Obituaries: Sandra Kay (Olson) Gilleran

Sandra Kay (Olson) Gilleran, 61, of Mt. Vernon, died Feb. 14, 2009 in an auto accident that also critically injured her husband Leo.

Mrs. Gilleran was born June 12, 1947 in Bemidji, Minn. and grew up in Lake George, Minn.

She was known for her kindness and her thoughtful deeds for others. She was also known for having an old-fashioned work ethic, boundless energy and a deep love for her family and friends. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in John Day and was employed by Grant County.

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Leo Gilleran of Mt. Vernon; sons, Brian (Jenny) Crist of Silverton and Darin (Joyce) Crist of Lafayette; daughters, Angela Gilleran of Lincoln City and Lori (David) Green of Dayton, Texas; stepsisters, Mary Duerksen of Sanger, Calif. and Rena Soper of Albert Lea, Minn.; stepbrother, George Buringa of Spokane, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Iris Olson of Lake George, Minn., Lynette (Steve) Doane of Damascus and Jaynette (Timothy) McKnight of Stayton; 10 grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Sid Olson; stepbrothers, Ralph and Ted Buringa; mother, Florence Moberg Olson; father, George Olson; and stepmother, Johanna Olson.

A memorial service will be held at Driskill Memorial Chapel at a later date.

To share memories of Mrs. Gilleran for the family, contact Lynette Doane at 17135 SE Royer Road, Damascus, OR 97089 or ldoane9794@aol.com.