Salem's Carousel

Katharine Anne DeVore January 8, 1923 - August 29, 2009 SALEM - Katharine (Katie) Suter DeVore, 86, of Salem died at her home after a brief battle with cancer. Katie was born in Tillamook. Her loving husband of 41 years, Don DeVore, preceded her in death. She is survived by their daughters Carol DeVore, Salem, Kalene (Paul) Orndorff, NC, Nancy (Terry) Nagle, MS; grandchildren Chris, Melinda, Niki, David, Mark; great-grandsons, Sterling and Tyler; sisters Theresa Smith and Rose (Chuck) Kriel. Katie was much loved and had an active, full life including travel, fun with family and friends, and volunteering with Foster Grandparents. Salem's "Carousel" and Myers Elementary School loved Grandma Katie. Memorial contributions can be made to Willamette Valley Hospice or Foster Grandparents. A celebration of Katie's life will be at 2:00 PM on September 1, Pioneer Village Social Hall, 375 Taybin RD NW, Salem. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services.

Addendum in memoriam (by Laura Tea-Pelley)

Grandma Katie joined our herd of volunteers at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel in April of 2006 stating her special interest in working with ‘children and elderly citizens’. She quickly and most affectionately became on of our beloved Carousel family. She found a home volunteering sometimes five days/20 hours per week, on the ‘back gate’ for the ride as a greeter and selling popcorn to the many visitors. Often Katie would sign up for our special events, like the Scarousel Bash or Cupid’s Night Out, joining in the fun and celebrating with our community. ‘Working’ so many days per week—she made easy friends with all the regulars and staff– with her ready smile and effervescent demeanor. Grandma Katie’s example of living your life in service, with commitment and her desire for fellowship with others comes from what she explained to me as her belief “that life is for living and I don’t want to miss out on anything”. This outlook and attitude kept her involved right up to the near end when we saw her last in June 2009. We treasure our memories of her and she will be sorely, missed. An honorary Bridle Path commemorative tile will be laid in her memory to live forever at the Carousel.