Phyllis Jean Powers
November 10, 1947 – December 19, 2024
Phyllis Jean Powers, 77, of Lebanon passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. Viewing will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 6th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lebanon. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.
Roberta Ruth Birman
March 6, 1954 – December 19, 2024
Roberta Ruth Birman, 70, of Albany formerly from Sweet Home passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.
Mary Frances Vav Rosky Graf
October 1, 1931 – December 3, 2024
After a long and love-filled life, Mary Frances “Francie” Graf (Vav Rosky) passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 3, 2024, in Lewiston, Idaho.
Francie was born on October 1, 1931, in Springdale, Arkansas. She lost her mother at a young age, and her older sisters—Lou, Jo, and Polly—stepped in to help raise her. The bond between the siblings remained strong throughout their lives. She also shared a special connection with her younger brother, Rod, and his wife, Betty. They often teased each other about their mischievous adventures as children and teenagers.
As a child, Francie’s family traveled as migrant workers, picking fruit as far away as Washington state during the summers. At just 13, she lied about her age to secure a job at a sewing factory in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she honed her skills as a talented seamstress.
In 1955, Francie followed her sisters to Lebanon, Oregon. There, she met and fell in love with Jim Vav Rosky and his three young children, who had lost their mother to illness. Francie and Jim married and welcomed two more children, Mike and Sherrie, completing their family of five. Together, they owned and operated the Bohemian Club and East Side Outdoor Store in Sweet Home, Oregon. Francie balanced her role as a working mother with her love of family activities, which included hunting, fishing, camping, and celebrating holidays outdoors. Later, she found joy in gardening, quilting, and doting on her grandchildren.
In 1982, Francie faced the sudden loss of Jim to a heart attack. She eventually moved to Tillamook, to go into business with her son Mike and his wife, Linda, owning mobile home parks. Later, she relocated to Prineville, where she continued to work alongside her family while cherishing time with her grandsons, James and Matthew.
In 1983, Francie’s sister introduced her to Harry Graf on a blind date. Though it took a few dates to win her heart, Harry became her beloved partner. They shared a love of crafting, laughter, and afternoons spent dancing to big band music. Francie and Harry married and enjoyed many happy years together until his passing in 1999.
After Harry’s death, Francie moved to Corvallis, to be closer to her daughter. There, she found joy in her community, where she made lifelong friends, attended potlucks, gardened, and volunteered by assembling care bags for women affected by domestic violence. She also became known for her playful spirit, often eating dessert first at Red Hat Society events.
In 2013, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Francie made the courageous decision to move to Wedgewood Terrace Assisted Living in Lewiston, Idaho. There, she formed deep friendships and brought joy to the staff with her sense of humor and kindness.
Francie is survived by her children: Ron Vav Rosky (Darlene) of Sweet Home, Mike Vav Rosky (Linda) of Julietta, Idaho; and Sherrie Frank (Michael) of Philomath. She leaves behind nine grandchildren—Kathy, Marcy, Ryan, Anne, Zachary, Nicolas, James, Matthew, and Katie; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jim Vav Rosky and Harry Graf; her son, Roger Vav Rosky; her daughter, Robbie Kruesi; her granddaughter, Mindy Kruesi; her parents, Robert and Rena Sisemore; and eight siblings: Ellis, Earl, Lou, Claude, Polly, Aidene, Jo, and Rod.
Francie’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Wedgewood Terrace Assisted Living for the compassionate care she received.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16, at Waterloo chapel, near Lebanon Oregon. Luncheon to follow.
Francie’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and joy, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.