Deloryce Irene (Peterson) ReaOctober 24, 1917 - November 1, 2016Deloryce Irene (Peterson) Rea passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 1, 2016. She had recently celebrated her 99Th birthday in a cheerful get together with her family.Deloryce "Dee" was born on October 24, 1917 in Parker's Prairie, MN to Alfred and Betsey Peterson. She moved with her family to Garden City, SD in 1935. Deloryce graduated as Class Valedictorian and Editor of the school yearbook from Garden City High School in 1936, along with her High School sweetheart, Glenn Rea.She attended Northern State Teachers' College and taught for a year in a one room country schoolhouse for grades 1-8, then returned to college graduating from South Dakota State College with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics in 1941. Deloryce and Glenn were married on June 19, 1942 and Deloryce moved to Washington D.C. where Glenn was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. She was Head Librarian at the Washington D.C. Library, then worked with classified government documents as an office specialist in New York City, after Glenn was transferred to North Africa during WWII.Following the war, the couple moved to Manhattan, KN where Glenn graduated from Kansas State University with a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine, and Deloryce gave birth to daughters Catherine (Cathy) and Connie. They relocated to Clark, SD, and Glenn opened a veterinary practice. Daughters Peggy and Betsy were born shortly thereafter. Deloryce managed the bookkeeping for Glenn's practice and kept busy as a homemaker raising their four active daughters. An accomplished seamstress, she sewed many of the girls' and her own clothes, including her daughters' Prom and later bridesmaids' dresses. Deloryce nurtured her children in all aspects of their lives. She regularly visited their school classrooms and attended all her daughters' special activities and events. She was always there to encourage and cheer them on, and was consistently available in their times of need, both as children and later as adults. Her girls could count on "Mom" to be the first to offer whatever was required to support them whether in triumph or despair. In her daughters' eyes there has never been a more devoted and loving mother. The family moved to Pierre, SD for two years while Glenn served as State Veterinarian. He later worked as Chief of Animal Husbandry and Staff Veterinarian for the Government of Guam where the family lived for five years. Deloryce loved island life, especially the warm climate (she was known for "always" being cold) and appreciated the "melting pot" society and relaxed social environment. Deloryce was Assistant to the Governor of Guam where she enjoyed working with a diverse staff and interacting with interesting individuals. While living on Guam she and Glenn took their young daughters on a trip around the world, visiting 22 countries. Quite a feat, keeping track of "the herd." But such a gift, and an unforgettable highlight of their lives. The family returned to the States when Glenn was appointed Oregon's State Veterinarian. They lived in Salem and Deloryce worked with then Salem ophthalmologist, Dr. Joseph Moreland, as his assistant. After retirement, she accompanied Glenn on his limited duration government assignment in Colombia, South America. Following their return to Oregon, while Glenn raised cattle on their South Salem acreage, Deloryce, always a bundle of energy, became an Avon Lady, soon advancing to the honored President's Club. She took pride in her customized service to clients and enjoyed the social aspect of her job. She was active as an Avon Lady until her late 80's when she curtailed her business, concluding this venture just a few years ago.Deloryce delighted in having her older grandchildren and "adopted" grandson/neighbor Matt spend summers at her home while they helped Grandpa Glenn with showing cattle at the State Fair. All her grandchildren knew they would be nurtured and well cared for by grandma. She remembered each of their birthdays, and they now marvel at how she could always stay so calm, finding creative peaceful resolution when they were unruly or misbehaved. Her grandchildren remember Deloryce as the gentle, loving "story book" grandmother everyone wants to have. Deloryce was active in the American Association of University Women, Military Wives, and was elected Treasurer of the Auxiliary to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. She was a member of Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and served for years with church affiliated groups. She respected those who held different beliefs, and enjoyed learning about the faiths/belief systems of others. Deloryce was blessed with the gift of hospitality. She rarely missed an opportunity to invite friends, family or new acquaintances to "stop by". There was always a plate of "goodies", if not a meal and a bed to share. While living on Guam she and Glenn invited military servicemen to join the family on holidays. Friends of the girls were always welcomed by Deloryce. She knew no strangers, only opportunities to make new acquaintances. She assessed others by character versus race, culture or creed, and honored diversity. Deloryce was adventurous and full of life well into her final years, surprising others with her quick wit and knowledge. She played piano, enjoyed reading, sewing, listening to music, entertaining, and travelling. Deloryce took life in stride. She was a true "lady", poised and elegant in her modest way, the one referred to as never having a "mean bone" or unkind thought. For Deloryce, life was to be lived to its fullest and it was not her way to lament or feel discouraged about circumstances that could not be changed. As a child of the Great Depression, she was resilient and optimistic, always moving forward, with her "can do" mild mannered, even tempered attitude and gratitude for the good in life. Her laughter and joy came easily and naturally. Words like gracious, loving, kind, open-minded, and beauty, describe Deloryce. She was a gentle woman, soft spoken, highly intelligent, unassuming, competent, patient, cheerful, reliable, and a proud stoic Swede. When Deloryce introduced Glenn to her family, her Swedish grandmother noted, "Yah, he's a nice boy, but he's not a Swede". Most of all Deloryce was firmly rooted in family and focused on preserving family connections. It seems out of character to speak of her without acknowledging her 73 year marriage to Glenn, whom she referred to as "the love of my life". Theirs was a marriage of their times. While Glenn was more gregarious and outspoken, often representing the family, Deloryce was at the heart of the family, supporting Glenn and their girls, while also pursuing her independent goals. Glenn valued her counsel and they made all important decisions together. While at times Deloryce took the lead, she primarily chose to remain behind the scenes, as that was more congruent with her diminutive and genteel nature. She created a wonderful, well lived life and because of her, her family had wonderful lives. When previously asked how she wanted to be remembered, she replied that she wanted those she loved and cared about to know how much she loved them.Deloryce was proceeded in death by her father, Alfred Peterson, mother, Betsey (Nelson) Peterson, brother Royce Peterson, and beloved husband Glenn B. Rea. She is survived by her brother Ronald Peterson, daughters Catherine Gray, Connie (Paul) Wymore, Peggy Robertson, Betsy Evans, seven grandchildren (and spouses) and 12 great grandchildren, along with Fraser, Dale, Peat and Leonard, all so dear to her heart.Deloryce leaves a proud legacy of family and goodwill for all. Viewing will be held on Friday, November 18th from 1:00-5:00 PM at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 19th at 2:00 PM. Reception and Celebration of Life to be followed in the church social gathering room. Military spousal honor ceremony and internment to occur at Willamette National Cemetery. The family suggests donations in Deloryce's name to Habitat for Humanity and the Multiple Sclerosis Society or . They wish to thank the kind staffs at Brookdale Memory Care, Salem Hospital and Windsor Rehabilitation for their consistent care and concern for Deloryce throughout the past several months and their accommodations for her family.