Oct. 12, 1916 – June 30, 2014
Errilla Gearhart McCarthy passed away on June 30, 2014.
She was born in Bayfield, Colo., on October 12, 1916. She was raised in Ashland, Ore. with two sisters, Maxine and Martha, by her parents Howard and Anna Gearhart.
She graduated from Ashland Normal Teaching College. While teaching in Albany, she met and then married Dr. James J. McCarthy on January 17, 1942. Following Dr. McCarthy’s service in World War II, they settled in Sweet Home, where they raised four children, Anna Zollner of Eugene, Professor James McCarthy of Arlington, Mass., Susan DeTienne of Bend, and Dr. Richard McCarthy of Cottage Grove. She resumed her profession as an elementary teacher, and following retirement she devoted time to advancing adult literacy, library boards, and supporting educational opportunities for mid-career women.
She is survived by James, Susan, and Richard, 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband James and daughter Anna.
Paid Obituary