In Memoriam Richard R. Crane '57 passed away on Jan. 12, 2018 at the age of 89. After graduating from Northwest Christian College, he worked for 29 years for the Federal Aviation Administration as an electronic engineer. Richard served for many years as an elder at the Shoreline Christian Church in Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his wife Myrtlemay (Pittman) Crane '59 and their three children Radine Herrick, Raymond Crane, and Rodney Crane as well as two grandchildren, Peter and Sarah Crane. Carolyn Rose "Lynnie" Bailey Evans '69 passed away on March 5, 2018. Born in Medford, Oregon, on Dec. 13, 1946, she graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1965 and from Northwest Christian College in 1969. She and her husband Rev. Dr. John Evans '69 had two children and were active in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) throughout their lives. Carolyn and John settled in Corvallis, Oregon, in 1991 and actively served First Christian of Corvallis in their various ministries to people in need. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother as well as an avid gardener and seamstress. She is survived by her husband John, her children Jeremiah and Emily, and her grandchildren. Howard L. Neal '54 passed away on Oct. 11, 2018 at the age of 88. Howard was a graduate of Molalla High School and attended Northwest Christian College to prepare for a life of ministry. He married wife Betty and they were married for 66 years. Howard attended Drake Divinity School after graduating from NCU and spent most of his years serving the Christian church in Pomeroy, Washington. He is survived by his wife, children, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mary Lou McCauley Burrows (1951-1952) passed away on Oct. 23, 2018 at the age of 86. She was born in Palco, Kansas and attended Northwest Christian College for one year before entering politics. She served as the secretary for the California Republican Assembly, acted as the campaign chairman for both Oregon Senator Bob Packwood (1967) and Governor Tom McCall (1970). She served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1973 - 1987, as a Republican in the 4th District (which included NCC and the University of Oregon). She helped paved the way for women in state politics and was one of only a handful of females serving in the legislature at the time. She and her husband of 66 years, Charles, raised four children in the First Christian Church (Eugene, Oregon) and were lifelong members. She is survived by her husband and children, seven grandchildren, a brother, and many nieces and nephews. Friend of the University, Shirley L. McMurtrey was born April 10, 1923, in Mountain Home, Idaho. She graduated from Mountain Home High school as valedictorian in 1941 and went on to work at the Elmore County Courthouse as deputy auditor, recorder, and deputy clerk
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of the District Court. Shirley married A. Dale McMurtrey on April 6, 1943 while Dale was serving in the U.S. Navy. They eventually moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1948 where Shirley became member of the Boise Chapter No. 65, O.E.S., Kemi Court #55, L.O.S., Social Order of Beauceants, Court #137 and Iras Temple #40, Daughters of the Nile, where she served on the Iras guard drill team for 15 years and served as queen of the temple in 1980. She was a member of the John Regan post #2, and the American Legion Auxillary. Shirley and Dale owned and operated the Summer Funeral home from 1956 to 1988. Shirley and Dale were known for their compassion. Throughout their community they were always willing to take in children who needed a place to stay and they assisted many young adults with their college educations. Shirley and her husband have a son and a daughter, Scott and Shirley Anne, as well as two granddaughters Crystal and Misty and five great-grandsons. Shirley is survived by her three sisters Glenna Tooman, June Zillisch, and Mary Gill as well as many nieces and nephews with whom she was very close. Kathy (Lester) Gough (1968-1971) passed away on Dec. 20, 2018. She attended Northwest Christian College where she met her future husband, James (Jim) Gough '70. She spent much of her career in the field of compliance with Pacific Mutual. In her free time she enjoyed singing in her church choir and volunteering in local hospitals. Kathy is survived by her husband Jim, her twin sister Dorothy, and her brothers Loren and David. Jim and Kathy most recently made their home together in Irvine, California. Wayne H. Watkins '67 passed away on Jan. 22, 2019. He was born on Dec. 2, 1942 to Hugh and Stella Watkins. Wayne's life was defined by his principles and Christian faith. He was an accountant for 40 years, on the Bethel school board for 32 years, and spent several years on the Eugene Mission board. He was a lifelong blood donor and volunteered at schools and the hospital. He was also an active member of the North Park Community Church. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy '67, along with their two sons Rick and Greg. Friend of the University, Betty Jo Johnson died on Jan. 28, 2019 at the age of 93. Betty Jo was born in 1925 in Lakeland, Florida, where she attended the University of Tampa. She was deeply involved in Tampa's first Christian Church and it was at this time when she met her husband Harold Victor Johnson, Jr. Betty Jo and Harold moved to Eugene where they became active in Eugene's First Christian Church. Betty Jo is survived by her three children Sharon, Rick, and Susan her four grandchildren Devon, Jodi, Kim and Julie as well as seven great-grandchildren.
