Salem – Aileen Truax was born on Oct.20, 1915 in Ontario, Canada while her parents were vacationing there visiting family. Her father Thomas Layfield came to this country from Lancashire, England when he was 21. Her mother was the daughter of a Methodist minister and one of twelve children. Aileen grew up in Missoula, Montana and came to Corvallis, Oregon with her parents and two brothers when she finished high school. She worked at the college and took art classes. Though her brothers she met Merritt and they were married in 1934. After graduation they moved to Coos Bay for a year and then to Salem. Where Merritt started in the gasoline business at the Lucky Corner Station at the corner of Columbia and Front Streets. They had two children, Michael and Sharon, and were happily married for 67 years. During their years together Aileen was active in several organizations, loved gardening and was an avid golfer. She is survived by her children and their families. Mike and Alix Truax, Tad Truax and Catherine Dunne. Sharon and Bruce Douglas, Scott Douglas, Aaron Back, Troy Bach, Kelly Douglas and Dana Johnson.
There will be a memorial Service at 11:00 am Saturday, March 7th at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services followed by a celebration of life gathering at Illahe Hills Country Club for friends and family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Truax Scholarship Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation, 1221 SW Yamhill # 100, Portland, OR 973205 or to the charity of ones choice.