Thelma Jean Ryall

Newberg resident Thelma Jean Kittson Ryall passed away at her home on April 15th ,2019 with her family at her side. Thelma was born on May 22nd ,1931 in Forest Grove Oregon, to Frank & Edith Kittson. She Leaves her son Ernie Ryall, her son Frank Ryall, and her daughter Sandra Ryall Norman. Her brothers Loyal Kittson, Donald Kittson, Leonard Dodson, and sisters Janice Belt and Dorothy Turner. Thelma also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Thelma spent part of her childhood living with her family in a logging camp in the hills of North Plains, where she attended Meacham School. Later they moved to Yamhill where she attended Pike School. She spent many summers with her family at Celilo Falls near The Dalles, where her father had Native American fishing rights. She often talked of her memories of her father fishing from the scaffolding over the falls. Her mother moved the family to Cornelius after her father was killed in a logging accident when she was 13 years old. There she attended Cornelius Grade School, and Forest Grove High School. It was in Forest Grove that she met her husband Robert (Jimmy) Ryall. They were married on May 13th, 1950. Thelma and Jimmy had 3 children, Frank Ryall, Ernie Ryall, and Sandra Ryall Norman. She was a stay at home mother and homemaker, who also worked a variety of farming jobs to bring in extra money. They made their home in Beaverton Oregon, where they would live in the same little red house for 54 years. In their later years they moved to Newberg to be closer to their daughter. Thelma had a variety of hobbies that included hunting, fishing, camping, as well as embroidery, quilting, and working in her flower garden. Her and Jimmy were devout followers of their grandchildren, following them to wherever their sports and activities took them. She was always happy, smiling and friendly to all, and had many people who loved her. Her life was beautiful and full, she is a shining star that will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held at Attrell’s Funeral Chapel in Newberg on Tuesday April 23rd at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the home of Gary and Sandy Norman in Newberg.

Thelma Jean Ryall

May 22, 1931 - April 15, 2019