Lyla Mae Gass

September 19, 1924 - September 10, 2016

Lyla passed away peacefully on the morning of September the 10th. She was 91 years old. Lyla was born on September 19, 1924 to Albert and Sylvia McLeod in Dilly, OR. She grew up in the Gaston area and graduated from Gaston High School in 1942. She married Bill Orton, Sr. in 1943 they had one child, Bill Orton, Jr. They later divorced. Lyla had many jobs, she worked at the Carlton Glove Factory and Carlton Packing Company and was a bartender at the Log Cabin and Franz Tavern for many years. In 1970 she married James Gass, they moved to Clatskanie, OR. While there, Lyla worked in the blueberry fields and volunteered many hours at the Castle, senior center. Baking homemade bread and rolls along with dozens of cookies while helping serve and prepare lunches for and to the community. She was a member of the Catholic Church, doing many service projects and working with the priest. Lyla was a talented seamstress, taught to her by her grandmother. There wasn't much she couldn't do by hand or machine. Her favorite project was baby blankets for all the new babies in her friends and family. Lyla was a very generous person, always having a giving spirit. She could always make everyone comfortable with conversation. In 2010 Jim and Lyla moved to Newberg to be closer to family. In 2014 James passed away after 44 years of marriage. Lyla is predeceased by brothers; Lewis, Fred, and John McLeod, and sister Wilma Sullivan. She is survived by her son Bill (Carol) Orton Jr., of Yamhill, granddaughter LaLonnie Self of Newberg, grandson Robert (Lynette) Orton of McMinnville, brother Bryan (Darlene) McLeod of Vernonia and three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Lyla's name can be placed with the Special Olympics and/or the Easter Seals. A memorial gathering for Lyla's life will be held at the Chehalem Newberg Armory on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM