Zola Fern Rowland Breitenstein

Zola Fern (Rowland) Breitenstein was born at home in Santana, Kansas, the youngest of eight children. In 1938, she met and married the "love of her life," Bob Breitenstein. After their first child was born, Zola and Bob moved to Bend and then a few years later to Portland. Together in the 50's, they opened their own tool and die business and later Plastics Development, Inc.

The entire family worked and played together. Outdoor sports were shared by all -- fishing, hiking, water skiing, bicycling, as well as downhill and cross country skiing. Later, Zola and Bob enjoyed traveling usually on bike tours and kayaking. Zola enjoyed photographing their adventures. In 1999, they retired back to Bend, Oregon.

Both Bob, and then later Zola, suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. In 2002, the children brought Zola and Bob back to Portland where they lived and were cared for by family members in homes they shared with Diana and Susan and their spouses.

Zola will always be remembered by her family and many friends as joyful, laughing, caring, and never at a loss for words when sharing her values and passions. She came into this world with the end in mind and cultivated the nurturing family she never had as a child.

Zola is survived by her three children Dianna (Bob) Rogers, Susan (Jim) Loacker, and Dr. Bill (Maggie) Breitenstein; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, including one great-great-grandson. She is predeceased by her husband Bob, daughter Jeanne Woods, and grandson Joel Remillard.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 19, 2011 at 2:00pm at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland.

Remembrances can be donated to either the Alzheimer's Association or Providence Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.