News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Shirley A. Berray - October 15, 1936 — November 16, 2020

Shirley Berray, 84, of Madras, passed away peacefully on November 16, surrounded by her five children.

Shirley was born October 15, 1936, in Hollywood, California, to parents Robert and Betty (Flick) Frederick. When she was in grade school her family moved to Hillsboro, Oregon, where she later graduated from Hill High in 1955. She met her husband, John Berray while working with his sister at GTE Phone Company in Beaverton, and they married four months later on November 11, 1955, in Hillsboro. John preceded her in death in 2009 but not before they enjoyed 53 years together.

After many years in Hillsboro, they fulfilled their dream of moving to Central Oregon. In 1980 they settled in Sisters and finished raising their family. Shirley lived for 35 years in her home on Kent Road. In March of 2015 she transitioned to Madras to reside in assisted living and near her daughter.

While raising her children, Shirley worked in various capacities including Intel in Beaverton and as a prep cook in various restaurants in Central Oregon. For several years, while living in Sisters, she was known as the “cookie lady,” selling a dozen homemade cookies now and then to her loyal customers.

Shirley enjoyed the deer in her yard and the birds in her trees. She was known for her ability to bring fun and laughter into any situation. Growing up in Hollywood she became enamored with actors and movies at a young age. Later she would share her passion for the big screen with her grandchildren, thus forming special bonds through a shared interest.

Shirley was a life-long member of the Christian Church and looked forward to joining her many family members and friends in Heaven.

Shirley is survived by daughters Lori Scratcher and husband Gene of Forest Grove, Becky Schoelich and husband Mike of Forest Grove, Cindy Brockett and husband Gale of Madras; sons David Berray and wife Judey of Sisters, Matthew Berray of Mulino, Oregon; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, a granddaughter, a grandson and a granddaughter-in-law.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be announced at a later date.

 

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