Karolyn (Kelly) Jeanne Eidson

Published 12:24 am Thursday, December 17, 2015

Long time Bend resident, Karolyn (Kelly) Eidson, passed from this world on Monday, November 30, 2015. The beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

She was born April 10, 1931, to Wil- liam and Anna Spaude in New Ulm, Minnesota. Kelly was raised in the small farming community of Gibbon, Minnesota. She came from a close knit extended family, spending most sum- mers with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom she maintained a close relationship with throughout the years.

In 1952, Kelly met and married Clyde E. Eidson in Albuquer- que, New Mexico. After several trips to Washington state, they permanently moved to Redmond, Washington, in the early 1960s, raising their family in the country. Her patience and en- ergy would prove to be an asset when chasing after livestock that had gotten out and keeping track of not only her children, but the neighborhood children as well. While in Redmond, she worked 12 years for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. In 1983, Kelly and Clyde moved to Bend where they made their final home.

Several years after her husband, Clyde’s, passing, she met Reg Decker. They formed a very close bond and spent a great deal of time together for the next 16 years. They took many motor- home trips – Banff, San Juans, Yosemite, Mesa Verde and ex- cursions to various places in Central Oregon – wetting a fishing line and hiking the trails.

Kelly was fun-loving, easy-going, and took pride in being the best that she could be, leading her life by example. She was energetic and a do-it-yourselfer. She could mend a fence, finish sheetrock, help with homework, and just about everything in between. Kelly loved playing games, the card parties with her friends, trips to Reno with Clyde, and Yahtzee – a game played by the family for over 50 years. She welcomed as family, the spouses of her children and was affectionately called, “Grand- ma K”, by her grandchildren. All of her children are forever grateful and honored to have been unconditionally loved and nurtured by such an exceptional woman.

Kelly was predeceased by her parents, husband, son, Clyde L Eidson; and brothers, Vyrl and Leighton Spaude. She is sur- vived by her children, Glen Eidson, Laura Lahaie, Dee DeMars, Connie Eidson and Tamara Parette; her brother, Harlan Spaude; and three generations of grandchildren. She is also survived by her dearest friend, Reg Decker, and canine companion, Dakota.

The family sincerely appreciates all who assisted in her care and the support given to our family, especially the compas- sionate and professional nurses of Partners In Care. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to Partners In Care, Bend.

A celebration of her life will be held in the spring. A notice will be published at that time.