Elizabeth O. McVay passed away on September 3, 2009 at age 97 from complications of pneumonia. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 brother, 2 sisters, and a niece. Beth was born on October 31, 1911 in Portland, Oregon to Samuel Foster Owen and Clara Lewys Owen. She attended school mostly in the Portland area and at the University of Oregon for 2 years where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma at age 17. She married William J. (Bill) McVay in 1935. They lived in Lake Oswego until 1953 when the family moved to Salem. Bill was the founder of Explorer Post 18, which is now known as Marion County Search and Rescue Team 18. He passed away in 1972.
Beth was a charter member of Morningside United Methodist Church. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing SkipBo with her family and friends, and playing Mah Jongg at the South Salem Senior Center. In June 2005 she moved from her home of 52 years to Southern Hills Assisted Living Community.
Beth is survived by her son William Owen (Bill) McVay of Anaheim, CA, daughters Elizabeth (Betsy) Asay (husband Owen) of Salem, and Kathleen (Kathy) Kleen of Salem, 5 grandchildren and spouses, 6 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Morningside United Methodist Church, 3674 12th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302. Contributions may be made to the Foundation of Morningside United Methodist Church, Search and Rescue Team 18, in care of Marion County Sheriff’s Department, PO Box 14500, Salem, OR 97309, or a charity of your choice.