Marion John Wilhite

Marion J. Wilhite of Newberg OR passed away May 5th at age 95. A resident of Friendsview Manor since 2005 his life ended peacefully with his family at his side. Marion was born in 1927 near Stickney, South Dakota, the 6th of 7 sons of Irvin and Margaret Wilhite. He is survived by daughter Shirley Wilson of Newberg, son Don Wilhite (Laurie) of Goldendale WA, grandchildren Greg Wilson, Lisa Sturdivant, Fletcher Wilhite and Casey Wilhite as well as 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Ruth and all 6 of his brothers. His boyhood years were dedicated to helping farm the family place with teams of horses working alongside his brothers Merl and George. Eventually, during the WWII years the farm was sold and the remaining family moved to Idaho, where he attended just over a year of high school, before enlisting in the Navy at age 17. Called up when he turned 18, he served as shore patrol on Guam, guarding Japanese prisoners of war. Discharged in 1946, he returned to Idaho and high school, quickly earning his GED. As a veteran, the GI Bill allowed him to be accepted at Pacific Academy , now George Fox University. However he soon met and married Ruth Engle, also a student, and left school to enter the workforce and start a family. After a brief stint with the Post Office, he began a long career in the banking industry which took him to Moro, Hood River (twice), John Day, Condon, Gold Beach and Payette Idaho. Marion enjoyed banking and being a part of the community. He was a "people" person known for his easy-going personality and good- natured jokes. Wherever his banking career took him, he was a respected member of the community who always looked for ways to contribute and participate. He served on school boards as well as in leadership roles in civic organizations. With each promotion and new town Marion and Ruth found their community in the church they chose to attend. Their faith was the center of their lives and that's where they found many of the friends they acquired over the years. Ruth passed away in 2009 and Marion spent the next 14 years at Friendsview Manor with many good friends and memories. We want to thank the staff at Friendsview for their good natured willingness to be the recipients of much teasing over the years, and their loving care during Dad's last days. A memorial service will be held June 9 at 2 pm at Attrell's Funeral Chapel in Newberg. Please join us in celebrating his life. A private graveside service will be held at Melba Cemetery, Melba Idaho at a future date.

Marion John Wilhite

August 12, 1927 - May 5, 2023