Samantha Shari McCleery

Published 12:26 am Wednesday, July 13, 2016

June 24, 1953 – July 2, 2016

Samantha Shari McCleery, also lovingly nicknamed Sammy or Sammy Dew, left this earth “way too early!”  She was known for her vitality, spunk and passion as well as her radiant smile and graciousness.

Samantha was born in Seattle, WA, on June 24, 1953, to Billy Earl Ray of Wenatchee, WA, and Ruth Louise (nee Johnson) Ray of Bremerton,WA.  She moved to Portland Oregon in 1968, where Sammy graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1971.  Very influential adults in her life included her foster parents, Barbara and Darryl Bodle, and Phyllis and Herman Hoek.While working for Georgia Pacific as a front desk receptionist, Samantha met the love of her life, Dan McCleery, and they were married on her birthday in 1978.  She and Dr. Dan moved to Bend in 1977 and opened McCleery Chiropractic Health Centre on 4th and Greenwood.  As Clinic Administrator, Samantha took the necessary classes to become a radiographic technician. 

From 1977 through 2005, Samantha has served on Boards of Directors and been an active member of many community service organizations including Past President of the Bend Senior Center during its building phases.  She served as Past President of NEW (Network of Entrepreneurial Women) and was the Chair of the Bend Christmas Parade.  Samantha also organized Bend’s volunteers for Cycle Oregon 2000 with all contributions benefitting Bend’s Senior Center.  Between her job as Dr. Dan’s Clinic Administrator and her volunteering, Samantha learned many skills including:  Fundraising, Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, Training Administrative Assistants, Public Relations, Nutrition, Public Speaking, Marketing and Marketing Communications.  Last but not least she learned first-hand about Pain Management.

More than working, Samantha loved her family. Samantha helped many members of her family.  No doubt she was this family’s favorite Aunt!  Additionally, she and Dan welcomed many into their family, not realizing these same people who thought of her as their own mother would be at Samantha’s bedside assisting Dan and Matt in every way needed.  

Sam loved the outdoors and enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing and snowmobiling.  She loved to walk, dance and travel, and she really enjoyed surprising Dan with trips for his birthday.  Samantha’s passion for animals from dogs and cats to chickens and geese; turkeys, sheep, goats and steers; Peacocks, “Hassle” the raccoon, and a Chinese Water Dragon, gave the feel that she might be the Noah’s Ark “house” mother on their Horse Butte ranch!  Dan believes Sammy loved all animals because they demonstrated unconditional love!

Our family will remember all the fun times with Samantha rather than this past year, and that is what we ask of you, her friends.  We will remember Samantha at Lake Billy Chinook where they enjoyed Central Oregon’s gorgeous summers for 37 years!  We will remember Samantha’s compassion, loyalty and her huge heart for all of us.  We will remember her passion for cooking, her love for exotic and ethnic foods, and Champagne!  We will remember Sushi on Christmas Eve!  Some of us will remember the cookbooks she has written for us who are gluten free, vegan or dairy free.  And we will all remember her pottery making and receiving gifts she had crafted herself.  

Last of all we will remember Samantha this past May as the radiant and beautiful Mother of the Groom.  Samantha was so happy to see her son marry Jenni Turk whom she loved dearly.  With microphone in hand she related a humorous time in Matt’s young life during their wedding party and then danced with him.    

Samantha died of non smokers’ primary adenocarcinoma of the lung with metastases to her bones and lymph nodes on July 2, 2016, at home surrounded by the love of family.  She was on Hospice 8 days. 

Dan and Matthew are grateful for all caregivers especially Cyndi Marshall and Louise Baker who helped during most of Sam’s journey.

Samantha is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Daniel McCleery DC, their son, Matthew McCleery DMD and his wife, Jenni.  She is also survived by her sisters: ML Hanson, Tari McKenzie and Dana (nee Ray) Lagasse’ and her niece, McKenzie Wilson.  Samantha’s brother, Steven Ray, predeceased her in 1992.  Additionally Samantha is survived by her sisters in law: Sue Benson (Marvin) of Vancouver, WA, Maureen (Tom) Rugg of Pilot Rock, Oregon and Diane (Dale) Janzen of Boise, Idaho.  Samantha has loved her 5 nieces, 6 nephews and her 5 “grand” nieces and 8 “grand” nephews.

There will be no service for Samantha at her request as she preferred to enjoy her friends and family while living.  A private Celebration of her Life will be announced at a future date.  Samantha’s vibrant personality, her humor and abundant generosity have left us an indelible legacy.  Baird Funeral Home is in charge.  In lieu of flowers donations in Samantha McCleery’s name may be made to Bright Side Animal Center.  Their address is 1355 NE Hemlock Ave Redmond, OR 97756.

“My Love, Mom, Sister, Friend, and Aunt Sam:” We were so blessed to have you in our lives.  You will forever be missed and always remembered!  We Love YOU!”