Wanda Marie Rutledge Adams

December 22, 1925 – January 27, 2024

Wanda Marie Rutledge Adams, 98, passed away peacefully at home in Portland on January 27, 2024, with her daughter Sue present. She was born December 22, 1925, in Albany, Oregon to George M. and Myrtle Hartsock Dear Rutledge.

Wanda was baptized in the Methodist Church at age 10. She attended Albany schools until 1942 when the family moved to Roseburg, Oregon. She graduated from Roseburg High School, class of 1943. She went to work at the U.S. National Bank a week later.

On February 27, 1946, Wanda married Lawrence L. Adams, son of Leon J. and Mary Diedrich, at the home of Dr. Edwards, a retired Methodist minister. In 1952 they built a home at Tenmile, Oregon on farm acreage and the family moved there.

Wanda kept active in the community with Tenmile Ladies Club and PTA and continued part-time work at Douglas County State Bank. When federal funding was made available for teacher aides at Tenmile Elementary School, Wanda was the first aide hired and continued her love of working with children for 15 years. Later when she was in her 70’s she volunteered to listen to first and second graders read. She brought treats and gifts of books for them to start their own libraries. Wanda belonged to Friends of the Douglas County Library System and helped establish the Winston Library.

Wanda also belonged to the Tenmile Garden Club, Douglas County Genealogy Society, the 1943 “Golden Girls” classmates, Pacific Power Retirees, and was active in Tenmile Neighborhood Watch. Her other interests included oil painting, genealogy, hiking, camping and flower gardening.

In 2005 Wanda and Lawrence moved to Portland to be near their daughter Sue. Wanda continued her flower gardening and attended the Montavilla Methodist Church. She travelled the northwest, went to Hawaii at Christmas, and visited England and France with Sue.

Wanda was preceded in death by Lawrence, her husband of 60 years; her brother Wayne Rutledge; three sisters, Doris Dear Hughes, Velma Rutledge Smit and Clemma Rutledge King; and her parents. She is survived by her daughter Sue and her two cats, Cookie and Sunny.

Remembrances may be made to Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center in Roseburg, Oregon or the Oregon Humane Society in Portland.