Glenda Kay Boehler

A Celebration of Life will be held, 1:00 PM, Friday, September 9th at Sunset Park Community Church, 174 Sunset Blvd. St. Helens, Oregon. Glenda passed away August 26th in Portland. She was 65 years of age. In honor of Glenda's wishes, the family requests that you wear bright colors to the celebration. Glenda was born August 6, 1946 in Yakima, Washington to Oscar A. Boehler and Opal L. Rush. She was the 2nd of three daughters. Raised in Yakima, Washington, the family moved to Portland, Oregon where she graduated from Grant High School in 1964. Glenda returned to school after the birth of her two oldest daughters and completed her Associates degree at Portland Community College. A lover of nature, she moved from Portland to St. Helens in 1990 where she made her home with her family among her beloved trees and woods. Glenda valued life and the living of it which translated itself into championing the rights of others. A firm believer in promoting dignity and justice, Glenda was active in various civil rights organizations including the Rural Organizing Project where she worked on campaigns to prevent discrimination and increase awareness and equality for all, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. This belief in human rights could also be seen in the way she made friends with everyone she met. Her infectious laugh and ready smile coupled with her huge heart meant that every person she spoke with felt like they were the most important person in the world. A collector of souls, outside of her family, Glenda's friends were some of the most important relationships in her life. In addition to championing others, she also was a pioneer in the organic food movement. A founding member of Food Front Cooperative Community Grocery Store in the early 1970's, Glenda continued her practice of healthy living by practicing yoga with her "yoga loft" friends and supporting her local Community Supported Agriculture Co-operative. With her children grown, Glenda was looking forward to a new chapter in life that included a chance to fulfill long held dreams and chart new courses of independence. Glenda's sudden illness and death came as a shock to all who knew and loved her. It is with the celebration for the life she did live that we know she would want to be remembered by now. Glenda is survived by her husband; Donald Lee Ritthaler of St. Helens, Son-in-Law Steve Siebers, children; Tana Siebers, Leanne Stewart, Elizabeth Martin – Boehler Christopher Boehler and Step-daughter Kailynn Ritthaler, grandchildren; Michael Garcia, Dylan Siebers, John Stewart, Cole Benshoof, Samantha and Karli Ritthaler, great grandson; Silas Garcia, sister; Shirley Clark. Preceded in death by step-son, Monty Ritthaler and Sister Donna Costello. Remembrances can be made in her name to: Rural Organizing Project PO Box 1350 Scappoose, OR 97056 or www.rop.org/support-rops-work-in-rural-oregon, On-line condolences can be made to the family at; www.columbiafh.com

Glenda Kay Boehler

August 6, 1946 - August 26, 2011