Margaret Lenore Wallen

Margaret L. Bland Wallen, 106, of Grants Pass, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 11:41 a.m. Margaret was born October 14, 1912. She was born on the family farm, between Merlin and Hugo, Oregon, to John Edward and Anna Maude Bland. She had three older brothers, John Vernon, Herbert Franklin, and Dorence Everett “Dick” Bland. Her parents and brothers preceded her in death.

Margaret graduated from Merlin High School. Margaret worked in Ashland and Medford, Oregon. She attended the Medford Business College in 1937. In 1938, she moved to Arcata, California, where she worked for the Hammond Redwood Lumber Co.

She joined the military in 1943, completed Basic Training in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, then attended Army Administration School in Alpine, Texas, and was stationed in the 21st Ferrying Group, Ferrying Division, Air Transport Command, Army Air Field in Palm Springs, California. Margaret served in the European Theater of Operations during WWII, as a Medical Administrative Clerk in London, England. She survived the V1’s (Buzz Bombs) and the VII Rocket Bombings.

Returning to the U.S., she attended Flight Traffic School in Memphis, Tennessee. She was stationed at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, where she flew as an FTC Clerk crew member in non-pressurized C-47’s and C-54’s on the East Coast. She was transferred to Fairfield Suisan Army Air Base (now Travis) flying between the West and East Coasts transporting military personnel totaling 700 hours flight time. Margaret was very proud to serve her country, and enjoyed sharing her military experiences with many of her family and friends.

In 1956, Margaret was among the first graduating class at Portland State University receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She began her teaching career in 1956 at Lynch Elementary School, Multnomah County, Gresham area. She taught second grade, and later students with special needs, at Lynch and Firwood Elementary in Sandy, Oregon. During this time, she maintained her Military Reserve status in the U.S. Air Force and attended college in 1970 at Oregon State University, receiving her Masters Degree in Education and a Minor in Guidance and Counseling.

Margaret was a dedicated teacher and always worked to develop a foundation for good morals, and productive, positive characteristics in her students.

She was a pillar of her community wherever she lived. In Gresham, she volunteered, was member of the Chamber of Commerce, on the Police Department Crime Prevention Board, and the Gresham Youth at Risk Committee. She was active in the League of Women Voters, the Oregon Education Association and the National Education Association. She retired in 1977, and still volunteered at the Gresham East County Neighborhood Accountability Board, Eastwind Counseling Center for Youth, and mentored Primary school students.

Margaret moved back to her ancestral roots, the Grants Pass area in 1997, from Gresham. She maintained a beautiful home on the Rogue River, not far from Riverside Park. She was a Lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and also a member of the American Legion. She was also a member of the Grants Pass Unity Church.

She is survived by her nephew, Mr. James E. Bland Sr. of Klamath Falls, Oregon; and his children, Claire McNeil, James Jr., Charles Vernon, Everett and Herbert; and 13 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Grants Pass Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion, in honor of Margaret.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in honor of Margaret at the Countryside Village, 1700 Kellenbeck Ave. in Grants Pass on Thursday, April 11, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.