Obituaries: Jackie Labhart

KEIZER – Jackie Labhart, 81, formerly of John Day, died Dec. 19, 2009, at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community in Keizer. A private family memorial is planned.

Mrs. Labhart was born Sept. 3, 1928, in The Dalles, to Henry and Dorothy Tetz. She graduated from Pendleton High School and attended the University of Oregon in Eugene.

She and her husband Bill lived in Heppner, where she played golf and was active in the PTA and the American Legion Auxiliary.

In 1961, they moved to John Day, where they were the founding members of the Grant Union High School Prospector Booster Club. She was also active at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Canyon City and in all her children’s activities.

They moved to La Grande in 1972, where she again was an avid golfer and volunteered at Grande Ronde Hospital.

In 1983, they moved to Salem, settling in Salemtowne.

Besides golf, she volunteered in several organizations, such as the Assistance League of Salem, the Salem Hospital Auxiliary, Mission Mill Museum Association, St. Anne’s Guild, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Walton House.

She was a natural athlete who played tennis in college and excelled in swimming and golf. She also had a talent for decorating, and a flair for organizing and helping with fund-raisers and community organizations.

The Labharts traveled the world and enjoyed many cruises, especially one with their children to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Bill; their three children, Chris (Kris) Labhart of John Day, Mark (Melanie) Labhart of Tillamook and Laurie (Paul) Jaffe of Hamburg, N.J.; brother, Steve (Carol) Tetz of Wolf Creek; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Willamette Lutheran Home Foundation, P.O. Box 169, Salem, OR 97308.