Imogene loved the outdoors, her riding lawnmower, and a good Western novel (preferably Louis L’Amour), but most of all, she loved her family. Imogene was the Queen; the center of her family. She was the one that brought everyone together at the holidays. Her favorite Tapioca pudding and Cranberry Whip Triffle in her Jewel Tea bowl are iconic memories and traditions she passed along 3 generations. Her memory will live on in the warmth of Thanksgiving, the joy of Christmas, and the colorful blooms of Easter.

However, those closest to Imogene, would likely recall the simple things that became her signature…like her Chevy pickups and 501 Levi’s for a day’s hard work with a pocket full of change that would jingle. She drank Lipton brewed iced sun tea (sugary sweet) and would joke it was whisky. For years, her brown eyes were the only ones in the family; they matched her worn brown leather billfold she always carried instead of a purse. Imogene’s eyes were warm and kind and lit up with mention of her grandchildren. She treasured her weekends with them. Her memory will live on in their hearts, including as youngsters (Imogene’s term of endearment) her one-of-a-kind driving lessons down Brugger Road. She had a spontaneous side and would tell the kids to "hop on!" her lap to steer and she would reach the pedals. They would drive down the pot-hole filled country road passed 2 curves, tall trees, long ditches along the roadside and open hay fields to Grandma’s house.

For many who knew Imogene, they would recall her Rosie-The-Riveter enthusiasm. She was not afraid of tools or getting her hands dirty. In fact, many will fondly remember her hands wrapped around her coffee cup taking a break or pondering her next project. She was self-sufficient, mechanically inclined, and always inspired confidence in uncertainty. For these character traits, Imogene was admired. She was also fun with a feisty sense of humor and loved light-hearted kidding. Always on the top of her shopping list was her request to "bring me a cash register full of money or two."

Imogene is survived by; brother Ray Bloyed; son Brian Gullatt; daughters Ginger Christenson and Cindy Gullatt. Imogene also leaves 7 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren to cherish her memory.

Imogene was preceded in death by; father William Bloyed; mother Doris Bloyed; brothers Bill Bloyed, Ken Bloyed, and Bob Bloyed.

A memorial service for Imogene will be held Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with a reception to follow at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229. A private interment will take place at Skyline Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for Imogene’s family.