Frances C. Umfleet

Frances Constance (Church) Umfleet was born to Gilbert and Esteem Church in Stavely, Alberta, Canada on October 12, 1935. She passed away peacefully at home in Newberg, Oregon on May 1, 2023. Fran enjoyed what she would recall as an idyllic childhood on the Canadian prairie. She shared a two-room house on her family’s farm in Stavely with her parents and older siblings: brother Norman and sister Alda. She adored and admired her big brother and sister and shared an extraordinary bond with both. Fran attended nursing school in Edmonton, Alberta where she excelled and made many lifelong friends and fond memories. After graduation, Fran, and dear friend and fellow nurse, Polly Bethune, decided it would be a great adventure to move to Hawaii to find nursing jobs. Almost immediately upon arrival, they were hired as the first nurses at the brand-new Kaiser hospital in Honolulu. While attending a Christmas Eve candlelight service with Polly in Honolulu, Fran met a spirited and charming young Navy Yeoman named Doug Umfleet. A year later, they were engaged after the same candlelight service. They married the following March, were stationed in Astoria, Oregon and their adventuresome life began! Doug’s time in the Navy saw them stationed all over the world and welcome four children. Fran paused her nursing career to raise their family; eldest son, Wayne Douglas, and daughter, Linda Lee, both born in Whidbey Island, Washington. Son, James Nile, arrived during their time in Cairo, Egypt, and youngest daughter, Dawn Maili, was born after they were stationed once again in Hawaii. Later the family would move to the final station in Port Hueneme, California. In 1974 Doug and Fran moved to Newberg, Oregon where they built a home and a beautiful life for their family. They went on many camping trips around Oregon and vacations to visit Fran’s family in Alberta. In 1975, with all the kids in school, Fran took a nursing refresher course and in 1976, went back to nursing part-time on the night shift at McMinnville Hospital. Nearly two decades later, she was joined there by daughter, Dawn, who followed in her nursing footsteps. Fran and Dawn also worked together at the new hospital, Willamette Valley Medical Center. Fran retired in 1998 and she and Doug returned to traveling! They went on several cruises, often with sister, Alda, and brother-in-law, Bob Brown, whom they often visited in Ft. Macleod, Alberta. Fran’s top priority and source of joy was her family. She always had time for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who all loved her dearly. Fran would host cookie baking and decorating days with her grandchildren at Christmastime, craft days with her daughters, daughters-in-law, and nieces, and even themed dinner nights for the whole family! Doug and Fran’s “Survivor Night Dinner” tradition with James and Angeleen’s family began in 2001 and faithfully continued until Fran’s passing. Fran’s kindness, genuine care for and interest in people’s lives, generosity, and deep, unconditional love are her legacy and will never be forgotten. Fran is preceded in death by her husband, Doug, and her brother, Norman Church. She is survived by her son Wayne and his wife, Betsy; daughter Linda Gilbert; son James and his wife, Angeleen; and daughter, Dawn Darling and her husband, Jeff. Grandchildren include Jacob Darling, his wife, Jasmine, and their sons Tristan and Trevin; Alyssa Durr, her husband Gunnar, and their daughter, Brooke; Noah Darling, fiancée Caitlynn Howe, and their daughter, Xayah; Connor Umfleet and his fiancé Nic Taloff, Austin Darling and his fiancée Christina “Bunny” Geiger, Alex Gilbert, Anna Umfleet, and Grace Umfleet. She is also survived by her sister, Alda Brown, and many beloved nieces and nephews. There was a private committal on Saturday, May 14, at Valley View Memorial Gardens in Newberg. Arrangements by Attrell’s Funeral Chapels.

Frances C. Umfleet

October 12, 1935 - May 1, 2023