Melva Fay Estabrooks

Melva Fay Estabrooks, age 87, of South Beach Oregon passed away at home on March 28, 2016. Melva was born to George Sven Swanson and Cecile Fay (Cade) Swanson in Pendleton, Oregon on March 17, 1929.  She grew up in Milwaukee and Troutdale, Oregon graduating from Gresham High School in 1947. She married Ray Estabrooks on December 21, 1947 in Fairview, Oregon.

Melva worked at a waitress to put Ray through college, raised three children and traveled with Ray while he was working as a food technology consultant.

Melva had lived in the South Beach community for nearly 20 years. She was a member of Fairview Garden Club. Melva loved gardening and reading mysteries, crime and dramas. Her favorite TV shows were “Blue Bloods” with Tom Selleck, “Hot Bench” Judges, and Jeopardy.

Melva is preceded in death by her husband Ray Gilbert Estabrooks and her brother George E. Swanson. She is survived by her children: Sherry Lynn (Estabrooks) and husband Robbert Benjamins, Dixie Lee (Estabrooks) Blair, and Steven Ray Estabrooks and wife Shelley Ann (Santa Cruz) Estabrooks; siblings: Elice S. Swanson, Wayne A. Swanson; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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