Velma May (Hammer) Wight

Velma May Wight passed away on November 21, 2018 at Pioneer Memorial Hospital. Velma was 101 years old. She was born on May 30, 1917 at St. Helens, Oregon. Velma was raised in Portland and attended school in Sellwood. She took on the task of raising her siblings when her mother passed away. At eighteen she moved to Newport where she met Richard Wight. The were married on July 4, 1938. In two years, the couple had twin girls, Arlene and Darlene, and two and a half years later they were blessed with a son, Gary. Velma raised a large garden. She cooked and canned on a wood stove for many years before electricity finally came in. After twenty years of ranching the couple moved to Joseph and went into the logging business. When they retired, they had a new home built at Terrebonne. Richard passed in May of 1989, a few years months after their 50th wedding anniversary. Her son and wife moved her to Heppner where she lived in St. Patrick’s Senior Center for 22 years. She then was at Willow Cree Terrence for 6 years, and finally 2 years at Pioneer Memorial Long Term Care Facility. She had an electric organ which she loved playing for many years. She was an avid Bingo player and cherished every little prize she won. She also loved doing word-search puzzles, pencil coloring, and reading her Bible. She was called the nickname “Sunshine” because she always smiled and told people to “Be happy-that keeps you young”. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Senior Center in Heppner. Velma is survived by her daughters, Arlene Lortie and Darlene Mannthey and son Gary Wight, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Willow Creek Terrace, 400 Frank Gilliam Drive, Heppner, Oregon 97836 or to Pioneer Memorial Hospital, PO Box 9, Heppner, Oregon 97836.

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