Mrs. D. June Hodge Powers Jones

D. June Powers Jones, a lifelong resident of Gresham, Oregon, died on April 11, 2010 in Portland. She was 87 years of age.

June was born on June 26, 1922 in Gresham, Oregon and was the daughter of Frank and Effie (Roberts) Hodge. She was the direct descendent of two Oregon Trail Families who are primarily buried in Gresham Pioneer Cemetery. Her Great Grandfather led the wagon train to Oregon in 1852. She grew-up on the Elkhorn Ranch; a home located on Powell that is now considered to be the oldest home in Gresham, and attended Gresham Grade School and also Gresham High School. Music was an important part of her high school experience. She accompanied the orchestra while under the direction of Harold Weber and also played the organ and piano for the 1st Methodist Church. She graduated from Gresham High in 1940.

June continued her education at Idaho State University. She moved to Pocatello, Idaho and lived with her Aunt and Uncle during the two years she was at school. She completed her degree in Home Economics with a specialty in Food Science and was an accomplished seamstress and tailor as well.

Following her graduation she returned home to Gresham where she found local employment. June worked at the 1st National Bank in Gresham as well as the Hood Theatre, while attending class at what is now Portland Community College. On February 17, 1945, she married Percy Powers at the First Methodist Church in Gresham and together they started their Veterinary business. The first few years they operated out of their home garage located on 4th Street in Gresham where they specialized primarily in large animal care. In 1947, they moved their business to Division Street where they successfully operated Gresham Veterinary Clinic for over 30 years. June was office manager, secretary, accountant and surgical assistant who worked 6 days a week and some Sundays when they received a call at home. Their office was the first clinic to have a two way radio set-up in Oregon and she also assisted with the management of the first Artificial Insemination Breeding Station this side of the Mississippi. Innovations included the first to use liquid nitrogen for its preservation.

Besides working every day alongside her husband, June was also a full time mom of 5, housekeeper, family nurse and most importantly friend. She was the mom of all moms and was a major motivation that inspired her children to achieve success in their lives. She demonstrated the meaning of unconditional love daily, was an example of the gifts that hard work could bring, and was the one person that her children and grandchildren could talk to about anything. She was a model of courage and strength. She was a giver of life, a giver of love. She was love. She was the hub of the family wheel. She is the glue that will hold us together forever.

In 1979, Percy passed away and June sold the Veterinary Clinic and retired in 1980 after over 30 years of dedicated work and sacrifice. On November 22, 1980, she was remarried to Dallen Jones at the First Baptist Church in Gresham. Dallen was a classmate and friend of Percy’s for many years. After spending much time together during the sale of the clinic, Dallen and June found companionship in one another. Both of their spouses had preceded them in death and they found much needed comfort in being together. Dallen later preceded June in death in 1982 after a fight with Congestive Heart Failure.

Retirement was not exactly June’s pace. In the early 1980’s, she escorted tours all over the world for Gateway Travel. After many years of working, she was finally able to see and travel the world. She discontinued her tour guide position in 1997 after she broke her leg on a visit to England.

June was also extremely involved in the community. She volunteered for many years at the Vista House and was awarded the State Recognition Award for her countless hours and dedication to the Vista House. She truly had a love for the Columbia River Gorge, nature and all the beauty that came with living in Oregon. Her time with the Vista House was not considered work to her but instead an opportunity to preserve the scenery that she so deeply treasured and embrace her passion for the Northwest. She was also a member of the Larch Mountain Artisans and was past president for the Oregon Veterinary Association Women’s Auxiliary, PEO Sisterhood, Oregon Handspinners Association, Troutdale Historical Society, National Railway Historical Society, and Friends of Vista House.

June found much enjoyment in hiking in the Gorge, spending time outdoors, working in her yard and garden and feeding and watching the birds. She was also very creative. She enjoyed knitting, cross stitching and also sewing. Quilting and wood burning were hobbies from earlier years. She was a seamstress for her family. She grew-up creating her own clothing and outfits. Most recently, June had taken up the talent of hand spinning yarn. She raised her own sheep for harvesting her own wool and would spin various colors of yarn often while watching her beloved Portland Trailblazers on the television. Her yarn and creations are so popular, they are currently sold in the Vista House Gift Shop, and craft stores throughout Oregon. “Fleece to Frock” was her business title. At the Vista House she dedicated much of her time and demonstrated spinning frequently. June had a lasting love of music that inspired her family to continue their involvement in the arts. A great pleasure of hers was to attend her children’s many musical performances.

June was always a kind person who was loved and respected by many. Her self- motivation to succeed despite the challenges of the times and the perceptions of society was truly inspiring. She was not only a role model for her children, grandchildren and great grandchild but for an entire community that she was proud to call her home. She will be remembered for so much and missed by so many.

June is survived by her five children; Carolyn Haynes (a college math teacher) of Gresham, Michael Powers (a dad and auto mechanic) of Gresham, Gary Powers (veterinarian) of Gresham, Rebecca Powers Gusewitch (physician) of Los Gatos, California and Kathleen Stuart (a motor vehicle contract specialist) of Gleneden Beach. Her step children include Randy Jones of Medford and Joy Malone of Roseburg. Special memories were shared with her 4 grandchildren, Jason Haynes, Allison Haynes, Colleen Anderson and James Powers and 1 great grandson, Miles Haynes. Her husband, Percy, husband, Dallen and her brother, John Hodge of Gresham all preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:00 am at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm also at Bateman Carroll. Private Entombment will be at Forest Lawn Mausoleum. Contributions may be made in memory of June to the Friends of Vista House at PO Box 204, Corbett, OR 97019 or at www.vistahouse.com.