Sharon Kay McKenzie Sample of Boardman died on Jan. 17, 2023 in Hermiston at the age of 75.
She was born on Feb. 25, 1947 in Prineville to Kenneth Ray McKenzie and Etta Florence Cummings McKenzie.
Sharon was raised and attended schools in Prineville and Madras. She was united in marriage to Larry Sample on Oct. 19, 1963 in Madras. Sharon worked as the attendance clerk at Crook County High School before moving to Boardman. She then worked as the librarian at the Irrigon Jr/Sr High School for 17 years before retiring. During that time she served as the union representative and president of the school district classified employees.
Sharon was an avid reader who enjoyed golfing, painting, crafts, her cats, board games, camping, fishing and trips to the coast. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Larry Sample, Boardman; daughters, Diana Magdefrau, Albany and Chellie Dyas (Victor), Prineville; sister, Marietta Telfer, Spring Branch, Texas; grandchildren, Tracy Dyas-Newby (John) and Darren Dyas (BreAnne); great-grandson, Carson Dyas; one uncle; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Dave Magdefrau; and a sister, Lyndell Bieker.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home, 762 N.E. 10th St., Madras.
Those who wish may make contributions in Sharon’s memory to the Humane Society of the Ochocos, 1280 Tom McCall Road, Prineville, Ore., 97754 or https://www.thehso.org.
Please share memories of Sharon with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
