Obituary of Stephen Leon Pendergraft

Stephen L. Pendergraft passed away on Sunday, September 4th, 2011 after a courageous fight with lung cancer, his loving family at his side. Steve was born in Sedan, Kansas on May 26th, 1940 to Bruce and Grace (Millison) Pendergraft. The family moved to Whiteson, Oregon in 1953—a large group, he had 12 siblings in all! 1958 was a big year for Steve as he married his high school sweetheart Myrna Cottom, after which he joined the U.S. Nave as a C.B. After fulfilling his military obligation they returned to Oregon, raising their three children in Lafayette and Dayton. Steve’s working career included truck driving as well as 30+ years of customer service in the rental business, working for Power Rents in Tigard, then Mac Rental in McMinnville until his retirement. Steve leaves behind Myrna, his loving wife of 53 years; his sons Chip (Gayle) of Dayton, OR, and Dustin, also of Dayton, OR, and daughter Anita Monroe (Steve Duck) of Dayton, OR. Steve is further survived by grandchildren Joel (Jessica) Pendergraft of McMinnville, OR, Jared (Allison Springer) Pendergraft, McMinnville, OR, Stephen Pendergraft, OH, Stephanie (Jeremy) Payne, MI, Jessica Monroe, Dayton, OR, and Jeffrey Monroe, NC. Steve also leaves behind his two great-granddaughters Lyla & Avery Pendergraft, whom he loved and adored. Steve is also survived by his brothers Richard (Maryanne) Pendergraft of Golden, MO, Jim (Janet) Pendergraft of Golden, MO, and by his sisters Jean (Bill) Miller of Canby, OR, Nina (Ottos) Long, Salem, OR, Sharon (Dennis) Gibbon, Dayton, OR, Linda (Jerry) Cantrell, Marysville, CA Margaret Holloway, Pomona, CA and many nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Grace Pendergraft, his brothers Marvin, Phil & Wayne Pendergraft, and sisters Letha Bays and Elizabeth “Betty” Boyles. Services for Stephen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10th, 2011 in the Dayton Ward of the LDS Church at 813 Ash St., Dayton, OR 97114. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please direct contributions to the Missionary Fund at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Dayton Ward, attention: Bishop Blackburn, 813 Ash Street, Dayton, OR 97114. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center – Tualatin.