Florence Viginia Meads

Florence was born August 8th, 1932 in Hartwell Missouri to Ollie Elizabeth Orfield and Harry Ottis Winkler. She was born at home. At age 3-4 she was attending to her grandfather, helping him with his daily needs. This included fetching water from the well. This started her on a path of helping others that carried through her life. The family moved to Pinehurst, Idaho, near Kellogg, Idaho, where as a teenager she worked with her Brother, Harry, logging. She enjoyed going to the local dances, her brother Harry set up a record player in the trunk of his car, and they would have pop up dances on the street corners and parking lots. The story is that Florence and Joe met while roller skating. Upon returning home after completing his enlistment, Florence and Joe were married on May 27, 1950. Their first house was a log cabin in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho where Sharon and Gary were born. In 1960 Florence and Joe moved to Newberg, Oregon, purchasing a small farm in Dundee. In 1963 Judith was born. While Joseph worked a regular job, Florence would tend to the orchards. Neighbors and friends would help her, until us kids were old enough to work around the farm. Florence and Joseph were long time members of the Newberg Church of Christ. They both worked on the construction of the new building at the corner of Haworth Ave. and Elliot Rd. The Memorial weekend camp trips down to Tillamook, with other Church of Christ members, was a major annual event that she looked forward to. Florence volunteered for Meals on Wheels, in the kitchen and also delivering meals. She was known for stopping on her way home to help people beyond what Meals on Wheels could provide. One side job she had was cleaning house and taking care of animals for a Mr. Stewart. When his animals were sick she would bring them home and care for them; this included a small monkey and assorted birds. Florence enjoyed Quilting and Crochet. She also enjoyed playing card and board games. She would really light up, when going to Garage and Rummage sales. Goodwill stores were one of her favorite places to look for treasures. Florence and Joe liked to travel and Las Vegas was one of her favorite destinations. Nickel and penny slots kept her entertained for hours. Florence passed away peacefully on May 28th, 2022 and is survived by a sister, Madge Higgins and a brother, James Hubbard; daughters, Sharon Rowe and Judith Murr; a son, Gary Meads; 8 grandchildren; and 15 great– grandchildren.

Florence Viginia Meads

August 8, 1932 - May 28, 2022