Steve DeShazer

Feb. 28, 1955-Aug. 10, 2012

Steve DeShazer of Portland passed away Aug. 10 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland as a result of an allergic reaction to medication. He was 57.

Mr. DeShazer was born Feb. 28, 1955.

A proud lifelong Oregonian; he was a farm kid who was actively involved in 4-H, FFA and school activities. He played trombone in high school and won the John Phillip Sousa award as a senior. He graduated from St. Helens High in 1973 and later settled in Portland. He attended Portland Community College, was an avid reader and continued to learn throughout his life.

To say he was smart is an understatement. He had an exceptional memory and was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about many subjects, from astronomy, basketball and geology, to music and, especially, politics.

He was a compassionate person whose worldview encompassed values of social justice, equality and the importance of sticking up for the little guy.

He was a talented musician who was equally comfortable with classical music and punk rock. He played in many bands during his lifetime, including Region X, FDM, and the Worried Guys. His Portland punk band The Stiphnoyds is well loved and will long be remembered.

The most important part of his life was his family. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father and uncle who will be dearly missed. He cared for and supported his family during good times and bad.

He loved animals and nature and seemed most at peace when hiking, camping or taking his family on a road trip adventure.

His legacy of love and learning will live on through those who remember him.

He is survived by his beloved wife Michelle, daughter Staci, son Lucas, uncle David Larson and Jack the cat, all of Portland; uncle Loren DeShazer of Scappoose; and nephews and niece, Paul, Max and Olivia, of Warren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Charlotte DeShazer; brother Craig DeShazer; and his loyal dog and travel companion, Charlie. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the University Park Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Ave., Portland.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Citizens Utility Board of Oregon or the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at anewtradition.com.

Crown Memorial is in charge of arrangements, 503-783-3393.

Caroline F. Leskela

Dec. 24, 1944-June 4, 2012

Caroline F. Leskela, formerly of St. Helens, passed away June 4 in Ashland. She was 67.

Caroline Felton Leskela was born Dec. 24, 1944, in Inglewood, Calif., to Melvin and Betty L. (Westover) Herron, and was the eldest of two children.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at Columbia Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Scappoose.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at columbiafh.com.

Columbia Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 503-397-1154.

A complete obituary will appear in the next issue.

Jannita Rehling

Aug. 31, 1954-Aug. 12, 2012

Jannita P. Rehling of Warren slipped from this life into life eternal the morning of Aug. 12 at home surrounded by the family she loved so much and worked hard to honor every day. She was 57.

Jannita was born Aug. 31, 1954, in Hillsboro.

With family ties strong, she loved unconditionally. It was she who planned and organized holidays at her home and the annual Adams family reunions, which she loved.

Her welcoming heart, always filled with compassion, never judged others. Her smile lit up the day, and her laughter was contagious, warm and spirit lifting. Her life was an example of Christian joy and kindness.

Her entire life was spent in Oregon, and for the last 30 years or so she lived in the Warren, Scappoose, Rainier, St. Helens area.

Having gone to Scappoose High School, she was known and respected by many and made lasting friendships.

She was adored by her nieces and nephews who called her “Aunt Ickey” because of a niece who had a hard time saying her name as a baby. The name stuck.

With her love of dogs came five shih-tzus, two of which went before her. Though she loved them all, “Gizmo” was her protector, and she had a special bond and attachment for the little guy. “Giz” adored her as we all did.

To her husband, Robert Rehling, she was his perfect “other half,” the piece God made for him to make his life whole. She was his closest friend, companion and beloved anchor for more than 29 years.

To her daughter, Aftan Rehling, she was a woman of strength and faith. A secret keeper and adviser, she was a woman of high principles and steady values, her mom, best friend and life’s example.

Strong in her beliefs and her faith, she was one of a kind and is missed by all who know her and loved her spirit. We thank God for her presence in our lives.

A grand reunion will await those who are left.

She is survived by her husband Robert Rehling; daughter Aftan Rehling; mom Bernie Wooden; brothers Jim Adams (wife Penny), Dan Adams (wife Debbie), Ron Adams (wife Becky) and Terry Bolten; sister and caretaker Glenda Cave (husband Hardy); parents-in-law Nick and Agnes Rehling; sister-in-law Sandi Jalbert; numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Brigham Adams; stepdad Richard Wooden; nephew Danial Adams and her first daughter, Dawn.

A celebration of life gathering was held Aug. 18 at the Beaver Homes Grange Hall in Rainier.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at columbiafh.com.