Jan. 15, 1918 – Dec. 21, 2013
Sue Veloris Claasen, 95, of Brownsville, died Dec. 21, 2013.
She was born Jan. 15, 1918 in Chelsea, Okla. to George and Maggie (Palone) Ragsdale. She was the youngest of 11 children.
She married Jacob J. Claasen in Hayward, Calif. and had four children. They operated a mushroom farm before moving to Brownsville. After moving to Oregon, Mrs. Claasen worked at Stokely Van Camp Cannery in Albany for over 30 years. She and Jacob lived on a farm in Brownsville where they grew mushrooms, and raised cows, chickens, pigs, and horses.
Mrs. Claasen belonged to many organizations but was most active in Royal Neighbors of America, American War Mothers, the Sweet Home Garden Club, Sweet Home Gleaners, and the Sweet Home Senior Center. She founded the Crawfordsville Bridge Day, an event that takes place every August in Crawfordsville.
Sue enjoyed church on Sunday and hosting big Sunday dinners in her home for family and friends. She loved to quilt, do household chores, take care of others, and bake. She was always on the go cleaning, planning, hosting, and keeping up with family and friends. You could often catch her on the phone staying up with the latest news and events from those she loved.
Mrs. Claasen is survived by her children, Rita Kaye Schuler of Scio, John Claasen of Brownsville, David Claasen of Brownsville, and Randy Claasen and daughter-in-law Carla of Brownsville; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Claasen; granddaughter Shannon Center of Scio; six brothers and four sisters.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Sweet Home Senior Center.
At her request, there will be no services. Final burial will be in Crawfordsville Cemetery.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.