Obituaries: Savilla Inez Trowbridge

Savilla Inez Trowbridge, 79, of John Day died Jan. 8, 2008 at Blue Mountain Hospital. A graveside service was held Saturday Jan. 12, 2008 at the Canyon City Cemetery with Pastor Dan Benson officiating.

She was born March 3, 1928 to Ervan and Inez (Shafer) Simmons at Mt. Vernon Hot Springs. She spent her early days on the ranch in Fox, riding her horse to school or in the winter months skiing to school. She attended high school at Grant Union, where she met the love of her life Bud Trowbridge. They married in 1946 and ranched in John Day, where they raised three daughters Austene, Susan and Milne.

They also raised a lot of cattle and hay, and a few horses too. The girls remember how hard-working their mother was – bucking hay, moving cattle and always ready with a five-course meal on the dinner table.

The couple sold their ranch in 1972 and moved back to Fox Valley where she grew up. These were her happiest times, and she could enjoy her grandchildren – Sara Moore, Kurt Hendrix, Brian and Blake Dupont – and the animals she loved.

In 2002, she was Grand Marshal of the Grant County Fair Parade. This was the highlight of her life. After selling the ranch in Fox they moved back to John Day Valley where she enjoyed gardening and the addition of two great-grandchildren, Cash and Dally.

Mrs. Trowbridge was preceded in death by her parents, Ervan and Inez Simmons; brother, Jim Simmons, and sister Nina Lovan.

She is survived by her husband Bud Trowbridge of John Day; daughters, Austene Hendrix of John Day, Susan DuPont of Aurora, and Milne Purchase of Pendleton; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grant County Fair through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd John Day, OR 97845.