Edell Kelley Henry

Published 3:28 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2016

November 30, 1945 to September 6, 2016

Edell Kelley Henry passed away on September 6, 2016, after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Edell was born November 30, 1945, in San Diego, Ca. Growing up there, she graduated from San Diego State in 1968 with a BA degree in Home Economics and a California Teaching License. She met Robert Henry in July 1967 while he was serving as a U. S. Navy dentist at Camp Pendleton, California. Within one month they knew they were right for each other and were married on March 23, 1968. One month later, Bob received his surprise orders to Vietnam and one month after that, left for a one year deployment. During his absence, Del taught at Crawford High School in San Diego where, as soon as her class learned her husband was in Vietnam, they became model students and supported her throughout the school year.

Bob returned in June 1969 and they began their married life. That led to a career in Public Health, teaching and clinical practice while Del spent time in graduate school, teaching and dental office management. In 1984, they came to Central Oregon and had a private practice in La Pine. Bob treated patients while Del managed the office. It was the perfect arrangement. In 1983, their son, Will, was born and grew to be a fine young man and a Data Analyst living in San Diego, Ca., with his wife, Lindsey Dunmire Henry of Dallas, Or.

Del retired in 1997 and began her volunteer work, which continued until last year with several different organizations, including Foundry Church. In addition to volunteering, Del loved wilderness tripping. Over the years she and Bob went on many Canadian wilderness canoe trips and long distance mountain backpacking trips in the western US, including 2,200 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. Nothing made her happier than a pack on her back and several hundred miles of mountain trail in front of her. With an average of two hours per day of exercise at home she was always ready for the next adventure. Older sister, Suzie, said Del was an “extremely active” child growing up. But more than that, Del loved being of service to others. She was always ready with a big smile and had a sweet, kind, and gentle nature to make someone’s life a little better.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Will and daughter-in-law, Lindsey of San Diego; sister, Suzie Kelley of San Diego; and brother, Mike Kelley of John Day. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the St. Charles Cancer Center and Hospice in Bend for their loving care of Del during this difficult time. We’d also encourage donations to Hospice in Bend and to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.org for their support and funding of research toward a cure for this disease. A memorial service will be held at Foundry Church in Bend on Sunday, September 18 at 1:00 pm.